Ordinarily this newspaper applauds the civic-mindedness of those running for office - even when we disagree with their political views and wind up endorsing an opponent.

We take a less-charitable view, though, regarding Michael Thomas, who was thrown out for good reason as chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council two years ago and now, ill-advisedly, is seeking to get back on the seven-member panel. Tribal members would be well-advised to shun him when polling takes place during their annual meeting Nov. 6.

In 2009 the council, struggling under a mountain of $2.3 billion in debt, acted properly in ousting Mr. Thomas after he insolently promised the rank and file they would continue to receive annual incentives, amounting in some cases to six figures, before creditors got paid.

That reckless, me-first attitude may have raised Mr. Thomas's esteem among some equally imprudent tribal members, but it also helped lower the credit rating of the tribe's Foxwoods Resort Casino. His potential re-emergence comes at a crucial time when the tribe, which had defaulted on some loans, has been seeking to restructure its debt.

Foxwoods is the world's largest gaming hall and one of the region's top employers. It contributes hundreds of millions of dollars a year to the state in slot-machine revenues, as does Mohegan Sun, owned by the Mohegan tribe.

Both casinos have suffered losses and been forced to lay off workers in recent years in large part because of a global economic downturn. Recouping their losses will take strong, creative leadership, not short-sightedness.

Though the Mashantuckets are a sovereign nation and have the right to choose their own leaders, electing Mr. Thomas to their ruling tribal council would be sending a wrong signal to those who work for, depend on and live near Foxwoods. Beyond demonstrating incapacity to manage finances, Mr. Thomas also has had contentious relationships with officials in neighboring towns.

It is worth noting that Mr. Thomas would be only one member of a seven-person council and apparently is not seeking to regain the chairmanship. Still, his return to the council would unnerve creditors now willing to work with the tribe.

Mr. Thomas is one of 13 candidates running for two council seats. Among the other contenders is Kenny Reels, who preceded Mr. Thomas as tribal chairman.

Mr. Thomas, a charismatic but often impulsive leader, has had a loud voice in representing his flawed vision of the tribe's best interests. The tribe and its neighbors do not need to hear it again in any leadership

capacity.