During a recent city council meeting, several key issues were raised by community members, highlighting concerns about transparency, communication, and public safety in Bristol.
One resident, Francois, expressed disappointment over Councilman Eric Rosengren's use of social media to conduct city business, alleging that Rosengren silenced dissenting voices on platforms like Facebook. He criticized the councilman for promoting misinformation and questioned the legality of using a private platform for official matters. The mayor acknowledged the concerns but noted that the council has no oversight over private discussions.
Another resident, Michael Dotco, raised issues regarding the city’s communication about the Connecticut City and Town Development Act, specifically mentioning a misunderstanding about a vote related to eminent domain. He expressed frustration over not being informed about the council's actions and criticized the city’s computer systems for failing to provide adequate information on upcoming meetings and developments.
Christy Talmadge, a citizen journalist, voiced serious safety concerns after experiencing violence in the community. She reported feeling threatened and criticized the police response to her calls for help. Talmadge urged the council to take action to ensure public safety, particularly in areas where violence has been reported.
The meeting also included announcements about upcoming events, such as a hazardous waste collection scheduled for November 23rd, aimed at promoting community engagement and environmental responsibility.
Overall, the discussions underscored a growing demand for improved communication between the city council and residents, as well as a call for enhanced public safety measures in Bristol.