Fiscal watchdog John Marshall Lee, in his latest address Tuesday night to the city’s budget and legislative body, asserts “Your current work, including tonight’s B&A recommendation for another standing item, is merely rearranging deck chairs on the Bridgeport version of the Titanic!” Lee’s City Council address:
If I ask an individual, “How are you doing financially?” most people will respond, “OK.” It is a very practical answer. They tell me afterwards that their revenue is greater than their current expense including all kinds of taxes. Operationally, at this moment, they sense they are on top of their game. That is similar to what the Budget & Appropriations Committee does for the Council if it bothers to look at the operating budget in detail.
But some people answer such a question by reflecting on their Net Worth. They think about their asset positions including real estate, savings, financial and property investments, business values, retirement plans, annuities and life insurance and compare it to mortgages, education loans, lines of credit, card payments and other liabilities. If the latter are decreasing steadily and under control and the assets are increasing in value, Net Worth likewise is trending positively.
If I ask you as City Council members, “How is Bridgeport doing financially in terms of Net Worth?” what would you answer? To what document or report do you look to for such an answer? The only one that comes to mind is the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report last done for the year 2013 and received by you eight months ago in January, 2014. Did you hold a hearing to review that report specifically inviting the public to attend and understand the results alongside you? If not, why not? It is the long-term measurement tool for whether Bridgeport policy, plans, processes and overall activity are headed in the right direction, building long-term community values and fiscal strength.
In the several years I have been reviewing City monthly operating reports, I have been surprised that none of you receive balance sheet information from the City that becomes public. Apparently you do not ask for it either! When the Financial Review Board supervised City finances 20 years ago, they knew what was in every account, every day. And they also were aware of the liabilities, including accounts payable, at any time. With no Internal Auditor to advise on risks, where is your early-warning system? With no Finance Board or committee of any type, the Budget & Appropriations Committee is the only body to question, to probe, and do fiscal blocking and tackling. Are they doing this in comprehensive fashion? What can they tell you? The other 13 people on the Council assume they are up to the task and doing it, aren’t you? Do any of you elected 20 Council members know the trend of Bridgeport net worth in the past five years? Does it matter to City land and building values that they reflect October 1, 2008 assessments rather than October 1, 2013 values for which taxpayers spent $300,000? And have you bothered to update your understanding of City Pension Plans A & B in the face of what likely are not conservative assumptions regarding interest and retirement payouts? Will Bridgeport MERF contributions for public safety officers increase from today when overtime payouts are factored in? Do the amounts charged for Outside Overtime to contractors when police officers are doing flag duty, reimburse the City for the additional future pension payouts to police under MERF that will include overtime compensation in determining pensions? Have you reviewed such material?
If you have not performed such basic monitoring and review, is it because you have a surplus of trust in the Finance Department of the City? They have provided reports to you with mislabeled headings twice in the past year that indicates proofreading is a sometime thing for this most basic report.
As all of you know, I am present at each City Council meeting to share with you information that I think you may not be seeing with a “taxpayer perspective.” It has seemed to some of you that I am critical all the time and you dismiss me automatically. This year two Council representatives have not allowed me speak at Committees they chair. In once case proponents, who live outside Bridgeport, for a project seeking tax abatement largesse were invited to participate, but I was silenced by the co-chair. That is an abuse of your CC rulebook privilege, I suggest. Yet I continue in the belief that this information will be vital to those who have to turn the City around in the near future. Your current work, including tonight’s B&A recommendation for another standing item, is merely rearranging deck chairs on the Bridgeport version of the Titanic!
My comments are a matter of public record in the City Clerk office, on video archived and in each of your email directories. You cannot plead ignorance of the current and coming fiscal difficulties or of the irregularities that have been noted regarding Council’s own extra-ordinance “Stipend” handling and the political payments made to charities in June 2013 from your “Other Services” Legislative account without agenda, meeting or minutes … and the City itself received NO SERVICES. What will you do when questions arise about your financial stewardship? Time will tell.
