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The statement was made that "we need to come up with an economic development director".

First, the town needs to define the term "economic development". It seems that too many people are pushing their pet projects, which ultimately cost the tax payers money, in the name of economic development, when it is not clear what the definition is. Is it based on job creation, Return On Investment, state or federal tax credits? The town needs to define this! How can we create another funded potentially full time position for something that is not defined?

If the term is defined, where can the average, non business owning, tax payer of Bristol find this information?

The town then needs to consider how a potential ED position is going to manage the EDC vs the Explore Bristol initiative, which both seem to not have a clear direction or distinction between the two other than that they both seek "economic development" which as I just mentioned is not clearly defined.

If we can not define the term for what seems to be driving the direction of the town over the past few years, how can we determine what is needed to get there?

Are we better off with hiring consultants vs. a position, or do we need to better define the roles or potentially reign in others and where do existing postions such as TA, TC and Ms. Williamson fit in?

We need to think about the entire town, not just business owners, when it comes to the future of this great town. I do not think we will be ultimately be successful until we define "Economic Development"

I am sure East Providence had budget surplus at one time too....