Finch And Herbst Mix Like Oil And Water, Border War Expands

Will Mayor Bill Finch and Trumbull First Selectman Tim Herbst ever get along? They argue over parks, poop, schools, government reform and building security. From CT Post scribe Brian Lockhart:

Even as the city markets its downtown as a destination, a regional organization of mayors and selectmen that meets in the transportation center building may pull out, in part over security concerns.

And that has further strained the already prickly relationship between members Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch, a Democrat, and Trumbull First Selectman Timothy Herbst, a Republican and the group’s chairman.

The two waged a heated argument at this month’s board meeting of the Greater Bridgeport Regional Council, and Herbst subsequently fired off a letter to the mayor, their colleagues and others criticizing Finch’s short fuse.

Full story here.

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25 comments

  1. Leave it to “The Mayor” to give Bridgeport Bashers more ammo to draw attention to our problems including his anger management problems, the total embarrassment of our train station area and his total incompetence on the Bridgeport-Newtown bike path.

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  2. Sometimes–like on this occasion–Brian Lockhart disappoints me. This is not a putdown on Brian and I can’t blame him as he is practically alone when it comes to great investigative reporting. “They argue over parks, poop, schools, government reform and building security.” Lennie, he is not the first nor the only one arguing over these issues and then some as I and many others have been doing for years. I’m waiting to hear Bill Finch say, “Herbst, you stupid moron, that’s not shit, it’s Godiva Chocolate.” I don’t blame Herbst or anyone for feeling disgusted and disappointed when they see shit whether it’s human or from dogs whose owners don’t pick it up. I’m sure what Herbst saw was not Godiva Chocolate. Below is the link to a commentary and video of the Charles F. Greene Homes. This story was picked up by the CT Mirror and titled “Bill Finch’s Bridgeport.” Where was the CT Post on this story?

    The videos are still on my YouTube page (joel112264) and below is the link to the OIB commentary and video. I hope you’ve chugged down your hot creamy morning chocolate before reading and viewing the video.
    onlyinbridgeport.com/wordpress/?s=it%27s+not+godiva+chocolate

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  3. My heartfelt condolences to Lennie and his family on the passing this morning of his loving mother, Emily.

    The true mark of one’s character is how they treat their parents. Lennie, you were a very good son and caregiver to your mother and late dad, Emilio.

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  4. Lennie, my prayers are with you, Mo and the entire family. This loss is one of life’s thresholds through which we all, or mostly all of us, pass. It doesn’t make it easier, of course, but take comfort that many of us have been where you are at this moment and send you heartfelt condolences and sympathy.

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  5. I think Tim and Bill should switch places for a couple of weeks. This way Tim can see how tough it is running a city like Bridgeport and Finch can learn what it is like to deal with an active constituency and a two-party town. Don’t think it would change either, just maybe appreciate how good they have it and stop whining so much.

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  6. Let’s show a comment by the mayor’s spokesman, Brett Broesder. He blamed Herbst for pushing Finch’s buttons–something the selectman has been known to relish.
    Mr. Broesder, the mayor is supposed to be a professional and be able to handle criticism and challenges. Your answer, Mr. Broesder, is pure and utter bullshit. As far as Mr. Herbst and his board of candy-asses goes, grow a pair will you? My wife attended nightly meetings there and had no problems and now all of a sudden the suburban honchos do. I will say this, go back to the lily-white ‘burbs and have your hand-holding meetings. What have you all accomplished anyway? Candy-asses.

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  7. Maybe someone on OIB can answer this question. Does anyone know why the new Roosevelt school was built minus four classrooms that are needed for the present student population? How do you build a school that is too small for its present-day population? Could it be the previously unscheduled soccer field Finch ordered built after construction started caused the four classrooms to be eliminated? BTW this soccer field cost an additional $900,000.

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  8. And Andy, I do not believe the state covers any of the cost of the soccer field.
    The new school is another joke the Finch admin played on the taxpayers of the city.

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  9. During the Vallas and Moales reign of terror, the site plan for Roosevelt School was submitted for approval. State statute requires the entire BBOE to vet the site plan and vote on it. If approved, the Chair has the authority to sign off on the required documentation.

