#MiddleburyCT #LettersToTheEditor
Vote for Casey Larkin
To the Editor:
As a former Selectman for the Town of Middlebury, I encourage residents to vote for Charles “Casey” Larkin IV on Tuesday, June 23.
Casey brings a strong mix of education, public‐sector experience, and genuine commitment to our town. He earned his B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy from Boston University and works for the Connecticut General Assembly, where he has gained valuable insight into how legislation is developed, debated, and implemented. That experience will serve Middlebury well.
Locally, Casey is an active member of the Board of Finance, the Water Pollution Control Authority, and the Middlebury Democratic Town Committee. His willingness to take on these responsibilities shows dedication and a clear understanding of the issues that matter to residents.
A sixth‐generation Middlebury resident, Casey values our natural spaces, close‐knit neighborhoods, and strong community spirit. He believes in fairness, transparency, and respect for differing viewpoints. He supports responsible leadership, smart fiscal planning, and protecting our town charter, while ensuring residents feel informed, respected, and heard.
I support Casey because we share the same belief in how a campaign should be conducted: by building trust, strengthening community, and balancing fiscal responsibility with thoughtful planning for the future.
Please join me in voting for Charles “Casey” Larkin for Selectman on Tuesday, June 23.
Sincerely,
Ralph Barra
Former Selectman, Town of Middlebury
Brian Shaban understands service
To the Editor:
As someone who understands the demands and responsibilities of fire service, I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand what it takes to serve a community – not just in moments of crisis, but every day.
Brian Shaban exemplifies that kind of service.
Brian’s commitment to Middlebury didn’t begin with a campaign. It began years ago, as a junior member of the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department, and has continued through his rise to Deputy Chief. Along the way, he has also served as a career firefighter and in the U.S. Army – roles that require discipline, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to others.
In the fire service, you quickly learn who you can rely on. You learn who shows up, who puts the team first, and who earns the trust of those around them. Brian is that person. He has built his reputation through action, not words.
What also stands out is his ability to communicate and connect with people. Whether responding to emergencies or engaging with residents on town issues, Brian listens, respects differing viewpoints, and focuses on solutions.
Middlebury will benefit from having someone in local government who understands service at its core-someone who has spent years giving back to the very community he now seeks to represent.
Sincerely,
Brett Kales
Firefighter and Former Chief of Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department
Middlebury, it’s time to wake up!
To the Editor:
In past elections, voter turnout in Middlebury has been far too low. Fewer than 50% of registered voters participated in recent elections, and only about 16% of residents voted in the budget vote. That means too many important decisions have been left in too few hands.
Those decisions affect major public investments: $95 million for the school budget, $224 million for new school buildings, $13 million for the town budget, and $583,000 for pay-as-you-go. These are not small matters – they shape our schools, our town, and our shared future, and they deserve the voices of the whole community.
The good news is that voting is easier than ever: there are four days of early voting, no excuses are needed for an absentee ballot, and polls are open from sunrise to sunset on election day. Every resident has a real opportunity to make their voice heard.
We can do better, and we should encourage every neighbor, friend, and family member to vote. When more of us show up, Middlebury is stronger.
I challenge the voters of Middlebury to rise to this moment and return to our glory days, when we earned the Best Voter Turnout Award in 2002 and 2005. We have done it before, and we can do it again.
Let’s bring the trophy home-and show what Middlebury can do!
Absentee Ballots – Obtain an absentee ballot by filling out an application and taking it to the Middlebury Town Clerk’s office at 1172 Whittemore Road. You can download an Absentee Ballot Application here or pick up an application form from the town clerk.
Early Voting – Room 5, Shepardson Community Center, 1172 Whittemore Road will be held Wednesday and Thursday, June 17 and 18, and Saturday and Sunday, June 20 and 21, from 10 a.m to 6 p.m.
No Same Day Registration
The voter registration cut-off date was Thursday, June 4, 2026.
Francis L. Barton Jr.
Middlebury, CT
Support Brian Shaban
To the Editor:
My name is Amanda Mayes, and I have been a Middlebury resident since 2005. My children attended Region 15 from Middlebury Elementary School through Pomperaug High School.
I am writing to endorse Brian Shaban for Selectman.
More than anything, I would like to speak to Brian’s character. When my son volunteered with the Middlebury Fire Department, Brian – a longtime Middlebury volunteer firefighter and professional firefighter – recognized his potential and became a mentor to him. He not only taught him valuable firefighting skills but also provided guidance and encouragement as he pursued a career in the profession. Thanks in part to Brian’s mentorship, my son now has a career he loves, and our family remains very grateful.
Brian grew up in Middlebury and is now raising his own family here. He understands what makes our town special and is committed to preserving its character while supporting responsible growth that strengthens our tax base. He is also a strong supporter of our excellent school system, which will soon serve his own children.
Brian has spent years serving and protecting the residents of Middlebury. His commitment to this community is evident. He wants our town to remain a wonderful place for future generations, and I believe that dedication makes him an excellent choice for Selectman.
Sincerely,
Amanda Mayes
Middlebury
