The experienced Rodolico in Ledyard

The four candidates in Ledyard's mayoral contest, including the embattled incumbent, agree for the town to move forward it's critical that the new mayor have a more harmonious relationship with the Town Council.

"I'll have to try hard to start another term on better footing," said Fred Allyn Jr., who lost his Republican Party's support and had to petition his way onto the ballot to run for re-election. "I'd like a fresh start with a fresh council, but I've learned that with bullies, you have to push back."

That doesn't sound very cordial, and given the turmoil that has beset Led-yard Town Hall under the incumbent's four-year leadership, it would be no way to start another term.

Ledyard needs a fresh start.

John Rodolico, a former six-term town councilor, is the GOP-endorsed candidate. Mr. Rodolico served five years as the council chairman, and understands the different responsibilities of the mayor and council, over which Mr. Allyn has clashed.

"I think I can give Ledyard the kind of government the town deserves," Mr. Rodolico said, expounding on his pledge to provide professional management, be efficient with town dollars, and communicate openly and honestly with all stakeholders.

A mayor must work in concert with a council, he said, noting it takes a majority vote of the nine-member body to pass any initiative.

A principal engineer at Electric Boat, Mr. Rodolico said he would work to turn around a dispirited Town Hall, reorganize land-use departments, and improve on collaborations and efficiencies within the town and neighboring municipalities.

Democrat Anthony Saccone promises he will be a consensus-builder, too, if elected. As chief of the Gales Ferry Volunteer Fire Co., Mr. Saccone said he has shown his ability to be an effective leader, working with others for the good of the community.

A retired captain with the Submarine Base Fire Department, there is a lot to like about Mr. Saccone. He cited several examples of saving real money for the town by partnering with others to rein in savings on department repairs and services. But he lacks the Town Hall experience that Ledyard sorely needs right now. If he doesn't prevail in his mayoral bid, Democrats would do well to tap him as a future council candidate.

The final mayoral candidate is Robert Lawrence, who like Mr. Allyn, petitioned his way onto the ballot. A pipefitter, he is a self-described "blue-collar guy" who would like to see more green initiatives, including possibly a wind farm, in Ledyard. While Mr. Lawrence is passionate, he has difficulty articulating his priorities or setting his agenda if elected. We don't believe he is the best choice for Ledyard.

That distinction goes to Mr. Rodolico, a fiscal conservative who understands the problems that Ledyard faces. The town is a bedroom community, with limited opportunities for economic development. But Mr. Rodolico maintains the town can do better luring small businesses that can serve its citizens and help enhance its tax base.

Mr. Allyn declined to step down mid-term when his own party asked him to. And he was the only one surprised when the GOP did not endorse him for re-election. Now Ledyard voters have the chance to elect new leadership to Town Hall. The Day recommends John Rodolico for the job.