Carolanne Curry, who had served as Democratic mayoral candidate John Gomes’ closest adviser, has departed Team Gomes in an apparent disagreement over the direction of the campaign.
A seasoned campaign operative, Curry was the mothership for the neophyte Gomes’ entry into the mayoral sweepstakes more than a year ago. They worked together in the government-efficiency CitiStat program before a falling out with Finch over what they say was treatment of political sacred cows led to their dismissal. Gomes was let go by Finch after an altercation Gomes had with a city police officer at a Cape Verdean social club.
Curry’s departure comes at a time securing more than 2000 petition signatures from registered city Democrats is critical to placing Gomes’ name on the September primary ballot. Signatures must be turned in for review by local election officials no later than Aug. 10. Campaign staff disagreeing with Gomes is not unique to Curry. Marilyn Moore served for a brief period as Gomes’ campaign manager before a falling out. She is now running for city clerk on the ticket of mayoral candidate Mary-Jane Foster. State Senator Ed Gomes, like John Gomes, a key figure in the city’s Cape Verdean community, also endorsed Foster after making a campaign contribution to John Gomes’ campaign.
Curry would not get into specifics of the issues involved in her departure or whether her leave is mutual. In recent weeks OIB has criticized Gomes’ campaign message and strategy–including questioning Gomes’ temperament to serve as mayor–that led the Gomes campaign to discontinue sending news releases here. Curry had been a regular contributor to OIB comments, including loyal and thoughtful sharing of her candidate’s attributes.
When campaigns aren’t heading in the right direction it’s not uncommon for candidates to lash out at staff, even the most loyal. Money challenged and trailing Finch and Foster in OIB polls, John Gomes several weeks ago brought on a couple of new campaign handlers to try to elevate his candidacy.
That’s a surprise. I haven’t heard word one of any discord that would have the Tofu Tootsie depart the Gomes camp.
I truly hope she dashed because she sees merit in Gomes going to MJF in offer of support.
I want to vote for “THE PACKAGE.” It’s the best winning combination we have seen in Bridgeport in decades.
Pols lashing out when things are not going right is not unusual, whether it be staff, this webzine, newspapers et cetera, as the campaign ship slowly starts to slip beneath the waves beyond the breakers of Bridgeport harbor, a little bit starboard of Bridgeport light I’d make it.
Say, that vessel over there. Is that a New York City ferry? Anything to do with the mayor’s taxi service to Pleasure Beach and revitalization plans?
Before I forget it, someone needs to keep track of the killer wisecracks here and compile them for the holiday season. (Tofu Tootsie?!?!) This could be as good as the old Bridgeport Telegram Christmas parties.
Caroanne: I am sorry to see after all your hard work on behalf of John Gomes you felt you had to leave his campaign. I know that was hard for you as you were probably the first person to go with him.
This reminds me of the way Finch treats people especially bright well spoken women like yourself.
I think Gomes made a significant error in not listening to you and not treating you with the respect you deserved.
I know it’s too soon but I would hope you would join MJF, I for one would look forward to working with you. Whatever you decide to do I hope you realize you are an asset to Bridgeport. Andy F
tc,
Remember, half of all the lies I tell you are true.
Long ago, before MJF even got into the race, Lennie posted something about Carolanne having taken her candidate about as far as she could. It was one of the rare times I agreed with Lennie. She held him back more than anything and wasted precious dollars on things like “Not for Sale” stickers in the CT Post almost a year before the election. Although she meant well, she did not have the knowledge, energy or stamina for a campaign like this and as time went on, that sad reality became more and more apparent. Had Gomes replaced her a few months ago, I believe he would be in a better position today.
I understand they had a close personal relationship so this has to be difficult for them both.
Gomes … going, going, gone. When you lose your most faithful, it usually means others will follow. Your campaign hired guns maybe trained to take out the competition, but do you really want to follow in Finch’s footsteps?
