Preston has not faced a local election this important in a long time. For 24 years the town has had a steady hand at the wheel in First Selectman Robert Congdon. But after winning 12 terms, the Republican will soon enter a well-deserved retirement.

Town voters must choose wisely in picking the right candidate to take over chief executive operations. Congdon, who shepherded townspeople through many twists and turns as the town sought redevelopment of its most critical piece of real estate — the nearly 400-acre former Norwich Hospital property — leaves with Preston on the precipice of major change.

It must meet the challenge facing many small towns in assuring that its volunteer fire services provide adequate protection, even as the ranks of volunteers shrink. Preston confronts hard decisions on whether to continue to utilize the resident trooper program for policing or tap into the police coverage of a neighboring community. Its Town Hall is small, old and outdated, needing replacement.

But hovering over all these things, and influencing them all, is the planned redevelopment of the former hospital campus by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment for a wide array of uses. The environmental cleanup is nearly completed. Development would vastly expand the town’s meager tax base and provide challenges to its quiet character.

The Democratic candidate, Sandra L. Allyn-Gauthier, is far more prepared to lead Preston during this challenging period than is her Republican opponent. She is a financial adviser for People’s United Bank, has chaired the Norwich Division of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut and holds a master’s degree in business administration. She has served on the town’s Board of Finance.

At the Oct. 17 first selectman’s debate hosted by The Day, Allyn-Gauthier demonstrated she is well versed on the issues confronting the town. Her answers were well articulated and substantive. She is ready to lead.

While the heart of her Republican opponent, Gregory S. Moran Sr., may be in the right place when it comes to his town, Moran’s debate performance exposed someone not close to ready to lead as chief executive. His answers were poorly expressed and shallow.

The town’s fiscal conservatives might fear electing someone with a “D” after her name, but Allyn-Gauthier gave every indication of being prudent in the Preston tradition. In any event, the townspeople and Board of Finance will remain a check on spending.

The Day gives its strong endorsement to Sandra L. Allyn-Gauthier for first selectman of Preston.

The Day editorial board meets with political, business and community leaders to formulate editorial viewpoints. It is composed of President and Publisher Timothy Dwyer, Executive Editor Izaskun E. Larraneta, Owen Poole, copy editor, and Lisa McGinley, retired deputy managing editor. The board operates independently from The Day newsroom.