Finch Backs Malloy’s Second Chance Proposal

Law Enforcement, News and Events12 Comments

From city Communications Director Brett Broesder:

Mayor Bill Finch pledged his support to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s “Second Chance Society” initiatives. Click here to read more: 1.usa.gov/1zbU3Ta.

“This is smart public policy,” said Mayor Bill Finch. “In Bridgeport, we’re a city that believes when you commit a crime, there must be consequences. We are also a city that believes in second chances. We can support people and help them make good choices or we can stand idly by and watch history repeat itself.”

Gov. Malloy outlined five key areas:
· Reclassifying certain nonviolent offenses
· Eliminating mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug possession
· Streamlining our parole system to make it more efficient and effective
· Streamlining our pardons system to give ex-offenders a greater chance at employment
· Creating real job and housing opportunities for ex-offenders

Governor Malloy spoke today at Yale Law School in New Haven, where he unveiled a series of “Second Chance Society” initiatives designed to continue the progress being made in reducing the state’s dropping crime rate.

“Mayor Finch has always strongly supported re-entry for those who have committed crimes to come back into our community in a productive way. That’s why he sponsored legislation, which became law, aimed at giving those convicted of felony offenses–after serving their time and paying their debts to society–to once again to be active in their community,” said Brett Broesder, the city spokesman and communications director. “Mayor Finch also put in a ban-the-box policy for the city upon taking office. And, he’s a champion for Project Longevity, The Workplace, and other agencies that provide support that help people succeed in life after serving time.

In Bridgeport, crime is at its lowest levels in more than 40 years, and preliminary statistics show another significant decrease in 2014.

Click here to see more: bit.ly/1z8gwvN

Ø When compared to similar sized New England cities, at 21 percent, Bridgeport, Conn. has seen the largest drop in violent crime (SOURCE: WPRI.com. “FBI: Crime down across New England–including Providence.” November 11, 2014. Link: bit.ly/12ojQuL).

Ø Crime in Bridgeport, Conn. is at its lowest levels in 40 years (SOURCE: CT Post. “Malloy: Crime at lowest levels in 40 years.” October 6, 2014. Link:bit.ly/1ygGEs2).

Ø Violent crime in Bridgeport has dropped 13 percent since Mayor Finch took office in 2007 (SOURCE: FBI–“Connecticut Cities: Offenses known by law enforcement in 2013”–December 2, 2014. Link: 1.usa.gov/1rSD6fb).

Ø Bridgeport has a lower crime rate than Hartford and New Haven (SOURCE: City-Data. “Crime Rates.” December 2, 2014. Link: bit.ly/11QeuHM. Totals for 2012: Bridgeport–1397, Hartford–1473, New Haven–1643).

Over the last four years, violent crime is down 36 percent and criminal arrests have decreased by nearly 28 percent. Violent crime in the state’s three largest cities has fallen 15 percent since 2008.

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12 comments

  2. “Mayor Finch has always strongly supported re-entry for those who have committed crimes to come back into our community in a productive way. That’s why he sponsored legislation, which became law, aimed at giving those convicted of felony offenses–after serving their time and paying their debts to society–to once again to be active in their community.”

    Perhaps the wind was blowing too hard, or the shoveling was too taxing in recent storms, but I thought the Mayor was against Ganim running for Mayor. Ganim according to some, would like to become productive once again and is looking at his options including the mayoral election in November.

    Come to think of it, perhaps after seven years our official Mayor, Bill Finch, realizes he is not productive as he would have ex-felons be and the Mayor’s office is an inappropriate position for former felons. Can you have it both ways? Anybody? Could the Mayor and BB be reading from two separate scripts? Could it happen if it were truly heartfelt? Time will tell.

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  3. Bill is clearly trying to play both sides of the fence here. Basically he is saying he is in favor of second chances, EXCEPT for Joe Ganim, ’cause he is a threat to his re-election. Haha, you can’t make this stuff up.

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  6. It’s what I’ve been saying all along, Mayor Bill Finch is a LIAR, he will tell you what you want to hear to back you off him, but he will lie his ass off.

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