First Selectman Eric Wellman Appoints Deputy First Selectman

Eric Wellman
ewellman@simsbury-ct.gov
860-424-1323

Sean Askham
saskham@simsbury-ct.gov
860-670-3870

Simsbury First Selectman Eric Wellman is pleased to announce Sean Askham has accepted the position of Deputy First Selectman.  Per the Simsbury Town Charter, the First Selectman is responsible for appointing a deputy. Traditionally, the deputy functions as a second-in-command, assisting with agenda setting and chairing BOS meetings if the First Selectman is not available.

“I realize that appointing a Deputy of a different party is an unconventional choice in this age of political polarization,” said Mr. Wellman. “However, we will get more accomplished and our decisions will be of higher quality if we put party aside and concentrate on doing our best for all our residents. If our country is ever going to break through its partisan dysfunction, I am choosing to set the tone and start here.”

Mr. Askham, a lifelong Simsbury resident, was first elected to the Board of Selectmen in 2011, and will be the longest-serving member of the 2019-2021 board.  “In appointing a deputy, I looked for a board member with government experience, extensive knowledge of our town, and who is well respected by colleagues of both parties.  Sean and I have a strong working relationship,” Mr. Wellman said, “and we have similar priorities and vision for our town. When we differ, we do so respectfully, and we seek compromise.”

Mr. Wellman’s decision was well-received by colleagues, with senior Democratic Selectman Chris Peterson agreeing with Mr. Wellman wholeheartedly.  “The message Eric is sending by asking, and Sean by accepting, shows it’s not about party ideology, it’s about doing what’s best for the town.” Mr. Peterson said. “Sean’s experience and his relationships on the Board and in the community make him supremely qualified for this position.”

Both Mr. Wellman and Mr. Askham feel this is an important message in a politically fractured time. “When it comes to politics, too many people are taking an us versus them view. For both Eric and I, it’s not ‘D’ and ‘R’ that define us as selectmen, it’s our commitment to Simsbury,” said Mr. Askham. “I was honored to be asked by Eric to serve as deputy and look forward to the next two years.”

This is not the first time the First Selectman and Deputy represent different parties. Former First Selectwoman Anita Mielert (D), whose deputy was a Republican, said “Experience and the willingness to reach across the aisle matters most. I applaud Eric’s decision. He recognizes that Democrats, Republicans and Unaffiliated voters re-elected him, by a wide margin, with the expectation he will continue to work as he did in his first term – collaboratively for the benefit of all our residents.”

The Board of Selectmen and all newly-elected officeholders will be sworn in at Eno Memorial Hall at 6 p.m. on December 2. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.