Templeton town administrator discusses candidacy for Sterling position

Templeton town administrator discusses candidacy for Sterling position

Kerry O'Brien
News Staff Writer
TEMPLETON — Awaiting a decision from the Sterling Board of Selectmen on whether he will serve as their new town administrator, Templeton Town Administrator Jeffrey Ritter said he sought the nearby appointment as an opportunity for growth in what he calls his third career.

“I may look a lot younger than I actually am. Without stating age credentials and my extensive history, I am later in my career,” he said. “I took up town administration five years ago, and if I’m going to complete my professional career in administration I’d like to accomplish as much as I can in the time.”

Along with reconstruction work on Baldwinville Road, the Gilman Waite Playground and the land transfer for a new elementary school, Mr. Ritter, who began work for the town in 2011, points to achievements in the areas of new hirings, systems, service and revenue — including overseeing the staffing of a new treasurer, town counsel, fire chief and Council on Aging director — as areas of personal pride and achievement in terms of improvements made to the town during his tenure.

“I’ve enjoyed being here and continue to enjoy it,” he said, adding that he is not in the running for any other positions.

Seeking to replace Terry Ackerman, their town administrator of five years, Sterling selectmen have conducted two rounds of interviews with two other finalists — former Athol Town Administrator Michael Szlosek and Moultonborough, N.H., Town Administrator Carter Terenzinis.

The next meeting of the Sterling selectmen is Dec. 4.