Republican John F. Scott brings a fire and enthusiasm about the prospects of becoming a representative in the 40th House District that we just don't see in the incumbent.

Mr. Scott, 45, was impressive at the Oct. 1 debate at the Groton Public Library, not so much in what he said, but in his clear desire to find ways to improve the economic climate in the state and region for small businesspeople such as himself. His insurance agency employs 12.

As a member of the Groton Representative Town Meeting - an agency that typically reacts to council policy rather than initiate its own - he proposed creation of an RTM Economic Development Corporation, an idea now being reviewed by a task force. He was also a strong voice in advocating the town invest more in economic development initiatives.

We trust that if elected he would be an advocate for small business and will stand ready to challenge legislation he sees as counterproductive to job growth.

While Mr. Scott's policies may not line up nicely with this newspaper's editorial positions - he opposes the gun law passed after the Newtown shooting, we backed it; he is a strong critic of the Affordable Care Act, we see far more good in it than bad - he would provide a passionate dissenting voice in a legislature dominated by one party, the Democrats.

He seeks to unseat Rep. Ted Moukawsher, 62, who is seeking a seventh straight two-year term. During the same debate, Rep. Moukawsher, A Democrat, presented himself as a moderate and showed a strong grasp of the issues. But while knowledgeable, Rep. Moukawsher has not proved very effective.

Check the incumbent's state legislative website and you find these as the most recent three "news" items: an Aug. 29, 2014 release applauding Attorney General George Jepsen for placing the Amistad in receivership; a March 28, 2013 item critical of Pfizer's decision to tear down laboratory space rather than offer it for reuse (a defeat, not victory, for local lawmakers); and a Sept. 22, 2011 release about an allocation for work on Thames Street.

Three items over four years does not strike us as indicative of an active legislator. Then there is the matter of his poor legislative attendance record, as noted by Mr. Scott.

In the 40th District, representing Groton and part of Ledyard, it is time for a change. The Day endorses John F. Scott.