Foster: Trust Me To Create Jobs

Essay from Democratic mayoral candidate Mary-Jane Foster:

I urge voters to consider one question: which candidate do you trust to create jobs, stabilize taxes and lead Bridgeport in a new direction?

With 40 years of small-business experience, I have a long history of finding innovative ways to support the Bridgeport economy, create jobs and promote financial independence. As owner of the Bluefish, I invested in our city and created 140 permanent jobs for Bridgeport residents. The Bluefish alone has pumped $60 million into the regional economy because we made a commitment to “buy local.” As mayor, I will bring that same commitment to City Hall.

Buying local helps our businesses grow, employ more people and reduce the residential tax burden.

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

I am running for mayor of Bridgeport to put our city back to work and to attract new business, create jobs and stabilize our tax base.

Steelpointe is still a vacant lot with nothing happening. The developer must be held accountable for meeting time lines and commit to minority contracting set-asides and living wage jobs. Water-related uses and public access to the walkways and beach for all to enjoy must be the priority.

Downtown, like so much of our city, has incredible potential that will not be realized until we treat it like a neighborhood. Improving services and security is essential to supporting these businesses and growing our arts and restaurant scene.

Yet economic development cannot just be about downtown and Steelpointe. My administration will partner with all of our neighborhoods to build on the vision and momentum the NRZs have started. Identifying appropriate businesses for each neighborhood is critical to making Bridgeport a dynamic, vibrant community.

Ways that we can support small businesses include:

– creating a local loan guarantee program;

– developing incubators;

– offering technical and mentoring assistance; and

– exploring “hire local” tax credits and temporary rental subsidies in areas targeted for redevelopment, and more.

All these efforts will lead to increased revenues to the city, which will stabilize taxes for all of us.

Real Education Reform

I do not support the state takeover of Bridgeport schools orchestrated by Mayor Finch. It is a stunning abandonment of the responsibilities the mayor and Board of Education are elected to uphold and blatantly disenfranchises voters. I am challenging the constitutionality of the takeover and that case is before the State Supreme Court.

I do support establishing a “blended” Board of Education, with elected and appointed members, because I believe a mayor has to lead change and be held accountable for results.

I have proposed a 10-point education reform plan that will work to:

– lower our dropout rate;

– increase the number of our students getting workforce development education and/or college degrees; and

– partner with Bridgeport’s colleges and universities in educating our students.

Improving our schools will open the door to new economic development, which will contribute to our tax base.

Make Your Voice Heard This Election

Twice in the last three months, Mayor Finch has been at the heart of efforts to silence Bridgeport voters. His actions have fueled my determination to bring transparency and reform to City Hall. As your next mayor, I will respect the right to open, honest dialogue, and the right of every citizen to vote.

Bridgeport Deserves Better

Understanding the city’s true fiscal condition will help get our budget under control. If we do this, we will be successful in stabilizing taxes, funding our liabilities and providing quality public services to our residents.

Bridgeport deserves a mayor who will be independent, focused and bold. Who will not only talk about a plan for revitalizing our city but who will deliver on it, a mayor with a track record of integrity, focus and accomplishment. I’m running for mayor because I’m tired of being from the city with “so much potential.” Bridgeport deserves a mayor who will set us on the path to finally achieve our potential. Someone who will seize every opportunity to turn this city around. I turned around the south end of Main Street and I can turn Bridgeport around. I ask for your vote on Tuesday, Sept. 27. Thank you.