John Marshall Lee, as usual it’s a little long but much easier to follow and it’s good you have somewhat changed your style in not being as critical of council members. Your approach in making the issues simple by asking them about money issues they do understand. This is what should be done to candidates before primary and elections but as you know the candidates the DTC will put up in most cases have no concern about your questions. JLM if you could put together a “Readers Digest” version and form your questions the way you have done in this post making it easier for residents to buy into the questions where they can see where they fit into the question. After you have done the question portion try going to some local pastors and ask for just a “very little time” and give them a small list of concerns their members can see where it fits their day-to-day life. The have to get away from the questions you post on OIB and make the question about taxes the last question because you don’t want to turn people off because most people do not follow that issue the way you do, the only thing they know is they pay too much and there are more renters they won’t have a high interest in those type of questions (they are paying property taxes when the owner passes the tax increase to their rent increase). This is one way to expand your issues to the voters so they will have an understanding of where they fit in on City issues and where candidates stand on things that concern them. This doesn’t require sitting down with me and don’t let people think you are a Republican because then they won’t give you the time of day in a City that is 10 to 1 Democrats. Time will tell.
Ron,
Since we won’t be meeting on this issue as you have decided it is not required, let me invite you to provide me with three questions of the type you are suggesting I prepare. So as not to waste time, your guidance will be helpful.
As far as Council members grasping the details of what I have presented, do you guess there is anything I have mentioned this elected body should not be reviewing, questioning, or receiving info and sharing it with the public?
Finally, can you provide me with a list of pastors (on-line or off-line) who have Bridgeport resident taxpayers as members of their congregation and who may be interested in sharing “things of the world” along with “things of God” with their membership? As a Catholic Christian for the most part leaders of our faith communities stay away from matters of “state” in my experience. Your experience can be helpful in this way.
I am always prepared to present and comment on the way in which our current governance system keeps many truths and realities out of the taxpaying public eye. Appreciate your assistance, in anticipation. Time will tell.
John Marshall Lee, I will address questions in parts. You have brought some very good and valuable questions to the council but a few things first, some on the council question are you setting them up and who you are fronting for. Seeing as there are 19 Democrats they wonder if you are a Republican. Now I’m not saying they are right but there is a mindset about you and what you want. Remember, these members are concerned about getting reelected and you are concerned about the process that will answer your questions. In the past there were a number of council members who were different like Bob Walsh, Chris Caruso, Ed Gomes and there were others who didn’t care what the DTC wanted they were concerned about the voters.
JML, let me ask you a question, do you want the answer to your questions or do you want the issue?
I am registered as a Democrat and voted on that ticket in the recent primary. That is a fact and can be confirmed. I am fronting for no one at this time. Should I decide to work for one to the exclusion of others in the future, I shall promptly announce that. To do otherwise would be hypocritical and betray a lack of integrity on my part. I have had meetings in the past month with at least four people who have expressed some interest in the Mayoral race of 2015 including folks who have pursued that position in the past. I let them know the information I collect and organize is available to one and all as long as we all become part of a force that will work towards more democratic governance with very special respect for taxpayer funds.
What I have done for several years now is to search for OPEN, ACCOUNTABLE and TRANSPARENT practice and process in our City. I have looked for evidence of such and celebrated it when I found positive steps in that direction. As an example I found the Bridgeport Public Schools website presentation of their financial operating position including employee numbers assigned to tasks and grants info a major step of the Vallas administration that is still being maintained by CFO Marlene Siegel.
Why is there such a concern about re-election, Ron? If they are performing according to the Charter, consistent with the Ordinances passed by other Councils, and exercising thorough and timely stewardship of City resources, the community would be well served, right? If they are following any other course, they may not be living up to their public promise when installed.
The questions I raise are substantially about areas where the Council has unresolved issues. Current Council members, even those installed last December are invited to call me, question me, respond to me. I am but one person telling a story of what the facts of City documents and reports tell me. Knowing whether we are becoming stronger, financially and otherwise, or heading in another direction is suitable for discussion. At this point with little or no response from members, it indicates to me the subject is too scary for them to proceed, ask questions, learn more, and be part of a necessary governance reform. Does this answer your question of me, Ron? Time will tell.
John Marshall Lee, I totally understand and agree with you. With the council everything is political. JML, politics is at head of where their mind is and not the issues you are bringing up.
