City Councilman Andre Baker tells OIB he’s considering a run for Board of Education with five school board seats up for grabs this November. The available seats are occupied by three incumbent Democrats, Tom Mulligan, Leticia Colon and Bobby Simmons and two members of Connecticut’s Working Families Party, Maria Pereira and Sauda Baraka.
Democrats hold a fragile 5-4 majority on most contentious school board issues with Simmons voting with WFP members Pereira, Baraka and John Bagley. Simmons, who has fallen out of favor with the Democratic party establishment that endorsed him four years ago, will not likely seek reelection, according to a number of Democratic operatives. Mulligan and Colon, as well, are not anxious about another term on the school board, but who’s out there to replace them?
So right now, at least, there are not a lot of names floating for a school board run. City political operatives say the line of candidates is short because they don’t want to face the volatile nature of running for and serving on the school board.
Baker has been the one consistent voice of opposition on the City Council against the initiatives of Mayor Bill Finch’s administration. He has repeatedly taken the administration to task over a variety of budget issues, spending proposals and pay raises for city employees. Next month the 90-member Democratic Town Committee will endorse candidates for Board of Education. Mulligan and Colon, if they seek reelection, are locks for endorsement.
Would the town committee endorse Baker in light of his opposition to Finch? Seems unlikely with a fragile 5-4 Democratic majority on so many votes. Baker says he would accept the endorsement if the town committee gives it to him, but understands the political reality. That means he would have to petition his way onto the ballot to qualify for a citywide Democratic primary in September.
Baker says if he runs for school board it will likely be as a Democrat. No one from the Connecticut Working Families Party has reached out to him to run on its line in November.
Baker brings to the table his council voter base in the city’s East End. He would also appeal to political and neighborhood operatives opposed to the Finch administration.
Wouldn’t he have to resign from his council seat?
Andre knows what he has to do and so do you.
Andy, I don’t know if that was a dig at me or a call to action. As you know I have been interested in being on the Board of Education and had expressed that interest last election cycle. If I had continued my quest, many of the people I care for on the DTC would have been put into very uncomfortable positions. I even witnessed someone I considered a FRIEND/brother making calls to members asking them not to vote for me. The last person he thought would walk into Mario’s office that day must have been me. Anyhow, my interest in/for the children and citizens of Bridgeport remains.
Andre Baker is presently a City Council member serving the 139th District. However, Mr. Baker does not live in the district. In fact, Andre Baker does not reside in Bridgeport. Most of his constituents know it.
Andre Baker is a stand-up guy who would be great on the BOE. I would hate to see him leave the council but the kids would benefit with him being on the BOE.
I agree with you. He is and has been doing a great job. Too bad he hasn’t groomed anyone, that I know of, to continue in his steps. All too often this is happening, everywhere.
Is Judge Carmen Lopez running for BOE? I had already heard of Baker’s intention to run and was also told Lopez was jumping in. Is Judgement Day coming to the BOE?
Hector A. Diaz, it looks you are the one throwing the dig when you said, “Too bad he hasn’t groomed anyone, that I know of, to continue in his steps. All too often this is happening, everywhere.” Perhaps you can tell us who has groomed anyone to replace them on the City Council, in fact when you held office who did you groom? Finally, what does Andre Baker have to do with you running for the BOE?
Ron, I have an army of young men who are aware, and ready, just waiting. You probably speak to one or more of them on a daily basis. I was unaware I needed permission to speak my mind. If you’ll wait a minute … I’ll ask.
Hector A. Diaz, excuse me but I’m a little slow in understanding things so let me try this again. You said this regarding City Councilman Andre Baker, “Too bad he hasn’t groomed anyone, that I know of, to continue in his steps. All too often this is happening, everywhere.” I then asked you “perhaps you can tell us who has groomed anyone to replace them on the City Council, in fact when you held office who did you groom?” Maybe I misread your reply to my question.
Finally, what does Andre Baker have to do with you running for the BOE?
I’m still waiting for Lennie to report:
Former State Rep. Hector A. Diaz Considers Run For School Board–Army of young men waiting to attack.