FIREWORKS

I wrote a story for today's edition of The Bristol Press (www.bristolpress.com) about how the celebration for the city's 225th anniversary will not include fireworks as organizers had planned for months.
The root of the problem seems to be the city's insistence on a certain number of cops on duty, based on what the police say they need.
Chief John DiVenere said he can't compel officers to work on their day off in a non-emergency situation.
Mayor Art Ward is reluctant to pay all the overtime and isn't questioning how many cops are needed or if they are, whether out of town subs could be used for this special event.
According to the 225th committee, the city won't consider alternatives that organizers suggested, like using volunteers, police Explorers, firefighters or rent-a-cops.
It's too bad, especially on the heels of the new downtown deal.

Crash Course

Members of the Bristol 225th birthday committee who have fond memories of soap box derby races on Main Street want to relive those glory days with an event this summer.

Trouble is, their timing (they want June 13, the date Bristol was founded) collides with the city's plans for the Main Street streetscape upgrade of new sidewalks, new decorative lamps, benches, the whole nine yards. It would be just about exactly the same time in exactly the same spot.

I wrote a story about it today that you might find interesting. Hopefully it will run in Wednesday's edition of The Bristol Press. (www.bristolpress.com)