JML, let me ask you a question, do you want the answer to your questions or do you want the issue?
JML, when do you think it’s time for the State Municipal Finance Advisory Commission?
Connecticut General Statutes
Title 7 – Municipalities Chapter 111 – Municipal Auditing Act
Section 7-394b – Municipal Finance Advisory Commission.
law.justia.com/codes/Connecticut/2013/title-7/chapter-111/section-7-394b
Municipal Finance Advisory Commission
Section 7-394b establishes a Municipal Finance Advisory Commission which reviews and makes recommendations concerning regulations submitted by the secretary of the Office of Policy and Management (OPM). The Commission also works with any municipality referred to it by the secretary of OPM to improve their fiscal condition. Upon receipt of the secretary’s report under section 7-395, the Commission determines the level of fiscal distress of any municipalities, reviews audits; the accounting and fiscal management practices of the municipality. The Commission is authorized by statute to require a municipality’s chief executive officer to provide information and appear before the Commission to discuss the municipality’s financial condition and the implementation of remedial measures to improve its financial condition.
The Commission consists of eight members appointed by the governor of the State of Connecticut.
Jimfox, on this one I totally agree with you.
Thanks, Ron.
While you are agreeing with Jim Fox (and he has come up with a good idea, while he is working on the 300 Black Rock tax-advantaged families), I responded to the first utterance of your closing question (from two different offerings):
“JML, let me ask you a question, do you want the answer to your questions or do you want the issue?”
My questions are usually not for rhetorical effect. So I want them answered by Council members exercising good stewardship for the WE (the public in Bridgeport) and not for the ME (the folks who maintain their own job with the City or that of another family member) or some other privilege like a $9000 stipend annually, or looking good to a charitable cause before 2013 primary or election using taxpayer money, or you name it.
Otherwise, what “issue” are you referencing? Time will tell.
A good idea?
That the Fiscal Watchdog Team of Fardy & Lee with over five years of investigating the annual budget have never broached the idea of bringing their findings to the State of Connecticut or some other Authority, which will help to remedy this misuse of taxpayers’ money, John & Andy, I find this hard to believe!
While the Finch Administration plays Three-card Monte with our budget line items, John you keep preaching to the choir (City Council).
I can’t thank you guys enough for your great service to this City, but it’s time to move the yardage sticks.
Jim Fox,
In private and in public I have pursued the identity of an individual in a position of responsibility or authority who might have a reason to act on the issues Andy and I have raised and continue to cover. Within the past two weeks in several conversations I have asked people in the know, “Who is the SHERIFF for this issue?” And there are no specific answers. Yes I have talked to people in State OPM, FOI and Controllers Offices at one time or another. Either the matters discussed do not raise interest specifically, or they are not large enough to command attention, as in WSJ- or NYT-worthy stories.
Bridgeport is in play because of the 2014 gubernatorial race. Both Governor and Mayor, whether they enjoy and/or respect each other is immaterial, at this time they are going to grin through it as if we are one big happy family. NOT!!!
The authority you reference above would seem to be folks who review the annual external audits that are called Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports. They are public documents and in recent years have been posted on the City website for review. However, the City fathers do not act as if they rise to an important level for public discussion so there is no hearing and the City Council does no work with the document either. Does anyone care when it is ignored? It contains an annual update to both the operational results and the net worth status of the City in a format that the City must attend to (i.e. not change when it chooses to do so) and the narratives and charts can be informative when they are presented fully and up to the latest. Often the data is one or two years behind, without explanation.
So Jim, happy for your assist but see whether this group is really the potential SHERIFF we need. By the way Jim, what I am doing is not “preaching to the choir.” The purpose of the essay above is to engage the City Council on matters they have NOT attended to. They are not singing in tune to the Charter, Ordinance and best practices ‘music.’ They are deaf to the ‘beat’ of taxpayer sentiment. They have received no credible instruction. Is anyone listening to their latest productions or performances? Time will tell.
John Marshall Lee, just because I might have a disagreement with someone like Andy Fardy does not mean I can’t say something good when they do something that’s helpful. The questions you ask you can get the answers from former council members like Bob Walsh, Lisa Parziale, Ed Gomes, Chris Caruso and even Tom White and there are other former members who can help. From that group you can get your answers and it doesn’t matter if you like them or agree with them but you can’t make them the bad guys. So if you want answers that is one way to go. Now if you want the issue then you’re on your own.
