When the Connecticut General Assembly convenes for a long budget session in January, Bridgeport will feature three new faces in its eight-member legislative delegation, all Democrats. Delegation maneuvering and influence determines how much moolah floods Bridgeport from Hartford.
Bridgeport has two state senators, incumbent Andres Ayala and newcomer Marilyn Moore who defeated outgoing Anthony Musto in a Democratic primary.
State House members returning: Auden Grogins, Jack Hennessy, Ezequiel Santiago and Charlie Stallworth. Chris Rosario, the city’s blight chief, defeated Christina Ayala in a primary, and school board member Andre Baker, who defeated former legislator Ernie Newton in a primary, replaces the retiring Don Clemons.
So Moore replaces Musto, Rosario replaces Ayala and Baker replaces Clemons.
Improvement?
Musto spent six years in the State Senate swept into office in 2008 in the Barack Obama electoral tsunami. Musto’s six years were marked more by what he blew up rather than brought back, particularly the government reform bill advanced by Hennessy and Grogins to prohibit city employees from serving on the City Council.
Ayala’s one term has been dominated by legal troubles, she’s defending state felony charges of voter fraud.
Clemons spent 10 years in the State House with his biggest claim to fame shepherding state funds for water taxis providing public access to Pleasure Beach.
As legislative delegations go, Bridgeport’s dubious clout the past decade ranks behind other large cities. Could this be the beginning of greater legislative juice?
Ayala, the city’s legislative leader, has lobbied state funds for the Steel Point redevelopment area and initial state grant for a second city train station backed by Mayor Bill Finch. Sometime before the legislative session the delegation will meet with Finch to outline a city agenda that includes funding priorities and a wish list of things down the road.
Hartford legislative leaders and Governor Dan Malloy are more likely to support initiatives that have near unanimous support of the delegation.
So if you want something for your neighborhood send a wish list to your legislative representatives.
Lennie, can you tell us what Charlie Stallworth has done during his time in Hartford because I cannot recall anything he has ever done for anybody in Bridgeport.
Ron, here are some of the bills I think Chuck work on.
Bill Number Title
HB05029 AN ACT CONCERNING SEXUAL ASSAULT, STALKING AND INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE ON CAMPUS.
HB05044 AN ACT CONCERNING THE LIABILITY OF OWNERS AND KEEPERS OF DOMESTICATED HORSES, PONIES, DONKEYS AND MULES.
HB05126 AN ACT CONCERNING AN AGREEMENT AMONG THE STATES TO ELECT THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES BY NATIONAL POPULAR VOTE.
HB05221 AN ACT CONCERNING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT SENTENCING COMMISSION REGARDING LENGTHY SENTENCES FOR CRIMES COMMITTED BY A CHILD OR YOUTH AND THE SENTENCING OF A CHILD OR YOUTH CONVICTED OF CERTAIN FELONY OFFENSES.
HB05299 AN ACT CONCERNING THE FINDINGS OF THE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY TASK FORCE.
HB05353 AN ACT CONCERNING MORTGAGE SERVICERS, CONNECTICUT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, CONSUMER CREDIT LICENSES, THE FORECLOSURE MEDIATION PROGRAM, MINOR REVISIONS TO THE BANKING STATUTES, THE MODERNIZATION OF CORPORATION LAW AND REVERSE MORTGAGE TRANSACTIONS.
HB05354 AN ACT CONCERNING CHEMICALS OF HIGH CONCERN TO CHILDREN.
HB05356 AN ACT CONCERNING THE INCLUSION OF SOCIAL MEDIA EDUCATION IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CURRICULUM.
HB05378 AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM REVIEW AND INVESTIGATIONS COMMITTEE CONCERNING MEDICAID-FUNDED EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS.
HB05385 AN ACT CONCERNING LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS IN HOSPITALS.
HB05386 AN ACT CONCERNING CARE COORDINATION FOR CHRONIC DISEASE.
HB05396 AN ACT CONCERNING RETENTION OF THE COPARTICIPANT OPTION UNDER THE TEACHERS’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM AFTER DIVORCE.
HB05397 AN ACT CONCERNING INTEREST ON UNCLAIMED CONTRIBUTIONS FOR INACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE TEACHERS’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND ELIMINATING CERTAIN OBSOLETE LANGUAGE.
HB05456 AN ACT CONCERNING MANDATORY REPORTING OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER, THE DEFINITION OF ABUSE, AND THE DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES ABUSE AND NEGLECT REGISTRY.
