First selectman

The first selectman (sometimes selectwoman depending on the preference of the person holding the office) is the head of the board of selectmen in some New England towns.

Historically, the first was the selectman who received the largest number of votes during municipal elections or at town meeting. Most towns however, have chosen to elect the first selectman in a separate election, much like a mayor.

While the principle remains the same in most towns, the function has evolved differently. Traditionally, the first selectman acts as chief administrative officer. As with all politicians in New England, it was originally a part-time position. Most modern towns that have part-time first selectmen limit their function to chairing the board of selectmen and performing certain ceremonial duties. Actual administration of the town is handled by the town manager. In other towns, the first selectman acts as CEO of the town, much like a mayor, alone or in conjunction with a town manager who acts as a chief administrative officer.

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Latest News for: first selectman

Federal funding is crucial for a prosperous CT capital region

The CT Mirror 27 Mar 2025
This past month, East Windsor First Selectman and CRCOG Board member Jason Bowsza and I had the opportunity to attend the National Conference of Regions in Washington, D.C ... for first responders.

Plainfield, Putnam will not raise motor vehicle values for tax purposes

The Day 24 Mar 2025
“This is a tough year for our budgets and that (valuation method) would increase the taxes for residents if we went for it,” Plainfield First Selectman Kevin Cunningham said about his town's decision ... Up until the Oct ... On March 3, Gov.

Brookfield ZBA member seeks to run for first selectman, hopes to 'preserve the small town feel'

News Times 21 Mar 2025
“The moratorium … doesn’t solve the underlying issue," said Karl Hinger, who is seeking to run for first selectman in Brookfield ... .

Former Pawcatuck movie theater being torn down to make way for $80M project

The Day 20 Mar 2025
Stonington First Selectman Danielle Chesebrough said this project will be the first true mixed-use building in town ... Rep ... The first set of approximately 77 units are slated to be built within the next 12-16 months ... Sen ... s.gordon@theday.com ....

Why Conn. town leaders have grown increasingly frustrated with Lamont

The Day 20 Mar 2025
Mayors and first selectmen have a list of complaints ... Stonington First Selectman Danielle Chesebrough, for example, said she perceives a "disconnect" between the discussion at the state level and what towns and cities are experiencing locally.

New Greenwich gymnasium to be named after former CT senator Frantz, First Selectman says

Greenwich Time 19 Mar 2025
The donation from the Frantzes still needs to be formally accepted by the Representative Town Meeting ... .

Nicholas J. Costello, Amesbury's first mayor, dies at 89

Newburyport Daily News 19 Mar 2025
AMESBURY — Nicholas J. Costello – a selectman, state representative, state senator and the city’s first mayor – died Monday night at age 89, according to his wife of 64 years, Cynthia Costello ... .

Greenwich First Selectman says plan to put George H.W. Bush statue downtown is 'dead' for now

Greenwich Time 18 Mar 2025
Camillo said he still hopes to put a statue of George H.W. Bush somewhere else downtown ... .

Old Lyme changes stance on beach gazebo, will repair for season

The Day 18 Mar 2025
First Selectman Martha Shoemaker said town staff will make the gazebo's rotted front step safe, extract the bent, rusted nails that jut from the wood, remove, then sand and repaint the metal rails, repair some supports and baseboards.

Old Lyme beach gazebo gets reprieve

The Day 18 Mar 2025
First Selectman Martha Shoemaker said town staff will make the gazebo's rotted front step safe; extract the bent, rusted nails that jut from the wood; remove, sand and repaint the metal rails; and repair some supports and baseboards.

Bethel to hold hearing on $97.27M municipal budget plan, a 5.21% increase over current spending

News Times 18 Mar 2025
First Selectman Dan Carter described the proposal as a “fair” increase, saying, “the town runs on a very lean budget as it is. There’s not a lot of extra fluff.” ... .

Nicholas J. Costello, Amesbury's first mayor dies

Newburyport Daily News 18 Mar 2025
AMESBURY — Nicholas J. Costello, selectman, state representative, state senator and the city's first mayor passed away Monday night, according to his wife, Cynthia Costello ... .

Urging a bold investment in our youth

The Day 18 Mar 2025
This letter was signed by 52 Connecticut municipal leaders, including Groton City Mayor Keith Hedrick, New London Mayor Michael Passero, Norwich City Manager John Salomone and Stonington First Selectman Danielle Chesebrough.

Work begins in Pawcatuck on 'Circus Lot' site

The Day 16 Mar 2025
First Selectman Danielle Chesebrough said on Tuesday the town was awarded $2.2 million for the project from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Education funding a top priority during session

The Day 16 Mar 2025
With spring weather finally showing itself in fits and starts after a cold and wet winter, the legislative session is heating up ... Norm Needleman is the first selectman of Essex and the deputy president Pro Tempore of the state Senate ... ....
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