Our local government has let us down, big time. I am talking about the many local mom and pop businesses that are here, persevering as best we can, lacking support from the town officials that we have supported over the years in many ways.

Most recently, the Silver Creek bridge debacle revealed a town unwilling to assist business in a timely manner to minimize the impact of blocking the town’s main artery for more than two months scheduled for summer of 2020. The town met privately with DOT in the planning last fall, never informing us, nor seeking our input in any way.

When we business people learned of the mandated closing for a new bridge, we requested to become involved. There was an arranged “dog & pony” show put on by DOT recently with clear intent on telling us that this is the way it will be.

Many of us business owners came together to make a simple request of timing, that the bridge project commence, not right after the Fourth of July, rather beginning after Labor Day, allowing us to benefit by much needed summer season sales to keep us going throughout the year.

We were rudely told by Town Administrator Steven Contente that we were being self-centered, and that other priorities would dictate the July 5 beginning of construction.

We asked about a temporary bridge, to be told it wasn’t feasible — not in the budget. We were told to prepare and make do because this is the way it is. This was a meeting with no discussion, rather it was a meeting where we were being dictated to with no input because it’s a done deal.

Never has our town come to our aide in any way. Elected officials have either been silent or passed on consistent lip service of being concerned. I am frankly sick of the lack of business sensitivity from an administration that doesn’t understand what it takes to make business work, what it means to meet a payroll, and the importance of cooperative support.

We have heard before from the council, “How can we help?” We have spelled out past things to no avail, like assisting the hotel developer who spent 2+ years trying to place a hotel on Gooding Avenue that would bring visitors here. The town remained silent as DEM killed the project, unwilling to work with an experienced hotelier.

To answer the town as how you can help: Scream and Demand that DOT work with us — a temporary bridge is doable; we know this. The calendar can be moved two months post Labor Day without the sky falling.

I say to the council and the administrator — Do your job to help us. No more lip service. It is a time for action. We business people are also voters, and we do have good memories.

Stephan Brigidi
Bristol