Understanding The Ganim Brain, “We’ll Look Into It” (The Smooch Of Death)

The meowing in Bridgeport’s political corridors has kicked up a few octaves in recent weeks as operatives continue to stand in line, position, lobby and complain about their entitlement for a city job after furthering the election of Joe Ganim as mayor. Of course, so many will argue they were singularly responsible for the 6,200 votes he received in the primary and more than 11,000 votes in the general election in what is among the most compelling comeback stories in the history of American politics. And by the way, even some of the people he put on the payroll are a little scratchy about the access they have to the chief executive.

In the nearly three months of JG2, Ganim has filled roughly three dozen of about 60 discretionary jobs at his disposal. A lot more than that were active in his campaign that seemed to take on a life of its own in support as well as raising dough to turn out the vote that defeated incumbent Bill Finch in a tight primary on the way to a convincing general election victory.

Ganim has pretty much resolved jobs for most of the operatives he felt were there from the start when a comeback was a roll of the dice in the face of some heavy opposition and a well-financed incumbent. A handful of jobs are still available awaiting a long line of wannabees. Some jobs he has not filled because of the budget deficit, other jobs he must finesse because of legal complications involving layoffs and bumping rights. He shows up at a public meeting and there’s almost always someone there reminding him, “I’m still here, what about me?”

“Okay,” Joe will say, “let me check with so-and-so to see if we can work it out.” If it doesn’t work out, it’s so-and-so’s fault.

And then there are folks who helped Joe whom he may not want back on the public payroll because of baggage that could blow up. He might try to maneuver them, hide them in a private sector job.

The key to lobbying Ganim for something, be it a job or an underling wanting something done, is picking spots. If he thinks you want something badly he’ll interpret that has having an angle. To Joe’s way of thinking just about everyone has an angle, there’s something in it for them, but he doesn’t mind that as long as it doesn’t inconvenience him. Conversely Joe will come back to you seven, eight, nine times if he wants something from you. He’s as thick-skinned as they come when handling rejection. You might say yes on the 10th ask.

It doesn’t mean he likes you to lobby him with the same fury.

When you ask him for something and he responds, “We’ll take a look at that” it means maybe at best and likely NO. Joe is a master of wiggle room. He likes to give himself a way out in case circumstances change. Not until you hear the magic words “I think you’re gonna be okay on that” can you breathe easier.

Some supporters Joe put on the payroll are also learning Ganim the candidate and Ganim the mayor have different operating agendas. Ganim is very respectful and accommodating of campaign volunteers. But when he puts you on the payroll it’s a whole different relationship. You helped Ganim, he helped you with a job, now he’s even with the house. It’s especially unnerving to him when payroll people think they can run to him to fix, insert and resolve every little issue or some score they must settle because they have a relationship with the big guy. Soon enough, he will shut down on you. His eyes will glaze over into placid disengagement. Translation: you’re driving me nuts.

Oh, he won’t tell you necessarily you’re driving him nuts, but he will show it in different ways. He won’t take your calls, he’ll say work it out with this person, he’ll change the subject quickly, he’ll move on to the next thing. So when you really need something from the guy it will be difficult for him to know the difference. And then you’ll be thoroughly infuriated.

Word to the wise, pick your spots.

And then when he wants help from you, remind him you need help too. That he understands, to Joe’s way of thinking, that’s tangible.