Comments on: How Do You Like Your Port? Plus: Dough For Health Centers

By: Bob Walsh

Bob Walsh — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:03:10 +0000

TC,
This is the same nonsense I have heard in this city since I have been on the council.
Bridgeport should do what other cities do in the internet age.
1) Post applications for appointment on-line.
2) Allow people to sign up on-line.
3) Make this information available for all to see. This will quickly put an end to this rumor that no one is interested. If people know 250 have applied then we will stop hearing about how difficult it is to find qualified people.
If you go to the city’s website and know enough to go to department links and select Boards and Commissions, you will get to a page that explains what you need to do.
I would urge you and Ann to make up your own application form. Take this with you when you go door to door. Ask people to fill them out. But make sure to make a copy of the form before sending them in to the mayor. Then you can produce these when the city says it can’t find qualified people.
Don’t take no for an answer.

By: town committee

town committee — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:42:40 +0000

Bob: I understand the idea but it almost sounds like a quota to me but that being said there are very few people that want to get involved.
I spent 30 years in youth baseball (retired this year) and the one thing that was painfully obvious was that the number of volunteers dwindled every year. The last 5 years other than the coaches there were no volunteers to work on the field or dugouts.
I just want to see qualified people appointed to boards and I want to see the council do their job when these candidates come before them.
If we don’t get more people interested in saving Bridgeport we will die as a city. We have an upcoming election for the council and there are only 3 people to date stepping forward to challenge the status quo.
Bridgeport is loaded with talent but we can’t get them interested because they think trying is a waste of time. I know there are other factors but the list is too long.

By: Bob Walsh

Bob Walsh — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:50:43 +0000

TC,
Maybe my comment didn’t read right but I am saying as far as I am concerned this set-aside must be in place. I agree with you concerning the quality of many of his appointments but I wouldn’t drop this requirement even if he promised to make good appointments.
Think in terms of the WPCA. Don’t you think there should be some seats set aside for residents in those areas that are asked to deal with the stench or the effluent that flows from those facilities.
I am not suggesting anywhere near a majority but simply enough to make sure that those most impacted are guaranteed a voice.

By: Up On Bridgeport

Up On Bridgeport — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:03:06 +0000

Bruce

It’s nice to have you back where you belong.

By: Bruce Hubler

Bruce Hubler — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:51:50 +0000

If the Port Authority survives, let’s hope the choice of who runs it focuses on brains, integrity, credible experience and the person’s ability to deliver results. The city has missed too many opportunities to bring tested talent into leadership roles … and the results speak for themselves.

No organization, whether a city, corporation, or professional sports team, benefits when mediocrity is an acceptable basis for selection. Bridgeport has had its share of capable, dedicated professionals (union and non-union) on the payroll. In my opinion, Murphy and Marsilio were among the best. With the right boss, either one could make a major contribution to the city.

But here’s the problem. How many of the city’s elected officials, from mayor to common council members, have any experience in selecting, managing and judging the kind of talent that Bridgeport really needs. Few have ever run a business, met a payroll or had to deliver something of value to a customer … and still make a profit.

Until elected officials (or the voters) demand better choices in top appointments, Bridgeport’s gradual drift into mediocrity is bound to continue. Look to the selection of a new PA head as an indication of what’s to come.

By: Big Pussy

Big Pussy — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:19:52 +0000

As a former Black Rocker I’ve known Bucky for many years. In my opinion, and many others I’m sure, his integrity is unimpeachable. Unfortunately, that’s a liability in Bridgeport politics. He has my unqualified support, for what it’s worth.

By: town committee

town committee — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:25:58 +0000

Bob I don’t believe living in a certain area makes one qualified or unqualified. I just worry about the NIMBY factor. The other thing I worry about is the mayor’s past history of appointments to important boards and the council’s willingness to go along.
Bob you stated the following “So I repeat that any newly reconstituted board must include this type of set-aside regardless of the quality of the candidates that the mayor chooses to forward to the council”. You’re kidding right?