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 Selectman 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. Originally, as were all politicians in New England, this position was part time. Most modern towns who have part time First Selectmans limit the functions of the First Selectman to chairman of the Board of Selectmen and ceremonial duties. Actually administration of the town is handled by the town manager. In other cases, the First Selectman acts as CEO of the town, much like a mayor, or in conjunction with the town manager who would function as chief administrative officer.

In Connecticut the First Selectman is the chief executive and administrative officer of most towns with the Selectmen-Town Meeting form of government. In Connecticut, some towns, such as Woodbridge, elect their first selectman to be the Chief Administrative Officer of the town even though the position is technically part-time. The First Selectman is also a voting member of the Board of Selectmen and can cast a tie breaking vote in the Board of Finance. In other towns, the position is full time. In towns such as Bethany, Orange, and Simsbury, the losing First Selectman candidate can earn a spot on the Board of Selectmen, depending on the number of votes he or she garners.