DTC to recognize officials for years of service

From left, artist's rendering of Andre Dorval, Thomas O'Brien, Christopher Wilson and John E. Smith, who will be honored for their years of service on June 15. | Illustration by Paula O'Keefe

Posted By: Staff June 2, 2023

Four long-time Democrats will be honored by the Democratic Town Committee at a recognition dinner in mid-June.

The four are Andre Dorval, who served as Judge of Probate for 26 years; Thomas O’Brien, who has been active in local politics for 40 years; John E. Smith, who recently completed his final term with the Board of Finance; and Christopher Wilson, who served for about a decade as the chair of the Board of Education.

Aside from serving as probate judge, Dorval has been an active member of the DTC, running a law office and serving as a trustee at St. Ann Church.

O’Brien began his involvement with local politics as a councilmember, and then moved on to both the appointed and elected Board of Education, serving as chair of personnel and finance committees. 

In addition to his work guiding the city’s finances, Smith served as liaison to many school building committees, culminating with the opening of the Memorial Boulevard School transformation to the Bristol Arts & Innovation Magnet School and the Rockwell Theater.

Wilson served as chair of the Board of Education during the time when the board transitioned to K-8 and sold three elementary schools, demolished another to rebuild and renovated the Boulevard. He has also served on the Bristol Business Education Foundation and is active at Prospect United Methodist Church. 

The recognition dinner will be held Thursday, June 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Luna’s on King Street. Tickets are $40 and are available online at the Bristol Democratic Town Committee Facebook page or website (www.bristolctdems.us) or by calling 203-509-4295.

There are also opportunities for program book ads. 

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