Tips for the new municipal leaders
First of all, belated congratulations to the new leaders of four southeastern Connecticut municipalities — New London, Stonington, North Stonington and Ledyard — who won election Nov. 3 and now are preparing for the challenges of their first terms.
You all worked hard to persuade voters of your merits, and this newspaper is pleased to have for the most part supported each of your candidacies (a technical asterisk: Mike Finkelstein ran unopposed for Ledyard mayor, so we did not offer an endorsement).
As for the others — New London Mayor-elect Michael Passero, Stonington First Selectman Rob Simmons and North Stonington First Selectman Shawn Murphy — we sincerely hope you earn the trust we, and citizens, bestowed.
Now, for some unsolicited advice, which in no way is meant to imply that you don’t already abide by these principles:
• Be open. A democracy, backed by law, demands that government business be conducted in public, with full access to meetings, records and discussions. This newspaper is quick to challenge any attempts at illegal secrecy by filing complaints with the state Freedom of Information Commission, and if necessary, the Superior Court. We do this as a last resort — not to be obstructionist, but to preserve the public’s right to know.
• Be honest. There will be occasions when a citizen or reporter will ask a question you’d rather not answer or don’t know the answer to. In those cases a simple “No comment” or “I don’t know” is better than a deliberate or unintentional falsehood.
• Be civil. There is no shortage of controversial topics that provoke strong differences of opinion among fellow officials and the public. Some of you already have witnessed or experienced such conflicts. Heated exchanges sometimes are unavoidable, but rudeness never is acceptable.
Each of you represents change from your predecessors, and it will be your job to ensure a smooth transition.
In New London, Mr. Passero takes over Dec. 7 from Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio, a fellow Democrat whom he defeated in a contentious party primary in September before going on to win the general election against Republican Bill Vogel.
We support his mission to make the transition less tumultuous than it was when Mr. Finizio took office four years ago as New London's first elected mayor in nearly a century, and hope Mr. Passero avoids some of the pitfalls into which the outgoing mayor tumbled.
It will help that Mr. Passero is no stranger at City Hall, having served three terms on the City Council and as a part-time labor attorney and 31-year veteran of the city fire department.
We also are encouraged by prospects for a new administration in Stonington, where Mr. Simmons, a former U.S. congressman, takes over from George Crouse, a retired teacher and tennis coach who served as first selectman since last December when Ed Haberek resigned. Mr. Simmons' strong background in government and as a business advocate will help continue to remove some of the stench left behind by Mr. Haberek, who departed amid a sexting scandal.
In North Stonington, Mr. Murphy also should enjoy a seamless transition because the man he replaces, fellow Republican Nicholas H. Mullane II, who served as first selectman for 30 of the last 32 years, will continue to have a seat on the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Murphy also had been Mr. Mullane's running mate in the 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2015 elections.
Most important, Mr. Murphy won't have to fight with former Selectman Robert Testa, whom he defeated in the election for first selectman. Following a complex pre-election ruling, Mr. Testa, often a disruptive figure, is now off the board entirely.
Meanwhile, in Ledyard, Mr. Finkelstein will have big shoes to fill when he takes over from retiring Mayor John Rodolico Dec. 7. Mr. Rodolico's steady, capable hand has served the town well, and he will be missed.
Though Mr. Finkelstein has no elective office experience, he is quite familiar with the town and with administrative responsibilities, having been a lieutenant and executive officer of the Ledyard Police Department during 26 years with the force before retiring in February.
This newspaper shares all municipal leaders' goals of providing education, police protection, road maintenance and social services at a reasonable cost to taxpayers, and of making their communities appealing places to live and work.
Good luck to all.
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