Mary-Jane Foster, 2011 mayoral candidate weighing another run this year, wants a copy of Mayor Bill Finch’s holiday card list mailed to a select group of party insiders, businesses and neighborhood leaders featuring a photo of the mayor and his family taken with President Obama during his Bridgeport campaign stop for Governor Dan Malloy in November.
Foster’s FOI request dated January 2.
Pursuant to Connecticut’s Freedom of Information laws, I am requesting any and all documentation or lists you have with the names and addresses of recipients of any and all holiday/Christmas cards depicting Mayor Finch, his family and the president that were sent out using city funds.
I also request copies of any work orders, purchase orders or other project-related documents (either signed or unsigned) used to request the printing of the aforementioned cards from either the city print shop or outside vendors.
A mayoral spokesman says the cards were mailed at a cost of less than $200. Some OIB readers wondered why they received a card.
Foster wonders what the actual cost was to taxpayers, asserting Finch should use his own loot in an election cycle. FOI requests are generally referred to City Attorney Mark Anastasi for review where they may die the gooey death of bureaucratic malaise without follow-up fortitude.
Finch issued this response to media stories a few weeks ago.
“In November, President Obama visited our state’s largest city. My eight year old son, Aiden, had an idea for the whole family to pose for a photo with our country’s chief executive while. We all agreed because President Obama is a strong friend to Bridgeport.
“As Mayor, it’s my job to make Bridgeport an even better city than it is today–a place where my kids, and your kids, will choose to live, work, and raise their families, too. That’s why I’ve been focused on boosting confidence in Bridgeport. This change is already happening–the reopening of Pleasure Beach after years of neglect, breaking ground on Steelpointe Harbor after decades of broken promises, improving downtown, and building a second train station. Putting this vision to work wouldn’t be possible without President Obama investing in it. He’s invested in the re-opening of Pleasure Beach. He’s invested in Steelpointe Harbor becoming a reality. And, he’s invested in bringing a second train station to our city.
“Bridgeport needs strong friends in order to bring about our vision for the city and its future. President Obama is a strong friend. He believes our best days are ahead of us. Together, we’re helping our city get better every day. I’m glad that he’s willing to pose for a photo with me and my family, and more importantly, he’s willing to believe in our vision for the future.”
Nice try Ms. Foster, but you have to think the order was given already to shred documents, work orders, etc., pertaining to this already, and if not, you can be sure Anastasi will come up with one of his “legal opinions” to deny such a request.
I know what list I was on!
Yep, I’m on the same list. But hey, we’re in good company!
Harding High has a health magnet. Bill should change its name to Fleeta Hudson High.
Some people in these parts would like to give him a Fleets Enema! Bottoms Up!!!
Jimfox // Dec 19, 2014 at 2:16 pm
Thank you Mayor Bill for my holiday Christmas card, I was very surprised to receive it knowing I said a few naughty thinks about you this season. I just couldn’t imagine who was ringing my doorbell when much to my surprise it was the mailman holding your holiday card in one hand and his open hand demanding postage due in the other, hey it’s Christmas!
Anyway, I know I was not so nice this year and I would like to make it up to you. So I have a few suggestions for you, Mr. Mayor for the upcoming season and your reelection bid.
If you do win reelection only stay in office for just two years, you’ll have a city pension by then, and the taxpayers of Bridgeport will have only the next two years of city taxes to worry about, next ask Gov. Malloy for a job with the State, so then you can receive a second pension plan.
1. Caruso runs for Mayor while Mario heads back to the mountains of Italy.
2. Sal DiNardo burns his house down in Fairfield by mistake, while lighting a yule log in his fireplace after using an accelerant Bob Curwen found at Remington. Then Fairfield Fire Dept gets the call and goes to Remington instead.
3. Your City Attorney loses another court case, when Manny Moutinho sues the City for letting him install a driveway below FEMA’s 100-year storm level.
4. McCarthy comes out of the closet.
5. Bass Pro Shops never comes to Bridgeport, but we can always use the building for your urban farmer friend.
6. The Solar farm at Seaside Park is killing seagulls by the hundreds, and we can see the smoke from I-95.
7. Trumbull starts its own WPCA and stops Paul Timpanelli from connecting to it. Then puts a poop pump station in front of his house.
