Art Harris and Robyn Stephanie Waul-Blake, city employees at the center of a local police investigation, were fired by the city last week for their role in allegedly receiving nearly $400k in subcontract work on city projects involving minority business contracts. This investigation has taken on a new twist as a law firm hired by the city takes a lead role in evaluating city employee culpability, in addition to a request by the city for federal officials to get involved.
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City Asks Feds To Review Minority Contract Violations–Crumbie Law Group Assumes Local Lead Role
February 3rd, 2012 · 6 Comments · Analysis and Comment, City Politics, News and Events
→ 6 CommentsTags: Bill Finch
Taco Loco! A Super Bowl Contest, It’s Fun And Free
February 2nd, 2012 · 3 Comments · Analysis and Comment, News and Events
So whose pigskin are you supporting on Sunday? I’m a long-suffering New York Jets and Cleveland Browns fan, but if I must endure a Super Bowl without my team, it might as well be the Giants and Pats. Who could forget Eli firing the ball downfield four years ago as he was losing his shirt? Well, in our OIB Super Bowl contest there’s no shirt to lose, it’s free. Our genial friend Miguel Tomasio from Taco Loco www.tacoloco.com and Tom Kelly, proprietor of Driving Miss Daisy Car Service, will provide the following gift certificates:
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→ 3 CommentsTags: Tom Kelly
For Gaming Proponents, Dargan Drops Turd In Punch Bowl
February 2nd, 2012 · 4 Comments · News and Events
State Rep. Steve Dargan, at a Public Safety Committee information hearing for online gaming, said not this year. From the Hartford Courant:
The battle lines have been drawn over whether the state should legalize online gaming but debate over the contentious issue may have to wait for another day.
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The City, The State And Charter Revision, The Creature Relationship
February 2nd, 2012 · 7 Comments · Analysis and Comment, City Politics
Phil Smith knows more about the charter revision process in Bridgeport than anyone on the planet. It was Smith who crafted the charter question approved by voters more than 20 years ago that established the hiring process for the police and fire chiefs: they can serve no longer than two five-year contracts. The other night Smith cranked out an OIB comment response to a question about the charter process and it’s worth re-posting here as a guest commentary. When it comes to charter revision there’s a “Yeah, but …” attachment because of how the State of Connecticut recognizes cities and towns. Check out Smith’s observations:
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→ 7 CommentsTags: Phil Smith
Will Andres Ayala Run For State Senate?
February 2nd, 2012 · 3 Comments · Analysis and Comment, City Politics
State Rep. Andres Ayala with candidate for governor Dan Malloy in 2010.
Haven’t heard it from the horse’s mouth, but several pols tell OIB State Rep. Andres Ayala, leader of the city’s State House delegation, is telling them he’s running for the State Senate seat occupied by Ed Gomes and formerly held by Ernie Newton who announced officially on Saturday he’s a candidate for his old job.
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→ 3 CommentsTags: Andres Ayala·Bill Finch·Dan Malloy·Ed Gomes·Ernie Newton·Lydia Martinez·Mary-Jane Foster·Ned Lamont
Here We Go! Nine On Nine–Town Committee Fight Is On
February 3rd, 2012 · 19 Comments · Analysis and Comment, City Politics
Democratic Registrar of Voters Santa Ayala confirms the challenge slate for Bridgeport Democratic Town Committee in the 131st District has qualified to appear on the ballot for the March 6 primary setting up a showdown of young energetic challengers against a seasoned crew of party regulars. Voting precincts are Roosevelt School and City Hall. The district includes the South End, downtown, West End and a portion of the Hollow.
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→ 19 CommentsTags: Americo Santiago·Leticia Colon·Mary-Jane Foster·Mitch Robles·Ralph Mojica·University of Bridgeport