2010 Top Stories: NL Charter

It took three tries over four years, but New London voters eventually approved changing the form of government that has been in place for nearly 90 years.

New London will no longer be run by a professional city manager hired by a city council that sets policy. Next November, residents will elect a mayor to serve a four-year term.

The measure, overwhelmingly approved during the November election, means the elected mayor will have the authority to appoint department heads and the gravitas to travel to Hartford and lobby on the city's behalf. He or she will be able to set a direction for the city and will have the political muscle to pursue it.

A salary has yet to be set and details about a possible chief of staff have yet to be worked out.

The upcoming year promises to be filled with political maneuvering as candidates come forward to announce their interest in the post.