From Brian Lockhart, CT Post:
Pressure is mounting on Mayor Joe Ganim to pay the city back for his use of a taxpayer funded police detective while campaigning for governor.
“The mayor should make a good faith effort to try and estimate the costs and reimburse taxpayers,” said freshman Councilwoman Maria Zambrano Viggiano, co-chairman of the budget committee, in an interview following that group’s meeting Monday. “I think it would be a gesture of good faith to residents.”
Another committee member, Councilwoman Jeanette Herron, generally a Ganim supporter, agreed. She said the mayor needs protection, but there is a difference between having a security detail while out and about on city business and while campaigning for the state’s top office. “My personal opinion? I think it should be reimbursed,” Herron said. “He’s running for another position.”
“I definitely do not think taxpayer-funded police should be with the mayor during those times” on the campaign trail, said a third budget committee member, freshman Councilwoman Christina Smith.
Full story here.
This is a no brainer for Mayor Ganim, just reimburse the City and you’ll look good, fight it and you’ll look like a greety politician and a asshole.
He already looks like an asshole.
THis doesn’t look good, Little Joe Ganim being carted around in a city-owned vehicle driven by a Bridgeport detective, all on the city’s dime. Meanwhile the education budget was slashed, streets are unplowed, garbage hasn’t been picked up… The people of the city of Bridgeport deserve better, much better. Unfortunately we’re stuck with Little Joe Ganim, a convicted felon, disgraced attorney and documented liar. Why? Because Mario Testa plays politics for sport. It’s not about what’s best for the city, it’s all about winning the game.
When and who approved his security detail anyway. Groark was Lt Gov of the state when she ran – Joe is a mere Mayor. And while he might need protection while within City limits why does he need it when he’s out of town? Has someone made an attempt on his life that we don’t know about?
I am sorry to report that there was an attempt o the mayors life. He was attcked by a shit eating dog and the security detail safed the mayors life
Thanks, Andy I have a rough day ahead and I needed a good laugh!!!!!
Suggesting a “good faith effort” is clear evidence that these council members, and likely others, do not understand the role and authority of the city council in the city budget.
Does anyone expect Joe to be honest about the hours Garcia drove him around for city business vs campaign business??..There is no way to to check Joe’s #’s.He’s a convicted thief,he knows how to lie..