Local Democrats send open letter to mayor requesting action on racism and diversity

Posted By: David Fortier August 30, 2023

Editor’s note: Between the time this letter was received and its publication, Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano announced via the Mayor’s Office Facebook page that Jim Albert has resigned from both his position with the Bristol Farmer’s Market and the Bristol Rotary Club.

August 29, 2023

Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano:

I am writing on behalf of the Bristol Town Committee and the many residents that have reached out recently with their concerns.

Due to the recent exposure of Jim Albert’s extreme racism expressed publicly on his Facebook page and an uptick in other instances of racism and white supremacy in Bristol, the Bristol Democratic Town Committee is requesting the following of the Mayor’s Office and the City Council:

  • Take a proactive stance and remove Jim Albert from any involvement with the Bristol Farmer’s Market and any Bristol boards, commissions or other affiliations with the City. As you know, the Farmer’s Market is a partnership between the Rotary Club and the City, and as such, it is your responsibility to protect the residents of Bristol from the hatred and vitriol distributed by Mr. Albert. You Do have the power to remove him from his position.
  • Send a report of the events in Bristol to the Connecticut State Police Hate Crimes Division so that it is documented and monitored.
  • Introduce a motion at the Sept. 12, City Council meeting denouncing this type of activity in the City.
  • Actively recruit residents to serve on the Diversity Committee and provide the necessary administrative and financial support so that this committee can engage and do work on these issues.

Thank you,

Ken Rasmussen-Tuller

Bristol Democratic Town Committee Chairman

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