In September of 2017, the Bristol Town Council voted unanimously and determined that of the town’s numerous boards and commissions, one of its most vital, the Economic Development Commission (EDC), be “suspended and deactivated.”

The town council’s chairman, Mr. Nathan Calouro, is often heard saying at town council meetings, that when it comes to the town’s boards and commissions, how appreciative he, and the entire town council membership are, of the citizens who step forward to serve on these many boards and commissions.

Then why is the town council acting decidedly anti-business and decidedly anti-small business, by eliminating the important EDC?

My wife Nina, and I, were small business owners (Oliver Street Bakery and Deli, Inc.) in Bristol for many years. I (we) understand the difficulty of meeting a weekly payroll, competition for customers and the extreme high cost of energy and government over-regulation in “business unfriendly” Rhode Island.

As a long-term member of the Bristol EDC, before it was disbanded, we were a forum for small business owners to come to and speak with us regarding their concerns. Ripples Swim School, Williams Grant Inn, Angelina’s Coffee Shop and many others, came before our commission, to have their voices heard.

Across all of Rhode Island’s cities and towns, in one form or another, Economic Development Commissions are active and working hard to nurture a welcoming business environment in their communities. But, at this time, Bristol is closed for business, especially small business. I simply ask, “Why?”

Patrick “Pat” M. McCarthy

4 Maple Shade Court, Bristol