Bristol in fight over breast cancer awareness

BRISTOL, Conn. (AP) — Bristol's mayor is refusing to back down from his ban on firefighters wearing pink shirts to show their support for breast cancer research.

The Bristol Press reports that Mayor Art Ward told critics Tuesday that his decision is not because he lacks compassion. Instead, he says management problems could occur if every municipal department selects a medical condition or disease on which to focus its attention.

Residents appeared at a City Council meeting Tuesday to voice opposition to Ward's policy. Resident Tracey Beland says it's unfortunate that Ward sparked a political brawl over the issue.

Bristol firefighters accused the mayor of politicizing the issue, but stayed away from Tuesday's meeting because their union said it wanted to avoid politics.

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Information from: The Bristol Press