2025 Patch Candidate Profiles: Bret Wells, Tolland Town Council.

TOLLAND, CT — Bret Wells is running for a town council seat in Tolland.

Candidate's Name:

Bret Wells

What office are you seeking?
Town Council

What town do you live in?
Tolland

Campaign Website
https://tollanddemocrats.org/

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Union Iron Worker

Family:
Yes
Wife Erika (together 22 years, married 16)
3 Children
Alexzandria 25
Anthony 17
Alfred 16
All three have gone through or enrolled in Tolland public school district.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
Nope

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
No

Why are you seeking this office?
Quote “I’m tired of this sh*t”
End quote
In all seriousness I’ve been a resident for nearly 15 years and I’ve been on public record many times as early as 2013 speaking my mind. Over the course of the 14 years I’ve been a resident I’ve seen a wedge driven between the town residents and I’m honestly tired of it. We’re all neighbors and many of us are friends. There’s ZERO reason in a town of 15,000 that we can’t have dialog on anything Tolland related! Even budget season…..
But that’s not the case generally in town. I lead in my work place daily, I’m elected by my membership to lead, make sound business decisions and grow our organization. If I can successfully manage 82 million in a pension fund, 77 million in an annuity fund run an apprenticeship program with an annual operating budget of over 1.5 million and run a labor union representing over 1,500 humans….. I can bring those leadership skills and experiences to town.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Affordability…..
Responsible budgeting is the first step, looking at every expenditure and making sure our most vulnerable residents have services needed. From our youth with a robust education, safe streets to our seniors having real tax relief.
Attracting private and state infrastructure to balance the tax base.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I’m willing to listen first, digress concerns and have dialog with every resident.
I’m Tolland first every time.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Safety, public education and bridging the gap between residents

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I was born in Springfield Mass, I’m a 4th generation Iron Worker that has gone from apprentice to rise as Financial Secretary-Treasurer/Business Manager. Between those unique classifications there was a lot of learning, leading as well as blood, sweat and tears. Many life lesson’s happen in my business. I’ve grown from a city boy with no direction to a boss, husband, father, coach, and neighbor.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Never assume and everyone has their place on earth

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I’m a blue collar, family guy just try to do his part. I lead every day, I speak only when it’s important, not just to be heard. We’ll always be neighbors regardless of our opinions. Let’s get back to Tolland Strong.