The woman in Newtown's highest elected office has announced she will step down, five years after she helped lead the community through the aftermath of the Sandy Hook school shooting.
Pat Llodra said her decision was a difficult one. The 75-year-old Republican will not seek a fifth term in November.
She says her love of the job never waned, even when the town was devastated and overwhelmed after 20 children and six educators were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012.
Praise for her has poured in since her announcement. Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said her service was courageous and compassionate. A local pastor said she brought an incredible level of stability to the town after the shooting.
Llodra says she plans to stay active in local politics.
