The Office
The First Selectman's Office, situated just inside the front door of the Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center, is usually the first stop for residents. Here, they are given essential information, such as directions to the appropriate departments in the building, names of local governmental officials, dates of events and a general overview of the services of the Town of Bethel. The responsibilities of the office are found in the Connecticut General Statutes and the Town of Bethel Charter.
Our Chief Official
The First Selectman has a wide variety of duties and responsibilities in his role as the chief elected official. He is most visible as the chairman of the Board of Selectmen and the Public Utilities Commission, but he is also an ex officio member of all town boards and commissions. Other duties include representing the town of the Housatonic Valley Council of Elected Officials, the Housatonic Resource Recovery Authority, and other organizations. As Chief Executive Officer, the First Selectman has the authority to act on behalf of the townspeople in signing contracts and proclamations.
First Selectman Dan Carter
First Selectman Dan Carter was elected to the office of First Selectman in February 2023. Dan has been a Bethel resident for over to 20 years. He represented Bethel as a State Representative from 2011 to 2017 and has remained active in the community on many boards. He also served on the Bethel Board of Finance for a year before being elected as Bethel’s First Selectman.
In addition to his responsibilities as the town’s chief elected official and de facto town manager, Dan works at the regional and state legislative levels to advance the interests of Bethel residents and businesses. Dan currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Western Connecticut Council of Governments, the Vice Chairman of the Housatonic Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Vice Chairman of the Housatonic Resource Recovery Authority.
Prior to entering public service, Dan served as an officer and pilot in the United States Air Force and is a veteran of Desert Storm. After leaving active duty, Dan enjoyed a 20-year career in sales, management, and recruiting roles which culminated in Dan owning his own business.
Dan holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Bowling Green State University and a master's degree in Airport Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Dan is a husband to his wonderful wife Jane and a father of two grown children.
