STERLING - It’s been a rough few months for the town of Sterling.
In September, amid a pandemic that upended everyday life and largely forced the closure of town hall, Selectman John Firlik Jr., a longtime resident active in local politics, died.
Months later in January, Russell Gray, the town’s long-serving first selectman who after years in office was preparing to say good-bye to the job, also died suddenly.
On Monday, a group of town hall staff will gather with invited members of Gray’s and Firlik’s families to honor the two men inside the municipal complex gym, First Selectman Lincoln Cooper said.
Another Eastern Connecticut town has become part of the four-year election club.
Pomfret residents on Monday during a special town meeting voted to approve an ordinance extending the terms of office for first selectman, selectmen and treasurer from two years to four.
The change, effective this election cycle, means the town joins Killingly and Sterling as municipalities whose top elected officials will serve for four-year terms.
First Selectwoman Maureen Nicholson said the discussion on extending term limits began about a year-and-a-half ago, but COVID-19 restrictions prevented the item from coming up before public scrutiny prior to this week.
“I think a four-year term better serves a smaller town like Pomfret and offers better continuity, both to residents and town hall workers,” she said. “It gives a first selectman and selectmen a longer grip on the position and enables those people to keep their eyes on long-term planning.”