Jodi Rell’s offering state employees an early retirement plan to save money, so she thinks. Maybe she should do us all a favor and include herself … now, before it’s too late and the state sinks into Iceland.
The leading Democratic candidates for governor Dan Malloy and Ned Lamont are wondering how much more damage the GOP governor will do before officially bailing out next January. Whether Malloy, Lamont or a Republican, Mother Rell’s mother lode of a deficit will be their problem. Meanwhile the Malloy and Lamont camps have their delegate scorecards poised with the state convention next month. Tonight will help decide whom city Dem political animals will support with Malloy and Lamont scheduled to pitch 10 district leaders and party officers at Dem Party Chair Mario Testa’s restaurant. Get out the Sambuca and espresso.
Most party insiders are waiting for Mario to signal for certain the candidate of his choice. New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, the party’s guber nominee in 2006 (he defeated Malloy in a primary) has emerged as a broker on Lamont’s behalf trying to inch Bridgeport pols in Ned’s direction during meetings with Mayor Bill Finch and party officials. Mario’s gonna want his pound of flesh including influence on ticket selection and a consideration for commissionerships. Political egos are also in play. Even though Testa defeated John Stafstrom for control of the party in 2008, he’s paranoid about Stafstrom’s support of Malloy. Yes, in this crazy world of Bridgeport politics sometimes decisions come down to this, if you’re for this guy I’m for that guy.
So sounds like advantage Lamont for Bridgeport delegates, but … if Dan knocks it out of the park tonight, ya never know. Either way, get ready for an August primary. I voted for Lamont in 2006 when he was a one-issue candidate, the war. Both Lamont and Malloy as guber candidates have lots of issues to juggle, and here’s one reason I like Malloy. He’s not afraid to say the death penalty is governmental barbarism. As he (a former prosecutor) stated at a forum on Wednesday:
“I would advocate for the elimination of the death penalty. There is no correlation between the death penalty and lowering homicide rates. If it was, Texas would be the safest state in the nation, and it’s not. It’s time for us to join the rest of the industrialized world. On moral grounds, I oppose the death penalty.”
Hopefully, Ned feels the same way.
From Dan Malloy:
CARPENTERS LOCAL 210 ENDORSE MALLOY FOR GOVERNOR
Join the tens of thousands of active and retired workers already supporting Malloy
April 22, 2010 – The Carpenters Local 210 union has formally endorsed Dan Malloy as Connecticut’s next Governor. The union, which represents approximately 2,000 members in Fairfield and Litchfield Counties, voted unanimously to endorse, stressing that they will “work tirelessly to make sure that Connecticut elects Dan Malloy Governor in 2010.”
“After a discussion of the merits of the candidates, our executive board unanimously endorsed Dan Malloy’s candidacy,” said Local President Glenn Marshall. “While many candidates on both sides talk about results, our members live and work in Stamford and Western Connecticut and they have seen the results of Dan’s leadership as the longest serving Mayor in Stamford’s history.”
Continued Marshal, “As Mayor, Dan successfully brought federal dollars back to Stamford to help rebuild its infrastructure and redevelop its housing stock. He led the city’s economic development efforts to recruit companies that added nearly 5,000 jobs to Stamford. And, he led the effort to revitalize downtown Stamford – smart-growth isn’t just an academic slogan; it’s been going on in Stamford for more than 15 years.”
To date, Malloy’s announced labor support includes the Communication Workers of America Local 1298, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 478, the New London Police Union (AFSCME Local 724), and the Hartford Police Union, who combined represent tens of thousands of active and retired workers throughout the state.
“As Mayor of Stamford for 14 years, I understand the importance of treating Connecticut’s working people as a partner – we need their help and their insights if we want to protect the jobs we have, and grow new jobs for the future,” said Malloy. “I’m extremely grateful to have the support of the Carpenters Local 210, and I look forward to working with them as Governor.”
