Political Passion At State Senate Debate–Newton, Gomes, Ayala Clash

In terms of pure passion for the roughly 100 in attendance Tuesday night at the United Congregational Church, the State Senate debate between incumbent Ed Gomes, Democratic-endorsed Ernie Newton and State Rep. Andres Ayala did not disappoint. Each delivered jabs, counter punches and rejoinders about the past, present and their respective voting records. But all three saved the best for last starting with Newton who grabbed the microphone and stood up for his closing remarks at the forum sponsored by the Greater Bridgeport League of Women Voters. “My opponents have tried their best to make this about Ernie Newton,” a reference to political corruption charges that forced him from office. “They don’t want to talk about why they raised your taxes and why they were unseen while children have been gunned down.”

“I was away for seven years,” he added looking at Gomes and Ayala, “and you all were in office and you still haven’t done anything.”

As Newton supporters roared with approval. Gomes stood up next and he didn’t hold back. “Seven years ago if Mr. Newton did what he was supposed to do maybe I wouldn’t be here,” Gomes’ voice boomed in the basement of the church followed by cheers by his supporters. “They said I was sick and too old. I do the job and I’ve been on the job. I was sick last year and had a triple bypass and I didn’t miss a day in (legislative) session. People in Hartford say I brought dignity and respect to the job. You have to have respect up there to get things done.”

Ayala closed out the debate. He also stood on the church stage and struck a pragmatic tone. “This election is not about the past or present. It’s about the future. We need a senator actively engaged in the law making process … and how the city is protected when decisions are made. As a teacher I listen well. I hope that we can all be civilized. We don’t need to attack on a personal basis.”

The debate, three weeks from the Aug. 14 Democratic primary, was occasionally punctuated by audience outbursts that were calmed by moderator Jean Rabinow of the League of Women Voters. All three candidates hammered home their messages: Newton emphasizing redemption and opportunity; Gomes focusing on a steady, reliable hand in Hartford; Ayala stressing the importance of his strong relationships in Hartford such as with Governor Dannel Malloy to get things done.

On the subject of Bass Pro Shops, the leading outdoor retailer becoming the anchoring retailer on the Steel Point redevelopment area on the East Side, a question was asked about the federal government’s lawsuit accusing the company of discriminatory hiring practices. All three agreed that the company should reflect hiring based on the makeup of the city. Newton, looking at the predominantly African American and Latino audience, proclaimed “They have to hire people that look like us.”

Gomes, the ex union negotiator for the United Steelworkers, had the most cynical view of Bass Pro. “We have to demand that they work by our rules and not just their rules. No good ol’ boy contract given in this city!” He accused Ayala of being cozy with Bass Pro officials. Steel Point falls within Ayala’s State House district.

Ayala pointed out the legislature’s role to safeguard workers rights. But he cautioned on the subject of jobs and benefits that “I cannot tell an organization what they should give employees.”

Newton went after Gomes. Gomes fired back at Newton and both Newton and Gomes found ways to jab Ayala, an indication that voter identification shows Ayala running too strong for comfort. Ayala’s criticism was more generalized about the two without referencing Newton or Gomes directly. For instance he focused on the lack of state funding for Bridgeport economic development initiatives while Hartford has received huge windfalls including $500 million for the Adriaen’s Landing redevelopment. He said his relationships with state officials would change that.

Newton countered that he helped bring back state money for the ballpark, arena and Housatonic Community College downtown.

“In six years you’ve been there,” Newton said of Ayala, “did you bring back that kind of money to Bridgeport?”

Gomes came to Ayala’s defense. “Mr. Newton, what did you bring back except a bad situation.”

The city’s spike in violent crime was a subject. Strong laws in Connecticut, they agreed, were already on the books. Gomes said the lobby power of the National Rifle Association was responsible for weapons being transported into the city from southern states. Newton said “We must penalize people who bring guns into urban areas.” Ayala shared that “Our community needs to step up on a societal and parental level.”

All three candidates and campaigns are preparing for the three-week stretch run backed by more than $80,000 each from Connecticut’s public financing program. Connecticut’s 23rd State Senate District covers about 70 percent of Bridgeport and a portion of western Stratford.