High drama is hitting this political cycle as former Mayor Joe Ganim pledges to open a police substation/satellite campaign office at Trumbull Gardens, paid by campaign funds, to the protests of Mayor Bill Finch. Can campaign funds be used for this purpose?
The CT Post has more:
And shazam–just hours after the latest shooting in Trumbull Gardens–Ganim was putting the finishing touches on a proposed police substation which he said would open Wednesday afternoon at no cost to the city.
“It’s outrageous,” said an incredulous Finch when informed of his mayoral challenger’s Ganim’s latest coup. “This is ridiculous. It’s another diddly political gimmick.”
… “Quite frankly, I don’t care what his response is,” Ganim said. “What I care about is the safety of the residents of Bridgeport.”
Full story here.
Great article by my man Mayko.
I absolutely love this CT Post article. Finch comes across as angry and vindictive by threatening to close a police substation the community supports, police leadership supports, and costs taxpayers ZERO dollars. Finch can’t win on this one. If he supports the substation it is a win for Joe. If he opposes it, it is a win for Joe. BRILLIANT!
I was just watching Channel 12 News. Finch looked sweaty, flustered, unkempt, and his neck twitching was in full effect.
I’ll give that round to Ganim. No matter how much he spends on this substation it will be less than all the taxpayers’ money Finch has spent in his reelection effort.
Come on Tax Bill, start using your campaign money. Even Ganim knows that much.
And Steve A, I am not supporting Joe.
Bob, you will!
Well, winning a round? Really? I am sure those contributing to Ganim’s campaign will be thrilled he is using the money for political theater.
Maria, Bill Finch is the Mayor. Chief Gaudett most likely and wisely stick to his plan. So Joe is looking to become the Mayor of Trumbull Gardens and that is Steven Nelson’s district, very smart if he can deliver Trumbull Gardens.
I do not think Mayor Finch needs to concern himself. If Ganim is looking to pay Police officers off-duty to hang out, good for him. The other parts of the city are not Trumbull Garden centric.
If the residents of Trumbull Gardens can’t see this as a political ploy, then what are you going to do? I do not think Black Rock, North End, Brooklawn etc. etc. will see Joe as the savior.
Of course the other campaigns non reaction is their business.
Bill Finch need not concern himself with the perfectly timed announcement. Now Joe can focus his time, energy, resources in one little area. At least he is out there making noise. And Money. I cannot say that for the other campaigns. All these games will be eclipsed by the positive energy in the city and that is what the Mayor should continue to focus on. Ganim cannot escape his past but Foster has the most to lose. She will become like “Linda”. Ganim will make a strong showing in certain pockets and Finch will ultimately take the cake.
I will say as far as political theater goes, I say Bravo!
Let’s see what the Foster camp does in response. Send Kudos? Endorsement? Remember, you start with the anti-Finch votes–you are not taking any votes yet from Finch.
When people, especially young people, lack opportunities they lose respect for decency. The unemployment rate for young inner-city youth is supreme. Instead of college they go to another school, JAIL. Jail is where they learn disrespect for human life, authority (cops), and education. We must address this crisis. Outrage without understanding and action is what we have done for decades. Jobs now must be our demand for politicians. Bill Finch builds more parks, Joe Ganim opens police substations. One is oblivious, the other just wants to send more to jail to hone their skills.
A brilliant, eminently appropriate move. This is a sign there is ballsy, purposeful, solution-driven thinking going on in the Ganim campaign. Bill Finch has been left in the dust on yet another critical issue.
The 10 Chipotle jobs won’t save him–neither will the seven Starbucks jobs or even the 70 Bass Pro jobs.
Will Dick Blumenthal show up for the grand opening of the new sub-station in Trumbull Gardens? Will he show up for the attempted closing of the sub-station with Mayor Finch?
My hunch is he’ll stay out of Bridgeport until after November 10. Even if there’s an announcement of the opening of Wendy’s at Steal Point.
Way to go, Joe! The second time around is going to work for you if you build on this type strategy and think big for the city.