8. McCarthy goes back into the closet.
9. A third person comes forward to claim Paoletto sexually harassed him while being removed from the speaker’s podium at a city council meeting.–-Suit pending.
10. Happy new year Mayor, and by the way my holiday card has a horrible smell to it.
Is someone advising MJF to do this?
On a side note, were any political candidates at the counsel meeting recognizing Mayoral candidate Dave Daniels?
I know there was a lot of criticism of Mayor Finch assuming this was a political ploy. Especially by Ron Mackey and Donald Day. How many in black leadership roles went to support Mr. Daniels? Why reference other police officers? There are people who do a job for 25 years and collect a paycheck. There are others who leave a mark on a community. How many local black ministers supported this presentation? And by the way, Dave Daniels was receiving accolades for his contribution to the city of Bridgeport and the 1000s of youths that crossed his path. He was not being recognized as a black man.
Mayor Finch did not have to earn points by recognizing Lt. Dave Daniels and by doing so would not endear him or alienate him from the black community. The last blog regarding David Daniels did not only malign the Mayor for doing the right thing but diminished the Lt. Daniels contributions to triviality.
Grin Ripper, I am sure we were both on the same list and I can assure you, there was no lost sleep. It would have been nice to receive a holiday card with the Mayor and the President but I was in the audience that day so I am good.
I have not been to Black Rock school this year but apparently the improvements are almost complete. Looking real good.
As for the “Greeting Card Scandal in Bridgeport,” I hope we can clear this up soon.
I acknowledge one of my predictions proved to be wrong. Lt. David Daniels is moving back to Bridgeport. The lofts in the South End. Nice choice. Welcome back to the city of Bridgeport. I hope you will be happier here than Hamden.
Tom Kelley, you have been a starmaker your whole career. You have a lot of friends and supporters out there and should not deprive yourself of the chance to make an impact in your area. I wish you had someone close to light a fire under your ass. Bridgeport would be the beneficiary of your thoughtfulness and knowledge.
Good luck to MJF on her impending announcement. I am certain she is weighing all options. Good luck to Ernie Newton, today is your day!
Steven Auerbach, my comments about honoring David Daniels is based on what I read and a comment post by JML, where he wrote, “Was the City serious about this recognition? Why not ask Bill Finch or Tom McCarthy where the photograph of the group surrounding Dave is? What, no photographer? Did Public Relations mess up?” David Daniels deserved better than that.
David Daniels certainly did not need a picture to validate his accomplishments and if the city neglected to have a photographer there well shame on them or better yet the Connecticut Post. I didn’t know the city was responsible for publicity photos. What? There were no cell phones capable of taking a pic? Ron, you know you are grasping at straws for this one!
Steve, isn’t that the point? Plenty of cell phones around. Mayor Finch reads his certificate. Tom McCarthy reads his. Half a dozen Council members gather around retired Lieutenant David Daniels III. His comments are brief and appropriate and Council woman McBride-Lee is beaming over the history of service provided by the career of Daniels.
But no one had planned for the assistant to the City Clerk’s office to be present to take a picture. He is the employee who came on board the Clerk’s office after Tom McCarthy eliminated Tom White as legislative assistant to the City Council in his stated intention to reduce the City payroll. Well no one called for a phone to take that picture, Steve! Surprised by the gracefulness and intent of your highest elected officials demonstrating the “good things” that happen in Bridgeport. Watch the birdie, please. Is that a Finch smiling? Time will tell.
Steven Auerbach, that’s it, keep on kissing Finch’s ass, maybe he will get you a real job.
Ron Mackey, your attacking Finch and diminishing Lt. Daniels’ moment is the issue. I do not think I am kissing Finch’s ass for a real job. I bet your girl Marilyn Moore wasn’t there at the council meeting last night or Ed Gomes. Because it wasn’t on their personal agenda. And also shows a lack of class as well as all previous Mayors, because they for some reason felt they were more important than the contributions of Lt. David Daniels. Was Mary-Jane FOSTER there or was she preparing her press release to discuss Finch’s Holiday card that cost the taxpayers mega bucks? IF it sounds like I am kissing the Mayor’s ass, Ron Mackey, it must be because your comments beg me to, no different than the letter to the editor attacking Obama playing golf and having no respect for military personnel getting married. We both know that is absurd and most of your attacks on Finch are unwarranted. Do you have your hand out when you have a kind word for someone?