Ron, the points JML makes were areas of concern the city council was held accountable for when the city was under State oversight. I know because I was there. It is apparent now that, for many years, the city council has not been up to the challenge or simply sees no need to be involved. They have deferred their duties of oversight to the mayor’s administration. In return for their ignorance and silence they are rewarded with jobs, an inappropriate stipend system, payments to organizations from city department budgets, etc, etc.
Occasionally, a council member speaks up, only to be ignored. This council may have more members willing to speak up, but it is far short of the critical mass needed to bring about change. Perhaps that will change when the state statute is amended so city employees are not members of the city council.
So Ron, how about answering JML’s questions?
John Marshall Lee, what you and Andy Fardy have done is something to admire. There are two different things going on, you are seeking answers about the business of the City and the City Council is concerned about staying in office and not facing a primary because they accept your position, which is questioning millions of dollars that comes into the City and where that money is going. JML, these two things don’t mix.
Good answer Ron Mackey, but why did they run for office in the first place? Was it to find an answer to their wishes to be City celebrities? For career advancement and pay with good benefits? To get a pat on the head as a part of a team pulling the wool over the eyes of the public but keeping the whole process secret?
If the Council members don’t know the answers, I offer them an alternative to lifetime learning. No fuss. No muss. Just respond to my offer of conversation at a mutually convenient time. I keep confidences many people know and some people take the risk of talking with me and finding out (in the words of Donald Day) I just may be “a cool dude.” We can become a learning community, just as the schools are attempting to be. My studies continue. Hope yours do as well. Peace to you for trying to solve the riddle you raise. Time will tell.
John Marshall Lee, here is a start for you.
About Us
CONECT is a non-partisan, multi-faith organization of 28 diverse congregations in Southern CT, that come together as one community, to affect change in the areas of social and economic justice and policies for the common good. We train leaders in the art of public life to give power to our voices and create strong congregations and community partnerships.
“The first skill we learn in community organizing is how to listen; how to engage community members in conversations. We have learned that true change, in our own lives, in our families and in our communities, emerges out of the relationships we create with one another.”
I am familiar with CONECT and its origins. I am also respectful of the skills and abilities of the original community organizer as he worked to get numerous faith communities to sit down together, listen, commit for funding and identify community priorities that required working together in order to produce change.
A faith leader from East Haven and one from Bridgeport were co-leaders and one priority regarding health insurance, I believe, moved early on at the State of CT level.
My original worship community was part of that movement initially and I attended and participated early on, but my place of worship changed and they were not supportive of CONECT so I have lost track of their progress.
Ron, CONECT practices a most basic one-on-one format for listening. It builds on that practice to a process of gathering more than two to listen and contribute. Have I not suggested we sit down, just the two of us, to listen? You know I have and others who post on OIB have noted that offer still stands.
I ask many questions beyond the scope of CONECT about Bridgeport governance. Do I know the answers to all of them. No, certainly not. Sometimes I do, but a question is a way of offering the other person an opportunity to answer in a way that shows they are respected and in the know. Other times a question can serve a function to direct a listener to see they do not know an answer others might expect them to, in the position and with the responsibility they hold.
The “issue” as you have phrased it and explained to me is I keep asking the Council for a response in terms of action on items where they are delinquent: like operating a debit card system for ordinances that contradicts the existing Ordinance they have failed to update; or participating in using City taxpayer money from an account called OTHER SERVICES for which the City received no service but where the money was spent at a political time as a charitable gift with no public accountability; for failure to be more aggressive in monitoring operating budgets and causing property taxes to rise despite the City receiving millions more than initially contemplated; and for failing to understand the destructive revaluation decision to property owner values simply to satisfy the political motives of incumbents.
When you were a boy and your parents laid out a series of items that were part of your family to-do list and you were lacking, did you assume your parents were looking for an answer, or did you assume they knew the answer already, and it was your move to speak up before the consequences hit you? Do you see I ask questions for multiple reasons … and hope an answer comes up. Time will tell.