Oh Jeff, did you imagine there was not going to be a few homerun announcements way before the election? Did you really imagine Mary-Jane Foster was going to just roll over a play dead and let Ganim claim the brass ring? This is Fosters chance to make herself relevant. To fall way behind Joe is political suicide. I hate to take some of the wind out of your sails, but I just do not think two days after Foster opens her headquarters, she will allow Ganim to continue accruing the anti-Finch vote.
Well maybe that is what will happen. Who knows?
Bob, I do not think anyone tomorrow evening will be talking about this and I am very excited to hear an optimistic speech. Mayor Finch is confident and has so many things to be proud of. When you have to run the state’s largest city, you do not have time to focus on political theater and turn tragedy into a self-serving event. It is shrewd. It is sad but very shrewd.
Steve, I think tomorrow many residents of Trumbull Gardens will be thinking of this. They have gone through hell and deserve some hope. If it’s political, so what, something is being done. Somehow my guess is the war-torn residents won’t see it that way, and just maybe everyone should stop analyzing the motive and be grateful, this could have happened in any of our neighborhoods, so let’s all show some compassion.
Lisa, what next? A bathroom rest stop for police in other public housing areas? Do you think it is a brilliant way to spend money? Will Carolanne Curry run that headquarters? Will police use that facility against the will of their captain? I think a public restroom/campaign headquarters is very nice. I am certain his volunteers from the Gardens will find it convenient and I wonder will Ganim be hanging out there instead of his out of the way headquarters in the North End. I think most people at Trumbull Gardens will be going on with their business and enjoying the summer. Seaside Park, Beardsley Park, Pleasure Beach, Tennis, the camp down at seaside. If not, who’s fault is that? I am certain many people at Trumbull Gardens work and they see this for what it is.
We’ll see Steve, just my thoughts on it.
Lisa, I appreciate your thoughts on this. I was just reading a sign on McLevy Hall with your name and Ganim’s for the 1996 restoration. I know you go back years and respect your support.
It happened up here in the 138th twice in two days. That’s two murders in two days and nothing is said because it was on East Main St where few voters live. Both these guys are full of it.
This will take the wind out of Tax Bill Finch’s sails at his big announcement tomorrow night at Captain’s Cove. But it will be for sure the talk of the town there. Who won’t be talking about it?
At the rate we are going Bob, he may have to keep postponing his announcement until after the CONVENTION. IN MY OPINION and observation I don’t see those supporting him as the type to get the signatures needed, should they be needed. While many of us relish that part of a campaign, there are many, many more who dread it.
I appreciate that consideration, Steve.
Jeff, take a deep breath and repeat after me:
It’s only a gimmick.
It’s only a gimmick.
It’s only a gimmick.
No way is Joe going to be spending his own money for city expenditures. If he wins he’ll bill back the city with interest and then some.
You almost feel sorry for Tax Bill. Almost.
Jim Fox. A lot of people are talking about this one. Probably Mrs. F is giving him an earful you can hear out on Crown St.
I hear there is going to be a special guest at the Grand Opening at 4:00 pm tomorrow. I have moved back my canvassing training tomorrow because I have to see this with my own eyes.
I have a feeling Finch is really going to be twitching around 4:15 pm tomorrow.
Steve, I am inviting you as my guest. Wink!
Thank you Maria, I will be getting ready to attend the Mayor’s event at Captain’s Cove. I hope you have a great special guest. I can only think of one guest who could be the icing on Joe Ganim’s cake tomorrow. Ernie Newton?
Hey Joe, slow down. You do not want to peak too soon. Once you start going downhill the momentum speeds up.
Steve, thanks for always thinking about ME. I LOVE it.
Ernie, I love that you responded to my post. You are a local celebrity!
THANKS, MY Friend.
If I am Finch, I am up there for the Grand Opening thanking Joe Ganim and explaining this is what community policing is all about. Common citizens coming together and making the city a safer place for all.