    Kenneth Moales Jr. signed the form and never brought the site plan to the entire BOE for approval. It was not discovered until the entire soccer field issue came to light and BOE members wanted to know who approved the soccer field. Kenneth Moales Jr. admitted he signed off on it, and boasted he chose to do so without any input from the rest of the BOE members.

    At the committee meeting where this was discussed last week, Fran Rabinowitz announced as of right now they are short two classrooms, however when Cesar Batalla opened, many parents control transferred their children to Cesar Batalla. I assure you, once the new Roosevelt School is opened, many of those parents will want to enroll their children back into their neighborhood school.

    It is going to be a mess.

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  10. I love when the original topic takes a left turn. I am also grateful I do not see Bridgeport through the eyes of those on this blog. I think if Roosevelt School is short a few classrooms to make way for a Soccer field, I say brilliant!!! The kids of this neighborhood are all huge soccer fans. It will be an enormous plus for the students and the school and the neighborhood as a whole. I commend the individuals responsible for this. The Roosevelt school will definitely be a great photo op for Mayor Finch. Why not??? I’d like to meet just one parent who thinks this new addition to the neighborhood is inferior to the former school. Just one family! I like the funky colors and very happy the Bridgeport Military Academy will also be moving into this site from the old and dilapidated Ambrose School. If Reverend Moales is solely responsible for the soccer field, then I must admit he made the right decision and will be remembered with fondness from the thousands of students enjoying the field over the next decade. Now I am no fan of the Reverend as you know, but I will always acknowledge exceptional leadership when it is warranted. I am sorry for those who believe the soccer field was a mistake, but, admit it, it is a real positive. Why? It just shows Bridgeport is getting better and better.

    Side bar: I was stopped by Bridgeport police today for being on my cell phone. They were out in huge numbers. The ticket was $150 and I deserved it and thanked the police officer. I was serious and thought they were very respectful. I was guilty and I do believe we should all be ticketed for driving and using a cell phone. I always say the Bridgeport Police do a great job. I just thought I’d share.

    Friday evening, The Star of Istanbul–downtown was amazing as always!

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    1. Steve, just when I think you have reached the pinnacle of absurdity you surprise me. That soccer field you are crowing about cost $900K, took teacher and visitor parking spots and maybe four classrooms. Steve, what do we do with approx. 80-90 kids with no classrooms? Do you think their parents are happy about this? You should have been arrested by the PD for irrational thinking and for kissing ass again.

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  11. Steve, I lived on Park Avenue just two blocks away from Roosevelt School from 1996-2009. What is your basis for the statement kids in the neighborhood “are huge soccer fans?” Bridgeport Military Academy is not moving to Roosevelt School.
    Mayor Finch and his political hacks on the School Building Committed should be completely embarrassed that a brand new school that has not even been completely built cannot meet the needs of the community it supposed to serve before the doors even open.

    Steve, you shouldn’t praise Kenneth Moales for breaking the law and disrespecting the other eight BBOE members who were his equals.

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    1. Maria, you are correct. The Military Academy will be in the swing school now housing Roosevelt. The kids love soccer. The plans may have changed midstream but the addition of a soccer field will be a great morale booster. Ask students at Bassick who never had a field. Andy, 80-90 students? I thought I was the king of hyperbole. Teacher parking or a soccer field? Hmmm, let me see.

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      1. Well Steve, how many kids would be in the four classes and what is to be done with them? Do we hold open-air classes on that waste of $900K? Steve, maybe just maybe the kids will get to run around on the soccer field. You still did not tell us what happens to these kids.

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  12. Who is responsible for the screw-up at Roosevelt School? Is it the school facilities committee? Is it the BOE administrators? Is it the elected members of the BOE? Is it O & G who monitors city construction? Is it the former BOE athletic director who retired and is being paid big bucks per diem to manage construction at Roosevelt? Whatever the case, this is a major screw-up for which we pay many people big bucks to monitor these things. They all should be fired or replaced.

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  13. I saw where Stratford’s WPCA sold out to the Greater New Haven Regional Authority. I guess Stratford doesn’t even like the thought of their shit coming to Bridgeport. Good going, Bill.

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