The Quest For Public Financing, State Senate Candidate Scott Hughes Versus Incumbent Andres Ayala

For City Librarian Scott Hughes to wage a competitive race against freshman State Senator Andres Ayala in an August 12 Democratic primary, he must qualify for public financing. Hughes will host a happy hour fundraiser on Wednesday 5:30 p.m. at Barnum Publick House, 1020 Broad Street Downtown. Hughes is trying to qualify for a public grant under the state’s Citizens Election Program. He must raise $15,000 in donations between $5 and $100 to receive an $83,000 grant. Connecticut’s 23rd Senatorial District covers roughly two thirds of Bridgeport and a piece of western Stratford.

“The response to our Happy Hour events has been terrific!” according to Hughes’ event page invitation. “As a result, we’re going to keep the happiness going. Come meet Scott or, if you’ve already met him, come say “hello” again. Volunteer. Contribute. Ask questions. We want to meet you!”

More about Hughes:

Scott Hughes is a visionary. He is a progressive, tenacious, community advocate. He has been described as belonging to a “new breed of youthful, apolitical leaders” in the area because he has allowed his belief in the fundamentals of democracy to galvanize folks. He believes that government works best and communities thrive when the people are served by transparent and accountable officials who hear their voice and understand their needs.

He has successfully championed community engagement with the library referendum that allowed the people to decide how the library is funded. He protected the people’s right to vote for an elected Board of Education. Those outcomes and the recent Democratic Town Committee election indicate that Scott’s constituents want the opportunity to challenge the status quo and participate in the decisions that affect their lives. He agrees with them. Therefore, his candidacy will be about listening to the people. If you ask Scott why he’s running he’ll tell you that he’s not running for himself; he’s running to give people in the 23rd district the ability to decide how they live, and because of that, he’s a strong, viable candidate.

Finally, while Scott wholeheartedly supports a full implementation of the Steel Point Development, he believes that Bridgeport is much more than Steel Point. If elected, among other initiatives, he would support legislation that produces:

1. Transit-oriented development that connects the major arteries of Bridgeport to Downtown and Steel Point;
2. Sustainable, green development that generate jobs that pay a living wage;
3. Small business incubators that breed innovation and support entrepreneurship; and
4. An education system with a voter approved budget and an annual audit, in addition to an elected board
Above all, Scott will bring his vision for a vibrant 23rd Senatorial District to the Connecticut General Assembly.
Remember, Scott Hughes for State Senate, PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST!