Mullane’s long service

This time it appears Nicholas H. Mullane II means it when he says he will not run for re-election as first selectman of North Stonington.

Mr. Mullane has said before that an election would be his last, only to change his mind. Except for one term, Mr. Mullane has served since 1983 as the chief elected officer of the quiet rural town, with its mixture of old farm properties and newer homes built on large lots. The one term he did not win the top spot he served as a selectman, 1995-1997.

When asked in the past why he was not ready to step aside and give someone else the chance to lead, Mr. Mullane would often say he was awaiting a worthy successor. He has found him in endorsing the candidacy of fellow Republican Shawn Murphy.

Mr. Murphy has wide experience in town governance, including serving on the boards of finance and education. Before sitting out the current term, Mr. Murphy served as selectman for three terms, campaigning as Mr. Mullane’s running mate in 2007, 2009 and 2011.

We have not always agreed with Mr. Mullane, but certainly respect his long service. In not endorsing him in recent elections, our primary motivation was to provide a new perspective after seeing the same man lead the town for 30 years.

Voters obviously disagreed and opted for experience over change. Citizens prioritize maintaining the town’s rural character, even if it means limiting the tax base. Sometimes, it seems change is a four-letter word in North Stonington.

Mr. Mullane has served as the pragmatic, fiscally cautious Yankee in holding down spending. At times his approach bordered on penny wise and pound foolish, but voters welcomed his gut inclination to act frugally.

He has been vocal in working to protect his town from encroachment by the Mashantucket Pequot tribal lands and the tribe’s Foxwoods Resort casino complex. Mr. Mullane was among the first to sound the alert when proposed changes in federal rules could have made it easier for more tribes to gain federal recognition.

He has brought a wealth of background to the meetings of the regional council of governments and in dealing with the state legislature.

Now age 76, Mr. Mullane plans to run for selectman, apparently not ready to separate entirely from governance. That’s fine. It would be strange to have a local election in these parts without Nick Mullane on the ballot.