Every year the Town of Bristol contracts with companies to deliver goods and services to its citizens. These bids and subsequent awards are how taxpayers’ money gets transformed into road paving, drainage projects, building maintenance and repairs, and other projects.

As a lifelong resident, I care deeply about Bristol’s future and I believe the Town Clerk’s Office has an opportunity to positively impact the Town’s ability to make well-informed decisions. Town bids are now posted to the city of Newport bidding system, which requires registering as a vendor to gain access.

I propose using existing technology in Town Hall to make bid information available on the Town website to everyone, not only bid participants, giving taxpayers greater insight into where and how their tax dollars are being spent. An open government is an essential element of a free and democratic society, one which the residents of Bristol deserve.

Melissa Cordeiro

Ms. Cordeiro is a Democrat running for Bristol Town Clerk.