I would then quietly hand Joe a cease and desist order telling him to remove the sign that misuses the term City of Bridgeport Police Substation. This is improper, misleading and can create public safety issues. Keep it open but call it Joe Ganim’s police station. Joe knows a thing or two about police stations.
Bob Walsh, sounds to me you are already a Ganim fan. It is so mind-boggling to me. If only Foster had one passionate supporter. Quick, Charlie Coviello is out there banging on doors.
I am willing to bet every member of the BPD will be ordered not to step a foot in this location. If that happens, we will have to spread the word to all the local residents.
No matter what Finch says or does, he has already lost this round to Joe Ganim.
Maria, it puts a smile on my face to see you so excited. It makes me think of the Pointer Sisters song. I’m so excited, and I just can’t hide it. I’m about to lose control and I think I like it, oh yeah!
Re: One-man crime prevention program: Joe Ganim will run out of money before Trumbull Gardens runs out of crime.
Disclosure: As of this post, Ganim follows me on twitter
www .twitter.com/door24
Not sure I agree with John Q Citizen opening police substations, but at least it’s something. Finch is promising cameras in 90 days, meanwhile that complex is a warzone, people are afraid to leave their apartments. Something had to be done NOW.
Lol. I can see a scenario where Finch announces a “new substation” is going to be built, with “the highest technology” at the cop’s fingertips. Finch’s longtime supporters were the low bidders coincidentally! McClutchy will build it, Moutinho will do the site work. haha …
Hey Bill, got to say Joe made you look like a fool on this.
Finch looks like a two-year-old crying over a toy. This isn’t the first substation paid for by private citizens, so Finch should do his homework. Madison Avenue long had one as have East Main Street, Stratford Avenue and so on. Stop whining and enjoy your butt-whipping, Finch. Your move, Mr. Mayor. If you have any. Here’s an easy one for you, either fire or force your police chiefs out. They are really making it too easy for Ganim. They are useless and making you look stupid as crime soars and they have no answers.
So Phantom,
By your way of thinking a Bridgeport Police Officer can declare his living room to be a police substation so he and his fellow officers can sit around his crib all day.
How are those Press Conferences updating the residents of progress on the shootings coming along? Still nothing to report???
I am sure Phantom lives somewhere in the ‘burbs and could care less about the residents of Bridgeport.
Steve, what happened to Finch’s buyback program? He announced he wanted to raise $75,000 from local businesses. He announced one contribution as far as I know. It has been weeks with no other announcements.
Maria, you are kidding, right? You think this is not a good step? Did you imagine the business community is not supporting these efforts? Did you imagine a gun is being turned in and getting the response, sorry we ran out of money?
I think a campaign headquarters/public rest stop is clever. Let’s see how active it is any given evening.
The latest from Ganim is a smart political move, but it is complete BS. Funding the substation will prove what and what happens when the election is over? Does the substation disappear? They had walking patrols 50 yards from the latest shooting and it still happened. It’s the residents who can effect change, if they want change.
What a schmuck. I’m a firm believer in the progress being made in Bridgeport lately, and was planning on buying a home this year. At first I was embarrassed to hear he was running, and then I grew terrified at the prospect and what it would mean for Bridgeport’s future. Namely, tossing it right back into the 1980s. It appears he’s got some support here, and I wish I could ask each of them what the heck they’re thinking. What sensible business person or neighboring community would work with a convicted criminal?
I have lived here 40 of the 48 years of my life and was born here. What “progress” are you referring to?
Maria, 🙂 The progress Canobeano is referring to is Downtown, Steelpointe, parks, waterparks, playgrounds, quality of life, environmental responsibility, restaurants, pride.
Maria, if you took the time to enjoy any of this you would appreciate it. It is nice loving the ’50s diner, but there are four restaurants next door. You need to expand your horizons. There is more to Bridgeport than Magnet schools, Charter schools and Board of Ed issues.
