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Simsbury commission reopens charter debate on first selectman, town manager roles and board powers
Summary
At a March 2025 Charter Revision Commission meeting, town leaders and committee chairs urged clearer lines between the elected first selectman and the hired town manager, recommended charter language to protect access to information and suggested changes to terms and board-creation authority to increase transparency and continuity.
First Selectman Wendy urged the Charter Revision Commission on March 4 to clarify the town’s governance roles and the scope of boards and commissions, saying “First Selectman is not an easy role.” The discussion ranged from whether the town’s chief elected official should be separately elected or chosen by the council, to whether selectmen should keep power to create temporary committees, and whether terms for key offices should be lengthened to four years.
The commission is reviewing proposed revisions to the town charter intended to tighten rules on boards and commissions, improve transparency and reduce administrative ambiguity. Commission members, the first selectman, the town manager and liaisons from multiple elected boards all urged changes to make responsibilities and timelines explicit.
Why it matters: Simsbury’s current hybrid arrangement — an elected first selectman and an appointed town manager — has produced a working relationship in the present…
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