Lead with Heart. Serve with Purpose

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Lead with Heart. Serve with Purpose *

Meet Derek Jones
A Voice for Unity and Progress in Bristol

Welcome! I’m Derek Jones, a lifelong Bristol resident, proud neighbor, and someone who believes that real leadership starts with showing up for your community every single day. When I returned to Bristol, my mission was to bring people together and make a difference where it matters most. Through my nonprofit, DK Movement Cares, I’ve helped create and organize events that unite neighbors, given back financially and through volunteering, and mentored youth in a local group home. I’ve also served on boards like The Men and Boys’ Fund, the city’s Energy Commission Board, and the Bristol Diversity Council, always working to lift up our city.

With over 20 years of leadership and management experience, I bring a well-rounded background in project development, continuous improvement, sales, and finance. I’ve built a career on turning ideas into action and leading with integrity. In my current role as Vice President Team Leader, I’ve been honored for outstanding achievements, recognized for my strong work ethic, strategic thinking, and exceptional communication skills. My approach to leadership is simple, empower others, stay accountable, and always lead by example. In 2024, I was proud to be recognized by Marquis Who’s Who, a prestigious publication that honors leaders and achievers across the globe. This recognition isn’t just about me, it’s about the values I stand for: resilience, impact, and community-driven success.

My commitment is to lead with honesty, listen first, and put in the hard work that creates real change that I already have been doing for our community. No matter the outcome of the election, I’ll keep supporting Bristol by building unity, opportunity, and a stronger community for everyone.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s move Bristol forward, together.

Fuel the Campaign Unity

Your support helps us reach more neighbors, host community events, and share Derek’s message of unity, opportunity, and a brighter future for all of Bristol.

MEET & GREET WITH DEREK JONES

You're invited to a special
Meet & Greet with Derek,
Independent candidate for Mayor of Bristol!

Date: Sunday, June 29th
Time : 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: T-Café – 245 Main Street, Bristol, CT

Come enjoy an afternoon of connection, conversation, and community spirit. Derek will be sharing his vision to unite Bristol and move us forward together. This is a great chance to meet him in person, ask questions, and share your thoughts about the future of our city.

We’ll have:

  • Light refreshments

  • Open, honest conversation

  • A focus on community-driven leadership

  • Uplifting music to bring us all together

Everyone is welcome. Let’s make this a celebration of unity and the bright future ahead for Bristol!

Can’t make it but still want to contribute? Donate today for a united Bristol!

One Bristol, One Vision

Bristol’s strength is in its unity. Join Derek in bridging divisions, celebrating our diversity, and building a thriving city together.

Committed to Our Community

Derek has dedicated his life to supporting individuals & familes, recently through DK Movement Cares, investing directly in the lives and dreams of our neighbors.

Join The Movement

Derek believes real change starts with people like you. Volunteer today and help create the future Bristol deserves.

Solutions for Bristol: Derek’s Perspective

Quarterly City Unity Projects

Mayor guided initiatives that bring together residents from every city council district.

  1. Residents will collaborate on meaningful community efforts such as:

  • Hosting fundraising walks to support elder care.

  • Making practical upgrades to housing in lower-income neighborhoods.

  • Other projects chosen by community input and need.

2. Each project will foster connections and cooperation among neighbors citywide.

3. Unity is built by working hand-in-hand toward shared goals, strengthening Bristol’s sense of community and pride.

Build a Family First City

Imagination & Innovation Village:
A 24/7 community hub for all ages, with adventure playgrounds, learning labs, arts, and maker spaces.

  1. Discovery Yards & Adventure Trails:
    Unique spaces in every neighborhood for kids and families to explore, play, and discover together.

  2. Family Festivals & Block Parties:
    Regular mobile festivals, arts & culture events, and neighborhood gatherings bringing excitement to every corner of Bristol.

Expand Opportunities for Youth

  1. Leadership and Entrepreneurship:
    Programs that empower teens with real-world skills, including youth-run businesses and paid civic roles.

  2. STEAM, Arts & Tech:
    After-school, summer, and weekend programs designed for creativity and future-ready skills.

Support Parents and Caregivers

  1. Parent Power Academy:
    Workshops and resources for family wellness, creative parenting, and financial growth.

  2. Parent Council:
    Parents have a direct voice in designing city programs for youth and families.

Make Bristol Affordable and Innovative

  1. Modern, Affordable Housing:
    Support for live/work homes and business spaces for families, artists, and entrepreneurs.

  2. Fast-Track Permits & Micro-Loans:
    Help for families and small businesses to expand or upgrade, making Bristol accessible for all.

Green, Healthy, and Connected Neighborhoods

  1. Parks Alive! Initiative:
    Transform our parks into vibrant community destinations year-round, with food trucks, live music, entertainers, artisan vendors, and family activities every summer weekend.

  2. Celebrate Our Diversity:
    Launch an annual Hispanic/Latino Heritage Festival and Parade (inspired by Hartford’s Puerto Rican Day Parade) and host more multicultural events to honor all Bristol traditions.

  3. Support Local Business:
    Park festivals become a platform for Bristol entrepreneurs, youth, and small businesses helping keep dollars in our community and drawing visitors from beyond.

Real Community Power & Transparency

  1. Mobile City Hall & Budget Jams:
    City services and decision-making brought directly to neighborhoods everyone can help decide how city funds are spent.

  2. Family Wellbeing & Adventure Dashboard:
    Track Bristol’s progress, celebrate milestones, and share your ideas transparency for all.

Transparency That Builds Trust

  1. Weekly video updates from every city department explaining key decisions and their impact on our community.

  2. Residents stay informed and involved with real-time information and direct access to city leaders.

  3. Departments held accountable through open and consistent communication.

  4. Transparency and openness will be pillars of my administration, helping to rebuild trust between City Hall and every Bristol resident.

  5. We will regularly release positive, community driven video messages that highlight progress, share voices from across our city, and keep unity top of mind. These videos, along with open dialogue, will ensure all Bristol residents feel heard, respected, and included.

Derek’s Commitment

  1. Listen to every resident decisions made with the community, not just for it.

  2. Invest in families, youth, neighborhoods, and diversity across all of Bristol.

  3. Innovate with programs and ideas you won’t find in any other city in Connecticut.

  4. Build a city that’s safe, vibrant, affordable, and filled with opportunity for everyone.

Bristol’s future is shaped by the choices we make today. Derek believes in bold ideas, strong leadership, and a community-first approach. In this space, discover how Derek plans to turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities and how, together, we can move Bristol forward

Believe in Derek’s vision? Don’t wait donate now and help drive real change in Bristol!