I want to express my thoughts on the Bristol Town Council meeting held on Jan. 20. On the agenda was a petition to establish a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the Town Council. Many of our citizenry, both in support and opposition of the petition, participated and fervently expressed their thoughts.

While the outcome of the council vote has an important impact on our community, there is a bigger story here that should make Bristolians proud.

I would like to commend each of the council members on how they conducted the meeting and themselves that night. When leadership exhibits respect for their colleagues as well as the participating public, the public discourse is elevated.

The art of government was at its finest from all points of view. Missing was the vitriol that we see on a national level, and what replaced it was thoughtfulness, compromise, and respect. Fully on display was an open mindedness that I hope will continue to lead this community and communities of differing opinions as they work together for the benefit of our towns.

My family has lived here a short time, and what makes this town special are its people. We should treasure and protect that great quality.

David Scarpino
Bristol