Politics should be not a game in one-upmanship or divisiveness, but one that strives to bring the best people to the best positions for the betterment of the citizens of every town, county, and state in the USA.

But candidates do have differing opinions on what is best for Connecticut — and those decisions do affect our town. Who we support at the top level of state government will reflect on how well senators and representatives are able to find support for the issues that matter to us.

We have five options for governor on the ballot this year. Republicans have put up Bob Stefanowski; the Democrats, Ned Lamont, and these two politicians could hardly be further apart in their beliefs on many other critical issues. Mr Lamont holds to property tax cuts/credits for the middle class, advancement of women’s interests, a $15 minimum wage, paid family/medical leave, and a strong education system from early childhood to job training and affordable higher education. He favors some road tolls for the future. He is committed to Connecticut’s lead in gun safety.

Mr Stefanowski would phase out corporate income tax over two years, the state income tax over eight years, eliminate gift and estate taxes; supports a focus on mental health laws vs increased restrictions on gun owners; prefers private sector money to road tolls; and opposes raising the state minimum wage.

Oz Griebel, a Republican running with a Democratic running mate, Sandy Hook resident Monte Frank, as independents, sways more in the direction of Ned Lamont’s campaign, though with reservations.

The other two options, Rod Hascomb, Libertarian, and Mark Greenstein of the Amigo Constitution Party, bond with Mr Stefanowsk’s positions on wages, tolls, and gun legislation.

Mr Stefanowski’s overall negative tone does not appear to see Connecticut’s status as a state that looks to the future, but one looking backward. We cannot endorse him for governor. Nor do the experiences of Mr Greenstein or Mr Hascomb seem adequate for this challenging position.

Mr Lamont and Mr Griebel are both candidates with experience that would be beneficial to the state. They are intent on selling voters on the strengths of the state. Both profess to be able to reach across the aisle, a skill that is critical to success.

We do not want a state that promotes policies that harm certain populations, that denies human impact on our environment, that is unaccepting and unsupportive of those who are different. We want a state that is progressing toward being better than it was last year, ten years ago, a generation ago. In order to do so, we need a leader who will utilize practical experience and initiative, will make unpopular choices when necessary, and who generates a sense of accomplishment and a positive spirit.

Along with his strong support for women’s, diversity, housing, and climate change issues, Ned Lamont has shared a vision and plan for improving Connecticut’s fiscal situation, one of the most pressing issues that must be addressed whomever is elected as governor of our state.

Oz Griebel also strongly supports many of those social issues, along with presenting solid ideas for salvaging Connecticut’s economy. Additionally, the Griebel/Frank ticket represents a true nonpartisan choice. A stubborn wedge has been driven between Republicans and Democrats

But does a radically different team have enough steam to make radical, and needed, changes in our state?

Ned Lamont struggles with the aura of being an extension of the much-maligned Malloy administration, but his words show that he is willing to move beyond political designations.

As we cast our votes on November 6, we must move away from political division and focus on who offers the best chance to become a better Connecticut.

Vote for Ned Lamont for Governor on November 6; vote with heart and reason.