Time for change in North Stonington

With local government, there's always more work to be done. There is upkeep of roads and municipal buildings, ensuring public safety, and the ever-important balancing act of providing services while holding the line on spending.

It's not an easy job running a city or town. Anyone who doubts that can ask North Stonington First Selectman Nicholas H. Mullane II, seeking a 14th term. The job is complicated and it takes a seasoned veteran to get it done, Mr. Mullane said.

"The best candidates are just not coming forward," he said, explaining why he keeps running for re-election. "When a person who is ready to make a long-term commitment, and who is qualified and dependable comes forward, I will step aside."

Actually, it's the voters who get to decide who is qualified and committed. But clearly Mr. Mullane doesn't see those qualities in his opponent, write-in candidate Robert L. Testa, who won the Republican Party endorsement in July but was bested by Mr. Mullane at a September primary. This 2011 contest will be a rematch of 2007 race, when Mr. Mullane prevailed.

At that time, this newspaper supported Mr. Testa because of his energy, ideas and vision, and we will do it again. Mr. Mullane has given his heart and soul to the job, but it is time for a change in North Stonington.

Too often, it seems like North Stonington is stuck in neutral. Other towns have rebuilt roads and replaced bridges since the historic floods of March 2010, but 20 months later, two key North Stonington bridges are still not repaired.

That frustrates townspeople. And there have been complaints about Mr. Mullane's decision to start work at the town's recreation facility earlier this year, which then stalled, leaving tennis courts unusable this summer and fall.

A number of residents were dissatisfied with the town's response to the troubles caused by Tropical Storm Irene.

While Mr. Mullane often cites the long hours that he puts in, sometimes it's difficult to see the fruits of his labor.

A seasoned member of the town's Board of Education, Mr. Testa said if elected he will implement a long-range master plan to address town facilities and emergency services. He supports responsible economic development that mirrors the town's plan of development, and would work toward expanded and improved recreational facilities.

An investigator who previously worked in law enforcement, Mr. Testa is an advocate of transparent and inclusive government. He has an abundance of energy and is a smart and articulate candidate. In the North Stonington race, The Day endorses Robert L. Testa.