How to Run for Office

There are six boards in Bethel which are elected. Elections are held every two years. For all boards, no more than two-thirds of the board can be from any one party.

How are candidates chosen?

Democratic candidates are chosen by the Bethel Democratic Town Committee after being identified by the vacancies chair as a potential candidate.  <INSERT MORE PROCESS HERE>

Interested in running?  Click here. <TODO: add email link>

What can I expect if I run?

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What boards are elected?

Board of Selectmen

There are three members of the Board of Selectmen, including the First Selectman.  Selectmen are responsible for running the town; unlike other board members, the First Selectman is a full-time, paid position, roughly equivalent to Mayor in other types of town government.

Board of Education

There are nine members of the Board of Education, elected for a four-year term.  Board of Education members are responsible for overseeing the Bethel Public Schools.

Board of Finance

There are seven members of the Board of Finance, elected for a four-year term.  Board of Finance members are responsible for overseeing the town budget.

Planning and Zoning Board

There are seven members of the Planning and Zoning Board, as well as three alternates, each elected for a four-year term. Planning and Zoning Board members are responsible for approving building projects in town and managing the town’s zoning.

Inland Wetlands Commission

There are five members, and two alternate members, of the Inland Wetlands Commission, elected for a four-year term.  Commission members are responsible for overseeing the management of wetlands and watercourses in town.

Police Commission

There are five members of the Police Commission, elected for a four-year term.  Commission members are responsible for overseeing the Bethel Police Department.