Murphy in N. Stonington

The question that North Stonington voters might consider as they decide who should succeed Nicholas H. Mullane II — who after three decades leading the town is not seeking re-election as first selectman — is whether they want a smooth transition or abrupt change.

A smooth transition seems to suit this small town better.

If you were typecasting a movie, Mr. Mullane could easily be your selection to play the frugal, old Yankee Republican. But his leadership style can at times be too insular. Thirty of years of being in charge can do that.

Selectman Robert L. Testa, 47, who has run against Mr. Mullane in the past, and who is again running for first selectman as a petitioning candidate in hopes of succeeding him, is constantly pushing Mr. Mullane for answers on how money is spent, contracts awarded, policies set.

Mr. Mullane would probably characterize it as haranguing. But it serves a purpose. In seeking answers, Mr. Testa has uncovered problems, and he won’t let them be glossed over.

Unfortunately, Mr. Testa’s pushiness sometimes borders on nastiness. He is a divisive figure in town. He seems to relish the fight and boasts that he won’t back down when he considers something wrong. This can be an admirable trait, but not when accompanied by stubbornness.

A Mullane to Testa transition could be a bumpy ride for the town.

The Republican Town Committee opted to nominate Shawn P. Murphy, 58, a former selectman who has served with Mr. Mullane, as its nominee for first selectman. This led Mr. Testa to petition his way onto the ballot.

Mr. Mullane, meanwhile, is running for selectman. The Murphy-Mullane ticket envisions Mr. Murphy ascending to first selectman, but with Mr. Mullane still on the board to mentor him. That’s unusual but makes some sense.

Mr. Murphy is the polar opposite of Mr. Testa. He prefers a private discussion about a problem rather than a public challenge. He is even-tempered and deliberative. In their recent debate, Mr. Murphy reacted calmly when baited by Mr. Testa, maintaining throughout the demeanor of a professor delivering a lecture.

The best outcome, it would seem, is for Mr. Murphy to transition into the first selectman’s office and for Mr. Testa to do what he does well: ask the tough questions, either as a selectman if he gets back on the board or as a citizen.

In one of the more interesting of the local elections, The Day endorses Shawn P. Murphy for first selectman of North Stonington.