As chair of the Madison Democratic Town Committee, I am extremely pleased to report that the committee at its December meeting enthusiastically passed a motion supporting the town's acquisition of the Griswold property. Madison voters are to decide this very important issue at a referendum set for Jan. 26.

The passage of the motion reflects our values and how we feel about Madison. The committee agreed to support and actively work toward passage of the referendum in cooperation with other interested organizations. We seek to provide a legacy for future generations just as we all benefit from the prudent acquisitions of public land by those before us.

As one of the last significant open spaces remaining on the Connecticut coastline, this property is a truly unique and important environmental resource. The area of the Griswold property is internationally recognized as a major stopover for migrating birds including several endangered species. Development of the site as it now stands would severely threaten the wildlife, the Hammonasset River, and the beaches at Hammonasset State Park.

It is my hope that the voters of Madison will enthusiastically vote "Yes" on Jan. 26. We will all benefit immeasurably.

Edward H. Raff, Jr.

Madison