Last year, Republicans and Democrats in the state Capitol caused a financial crisis in many towns when they couldn’t agree on a budget until October. The partisanship and unwillingness to compromise were shameful. The lack of leadership was disheartening. Why, voters asked, can’t you put aside your politicking and do what’s right for the people of Connecticut? We are at a point where the only path forward lies in everyone giving a little, yet there has been little in the way of true creativity or cooperation.