State Senate candidate Ernie Newton shares a commentary about Bass Pro Shops. From Newton:
Over the past few days Bridgeport has learned that our long heralded development at Steel Point is making progress. While I commend the Mayor and the Governor for their efforts, it is imperative that projects like this create opportunities for families here in Bridgeport. People here are ready to go to work. This project will be Bass Pro’s first store in a truly urban center. Who better to help with the transition than Bridgeporters that are hungry to show what they can do.
In the Post’s story regarding past discrimination claims with Bass, I agree with Councilwoman Lydia Martinez, it would be a blow to the gut if people in our neighborhoods were passed over. Bridgeport’s current unemployment rate hovers around 12% and in places like the East End and the East Side, it is safe to say that it is way higher than that. Long before the economic downturn a few years ago, people in our neighborhoods have been struggling, looking for a chance. In these areas especially, it’s not too hard to find a lobsterman, a boat repairman, or a friend that knows the best fishing spots in Bridgeport. Our communities are ready to go to work and do their part in making our city great again.
Bridgeport is filled to the brim with pride. We all have been through a lot together.
We are a collage of neighborhoods that come in all colors, shapes and sizes. We have the kind of human inventory and diversity that can exceed expectations, even for a successful company like Bass. We just need the opportunity, an opportunity that we have been waiting a long time for.
To the felon known as Newton …
We know you didn’t write this. It was written by someone who knows the English language. By the way, why don’t you go to work for Bass? It’s where you belong, away from the political theater. And if you steal from them, it won’t be pretty.
Aren’t you the Bob Barnes who was fined by the state for trashing Bob Keeley’s finance records?
An interesting comment … I was Bob Keeley’s treasurer as a favor to him to protect. I was out of state during his campaign and he ran the funds, the payments and all the receipts. My fault was “No good deed goes unpunished.” In my discussions with the SEEC it was admitted I personally did no wrong, but because I was treasurer in name I was responsible. I paid a $300 fine Bob Keeley admitted he should pay, but didn’t. To use the term “trashing Bob Keeley’s finance records” is a lie. He handled his campaign from top to bottom. I took responsibility for his poor record keeping that was, in fact, reconciled within the time prescriptions and paid the fine for his actions. It cost me a 35-year relationship with Bob and his family as they refused to accept any wrongdoing in this matter.
Are you trying to equate me with the felon known as Newton? Nice try, but speaks of your lack of due diligence.
*** Opportunity only knocks once in the ‘hood and if everyone’s gone “Bass” fishing and no one’s home, it could pass you by, no? *** 23rd District Gone Fishing! ***