We’re better than this.”

Bristol Town Council Chairman Nathan Calouro

Bristol Town Council Chairman Nathan Calouro had something to say at the end of last week’s (June 5) council meeting. Normally Mr. Calouro speaks first, but this time he saved his remarks for the very end of the meeting, after allowing his colleagues to go first. By the time his turn came, it was clear he went last for a reason.

Though he said he, too, was happy to see that Rogers Free Library had reinstated the controversial “Drag Queen Story Hour,” Mr. Calouro was disappointed in the events leading up to that decision. Seeing angry, hateful comments coming from either side of the argument, he was surprised and disappointed in the level of disrespect playing out on social media. Moving forward, he said, he would not tolerate that sort of dialogue between friends, neighbors and community members.

“We’re better than this,” he said.

Additionally, Mr. Calouro broke his silence on the Silver Creek Bridge issue, another source of debate throughout town. Though many have been accusing him and his colleagues of not being business-friendly, Mr. Calouro wanted to assure residents that was absolutely not the case. In the coming days, weeks and months, key figures in the town will be working with the DOT to ensure the least amount of impact during the six to eight weeks next summer for the people of Bristol.

From examining traffic patterns to rolling out an advertising plan, and everything in between, Mr. Calouro promised they would be prepared for when the bridge closes.

“We care,” Mr. Calouro promised. “So please stop saying that we don’t care.”

Before getting to Mr. Calouro’s moment, the council navigated through a long agenda, handling issues like early-morning music, a controversial street light and backyard composting.