Back to Mary-Jane FOSTER, if the Holiday card scandal is her backdoor announcement she is running for Mayor, I’d say save it. Anyone who wants to be Mayor better find something a little more “scandalous,” like his relationship with Moales and Carl McCluster.
Congratulations to all those sworn in today. We will be watching very very very closely.
I am thinking Senator Moore may have had other business to attend to considering the fact she was just elected to represent you, Steve. Why attack Moore, Gomes and Foster? You weren’t there because you had a funeral. How do you know what they had going on? Technical Foul! Penalty box.
Mustang, save it. If it were a Ferguson issue, Marilyn Moore would have been there front and center. She is lucky she has you defending her. The truth be told, most of these politician and politician wannabes do think they are more important than other people and they do believe we are playing extras in their bigger-than-life stories. They all know Daniels and they all know the contributions he has made to the youth in this city. Those politicians do not. I was at a funeral true, I am also not running for office. I also acknowledged Dave Daniels on this blog. I also am tired of defending my stand. Disrespect is what it is. So Mustang, let me ask you, do you think the holiday cards are an issue? More than the revaluation? More than public housing across the street from Harbor Yard? Yeah, that last one always disgusted me, not one political wannabe addressed that. I am glad the administration has begun to rethink that one.
Steve? Be Well! You have me grinning from rear to rear!
Mary-Jane Foster, I’m looking forward to your announcement to run for mayor and I will be there to assist you with your campaign.
🙂
I am hoping Mary-Jane Foster does not let sycophants put her in a bad position.
Steve, now that you’re out of her camp and into Finch’s, she has one less sycophant to worry about!
Jim Fox, Ron Mackey and all Finch Haters. I am not in anybody’s camp. Neither are you. Mary-Jane FOSTER is not running for Mayor. I am not working on any campaigns. I say let the best man or woman win. I simply show the Mayor respect. I simply say when a job is well done I acknowledge it. But for the record, I could not and would not work on any campaign where the followers were individuals I do not respect, I have done that before. It is tough when you have 10 percent of the volunteers DOING 90 percent of the work surrounded by stale, miserable, vindictive, obsequious individuals with their hands out.
Steve Auerbach, what kind of dealings or business have you had with Mayor Finch since he has been mayor?
Ron Mackey, you mean other than kissing his ass? Only when I attend some of positives going on in the City or when the Mayor is picking up his kid from school. Like most residents in the City of Bridgeport, I rarely have a need to have a personal meeting with the Honorable Mayor. I see him, we shake hands, exchange casual banter and move on. I’d imagine that is probably more than most people who have voted for him.
I totally supported Mayor Finch during his first Primary and election as Chris Caruso reminds me. I did not support MJF because of bad attitude. I simply didn’t think Steelepointe was moving quick enough for me. He did not fire me, slight me or not give me a board or commission. I supported him. I went to his debates and enjoyed his inauguration and party. Four years later I supported MJF. This time I believe Finch has everything going in his direction. So Ron Mackey, I am not so certain what personal meetings you have had with him. I do not know how he treated you. I am not certain if any other person in the same role would treat you different. I do know you’d vote for Joe Ganim again. Joe may have been more personable. In politics I try to keep personalities aside.
I will say one thing, I know people like to talk about Finch and his work record. Well, there are people who do the same job for 25 years. It used to be a positive trait. Every day, the same people, the same drive, the same drama, etc. etc. etc. Then there are people who, like Mayor Finch, give fodder to his haters when in reality, those life experiences while raising a family in good times and bad led him to being a state Senator and then Mayor.
Did you ever read the book the Alchemist? That could be The Mayor’s mantra.
Ron, again, I do not know your personal dealings with the Mayor. It must have been a traumatic experience.
Steve Auerbach, I’ve had a number of business encounters with Mayor Finch dealing with hiring Bridgeport residents and the entire group with me found once you get Finch in a position he can not defend he will lie to back you off and when you counter his point then he will end the meeting. He only talks so he can say he. He doesn’t allow facts to get in his way. These discussion are about business and it doesn’t matter about feelings it’s about what was best for the residents of Bridgeport and not those who pay NO taxes here.
