Mayor Joe Ganim on Monday welcomed Tyisha Toms as the new city attorney during a swearing-in ceremony, the first woman of color to lead the municipal law office.
Toms, a city resident, spent several years working in the Office of the City Attorney, leaving for a time to become assistant corporation counsel for the City of Norwalk, but now she’s back this time as the chief legal counsel for Bridgeport.
Since the retirement of R. Christopher Meyer, the void was filled by long-time municipal lawyer Mark Anastasi who had served as city attorney for decades.
Toms will lead a legal staff of more than one dozen navigating the complexities of municipal law and a litany of issues.
Excerpt from bio:
Attorney Toms was born and raised in Bridgeport, is a long-time Bridgeport homeowner, and is mother of two. She brings extensive municipal law experience to the role, including experience in municipal contracts, FOIA issues, real estate, and compliance. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Political Science from Albertus Magnus College and her law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law. Currently, Toms is Treasurer of the Board of Directors for both the Bridgeport Arts and Cultural Council and Career Resources. She has served on the Board of Directors for Alliance for Community Empowerment and ACCESS Educational Services.
Tyisha Toms will provide the citizens of Bridgeport with a fine intellect, integrity in her legal profession. and a variety of experience in the challenges of municipal legal matters. In addition to those character values she gets along with others using great listening skills, strong empathy, and her often present and radiant smile.
Ten years ago we shared a challenge ticket to those folks endorsed by the party in our District and knocked on many doors. She is a great worker and fun to be around. We failed to win, but the thing I prize most was the opportunity to learn the ways Tyisha contributes to the Bridgeport community by her presence. Seriously, time will tell.
Sure, JML! If that’s the case, why was it that during Monday’s Council meeting it was Mark Anastasi who handled the entire legal process during Maria Pereira’s Censuring Procedure. Must I put up the videos and photos too.
Lennie, you have some explaining to do.
“Since the retirement of R. Christopher Meyer, the void was filled by long-time municipal lawyer Mark Anastasi who had served as city attorney for decades.”