We were disappointed to see candidates for office recently try to use the future of Submarine Base New London as an election-year scare tactic.

The work that Team Connecticut did to save this base five years ago was not just bipartisan, but nonpartisan - elected officials, key stakeholders and everyday citizens came together to work hard to prove the Pentagon wrong in attempting to close the base. While there is no direct base-closing threat today, we must remain vigilant and again work together for our region.

That is why we applaud our congressional delegation, particularly Rep. Joe Courtney, for their tireless work in supporting the base and investing in its future. They have secured more than $80 million in federal funding to replace piers, construct training facilities and revitalize the facility.

And, we are particularly proud to have passed legislation to enable the state to work with the Navy to invest in other projects that will help improve its infrastructure and, ultimately, its military value to our nation.

The future of our base has never been - and must never be - a partisan issue. Let's ensure that election-year politics does not threaten the progress we have made so far.

Editor's note: The writer is state representative for the 38th district. She submitted this on behalf of herself and fellow Democratic state Sens. Andrea Stillman of the 20th District and Andrew Maynard of the 18th District and state Rep. Tom Reynolds of the 42nd District.