Barney, Fortier Seeking Reelection For Third Council District

By Dean L. Wright, The Bristol Press

June 2, 2021

Bristol Democratic Town Committee announced Tuesday that incumbents Brittany Barney and Mary Fortier are seeking reelection for the third council district.

Barney is continuing to serve her first term, and has served on the city’s fire board, library committee and real estate committee.

“My first term has been filled with challenges that no one could have ever imagined,” said Barney in a release. “Despite the challenges, the main theme from our city’s departments and leadership has always been to seek out the best possible solution for the community. I am very proud of all the great work that has been done by this council, our mayor and the many city employees who work hard to make Bristol great.”

Fortier is an attorney who has worked several years for the state of Connecticut’s judicial branch. She is a lifelong resident of Bristol and has raised six children with her husband David Fortier on Federal Hill while also recently welcoming two grandchildren.

Fortier’s tenure has seen her serve on over a dozen committees. Currently, she serves as the chair of the salary committee, represents the third district on the public works board and serves on the ten-year capital improvement and strategic planning committee. All three committees share a goal of implementing efficiencies and planning to improve city infrastructure.

“It is great to see the progress that has been made since I first became a council member,” said Fortier in a release. “We have integrated several departments. Staff in many departments work with other departments on a regular basis and strategic planning is taking place in all departments. As a result, service has improved to all our residents and businesses.”

In a shared statement, Fortier and Barney said, “We are both privileged to be part of the Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu’s team on the city council, but we are also proud of the balanced experience we provide to the third council district. From millennial to grandmother, we give each other a different perspective, which makes both of us better representatives to our constituents.”

Bristol Board of Education announcements and other city council districts along with the mayor are anticipated to be given in upcoming Bristol Democratic Town Committee meetings. Official endorsements are anticipated to take place in July.

Bristol residents are encouraged to call Democratic Registrar Kevin McCauley at 860-584-6166 for more information on registering to vote or the voting process. Online information is available at bristolct.gov under the registrar section.

Voter registration is also available online at the Connecticut Secretary of State’s website, voteregistration.ct.gov.