You are a woman of substance and need to take a break from your one-agenda fight. Go to Pleasure Beach, drive to Steelpointe, check out Downtown Thursdays. See what’s happening in the city. Go to the arts festival downtown this Saturday 10 – 6. Enjoy some of the progress Canobeano is referring to. I know you were traumatized by the attempted takeover of the Board of Ed, but you are missing all the great things happening all over the city. Do not let your bitterness cloud your judgement. Bridgeport is looking good!
Steve, how much does it cost to gain admittance to the fantasy land you live in?
Maria,
If you are a parent in Bridgeport with children to educate, Steve Auerbach is willing to babysit for them in a Bridgeport school for a fee, not for free, and what is he paid? $75 per day? And what does he say? Nothing good about current status and no special comments on how to make critical changes in the classrooms.
But he is an expert on distracting everybody else with HOOPLA while he looks in the mirror, that is the mirror that distorts everything. Such a waste of energy, but his loss.
Watch that what people say and do are congruent. Steve, the biggest cheerleader for the Finch regime is also an owner of multiple properties on which he pays taxes, and then tells us he is selling one or more of them, perhaps the rose-colored visions are fantasy? Time will tell.
Free.
JML, you used to have intelligent posts. I love it that I am so popular and you cannot get me to see the world through your shit-stained glasses. You drone on incessantly about the sos. I am so sorry my support of Bill Finch irks you so. I am in fact a one-man army and your misfortune is I am not on your team. I am humbled by the attention I receive on this blog. It makes me feel special. I am not sure why you have mentioned my selling a piece of property over and over again. I mean is that any of your business? It does have to do with the lack of pay. Unlike most bloggers here I have seen the inside of the Bridgeport School system and hopefully will not be wasting my time come this school year. Keep on trucking along, you should hone your political skills, I am not hopeful given your bleak position on Bridgeport’s past, present and future. May I say on behalf of myself as I cannot speak for Bill Finch, thank you for not supporting him. Thank you thank you thank you. Now, stop your crying! Time will tell if you can walk the streets with your message without spending an hour with each potential voter, time will tell if you will be able to state whom you are supporting for Mayor. So many of us want to know. Who, John? Who are you supporting, John Marshall Lee? You cannot attack me without letting me know what candidate has received the endorsement of the great John Marshall Lee. Who, John? Inquiring minds as well as those who don’t give a crap are curious as to whom is the lucky recipient of the John Marshall Lee crown of glory!
Please let it not be Mayor Bill Finch!
canobeano, I’m proud to be working with Joe Ganim, and don’t kid yourself, businesses will go where they get a good deal. One thing everyone knows, or should know, Joe Ganim will be the most honest Mayor in the State. He screwed up, the punishment exceeded the crime, but he did it. I served 10 years with him, and he was a good Mayor. Maybe we should go back to the ’80s.
Lisa, the ’80s were Leonard Paoletta, Tom Bucci, Mary Moran. Joe was only Mayor for a month in the ’80s. During the prosperous ’90s during the Clinton administration, Bridgeport missed out on all development and was caught in one of the worst scandals the city had ever experienced.
I know that, Steve. I think I just want to go back to the ’80s.
Lololol. Me too. Time marches on!
canobeano, Ganim still owes people and needs to finish what he started. Most supporters are individuals who want their old jobs back, like Carolanne Curry and John Gomes, others in city hall want big raises for undermining Finch. Others like Lisa Parziale have a past working together, a sign on McLevy Green shows that past relationship. You are ultimately correct, what person in their right mind would support Ganim? Only those who have no problem seeing development stop and those who hate Finch with a passion and have their hands out. Mary-Jane Foster wasn’t even an option because of her honesty and integrity. I am supporting Finch because I see Bridgeport moving forward, finally faster than a snail’s pace. Why would anyone change captains unless you want to see Bridgeport remain a stagnant dying city?
Steven,
Your comment “Mary-Jane Foster wasn’t even an option because of her honesty and integrity.” Is a sad commentary on our times. Her honesty and integrity make her a non-option? Wow.
