On Nov. 2 New London voted to switch from a city run by a hired city manager to one directed by an elected mayor. Yet concerns persist whether qualified candidates will emerge from this city of 26,000 people.

After meeting in recent weeks with three men who could be the next mayor, The Day Editorial Board is confident voters will have a choice among capable contenders.

The first candidate to formally announce his candidacy, Daryl Finizio, was also the most unexpected. Mr. Finizio is a newcomer to the city, having bought a house on Ocean Avenue last June. A part-time lawyer, he is close to completing his doctorate in philosophy at Northeastern University, where he also serves as a graduate instructor.

Mr. Finizio is seeking the Democratic nomination. In 2006, running as a Republican, he won a seat on the Westerly Town Council. In 2008, when a merit scholarship to attend Northeastern became available, Mr. Finizio resigned from the Westerly council.

Mr. Finizio said his political philosophy aligns most closely with the Democratic Party. In Rhode Island, however, Mr. Finizio was a "Chafee Republican," referring to that state's biggest political family, long associated with moderate views. Rhode Islanders in November elected Lincoln Chafee, running as an independent, as their new governor.

Mr. Finizio makes a good first impression and could prove to be a formidable candidate. He is positioning himself to run as the outsider, an agent of change, and someone not beholden to the traditional political powerbrokers in the city. His nearly 40-page "A Vision for New London" policy statement proposes to take a comprehensive approach - education, public safety, small business incentives, revised tax structure and urban planning - to move the city forward.

A potential opponent in the Democratic nomination contest is Councilor Michael Buscetto III, now serving his second term. Mr. Buscetto said personal, not political, decisions will drive his decision on whether to run. The councilor said he must decide if he can balance family responsibilities with the job of mayor. A successful builder and restaurateur, it would also mean setting aside his businesses.

Mr. Buscetto told us he would be a mayor willing to make tough decisions by demanding results and removing underperforming city administrators. New London has had too many studies, but not enough results, said Mr. Buscetto. Expanding the tax base would be a top priority. He sees making the downtown attractive to women - "if they come, the men will follow" - through improved public safety and the right mix of businesses, as the key to revitalization.

Also poised to enter the fray is City Councilor Rob Pero, who has formed a "Pero for Mayor" committee but who has yet to formally announce. By winning eight council terms, this Republican has proved he can get votes in a predominately Democratic city. His strengths include experience in city government, the ability to work across party lines and a history of fiscal constraint.

In 2010 the council elected Mr. Pero the city's ceremonial mayor for the traditional one-year term. Despite the lack of real authority, Mr. Pero did use the position to push policies - holding the line on taxes, creating incentives to encourage more owner-occupied housing in the city and reducing closed-door meetings.

Bottom line: Candidates are coming forward. The policy debates will soon start. New London has lacked the clear-cut distinctions and policy discussions that a mayoral race creates. That alone is reason to applaud the change.