Economic Development Director for Bristol?

Bristol could soon have an economic development director.

The Town Council asked Town Administrator Tony Teixeira at its meeting Wednesday night, Jan. 8, to develop a position that would be filled by a “go-to person” in Bristol for all economic development concerns and issues.

That’s the description used by Town Councilor Ed Stuart, who said he now sees the need for a director.

“This would be a perfect fit on so many levels,” said Stuart, who last fall supported shuffling all economic development tasks to the volunteer Economic Development Commission overseen by Community Development Director Diane Williamson.

Williamson and Teixeira had advocated last year to use a $21,000 budget surplus to hire a consultant to look at Bristol’s economic development needs and resources and recommend a strategic plan handled by an economic development director. 

But that suggestion was put on hold. Stuart said that he now recognizes the need for one person to handle all of the projects and ideas being tossed around and to oversee a collaborative strategy for economic development.

Whether an economic development director would be full time or part time remains to be seen, said Town Council Chairman Mary Parella.

“But we really need someone with specific expertise,” she said.