Like many in our town, I have been closely following the emergence of a new organization who have dubbed themselves the “Bristol County Concerned Citizens” (BCCC). This allegedly non-political group has apparently been meeting routinely at the VFW.

It is concerning that this group is partnering with the VFW, a federally recognized 501(c)3 organization. By law, such organizations cannot participate in political and/or electoral work.

By using the VFW post as its den, the BCCC could jeopardize this hub of our community when their true mission comes to light and is scrutinized by those who investigate claims of forbidden activities by nonprofits, like the Attorney General’s office or the Board of Elections.

Just as anyone can easily find the membership and organizational structures of the local Democratic and Republican town committees, we should also know everyone who has been initiated to this undercover fraternity. Led by high ranking, long-term political figures in our community this new, “non-political” incarnation of the same old shenanigans is cloaked in secrecy, using carefully chosen words to conceal their true goals, and pretending they are not working to impact the outcome of our elections, while actively attempting to do so.

Lastly and most importantly, how many of our local elected officials and/or declared candidates for public office are affiliated with this organization? How many have ever attended a BCCC meeting? The Bristol Phoenix should inquire — Bristol residents and voters deserve to know the truth.

Lisa Peterson
Bristol