Five Top Priorities For Bristol
Our youth are Bristol’s future, and investing in them today is an investment in our city’s long-term success. Derek is committed to expanding access to educational programs, youth mentorship, after-school activities, and leadership development opportunities. Far too many children are falling through the cracks, not because they lack potential, but because they lack access to positive outlets, guidance, and inclusive support systems.
Derek believes real change begins with stronger coordination between existing youth-focused efforts including the School Readiness Council, the Youth Commission, and the Board of Education. These bodies already conduct meaningful work to support children and families, however their impact could be amplified with greater collaboration and shared accountability.
As an independent mayor, Derek will not be tied to an existing power structure within Bristol, providing him the freedom to act as a neutral connector bringing these groups together with a unified vision and a community-wide commitment to outcomes. His goal is to ensure equitable funding, targeted program support (especially in areas such as special education), and measurable results that prioritize every child’s success.
By streamlining resources, eliminating duplication, and aligning goals across the city, Derek will help ensure that no child is left behind, and that programs reflect realistic, on-the-ground needs of youth and their families. Derek’s vision is simple but bold: every young person in Bristol should be provided access the tools, support, and opportunities required to become into successful, contributing members of our community.
Building Bright Futures for Bristol’s Youth
Strengthening Bristol’s Economy
Economic vitality is essential for building a strong, self-sustaining city. Derek aims to increase revenue without overburdening taxpayers by attracting new businesses, supporting local entrepreneurs, and exploring innovative economic strategies. A stronger economy leads to additional jobs, Stronger infrastructure, and increased funding for community programs. One example of Derek’s vision is the development of a true Arts District on Riverside Avenue, not just with curb appeal, but with real, thriving businesses reflecting and celebrating the local arts. From galleries and creative studios to performance spaces, restaurants and artisan shops, this initiative would create both cultural value and economic opportunity, bringing new life to an underutilized area of the city. To fund projects like this, Derek plans to seek outside investment, public-private partnerships, state-level arts and economic development grants, and federal funding opportunities. By leveraging available resources and forging strategic partnerships, we can revitalize our city and stimulate growth without increasing the financial burden on Bristol taxpayers. Derek believes in an economy that uplifts everyone, not just a select few, by building spaces and opportunities that reflect the heart and creativity of the entire community.
Building Stronger Community Partnerships
Bristol is home to many passionate nonprofit organizations executing incredible work, too often, these groups operate in isolation. Derek’s goal is to bring them together, fostering collaboration, information sharing, and shared missions. When nonprofits work cohesively, they can increase efficiency, reduce redundancy, making a greater impact on the communities they serve.
One example of Derek’s vision is the creation of an all-in-one communication and resource-sharing system, a centralized platform where nonprofits can access and share information regarding available grants, coordinating volunteer support, promoting community events, and identifying areas of overlapping need. This tool would not only improve transparency and coordination, but also empower each organization to do more with less, maximizing their reach and effectiveness.
By connecting resources and aligning goals, Derek believes we can better support families, addressing service gaps, and building a more resilient, compassionate Bristol, one that works together for the greater good of the community.
From Surviving to Thriving: A Pathway Out of Homelessness
To break the cycle, Derek will advocate for a multi-step strategy that begins with cracking down on drug trafficking and reducing the presence of package stores and smoke shops in at-risk communities. Limiting access to harmful substances is a critical first step in curbing addiction and improving neighborhood safety.
Next, we must strengthen and coordinate the services already in place within the community of Bristol. This means bringing together local resources like existing detox programs, sober living support, and mental health services and combining them into a unified, accessible system. Derek’s goal is to ensure a seamless, gap-free transition from crisis to stability, where individuals are guided through each step with consistent support.
Through partnerships with trusted organizations such as Wheeler Health and Bristol Health, Derek will help to create a streamlined referral process making it easier for individuals to access the supports they need without delay, confusion, or falling through the cracks. And once individuals are stabilized, the final step is connecting individuals to job training and employment programs leading to long-term self-sufficiency.
Derek understands that not everyone will succeed on the first try, but that’s not a reason to stop trying. The goal is to reduce the overall impact of homelessness, restore hope, and provide every individual the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity and direction.
Streamlining City Department Operations
Derek is committed to strengthening local government by closely examining how each city department operates, identifying any gaps, overlaps, or inefficiencies that may exist. His goal is to enhance collaboration, improve communication, and ensure that every department is working toward the same high standard of service and contributing to the overall betterment of Bristol. Derek also believes in creating a positive and solution-focused work environment, one where employees are empowered, motivated, and committed to solving problems rather than adding to them. Whether that means adding what’s necessary or streamlining what’s unnecessary, Derek is focused on building a city government that is responsive, effective, and accountable, one that truly serves its people and supports the growth of the entire community.