Downtown Schmooze
Public Forum to Unveil Action Plan to Re-Invent Downtown Bridgeport
THIS FRIDAY
More than 100 community members to participate in focus groups this week to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for downtown Bridgeport
What:
The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District is partnering with the Connecticut Main Street Center to host a series of comprehensive strategic planning sessions and focus groups this week with the goal of rebranding, marketing and reinventing downtown Bridgeport. The public is invited to the final presentation of ideas and recommendations.
Background:
A series of focus groups will be held prior to the public session on Friday. A broad cross section of the community will be engaged to provide insight on the future of the Downtown. Those invited to participate include local merchants and restaurateurs, downtown employers, downtown residents, representatives from the four local colleges/universities, City employees, members of the Downtown Task Force, local artists and cultural organizations, and real estate investors.
Where:
Bridgeport Holiday Inn & Conference Center, 1070 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT. This event is free and open to the public.
When:
THIS FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010 at 3:00 P.M
The last article was great, many OIB people I have not talked to in a long time, reminds me of the old days. Ned Lamont 2010! Hey guys do you want to give your doctor a chicken??? Lmao Harry Reid might just win after all what a twist in that Senate race.
donj you may be too young but I’m sure many others remember Dr. Dugas on the East Side. He would give you a shot for any ill.
$5.00 (cash) a Shot!
Re Invest downtown what a joke. How many times has this been tried? The first thing you have to do is show the economic development director where downtown is. These people can’t even agree on putting up signs showing where there is downtown parking. These people with the mayor in the forefront can’t even get Main Street paved. Another round of wasted meetings. Countdown I am sure you will comment.
TC, the folks involved in this effort are the goods, particularly Kim Morque of Spinnaker Real Estate Partners which has emerged as one of the largest downtown property owners. Many are new to the city, some down-county investors who see Bridgeport as a place of opportunity and understand government can’t do it alone. You talk to Morque tenants and they describe him as someone who cares, isn’t here just to grab a buck, wants to be active in downtown renewal. A couple more guys like him downtown and lots will happen. I’m a broken record on this, government and the business community must market and promote downtown and destination points. This effort will help accomplish that.
Lennie I really hope something is going to happen downtown. Having heard all of this before I am not hopeful. The stumbling block is the city, no one seems to know what the hell they are doing. Let me backtrack. The administration is the impediment not the city economic development people.
Look we had people dump a ton of money into downtown and how did the city help? Just take a ride down Main St the city didn’t even see fit to pave the roadway instead what you have is a roadway fit for a tank. I questioned this and was told why pave the road because somewhere down the line we will be digging it up.
We can’t even get anyone to put up signs showing where visitors can park. We closed off the roadway that used to funnel traffic from the ferry to downtown. The list goes on. I do admire the people who have invested their time and money downtown and I really hope I am wrong.
Lincoln gave his famous Cooper Union speech in 1860 and it went so well he boarded a train to make similar speeches in Providence, Norwich, Hartford, Meriden, New Haven and Bridgeport (delivered at McLevy Hall).
Let’s all rush down to the Metro-North station and wait for Obama to arrive after his Cooper Union speech today!
Whooo-whooo!!!
Oh ye of little faith. I have lots of faith in the future of Bridgeport’s downtown. I am fully supportive of the effort the DSSD is doing. I will be at the Holiday Inn at 3pm tomorrow to listen and learn. There are major developers who have major property holdings in Bridgeport who are fully participating. The land use policies are now in place. I am not sure about the appointments to the land use boards since there is now a strict set of regs to follow. However, the DSSD (Bridgeport’s Business Improvement District) is now poised to do something significant once the capital markets straighten out. That needs the finance reform bill to pass that Dodd is moving through his committee. So I am very bullish on Downtown Bridgeport. I just signed my fourth lease and am here every day. I honestly wish everyone would work, eat, play and talk positively about Bridgeport.
www .hadleygroupllc.com
has a page devoted just to Bridgeport issues and resources. All the key documents and resources are there with over 40 direct links and the ability to download. Please go, learn and be proud that our City is on the right track. Sure there are problems. There are always problems. But really, we are moving in the right direction. If you have been asked to participate in this DSSD effort go and do it with confidence. If you want to hear what comes out of it, come tomorrow at 3pm to the Holiday Inn. This is another huge step forward. Remember, the DSSD property owners pay an additional 3 mils on their tax bill in order to generate additional revenue to make the Downtown successful. When was the last time you came downtown to eat, work, live or play. Try it. You will like it.
