Letter to the Editor: Library is 'thinking smart' (Dec. 10, 2018)

Letter: Library is ‘thinking smart’

DECEMBER 10, 2018 BY ROBERT BUTMAN PRESIDENT, BOARD OF TRUSTEES NEW CANAAN LIBRARY

Editor, Advertiser:

This letter is in response to the Setting Priorities opinion column by John Engel, recently published in the New Canaan Advertiser. We appreciate the early support for the Library that John is voicing in his column. We expect the new library to make a major contribution to the vitality of town life and the local economy, and we are grateful that the Town has an earmarked funds for this project from the start.

We are humbled by the initial strong showing of support and enthusiasm from our donors. It is our aim to raise the majority of funding for this project from private resources. 

The Library’s mission has not changed — this new building will meet the clear demand for our services which are now severely constrained by the failing structure we inhabit. 

We are confident that beyond “thinking big,” we are thinking smart. We believe this project is a win for the whole community, an investment in the future.  As the last among our Fairfield County peer towns to build or renovate their library, we are long overdue. We are glad that Town recognizes the catalytic effect their investment will have.  

Robert Butman

President, Board of Trustees

New Canaan Library

Recent NCHS Grad Supports John Engel

I grew up and graduated from New Canaan public schools this Spring, experiencing New Canaan’s change these last few years, particularly the loss of something in our downtown.

I don’t take for granted that the Gramophone will always be there, or that Waveny will stay a park. Will New Canaan remain the same town I love? My NC roots are why I identify with John Engel’s candidacy. John is third generation New Canaan, worked in Mead Park, Baskin-Robbins and Walter Stewart's. He knows New Canaan fundamentally better than Nick Williams. John is a businessman, parent, veteran and, like us, an alumnus of New Canaan High School. To the Class of 2011 this is an important distinction. He knows first hand what is being lost, and will restore some of what is essential, bringing back some life to my town.

Lauren Ross

Business Owners Support Engel

Editor, Advertiser,

We are all local business owners in New Canaan. A vote for John Engel is a vote to energize the downtown. Engel is an experienced local businessman who understands what it means to be a small business. Engel is an innovator, not a politician, willing to think outside the box to revive our downtown. Engel is accessible because he works here everyday, not just on weekends. We see him in our stores and restaurants and know that this is a priority for him beyond the election season. Engel is positive. He is focused on how we can work together to improve our village. Engel will focus on the downtown.

Michael Lamaker, Lamakers
Jack Trifero, The Gramophone Shop
Geoff Sigg, Pennyweights
Seth Leifer, The Filling Station Company
Art Kean, Mobil
Jim Berry, Mackenzies
Ann Chou, The Canaan Parish Sweet Shoppe
J. Gadzik, Sallea Antiques
Dorothy Mann, Dorothy Mann
Diane Roth, L'Amoire
Lucy Brown, Energy Saver
Daniel Bern, MacKenzies
Mr. Qahir, New Canaan Gulf
Susan Langfor, Soleil Toile
Ron Rosenfeld, New Balance
Carmen Carbos, Salon Kiklo
Nicole Yannien, DWR Consignment
Denise Friess, DWR Consignment
Melissa Lindsey, Pimlico
Damien Togridis, New Canaan Shoe Repair
Chrissy Smith, Aqua Spa
Wendy Diamond, Taylor's Luggage
Kathy Blankenship, Vineyard Gardens
Alicia Taylor, The Linen Shop
Reid Iannazzo, Reid's Country Cupboard
Karen Witmann, The Silk Purse