Anti-Corruption Bill Does Not Prevent Ganim Candidacy

While former Mayor Joe Ganim tries to regain his old job setting up a high-profile reelection campaign for Mayor Bill Finch, several Bridgeport area residents and business community members testified in support of an anti-corruption bill that if passed would go into effect January 1, 2016 and not impact Ganim’s run this cycle, according to the proposed language. It does, however, allow Finch a platform to draw a contrast with Ganim forced from office in 2003 following his conviction on federal corruption charges. It also allows Ganim to talk about a second-chance society.

The Providence Journal has editorialized in support of the legislative proposal. Providence, Rhode Island is the home of the colorful Buddy Cianci who lost a comeback bid for mayor last year following his conviction on corruption charges more than a decade ago.

Current bill language “An act concerning restrictions on persons running for public office who have violated the public trust”

Section 1. (NEW) (Effective January 1, 2016) No public official, as defined in section 1-110 of the general statutes, who is convicted of or pleads guilty or nolo contendere in state criminal or federal criminal court to any (1) crime related to a state or municipal office, as defined in section 1-110 of the general statutes, or (2) substantially similar federal crime related to a federal office, shall be a candidate for public office, as defined in section 1-79 of the general statutes.

Sec. 2. (NEW) (Effective January 1, 2016) No individual who is convicted of or pleads guilty or nolo contendere in state criminal or federal criminal court to any felony offense committed as a candidate for nomination for election or election to any municipal, state or federal office under title 9 of the general statutes, or any other felony offense related to such candidate’s campaign, shall be a candidate for public office, as defined in section 1-79 of the general statutes.

On Wednesday several Finch surrogates testified in support of the bill before the General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee. Some excerpts from testimony as provided by mayoral spokesman Brett Broesder:

Here are excerpts from testimony in support of H.B. 7052:
Ø Rep. Ezekiel Santiago (D-Bridgeport) (Link: 1.usa.gov/1IU55PB): “We’ve seen corrupt politicians fall again and again. Clearly we need to do more to keep corrupt politicians from violating the public trust, and to boost confidence in investors and job creators. That’s why I support these two legislative initiatives: keeping corrupt politicians from being allowed to pick the pockets of taxpayers again (HB 7052). And, giving state prosecutors the tools they need to prosecute corrupt politicians at the state level (HB 7051). These measures are common-sense. I’m confident that they’ll help create jobs and move our state and city toward a stronger future.”

Ø Paul Timpanelli, President and CEO, Bridgeport Regional Business Council (Link: 1.usa.gov/1Flpb4a): “I am here today to speak in favor of House Bills 7051 and 7052, both of which, if adopted, would assist us in our efforts to improve the image of our state, which, today, continues to suffer, in terms of our mutual desire to have Connecticut seen as a good place to do business, from its ‘Corrupticut’ perception. Each of you knows, as well as I do, that our state continues to lag behind most other states in terms of our perceived ‘hospitality’ to business, and each of you knows, as well as I do, that there are many reasons why we have not progressed at a pace which quickens the growth of our economy … These two measures will, as you know, provide prosecutors with added tools to take on public corruption cases and will keep convicted corrupt politicians from ever being able to repeat intolerable behavior. By doing so, a clear message will be sent that Connecticut is a place that invites and encourages investment.”

Ø Ron Thomas, Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) (Link: 1.usa.gov/1DzuSwa): “Political officials who betray the public trust by engaging in criminal activity tear at the very fabric of a democratic society … For those municipal officials who do not comply with state and local laws, there should be measures municipalities can use to protect the public.”

Ø Brandon Hall, Principal at Forstone Capital (Link: 1.usa.gov/1GjOF3f): “We are investing millions of dollars in Connecticut, and creating or supporting hundreds of jobs. This legislation will show Connecticut is investing in its business. Public corruption hurts businesses and keeps investors away. I see positive momentum with the state moving forward and these laws would help ensure we don’t slip backwards. Right next door in New York, legislation similar to the ones we are debating today, are already in place. New York is protecting the job creators and taxpayers from corrupt politicians. It’s time we do the same here in Connecticut. This legislation will provide a meaningful deterrent and consequences to politicians whose actions could drive companies away from the state.”

Ø Rev. William Marshall, Founder of the Bridgeport Christian Life Center, Bridgeport, Conn. (Link: 1.usa.gov/1FlwfxA): “I believe in second chances. And, I believe in the power of redemption. However, I also firmly believe that we, as a community, are entitled to count on our elected officials to do the right thing. The Lord teaches us about accountability. I am writing in support of House Bill No. 7051 and House Bill 7052. None of us are without fault. My parishioners trust me to help guide them in the teachings of Jesus. I take that responsibility very seriously, and I will not betray their trust. I also trust in the honor of our elected officials. We all must. When people seeking office ask to come to speak to members of our church, I ask only for honesty. And, we expect them to live up to their words. We rely on our public officials to be the voice for the voiceless. There is no higher calling. When that trust is betrayed, we will forgive them. And, we also must hold them accountable.”

Ø Daniel Donovan, Co-Founder of Nu Power Thermal (Link: 1.usa.gov/1FlxInC): “I am here in support of HB 7051 and 7052 … We are acutely aware of what past acts of public corruption can do many years after the fact. We have on occasion been told outright by a large potential joint venture partner that they refuse to do business in Bridgeport based on the bad experience they had years ago with public corruption for municipal services. We are all very aware and extremely impressed by the improvements that the City of Bridgeport has made in this area over the number of years that corrupt public officials have been removed and punished. Mayor Finch and his team are both creative and responsible and are leading the country in their renewable and sustainable efforts. However, it is sometimes difficult to convey these improvements to a larger business community as demonstrated by our example. We need to have rules that prevent the legacy of corrupt officials and their actions continuing to impact the City of Bridgeport and the State of Connecticut as a whole. That is why I support HB 7051 and HB 7052.”