When you cannot depend on the head of your staff to do the basic things that need to be done on a campaign, like respond to emails and telephone calls or properly advertise campaign events, it is time for a change no matter how much you might care for that person. It cannot be overlooked.
It’s a shame for John Gomes that Carolanne left the campaign. Many felt she was more qualified to be running for mayor than John was.
I ‘second’ that sentiment.
If I’m not mistaken Ms. Curry had stated she was NOT a Bridgeport resident.
Ms. Curry is still showing some loyalty to the Gomes camp by not getting into the details of her departure. It’s a safe bet it was something like “You can’t fire me, I quit!” This comes at a most inopportune time for Gomes and may prevent his campaign from collecting the required number of signatures to place his name on the primary ballot. Not much of a loss. He could only thank Charlie Coviello for not being in last place. Until Coviello saw the forest for the trees and took a place on MJF’s ticket.
Gomes’ chances of being elected Mayor were somewhere between Jack and shit, and Jack has left the building.
I think Callahan has to add that last comment. Gomes’ chances of being elected Mayor were somewhere between Jack and shit, and Jack has left the building.
Let’s not resort to Gomes bashing. Gomes is a good man; a very good man. He has my confidence. That is why I want him to scurry over to MJF’s campaign and align himself with her efforts to rid us of calamarian influence. It’s “THE PACKAGE” we want because we need it.
I’m not “bashing” John Gomes, just pointing out the obvious. His interview with the Connecticut Post put him in a bad light. Foster and Finch are ahead of him in every poll of note. His staff is committing mutiny. He started campaigning over a year ago with winning the primary as the ultimate goal, and he’s blowing it. His ego will not permit him to be a part of “THE PACKAGE” because his name is not on the return-address label.
He is going to have to stick his “EGO” up his ass. We need both of them in City Hall. MJF is better suited to be mayor while Gomes is better suited to be the badly needed ball buster.
“THE PACKAGE,” folks. Let him know we need “THE PACKAGE.”
If Ms. Foster is open to appointing him to a position within her administration, Mr. Gomes ought to give it serious consideration. It would be nice to include him with the other desired contents of “THE PACKAGE” but his ego is too big for anal insertion.
Watch Mary-Jane Foster on television tonight at 8pm on the Bridgeport Now TV program on Channel 88. Call in for questions or comments. Don’t have cable TV? Streaming live on the internet at soundviewtv.org.
Breaking news out of City Hall says Gomes recently found out Carolanne has long been negotiating with the Foster camp behind his back and without his knowledge to get the two together. Under the circumstances, the trust was broken and he could no longer work with her.
You are an out-and-out liar and are full of it. Try posting the truth once in a while. It could be Gomes’ heavy handedness with women that finally tipped the boat.
You are one of the most blindly reactive people I have ever encountered. I am moderated here–if it were not true, Lennie would not have posted it.
Hey Andy, knock it off. Tone down the rhetoric just one notch.
NO.
Thank God, sheriffs don’t carry guns. This guy is losing it fast. Maybe he should go away for awhile and rest.
You guys get upset when I challenge these people who post lies and bullshit on this forum, too bad. If these people want to engage in real debate, fine; but they don’t. I know Curry has not been meeting with mjf prior to today. Why post a lie?
You, sir, are a fool if you believe the nonsense you post. It is a fact this is what happened. Are you so naive to think there has been no contact between MJF and Carolanne when they are longtime friends?
tc, it’s time to take your meds again. You know how your blood sugar goes through the roof when someone calls out.
Now take some warm milk for your peptic vs gastric ulcer and go to bed.
And dream ;;;;;;;;;
tc,
You forgot to say BULLSHIT.
Corrupticut’s breaking news smells more like windbreaking news! Corrupticut must suffer from an inner-rear-infection.
Carolanne has put a lid on it and went out with style and class.
You know, Tom Kelly (RIP) used to make amusing little vignettes like that …i nner-rear infection. Looks like we heading for some real electial dysfunction again this time (another one of Tom Kelly’s).