HB05473 AN ACT CONCERNING CASH REFUNDS FOR GIFT CARD BALANCES.
HB05489 AN ACT CONCERNING THE INTEGRITY OF THE BUSINESS REGISTRY.
HB05500 AN ACT CONCERNING PROVIDER AUDITS UNDER THE MEDICAID PROGRAM.
HB05521 AN ACT CONCERNING THE STORAGE AND ADMINISTRATION OF EPINEPHRINE AT PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
HB05567 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE TO STUDY ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL PROGRAMS IN THE STATE.
HB05592 AN ACT CONCERNING THE TIME LIMITATION FOR PROSECUTING A MOTOR VEHICLE VIOLATION OR OFFENSE THAT RESULTS IN THE DEATH OF ANOTHER PERSON.
SB00002 AN ACT CONCERNING ELECTRIC CUSTOMER CONSUMER PROTECTION.
SB00032 AN ACT CONCERNING WORKING FAMILIES’ WAGES.
SB00036 AN ACT CONCERNING THE GOVERNOR’S RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE.
SB00101 AN ACT ESTABLISHING FIRST RESPONDER DAY.
SB00126 AN ACT CONCERNING CHILDREN’S EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALS.
SB00283 AN ACT CONCERNING THE BANKING LAWS, THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE, THE ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFER ACT AND MORTGAGORS IN GOOD STANDING.
SB00299 AN ACT CONCERNING HEATING FUEL DELIVERY FEES, CHARGES AND SURCHARGES AND PREPAID GUARANTEED HEATING FUEL PRICE PLANS.
SB00312 AN ACT CONCERNING A LONG ISLAND SOUND RESOURCE AND USE INVENTORY AND A LONG ISLAND SOUND BLUE PLAN.
SB00323 AN ACT CONCERNING CAPITAL EXPENDITURES AT RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES.
SB00475 AN ACT CONCERNING AUTHORIZATION OF STATE GRANT COMMITMENTS FOR SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECTS AND CONCERNING CHANGES TO THE STATUTES CONCERNING SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECTS.
SB00494
Ron, that’s 31 bills introduced by 126–Stallworth, Charlie.
Jimfox, this is a list of bills most Democrats sign onto, somebody writes the bill, sometimes a lobbyist and members sign on as cosponsor.
www .cga.ct.gov/asp/CGABillStatus/CGAMemberBills.asp?dist_code=%27126%20%27&dist_name=126%20-%20Stallworth,%20Charlie
Hey Ron, you want to read this back to me?
Jim,
What Ron is saying is if you look at the actual list you will see things like:
“Introduced by: Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee” or “Introduced by: Judiciary Committee.”
Sometimes you will see something like this:
Introduced by: Sen. Donald E. Williams, 29th Dist.
Sen. Martin M. Looney, 11th Dist.
Rep. J. Brendan Sharkey, 88th Dist.
Rep. Joe Aresimowicz, 30th Dist.
Or like this:
Introduced by: Rep. Minnie Gonzalez, 3rd Dist.
Sen. John McKinney, 28th Dist.
Sen. Leonard A. Fasano, 34th Dist.
Rep. Dan Carter, 2nd Dist.
Rep. Joe Diminico, 13th Dist.
Rep. Juan R. Candelaria, 95th Dist.
Rep. Edwin Vargas, 6th Dist.
Rep. Angel Arce, 4th Dist.
Rep. Christina “Tita” M. Ayala, 128th Dist.
When you see individual names that means it was initiated by an individual State Rep or Senator and not by the committee.
Nimrod, what is it you don’t understand, just look at most of the Democrats and you will they cosponsor most of the bills Stallworth has. The committees writes the bill then they get cosponsors to sign them, those are NOT bills he wrote.
Once again, read the fucking thing, of course he signs on to it! His committee writes and introduces to the House for a vote, you get it, you Blue Gum Slibb?
www .cga.ct.gov/asp/CGABillStatus/CGAMemberBills.asp?dist_code=%27126%20%27&dist_name=126%20-%20Stallworth,%20Charlie
Jimfox, a side bar. My iPad is not so smart, your name came up nimrod and in no way was I trying call you something or to play with your name. Now, you are still wrong.
Thank Ron, now I’ll take back my Blue Gum Slibb remark.
Jim,
Went to the site and saw no bills in 2014 and two bills in 2013 identified as INTRODUCED by 126-Stallworth, Charlie. One had to do with making sustainable energy for municipal use free of tax, as if we already have too many taxpayers in Bridgeport.