Michael Smith, it is sad but true and I am only referring to her candidacy against Joe Ganim. I do not question Finch’s honesty and integrity. Didn’t Mario Testa say Finch was squeaky clean?
Maybe the kids of Trumbull Gardens can sleep a little easier tonight, now that they have a police substation. Thanks, Mayor Joe!
Yeah, and all crime will disappear.
I probably shouldn’t respond to you since you’re about as useful as a three-dollar bill (or Andy), however my point is substations are nothing new and many times paid for by area merchants. So who cares who pays the rent and lights? Had MJ Foster thought of this, you and Andy would have had to clean your undies from all the excitement. Hopefully those minimum wage jobs (all five of them) produced at steal point get Finch an extra vote. Finch and Foster are playing checkers while Ganim is playing chess. Go Joe!
Phantooom, you really are an asshole. Ganim is playing dominoes, which he learned courtesy of the Feds.
Be nice Andy, you don’t have to hit below the belt to make a point.
Sorry Lisa, I am not a nice person when I am dealing with an asshole.
You are a nice guy, and you know I mean that. Between you and Jim I always have a good laugh, good wit.
I drove a bus at the terrace for a few years and I know the worse thing you could be called is a snitch. Until this mind set changes, all the cameras, police substations and all the political outrage will come to nothing.
I remember when we had the highest murder rate in the state of Connecticut. I fought to put a moble substation on Stratford Ave. We saw crime drop in OUR COMMUNITY! I was President of the CITY COUNCIL. If it’s done right it can work.
Every time Bill Finch calls Joe a criminal, he’s calling your SONS, DAUGHTERS, HUSBANDS and WIVES CRIMINALS! Thank GOD OUR GOVERNOR believes in second CHANCES!
Every time Ernie Newton talks about second chances, I think about the third one he needs.
Ernie–I think we all believe in second chances. But would you, as an owner of a day-care center, hire a convicted serial pedophile to run it?
A genuine police substation has active cops doing police activities. That’s expensive and Ganim cannot authorize that. That’s an executive decision made only by the mayor. Bridgeport already has a community police station nearby on Sylvan Avenue and it’s not a place to call in an emergency.
But can he open a police clubhouse for political reasons? Let’s find out.
Why don’t they realize that Ernie … oh, the skeletons in their closets!
Is this Police substation/satellite campaign office being financed by the Ganim campaign? If so, is this a legal use of campaign funds?
“V. SPENDING COMMITTEE FUNDS
A. Permissible Expenditures Generally
All campaign expenditures by a candidate committee must be made to promote the nomination or election of the candidate who established the committee. With respect to a political slate committee, all expenditures must be made to promote the success or defeat of candidates for nomination or election to office, and for town committees, all expenditures must be made to promote the party, candidates of the party, or continuing operating costs of the party. Permissible expenses, if made for these purposes, include but are not limited to the rental of real and personal property, the purchase of computer equipment and supplies, professional services, office supplies, polling, utility costs for campaign headquarters, printing, postage, photocopying, compensation of campaign staff, travel costs of the candidate and campaign advertising of any kind.
[General Statutes § 9-607(g)]
No goods, services, funds or contributions received by any committee may be made available for the personal use of any candidate or individual. Expenditures for “personal use” include expenditures to defray normal living expenses for the candidate, the immediate family of the candidate, or any other individual. Expenditures for personal use are those that have no direct connection with, or effect upon, the campaign of the candidate. Examples of such expenditures include rent or mortgage payments for residential or business purposes, clothing, shoes, groceries, and personal subscriptions.
The treasurer may not under any circumstances pay the candidate or the candidate’s immediate family (spouse and dependent children residing in the candidate’s household) for services rendered to the campaign. This prohibition is not applicable to reimbursements to candidates or committee workers for goods and services purchased by them for campaign purposes.
