East Lyme Republicans, Dems pick candidates for next election

Nickerson endorsed unanimously to run for fourth term; will face political newcomer

East Lyme — Republican and Democratic Town Committees on Monday night endorsed their slate of candidates for positions across several boards and commissions in this year’s upcoming election.

Republicans unanimously endorsed First Selectman Mark Nickerson to run for his fourth term. Democrats unanimously nominated a political newcomer, Debbie Jett-Harris, to vie for his seat.

Nickerson announced he would run for re-election in June, stating it was a decision he made out of love for East Lyme, while also

detailing plans to tackle ongoing projects and issues, such as renovations at the town’s future public safety facility on West Main Street. He said he also wanted to pursue new goals, such as possibly instating a tax-abatement program for seniors.

“I am honored to be unanimously endorsed by the (East Lyme Republican Town Committee) for a fourth term this evening,” Nickerson said Monday, following his nomination. “East Lyme is a fantastic community to raise a family. It has also proven to be a haven for those who are retired. We live in a special place and it keeps getting better . ... It’s East Lyme first. It’s the people first. And I am honored to lead this incredible town.”

Jett-Harris, a newly appointed member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, has served as President of the Pine Grove Niantic Association, or PGNA — a beach neighborhood association bordering the Niantic River — for the last year after also serving as a PGNA board member for a year prior.

Jett-Harris has not served on any town boards or commissions prior to her current position on the ZBA, but said she actively has volunteered throughout her community while also working for the Department of Developmental Services “taking care of disabled individuals” over the last 28 years.

Jett-Harris said she also has worked on the campaigns of former Democratic state Sen. Edith Prague and Congressman John Larson — experience she argued well suits her to serve as town executive.