Isn’t that what we should be discussing these days? We all want lots of things, and many of them can be provided by government. But how are we to pay for them, in a current or a future year? And if it is in a future year, are we keeping track of what we have put into the future so we are aware of how we are limiting future budget flexibility? Time will tell.
“SB00002 AN ACT CONCERNING ELECTRIC CUSTOMER CONSUMER PROTECTION.” It’s all “AN ACT,” Jimfox.
www .ctpost.com/local/article/Rate-hikes-requested-by-UI-and-CL-P-5884048.php
Public Act 5724 is to be defeated. I support those who’ve been able to circumvent, sidestep and avoid the City Charter–they are political superstars. The so-called reformers of today seek a return to the status quo of yesterday and there are several reasons to think it won’t pass.
Who cares whom you support? You live in Trumbull. I am sure your fellow suburbanites would appreciate the input. Following city charters and honoring voters’ wishes is so 50 years ago, right? I am sure YOUR town would agree with you.
Loopholes are legal, right? In what city does a loophole exist that allows Council Members to also serve on specific boards? Answer: Only in Bridgeport.
The whole legislative process is a conflict of interest. That’s why we have courts. No Bridgeport Councilors have ever been convicted of violating a conflict of interest. Supporters of Public Act 5724 misunderstand the world they live in. Show me a Bridgeport delegation that can pass Public Act 5724 and I’ll show you a Bridgeport crew that’s spent years behind the curve while being outfoxed by Bridgeport’s best pols.
Dear Local,
Perhaps with your wider perspective than many of us writers who live in Bridgeport, attend various City meetings and pay taxes here, while observing practices and processes that would not be permitted in other towns, by their elected representatives, by their media representatives or by taxpayers, you can explain where the sheriff is for the oft-reported “conflict of interest”, or appearance thereof, observed on the part of 15 City Council people in June 2013 when they appropriated about $30,000 and directed it to a series of charities in advance of a primary and an election from an account in one of their Legislative Department line items called Other Services? The City got no services that have ever been disclosed. The taxpayer got no notice of this generosity with “other people’s money” as there was no regular meeting with an agenda and minutes. Had the City not furnished an audited final monthly report in January 2014 this example of “business of, by and for the City Council” would never have been observed. Where is the Sheriff? The Mayor has been silent. Thomas McCarthy was the group leader, the instructor in how to use public money for private ends without being discovered, and 75% of City Council representatives went along with it, including the Chairpersons of the Budget and Appropriation Committee. And the Council has remained especially silent rather than defending their actions during the last 10 months. How can that be? Time will tell.
The sheriff for all conflicts of interest is the court system, aided by prosecutors, the police and FBI–all backed by the kind of rule of law any judge can understand. Pretty strong deterrent, eh?
I have heard many a story about these meetings with the mayor and delegation. Most mayors treat delegation members like employees or staff. Acting like they report to the mayor rather than being partners in the process and collectively putting together an agenda and establishing a mutually agreed upon set of priorities.
Bob, that’s exactly what the majority of the delegation does–becoming partners–just as long as they get funding for their favorite charities; jobs for self, friends, and family members; mayor’s political support. This is what their collective agenda and priorities has always been and will continue to be. This explains why most mayors treat them like employees and staff–they are.
Don’t forget, it is Andres Ayala who is heading the delegation. You get what you pay for.
So Joel,
Let’s see …
Andres Ayala, City job with BOE
EZ Santiago, City job
Chris Rosario, City job
So what is your point exactly?
Many people make foolish remarks following a political victory. The latest fantasy comes from Bob Walsh.
Criticism of Bob Walsh is pure folly! He’s spot on almost 100% of the time. I can see where some people are intimidated by his delivery, but if those people who snicker listened to WHAT he’s saying, our local government would be way better off. After knowing him for at least 45 years, and proudly serving with him on the City council, I know better than the doubters!
45 years, Lisa? Really? You knew me as a teenager?
Bob Walsh, you know that was typo because she is just 45.
Ron Mackey, I love you!!! Bubba, I meant to say 35 years. At this point, what’s a decade one way or the other?
And I want to say how much I love everybody too. (Hi Lisa.)
Overlooked, perhaps, in the post was an observation: “Hartford legislative leaders and Governor Dan Malloy are more likely to support initiatives that have near unanimous support of the delegation.”
If I can add to that I’d guess the Bridgeport delegation in general would have more yank if they didn’t look like they were falling out of a clown car at a circus side ring and running off underneath the bleachers in 10 different directions.
Also to add to the blog’s consideration: some of the most effective legislators are people whose names rarely show up writing legislation.