[General Statutes § 9-607(g)]
Other improper expenditures include any expenditures by committee officers or workers which have no substantial relationship to the lawful activity of the committee. The treasurer is the only one authorized to make any committee expenditures. Further, committee funds or resources may not be used to provide an honorarium to compensate, or make a gift to, an elected public official for a speaking engagement or other service rendered on behalf of the committee unless they are for reimbursements for the elected official’s actual travel expenses to make the speech or perform the service, or for food and beverage consumed by the elected official or members of the elected official’s immediate family at the speaking engagement.
[General Statutes § 9-607(h)] 36 | Page (Rev 2/11)
A candidate committee or a slate committee cannot transfer funds to any other committee or make expenditures which benefit other candidates or committees. However, there are limited exceptions explained in the next section. [General Statutes § 9-616]”
We have Finch using taxpayer monies on his re-election bid (not legal) and Ganim using campaign funds on a police substation to boost his re-election effort (doubt this is legal either). Is that what I am seeing here? How about a mayor who thinks it’s important to spend money legally? Mary-Jane Foster, anyone?
This location will serve as Joe Ganim’s campaign headquarters and the police substation. There isn’t one extra dollar being spent for rent, electricity, phones, copier, etc. for the carve-out of the substation.
A day in the life of Mayor Finch
Mayor Finch: And so my Friends with Bass Pro we can now fish in the Yellow Mill River, while eating a bean burrito in one hand and sipping a hot cup coffee with the other, all this at Steelpointe! I created 2000 units of housing, and 3000 jobs to jump-start our city’s economy, all this was done by my administration! I tell you friends, Bridgeport is a Boomtown! A real Boomtown! Getting Better every day! Honey, what did you think of my speech for tonight so far?
Mrs. F: Honey, the only one eating anything is Joe Ganim, he’s eating your flucking lunch!!! Ms. Secrest your campaign manager and her saturation bombs on Joe Ganim, it’s not flucking working, you can send that HO back to Himes! Joe Ganim’s police substation made you look like you should be helping the Charlie Coviello campaign!
MF: Honey, did you like the part when I said soon we can all fish in the Yellow Mill River again?
Mrs. F: Honey, I don’t know how to do the Conga-line dance Jeff Kohut and Jim Fox are taking about! And I don’t care you’re going to court with Barney Fife and Hamilton Burger to stop Joe Ganim’s police substation! I only know if I’m a member of the Democratic Town Committee maybe it’s time to start looking for some new dancers for City Hall.
MF: Honey, did I tell you I’m going to put cameras up at Trumbull Gardens in just 90 days!
Mrs. F: See Bill, it only took you 30 days to put them up on all the flucking traffic lights in the city!
We are so flucked!
Funny as hell. Thanks, Jim.
Jim Fox, don’t tell my boyfriend, but will you marry me?
Jim,
I owe you for another human insight: revealing even on a blog, humor is the best way to win the female heart.
Now will you sit down and write the script for the dialogue between the piranha and the fox after the proposal has been made and the question has been popped, so to speak? Time will tell.
Jim is not that dumb.
Maria, we’re going to have to fight for him!
Put em’ up!
Jim, I’m going to steal that Barney Fife from you, that’s funny.
What happened to the gun buyback program? How much money has been collected? Will it start when the total goal set is collected, if so that could be next year.
Ganim gets police endorsement–thinks he’s police chief.
Could someone weigh in on the legality of this ploy? If it’s against the law to impersonate a police officer, how is it not against the law to impersonate the entire department?
Phil, that was brilliant!
Phil, good point but it will need no answer because Ganim has made his point, now the office will be a second campaign office for him.
For penetrating blogging that goes to the heart of the matter, I nominate Phil Blagys as OIB blogger of the day.
New development coming to Bridgeport:
westfaironline.com/72742/developer-plans-57m-mixed-use-project-in-bridgeport/
The real kicker is HUD would have funded adding a police substation at TG at no cost to the Bpt taxpayer. However Finch appoints unqualified cronies to commissions who never made any attempt to address it. Now, the authority is being run by temps and overpaid executives transplanted from other states with less than a year experience with Bridgeport. Until Finch addresses the housing authority problem, the rest is pointless.