Holiday cards to everyone. I want to see me and my family with President Obama so they’ll vote for me: $2,780.
Stamps and someone to address the envelopes and apply the postage: $1419.00
That I made them think it only cost $178 and no one at the CT Post investigated? Priceless!
Finch is BS-ing; and taxpayers in this city and across the state are paying for it.
A city-employed lawyer must spend time on pulling together … what? Quickbooks entries?
Good for Mary-Jane Foster.
While we are at it, I want to know if there were Christmas cookies paid for by the Mayor. How much electricity did the City pay for lighting up McLevy Green? Do the parks department mow his lawn since he is right there and he has a whole 75 x 100 lot? And oh yeah. Who is taking home city vehicles, that’s always a big one. Do we pay for coffee when a developer comes to town or does the Mayor go to McDonald’s for their 99 cent special? So many issues to attack, one hardly knows where to begin. Who pays for the gas when the Mayor picks up his kid or does he ride his bike? So many questions … Oh yeah, we need more blacks and Hispanics on the police force. Any white candidate running needs to address it. Lt. Dave Daniels gets a pass as he is both black and a policemen and we assume his number-one priority will be to hire more minority policemen because we still want to remind people that race does matter … Not!
Steve, let’s start with the Christmas lights downtown, we paid $20K to an outside contractor to put up the lights. We also let him use a small city-owned boom truck because he did not have one. Steve, when the mayor picks up the kids at school we are paying for the car and the fuel and the maintenance. When contractors come to town they order a spread from their favorite restaurant so their bar bill can be added to the catering bill, guess who pays for that? Steve, your remark about Daniels was racist and uncalled for. The ma6yor and his flunky David Dunn could have the city exams for residents only and that would handle the problem.
Andy, G-d bless you. First and most important, surely you understood I was being sarcastic and facetious. Yes, multitasking here. I was goofing on investigating ridiculous things taxpayers will always pay for. You imagine I care about Christmas lights downtown? No. You imagine I have a problem with paying for the 50 cents for the Mayor to be a good dad picking up his kids? No. You have the audacity to be so ignorant on this blog to think I even imagine David Daniels is a racist? Apparently. When a major developer comes to town, I expect the Mayor to wine and dine them and put Bridgeport’s best foot forward. Now I am certain you’d imagine any other Mayor would order bologna sandwiches from the 50s Diner, but I prefer a Mayor who knows how to entertain.
Honestly Andy, you are a riot. Thanks for the laugh. Mayor Finch and his followers are sitting there saying OMG this Auerbach guy is defending us only because everyone is making stupid outlandish arguments. Even the Holiday card has become a joke.
Steve,
I guess the big joke for those of us who disagree is your complete willingness to let elected leaders lie and lie and lie … about even those relatively insignificant items you’ve itemized.
What’s all the lying about?
Whose interest does it serve?
Steve, you are a freaking idiot and a gutless shithead. You don’t care about anything Finch and Company do in this city, you really are a kiss-ass. You mentioned Finch picking up his kids, well guess what if he is doing that during business hours he is supposed to be at work. Did you read what I wrote and if you don’t understand it I then can figure out why you are dumb.
I did not mention anything about going to dinner. Steve you are the only one making suck-ass posts that make no sense.
Andy Fardy, why are you ranting like a lunatic? Because you were caught with shit on your face? I mean egg. Your response to my original post shows you’re not able to know the difference between sarcasm, facetious and true concern. The Mayor does not have a 9-5 job or punch a clock, so if I may kiss the Mayor’s ass just once more, I do not have a problem with the Mayor picking up his children. I really respect that. The Mayor has to attend meetings at all hours, meetings, luncheons, presentations, listening to whining all day long. If Finch wants to spend an hour with his kids it your understanding of the world around you is limited to the I hate Finch club, the 138th I hate Paoletto Club and I hate Marella Club and I will work to get anybody elected as long as it is not Finch. It really is tiring, no? You whine and cry and cry and whine. You rarely say anything positive and you have become a black hole sucking any form of life out of a room.
Wait … there were Christmas cookies being handed out?
Harvey, the good cookies, peanut butter with Hershey Kisses on top.
Marilyn does not need me or anyone else to defend her. She has not done anything to need to be defended about.
🙂
Mustang Sally, there are those who would challenge your statement. I being one of them.