UPDATE: About 160 absentee ballots have been returned to the Town Clerk’s Office between two district primaries for Democratic Town Committee seats on March 6. And here’s the real news: less than one third of them come from the East Side’s 137th District domain of the absentee ballot queen City Councilwoman Lydia Martinez. Is Lydia holding back for a last-minute dump?
Town Committee members comprise the nuts and bolts party regulars who endorse candidates for public office and select a chairman. On the heavily Latino East Side, a challenge slate in the 137th District is trying to dislodge Queen Lydia from her crown. The challenge slate includes three former City Council members, Tito Ayala, Gil Hernandez and Maria Valle. Lydia’s absentee ballot act could be featured in the circus founded by Bridgeport’s most famous citizen P.T. Barnum. Forget about the three-ring circus, Lydia has a ring all her own: one ringy dingy, two ringy dingies, three ringy dingies. “Hola! Have we got a deal for you. A road trip to the casino. And please let us know how you enjoyed your bus trip by signing here …” Presto … absentee ballot applications. Nothing like a little axle grease for the bus ride.
District 131 covers the South End, downtown and portions of the West End and The Hollow. The race features two completely contrasting messages. The veteran slate of nine is selling itself as the government insiders who get things done for the neighborhood, led by District Leader Mitch Robles, two members who represent the district on the City Council, Denese Taylor-Moye and Leticia Colon and former State Rep. Americo Santiago who some pols say is interested in running for State Senate. Americo never met a political deal he couldn’t leverage for something better for himself. And Americo as well knows how to hustle absentee ballots which could account for the AB action in that district.
The challenge slate is pledging not to accept paid city positions while serving on the town committee. Translation: we won’t feed at the trough like those piggy pols. The challenge slate candidates include former City Councilman Big Mojo Ralph Mojica and several activists who supported Mary-Jane Foster for mayor last year, Glenn Pettway, Eric Simmons, Chris Foreman, Charritin Escalera, Mario Arango, George A. Gholson Jr., Mark Bush and Rhonda Bush.
The top nine vote-getters among the 18 candidates win election.
If I’m Mayor Bill Finch and there’s a district fight between veteran pols who live off the government nip and a challenge slate that won’t accept city jobs, I’d be quietly hoping the challenge slate prevails. Why? Fewer pols begging for jobs.
March 6, polls open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Polling places, 131 District, Roosevelt School and City Hall; 137 District, Marin School and Bridge Academy.
Another example of why you need limits on how many AB requests can be given out to any one person. Like … one AB per person and that person or their guardian must make the request.
No control = no legitimate election.
Oh … Is this Chicago or Bridgeport? I don’t see the difference.
Bridgeport is a huge neighborhood in Chicago. King Richard hailed from there.
What DAY is that bus trip planned? I wouldn’t want to guess.
There is so much grease in Bridgeport politics, we have really hit the skids.
Brylcreem! A little dab will do ya!!!
Can anyone tell me the voting times and places for this primary? It is listed NOWHERE on the city web site … not a surprise, I suppose.
Bepo,
The DTC election is next Tuesday March 6th from 6am until 8pm. Only two districts will be voting: the 131st and 137th. Polling places are the same that are used for the general election for those two districts. In the 131st it will be Roosevelt School and City Hall.
Thank you for the details.
*** Wonder just what the 131st government insiders have gotten done for our neighborhoods in general? Most residents don’t know who they are or their function, no? *** UPHILL BATTLE ON A SLIPPERY SLOPE ***
Rob Foley and Jennifer endorse the Bridgeport First challenge slate tonight on Bridgeport Now on Soundview TV.
*** SEEC should keep an eye open on the incoming senior AB’s, etc. for this DTC race, no? *** FOX IN THE HENHOUSE ***