We made our choices; now go make yours

Local elections never get the respect they deserve, which is too bad. In some instances the decisions made by the individuals who are elected tomorrow will impact the lives of residents in a more immediate and profound way than the policies set in Washington or Hartford.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. across Connecticut. Get out and vote. There is perhaps no greater responsibility in a representative democracy.

Interesting races should drive up voter turnout in some of our communities. In Ledyard there is the unusual situation of an incumbent mayor, Fred Allyn Jr., running as a petitioning candidate after failing to gain the endorsement of his own Republican Party. It is a four-way race.

In Preston there is a rematch in the first selectman race between incumbent Robert Congdon and Selectman Timothy R. Bowles. Once again, the effort to redevelop the former Norwich Hospital property in that town is the central issue.

New London, meanwhile, faces a historic election as six candidates compete to become the first strong mayor under a charter change approved by voters a year ago. Also expected to boost voter turnout in that city is a much debated referendum question whether to approve the sale of a portion of Riverside Park to the adjacent U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

Over the past three weeks The Day has provided its endorsements and recommendations for voters to consider.

In the New London mayoral race we back the Democratic candidate, Daryl Justin Finizio. We also urge citizens to vote yes on the sale of part of Riverside Park to the academy for $2.9 million.

In Stonington our choice for a third term as first selectman is Democrat Ed Haberek. Meanwhile in neighboring North Stonington the newspaper endorses write-in candidate Robert L.Testa, a Republican, for first selectman.

In Waterford The Day urges voters to return Republican Daniel Steward to a fourth term as first selectman, this time for four years under a charter change.

Republican Carl P. Fortuna Jr. is The Day's choice to fill the first selectman's seat that Michael A. Pace is vacating in Old Saybrook. In East Lyme the newspaper endorses First Selectman Paul M. Formica, a Republican seeking a third term.

In Ledyard The Day endorses Republican John Rodolico for mayor, while in Preston our nod goes to Democrat Timothy R. Bowles in his effort to unseat Mr. Congdon as first selectman. Our endorsement for Griswold first selectman goes to Republican Theresa I. Madonna.

The recipient of The Day's endorsement for Montville mayor is Democrat Ronald K. McDaniel Jr. Mayor Joe Jaskiewicz is not seeking re-election. In the Old Lyme first selectman's race the endorsement goes to Democrat Bonnie Reemsnyder.

In addition to the races for which The Day offered endorsements, there are elections for offices ranging from councilor and selectman, to school board, to various regulatory commissions.

Whatever your choices, vote - otherwise you are letting other people choose your leaders.