By Jason C. Mattox

Aldermen in the Town of Como took time to remember late Mayor Judy Sumner Tuesday night before scheduling a special election to fill her unexpired term.

“I want you all to know that Judy fought hard to get her seat, and she was so proud of what she accomplished,” Vice-Mayor Dr. Forster Ruhl said. “She was a hands-on mayor and was beloved by the town. She leaves a void that will be hard to fill.”

Town Attorney Parker Still then read a commendation to Sumner’s family and the town from Rep. Travis Childers.

“I want you all to know that I truly appreciated Judy’s work ethic,” Still said after reading. “If there was ever a problem, she tried to resolve it herself first before she called me, and she was always dead on. It speaks volumes that the House of Representatives sent this.”

Town Clerk D. Scott Rhines said he wanted to see the town continue to move forward.

“Ray Charles could see what this town has been going through, and Judy worked very hard to make this a town that everyone would be proud to live in,” he said.

Once city officials concluded their remarks, Como resident Sadie Williams remembered the mayor.

“I think we have all seen a change in Como since she became Mayor,” Williams said. “She cared about everyone in the community, black and white, and it was really starting to change this town.”

Aldermen then briefly discussed the possible dates of the special election before settling on Tuesday, March 2.

The qualifying deadline is Feb. 20.

Anyone wishing to seek the office will need to file the proper qualifying paperwork along with 50 signatures from the electorate.

If there is a need for a run-off, it will take place March 16.

In other board business:

•    Aldermen recessed the meeting and will meet Saturday morning at 8 a.m. to continue work on the town’s budget that started during the meeting.