Eric Wellman, an independent candidate for Simsbury first selectman, told attendees during the public comment period that he is running for the town's top elected post and asked for votes on Nov. 4, saying his priorities include getting taxes "under control," ensuring two ambulances are staffed 24 hours a day and ending illegal dumping in Tarafel Park.

Wellman, who said he previously served six years on the Board of Selectmen — including two terms as first selectman — framed his campaign as nonpartisan and focused on local services. "I'm proud to be the independent candidate in this race. That means I'm not beholden to any political party," he said.

He credited his prior tenure on the Board of Selectmen with keeping taxes flat while investing in infrastructure, open space and schools, and said he led the acquisition of the Meadowood property to preserve it from development. "I led the acquisition of the Meadowood property, ensuring this iconic, historic land would forever belong to the people and not predatory developers," Wellman said.

On service and safety, Wellman said he would work to ensure two ambulances are staffed 24 hours a day "because in an emergency, every second matters." He also said he would "work hard to end illegal dumping in some of our parks, especially in Tarafel Park, so that it's safe and beautiful for all members of our community to enjoy." He named support for police and ambulance services as part of his public-safety priorities.

Wellman described his professional background as a business owner who works with companies nationwide to improve efficiency and tied that experience to his tax and budget proposals: "This is what I do for a living. In my professional life, I'm a business owner and I work with companies across the country to help them operate more efficiently."

For more information, Wellman provided contact information during his remarks, saying listeners could "visit eric for simsbury dot com" or call his personal cell phone at (860) 831-3370. He closed by saying he would be "honored to earn your vote on November 4."