Simsbury Names Its Town Manager Hopeful

SIMSBURY, CT — It looks like Simsbury has their new town manager and all that is required is a contract.

The Simsbury Board of Selectmen this week announced the town and Poughkeepsie, N.Y., administrator Marc Nelson are negotiating a deal for him to be Simsbury's new top-appointed official.

Selectmen made the announcement after Nelson met with the public at a special meet-and-greet event on Tuesday, Sept. 26.

The board voted 6-0 to begin negotiating with the veteran municipal administrator.

"This process involved two rounds of detailed interviews, a thorough background and reference check by our consultant, an interview with the department heads, a meeting with members of town staff and a public reception," wrote Simsbury selectmen in a statement.

"All of the feedback we received helped us confirm our decision and we thank everyone for participating."

Nelson may be coming from a New York job, but he's not new to Connecticut.

Prior to his current position, Nelson was the tax collector for the City of Hartford.

In addition to his background, selectmen also touted some intangible qualities they said the new manager would bring to Simsbury.

"Marc brings with him a collaborative spirit and an eagerness and willingness to learn what we already know — that Simsbury is a great place to live, work, learn and play," wrote selectmen.

Nelson would be Simsbury's second-ever town manager, replacing Maria Capriola, who left in May after being named the first town manager in December 2017 following a charter change.

Since May 1, Simsbury has utilized Simsbury Police Chief Nicholas Boulter and ex-Wethersfield Town Manager Lee Erdmann on an interim basis.

When a contract is agreed to, selectmen said the full board will conduct a public vote to officially name Nelson the town's newly appointed leader.

From Sept 20: ' Simsbury Close To Hiring New Town Manager'