This being Earth Day and all I figure a modest proposal is in order combining the mayor’s forward-looking environmental initiatives, historic preservation, Downtown restoration, industrial redevelopment and arts sponsorship.
Let’s redevelop the Poli-Majestic into a fine arts/rendering plant. The square footage is right, and the transportation connections to Route 25-8 are there. There is room for parking to the immediate north along Main Street. The façade must be preserved, of course, or at least an ersatz version of it. The marquee could be restored with appropriate permanent and temporary signs. Something like “PARK CITY RENDERING: Now boiling: Taxpayer Wallet.” Portions of the stage and auditorium could be preserved for special presentations of “Democratic District Leaders Do Real Estate Brokers.” Such shows may be X-rated, but they’ll draw bigger audiences than “Gone With The Wind” and other development proposal titles on file in City Hall.
town committee, I feel some of your pain when you said, “I really hope something is going to happen downtown. Having heard all of this before I am not hopeful.The stumbling block is the city, no one seems to know what the hell they are doing. Let me backtrack. The administration is the impediment not the city economic development people.” But one big step has been started and that is to have residents living downtown.
WHAT THIS WORLD NEEDS is fewer former Bridgeport employees who use their generous benefits to badmouth their former employer. Some of them appear on today’s page.
Today’s post by Nancy Hadley is worth reading, especially for those who are skeptical of Bridgeport’s future.
Sorry localized but I reread the post and it still makes no sense to me.
It is just more excuses for all of the failures of past administrations.
“The DSSD is now poised to do something significant once the capital markets straighten out. That needs the finance reform bill to pass that Dodd is moving through his committee.”
This is just more bureaucratic gobbledygook. The problem with DT development is the lack of capital? I guess Only In Bridgeport has the capital problem been going on for the past 20 years.
Inside deals, favored developers, letting developers off the hook for lame-ass excuses, deadlines ignored or not enforced, etc. etc. etc. That is the problem with Downtown Bridgeport.
That and the fact the past three city administrations suffer from their own lack of vision, low self-esteem for the city and economic and development departments where all of the “movers and shakers” move out of the city the first chance they get and shake in fear over their inability to put together three coherent positive statements about the city so they blurt out “how about a tax break?”
Give me a break and I am not talking about taxes!
I have eaten at most of the downtown restaurants and they were all super. I do not see where Bridgeport is moving forward. What has really been developed over the past few years? Nancy you failed to address the comments about parking, the road closure from the ferryboat junction and the lousy road conditions downtown.
To show the city is not serious just look at the appointments to the land use boards and the lack of training for these commissioners. BTW what of significance are they poised to do?
It seems to me “the plan” has already been set and that’s to make downtown into a residential district for singles and couples with no children. Where are the businesses that make a downtown just that, a place for commerce (retail, restaurants etc.). They seem to be DREAMING that steelpoint will be our new downtown!!!
Despite the train station, commercial development does not want to locate Downtown. It has not wanted to locate Downtown in any kind of a big way since the 1960s. (The People’s Tower was a redevelopment and expansion of an existing use. It led to little further development.)
If business wants to locate in Bridgeport at all, it wants the North End. If a proposal to redevelop Main Street between North Avenue and Capital Avenue into a commercial center were considered, that might succeed.
Zoning changes to encourage Downtown development are regarded with justifiable cynicism. The changes are tweaks. This decade’s new big thing is “residential.” That was never discouraged. The town would have taken it before.
Instead, the new developments continue to occur outside the city center. People howl zoning codes are an excuse to develop out of Downtown. They are not. It is where developers–or rather their tenants–want to go. If they cannot, they leave.
Point: the Shelton economic development “miracle.” That occurred because tenants can motor up Route 25/8 to the office parks.
Bye-bye Bridgeport.
Who took over as head of the DSSD after Bob Keeley left? I’ve been around a while (maybe that’s my problem) but these ideas and architectural drawings and plans have hardly brought the positive developments they promised.
