Bristol Election Profile: Mike Byrnes

BRISTOL, RI — Michael Byrnes is running for the Bristol Town Council. The 74-year-old Independent is a newcomer to elected office.

Byrnes was a soldier for 30 years, a corporate executive in Chine for eight years and a small business owner in Bristol for 12. He is a Colt High School graduate and has a bachelor's degree in history and education from Providence College, a master's of arts in international relations from the University of New Hampshire and a master's of arts in national security studies from the Naval War college.

Why are you seeking elective office?

In these polarizing times we need more moderate voices on the Town Council. I am well positioned to fill that need. My wide-ranging leadership and management background, common sense, and extensive civic involvement provide me the wherewithal to represent all citizens to make Bristol an even better place to live, work, run a business and raise a family.

What do you believe should be done to contain the coronavirus pandemic, and what would you do to lessen its economic impacts?

Many of the safety precautions that have been put in place seem to work well. There are many businesses and organizations that have learned to operate safely in this environment. We can minimize risk but never eliminate it. We need to learn how to adapt, live and work in this environment and return to a greater sense of normalcy.

Do you believe systemic racism is a problem in America generally and Rhode Island specifically, and if so, what would you do to combat it?

NO. I do believe that racism exists and will as long as human beings populate the earth. However, it is no means certain that this racism is institutional or systemic. We have had a black President, now a black vice president candidate, two Supreme Court Justices, a Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, numerous general officers, 57 current serving members of Congress, many Cabinet Secretaries, two National Security Advisors, numerous distinguished academics and I could go on and on. If as some argue that systemic racism exists, it is a gross failure. All need to work to eliminate racism of all types. Schools, churches, civic organizations and individuals need to acknowledge and defend the basic humanity of every person.

Should the words "Providence Plantations" be removed from the state's name?

No

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Age, experience and world view. Additionally, I have run a small business, I have and continue to be involved with education issues, I co-founded a successful small business marketing and PR organization, Explore Bristol, and Chaired the Bristol Economic Development Commission. I have lived in many parts of the world and interacted with different cultures. Being a veteran and a senior gives me a good perspective on the problems of these groups.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Actually we have a good Town Council, but I am very concerned about the leftward drift of some members and several candidates for the Town Council. I am concerned that the local Democratic Party no longer represents the working man, no long holds dear the values of that great Democrat, John F. Kennedy. I am concerned that negative discussions about police are not helpful. I am concerned that division and tearing down have become more important than unity and building up.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

My main objectives are:
• Enhance economic growth. Small businesses in town need a dedicated person on the Town Council that will reach out and respond immediately to businesses that need help. Business owners are primarily responsible for their own success, but the town needs to foster an environment that enhances and does not impede success. I plan to be an ombudsman for small businesses.
• Work to improve our waterfront for our fishermen and recreational users. Our waterfront is our greatest natural resource. The harbor is in fine shape and the management is the best ever. More and more visitors are coming by sea and our residents are clamoring for more dock space. The addition of the fuel dock and expansion of the marina expansion will be a huge step forward.
• Keep taxes and spending at reasonable levels – always predicated on essential needs. This is especially important for our seniors and for others who might be on a fixed income. We all need to work together to find ways to maintain the town services while keeping taxes and spending down.
• Support our elderly, veterans and first responders. Bristol has always had a good reputation for supporting our seniors. We need to insure this continues. Being a veteran myself I have a special respect for those who served. Our police should be supported both financially and rhetorically. Our volunteer Fire Department and Rescue teams are the best around, and we need to support them in turn.
• Pursue educational excellence for all of our youth. Bristol public schools are good but there is always room for improvement. Rockwell is a star and there must be lessons that can be shared. We need to ensure that our high school graduates, both college bound and those who are not have the necessary tools to become productive citizens and have promising careers.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My military and diplomatic service and private sector background speaks for itself. I have a solid reputation for bringing people together to get things done. As noted above I have been actively engaged with in small businesses, educational activities, substance abuse prevention programs, veterans’ organizations, civic organizations and boards and commissions.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Be your self. Never compromise your integrity.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Please give my candidacy your serious consideration and your vote and allow me the opportunity to continue to serve our Bristol community to accomplish these objectives and ensure that Bristol can reach its full potential.