Ah yes, I remember him well sparring with envoy5. I heard he will be making a RessErection.
A envoy5, a bonhomme.
envoy5 is amazing. Wish he’d join us again, if only for the election cycle. Anyone who drinks Bombay is okay by me!!!
Bring back the Cats. Paging Tom Cat, El Gato, Cat scratch fever, Cat o’ nine tails.
Memory
All alone in the moonlight
I can smile at the old days
I was beautiful then
I remember the time I knew what happiness was
Let the memory live again
In case anyone doesn’t get this, it is a song from “Cats”
“The trust was broken …” She was trying to preserve what’s left of his political career.
To the commentators saying Carolanne was the problem, you are wrong! John was in marketing and believed getting his name out was a key campaign strategy. Carolanne wasn’t the one ordering smocks for local barber shops with the Gomes campaign label or the not for sale stickers. If someone from his campaign is spreading that bs after she gave him legitimacy ,tons of free work and loyalty, then you are lower than the parasites eating the dung of a syphilitic goat.
Msg to J. Gomes: if the people lamenting Ms. Curry’s departure are the same who have been criticizing your campaign … I’m just saying.
Hector, just what are you saying? It’s always half-filled-out sentences with you.
tc, what I’m saying is Mr. Gomes, if the people not supporting you are the ones telling you what’s best for your campaign, then what does ANYTHING they say/write matter (their advice is better given to the candidate they support). People have been asking for change, but it seems they want “CHANGE LITE.” I’d like to say to Mr. Gomes he brings a totally different demographic to this election (while the other two candidates pretty much cancel each other out) and if HE FEELS HE CAN WIN, THEN HE SHOULD STAY IN IT! Up to now I haven’t been involved with Mr. Gomes’ campaign, but that too may soon CHANGE.
I love the spin! MJF needs to see the light, she has no chance. Those 80 percent of folks who contributed to her campaign cannot vote in the primary, she has no name recognition other than her neighbors on that private road in Black Rock!
At last, a Finch person raises their head. MJF must be touching a nerve. That is not Gomes ugly rhetoric, it is not a “South Carolina” comment. I predict the Finch negative onslaught is about to begin.
Beware to both candidates, it is Finch’s style to stir the pot so it appears MJF is slamming Gomes and Gomes is slamming MJF.
Carolanne,
This feels like writing an obituary. You were a tremendous asset to Gomes & you will be very badly missed. You carried yourself with a quiet dignity and are displaying it still. One of the highest possible compliments is you have the respect of your opponents. tc has me on his emergency contact card.
Take some time off, you earned it. After the primary we’ll do lunch. Beverly Pizza okay with you? Don’t lose my #.
Love, A.T.
You are a frugal person.
OIB,
Thank you.
You’re welcome. My wife made me say that. Otherwise I would have said you are cheap.
Lennie, are there any debates scheduled?
Update: Three that I’m aware of, Hector, but if you’re willing to moderate there may be some more takers! Let’s see if Foster and Gomes qualify for the ballot. Petitions due in Aug. 10. Will share dates and locations Wednesday.
It would be an honor.
*** Sad but the political beat goes on without “BLOODROOT,” no? As Lennie wrote, let’s see who makes the petition cut before any more GOMES bashing from the OIB “sideshow stars!” Only a united front by all candidates will chop this city’s decadent DTC tree down come Nov. *** EARN IT THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY ***
lmfaaa a while ago I was on my porch and three youngsters were Finch search came up to me asked if I’m voting I said yes and they were telling me about Finch I said will not be voting for him. But I will say they look like they are hitting the ground and Foster had better follow suit. Knocking doors is a key like what the Finch camp was doing in Black Rock less than 30 min. ago.
