by Lex Thomas
On June 15, Sterling became the 286th Massachusetts community to sign the Governors Community Compact, an initiative launched in 2015 by the Baker-Polito administration. Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito joined with town officials for the signing at a ceremony held at the Sterling Senior Center.
“We are thrilled to announce this new partnership between the state government and the town of Sterling,” Polito said. “The Baker-Polito administration looks forward to working with town officials to implement their selected best practices.” Polito heads the Community Compact cabinet.
The Community Compact initiative is a voluntary, mutual agreement between the Commonwealth and local government, and gives Massachusetts municipalities the chance to make needed improvements through collaboration and support from the state. It enables the state to work closely with town officials to support public interests and develop mutual standards for governing effectively through chosen best practices. By entering into a Community Compact, both the Commonwealth and the town agree to fulfill selected best practice commitments.
Sterling will work with the Commonwealth to implement best practices in financial management, housing and economic development, and public accessibility.
Photo by Richark Maki: (Left to right) Selectman John Kilcoyne, Selectman Rich Lane, Senator Jennifer Flanagan, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Sterling Town Administrator Ross Perry, Selectman Maureen Cranson, Sterling Economic Development Committee member Brian Kindorf, Chief of Sta? for Harold Naughton Jr. Susan Templeton, and Planning Board Vice-Chair Michael Pineo.