Grin,
It’s hard to have an eternal skeptic see the cup half full but I will try. The quality investor/developer types first look to the market, the economy, and the land use policies. In 2004, the Bridgeport market sucked, the Bridgeport economy was unclear and the land use policies played into the hands of small “let’s make a deal” investments. People’s made their investment from the heart and soul of Mr. Carson. Scinto made his investment in 1000 Lafayette Boulevard, got burned and left to grow his empire in the Valley. So fast forward … the economics are now defined and the investors are using that information to work with their underwriters (See CEDS on my website’s Bridgeport page); the master plan lays out the policies; the zoning regs/map and storm water management manual are all adopted and the design teams are now figuring out what they can and can’t do. Look at the Downtown Village District to see there is an office corridor; a mixed-use corridor. It isn’t a downtown residential district. It is much more than that. More later …
Much Later!!!
Political Gravy Train or Alpo?
www .ctpost.com/news/article/Ex-Bridgeport-officials-still-on-consulting-458675.php
That’s just great. We have Nunn and we have Dunn. Nunn Dunn.
Would this headline in The New York Times be considered a “Freudian Slip?”
German Bishop Resigns in Latest Blow to Church
By NICHOLAS KULISH
TC,
I agree, the road surface in downtown is just plain awful. The WPCA was to have dug up all the streets to separate the sewer and storm pipes and drains. I don’t understand the delay but they were waiting for that to be done. We are all begging the city to put down a temporary cover or cold patch or something to keep our shocks and tires from being destroyed on a regular basis.
I am not sure what you mean by the parking problem so I can’t respond. As for the opening of the underpass closure to the Ferry terminal, there was a specific recommendation in the 2006 Downtown Re-imagining Bridgeport Master Plan (page 81 I think–again it’s on my website Bridgeport page) that detailed how the traffic congestion situation at Harbor Yard and the Ferry Boat area would be fixed. That recommendation included reopening that underpass. The DSSD and Bridgeport Downtown Developers funded a Downtown Connections Study also gave recommendations on how to improve the area (again on the Bridgeport Page of my website). All this needs the support and partnership of the City Administration. I am hopeful.
Steele says there is no reason why blacks should vote Republican!!! Wow that’s all I can say.
*** Put it this way, seeing is believing and if the DSSD is anything like the BRBC, “FORGETABOUTIT!” *** For Gov. since Shays is not running, I like Malloy due to his political experience as Mayor of an Urban “type” city. However, as a retired State Corrections Officer & U.S. Army Vet I believe in the death penalty for “heinous” crimes against humanity after a conviction & general overall appeal within a reasonable time period.*** As far as Politics as a “career” whether locally, state or federal, term limits should be no more than 8 to 10 years in a particular political seat for anyone! Examples, city council 2-year terms, maximum allowed 5 terms = 10 years. City Mayor 4-year terms, allowed 2 terms = 8 years etc. … Gov/Rep/Senate and President. Less time in political offices promotes less power & money hungry politicians & reasonable time periods for new change in parties, policy, people & ideas. ***
I am hoping for Joe Sestak of PA to win the primary. Arlen Specter is using swiftboat attacks on his military record and he learned that from his Republican ways and now he claims he is a Democrat. Let’s go Sestak!!!
donj: It’s nice to know all Democratic politicians walk on water.
TC not at all but I will take the advice of Steele and not vote for any of them … Oh wait if I lived in Florida I would vote for Charlie Crist, he is his own man one of my favorite persons in politics not scared to be his own man look what Crist had to say about Cheney’s endorsement of Rubio.
www .youtube.com/watch?v=VHiqfPazs6Y
OIB RUMOR MILL:
People in Beijing frequently refer to their city as “The Bridgeport of the East” because they dream about the beautiful conditions here. STOP groaning. I’m sure they will be happy to hear about OIB, too. But here’s why I’m blogging:
Seen in Beijing on a t-shirt near the USA Pavilion at China’s World’s Fair where Mayor Finch will visit during his upcoming trip:
Mayor Finch is China’s GREEN DRAGON
LC who do you like for gov?