Here’s what I think happened:
John Gomes is an angry man. He’s been campaigning hard for over a year. He has gotten a good response from people. Along comes Mary-Jane. Almost instantly people start gravitating to her. She is smart, personable, good ideas, proven track record, down to earth. She dislikes Finch for all the right reasons. She starts raising money, she gets her message out, she builds an organization. Next thing you know, she’s ahead of Gomes in the polls. Gomes is saying “WTF, I’ve been working at this for a year!”
Carolanne sees the writing on the wall. She tries to convince Gomes to talk to Mary-Jane. He is resistant. Maybe she talks to Mary-Jane and suggests she extend the olive branch. Gomes finds out, blows his top, Carolanne is history.
I understand where John Gomes is coming from. I’d be pissed too. However, I truly believe he loves this city and wants to do the right thing. We all agree the right thing is for him to join Mary-Jane as her CAO or Chief of Staff and implement his CitiStat recommendations. Yes, that would be a strong team, the perfect “package.” Hopefully very soon John will come around.
What polls? Where are these polls? If you google Bridgeport Mayoral Polls, you get Gomes’ poll posted on Barnum’s Post and OIB’s poll. No one else has released the results of any polls. If anyone has a link to any professional polls, please post. Thanks.
Gomes. It’s THE PACKAGE we, the good people of Bridgeport, want. We have faith in THE PACKAGE. We need THE PACKAGE to rid us of the nefarious influences that have robbed us of our dignity for the past four decades. You are in a position to guarantee the removal of the obstacles that have driven us down. Please go to MJF. Tell her you too think THE PACKAGE is the answer to the problems Bridgeport has.
We want you to serve in her administration in the highest capacity with autonomy, responsibility and authority.
Get the message? If you stay in the race, both you and MJF lose. Finch wins again and then the entire City of Bridgeport and the surrounding communities lose big time.
Too many people (Hell, ALL of the people of Bridgeport) are depending on this election to send Mario Testa and Paul Timpanelli packing. Removing them from all influence.
You can make the difference in this town you have publicly committed to make. THE PACKAGE is the answer, John. Please give us THE PACKAGE.
Is Paul Timpanelli near retirement? Should the Package prevail, the Mayor et al. may find homes at the BRBC.
If THE PACKAGE prevails, Timpanelli will be sent packing along with the rest of the worthless philistines who have take so much from us and have given back nothing.
Has anyone (not yahooy for sure) considered the possibility Mary-Jane Foster has some much more experienced and qualified people in mind for the position of CAO as well as others?
“El que se va no hace falta; los que faltan son los que vendran.” This is a simple saying we P.R. have. It means those who leave or go in their own direction aren’t needed. The needed ones are those who shall come.
There is no time to duel and wait–Keep moving forward and hope those who decided to go in their own direction will catch up and unite.
As for yahooy, there is no need to get on your knees to beg and say “please.” I got your “PACKAGE” right here. I don’t need ten digits or have to be a City Sheriff to deliver it either. So feel free to provide a delivery address.
If her choice process for her CAO is anything like the process used to put an emotional midget like you on her ticket, then we are doomed. You really should not act as her spokesperson. A tremendously large number of people in this town think you are an asshole.
I do not consider Joel an asshole. Just wanted to make that point.
By the way, Sheriff Chopalong, I am a staunch supporter of your candidacy. Your perspicacity should lead you to understand you cast your delirious rampages on people who oppose her, not on the people who think she is truly the salvation for this city.
I do not know what went through her mind when she agreed to align her name with a person like you. I guarantee you will not be elected and you will cause people to reconsider their votes for her.
You should thank her, then withdraw. I hope she didn’t think you had the ability to draw voters from a specific segment of society. Actually, all of society shares my opinion of you. She made a campaign error in putting you on the ticket. I hope it is not a fatal error.
Go away. You are drunk with your own delusions. This election is for serious people. These are serious times.
When you walk in to quit, you might remind her there are an awful lot of people who think THE PACKAGE is a good thing.
John Gomes is a very angry man. 🙁