A change in direction for our country has never been more necessary. It is time we left the old-school conservative banalities about high taxes and liberal excess behind and based our choices on what we need rather than what we fear.

With respect and gratitude for Mr. Formica’s and Ms. Cheeseman’s service, we do not need the perspectives of a CEO and restaurateur as much as we need those of people who are closer to the “essential workers” about whom so much is said, but for whom so little is actually done.

Our most intimidating challenges include correcting social and economic injustices left festering, and the damaging impacts of mistreatment of the environment tolerated for far too long. These challenges are what they are largely because of a blind faith in unrestricted markets, entrepreneurs, and business leadership in government over the past generation. Look what got into the Oval Office!

Bad outcomes will affect the less affluent more than most, among them the essential workers on whose availability and support we so rely. I would like people closer to them representing me. So, I will be voting for Cate Steel, an educator, and Martha Marx, a nurse, to represent East Lyme.

Joe Rice

Niantic