Pat Bristol for EG Town Council

Hello! My name is Pat Bristol and I am running for a seat on the East Greenwich Town Council. People have been asking me "Pat, what can we do to help out? We have been wearing the t-shirts and putting signs in our yards, but isn't there more we can do?"

Thankfully, there is. I am now accepting donations through this page. The money will be spent getting the word out about my campaign to voters in East Greenwich.  Any donation will be greatly appreciated and I thank you in advance for your support.

I grew up in East Greenwich and was lucky enough to attend Eldredge (go Eagles), Cole Junior High and the East Greenwich High School. I could not be more thankful for the education I received in this town. I left to get a degree at the University of New Hampshire and to attend law school at the University of Connecticut. When my wife and I began to talk about starting a family, we knew right away that East Greenwich was where we wanted to be. We came back home and adopted our daughter Teaghan, who will soon be starting fifth grade at Hanaford.

Since returning, I have been amazed by the quality and strength of the people running our town. However, we have to make sure we continue to head in the right direction. The education of our children is paramount and is the foundation for the great town in which we all live. Decisions regarding education cannot be subjected to partisan politics. When that happens, everyone loses. Party affiliation is not the mark of a strong leader. I will work with the members of School Committee to make sure that kids and their education come first.

Having grown up in East Greenwich, I am familiar with the things that make our town great. They include the excellent municipal services, a Main Street that has become a destination for people throughout the state, an outstanding public library, and a school system that is second to none. However, our town needs to continue to move forward. We must work to attract business and do everything we can to support the businesses that are here. Also, we must prepare for the changes and opportunities that will be presented as New England College brings thousands of students into our town.

We cannot lose sight of the fiscal burden that having first rate schools and municipal services can impose on the taxpayers. People are no longer willing to accept raising taxes as standard operating procedure. They are no longer willing to accept fiscal irresponsibility as the norm. In making financial decisions, we must protect the things which make our town great, including a vibrant Main Street, top rate municipal services and a safe, secure community. I promise to keep the burden imposed on our citizens by tax increases first and foremost in my mind as decisions are made.

Over the coming months, I will be available to anybody who has any questions or concerns for me. If you see me in town, please stop me and say hello. I would be happy to talk to you about my candidacy and to discuss any other questions, concerns or ideas you have to make East Greenwich the most livable town in Rhode Island.