As Governor Dan Malloy feuds with Republicans over his Second Chance Society proposal, Mayor Bill Finch weighs in with support of the measure. Statement from Finch:
“I support Gov. Malloy’s Second Chance Initiative. As the mayor of our state’s largest city, every single day I see people who are suffering after serving their time due to a failure to set them up for success when re-entering our community. That’s why I’ve fought hard to remedy this problem. As a State Senator, I sponsored legislation, which was signed into law, that gives those convicted of felony crimes the ability to vote after serving time.
“As mayor, I put into place a ban-the-box policy in order to give those who have served their time a fair shot at good paying jobs, setting them up for success. And, working with the re-entry community, we’ve been able to ensure more people re-entering our community have good paying jobs, which has helped lead to a significant decrease in unemployment and crime.
“It’s in that same spirit that I support this bill. And, as the father of four kids who have attended public schools in Bridgeport, I lend my support to this piece of legislation because of assurance that it does not have any effect on existing laws against dealing drugs in school zones.
“To be clear: I believe people must be punished for the crimes they commit, including those convicted of drug use or possession. But after serving time, I believe we need to ensure that we’re setting people up for success when re-entering our community. That means ensuring access to good paying jobs that help them get back on their feet and live successful lives. What it doesn’t mean is putting people in a position to fail. So I don’t believe a convicted bank robber should be allowed to be a bank teller, a convicted tax cheat should be allowed to be an accountant, or that an elected official who is convicted of stealing from taxpayers should be allowed to hold public office. It’s common-sense, and in the best interest of everyone.”
I agree 100 percent. I think he covered all bases as they apply to Bridgeport non-taxpayers and taxpayers. Ganim running for office is an absolute abomination.
Councilman Castillo gave Finch a second chance last week after Finch tried to remove his larynx. Lucky for Finch Castillo refused to get the police involved. How about that, Steve Auerbach? I’m sure like 99.9 percent of the city, you didn’t hear about that as they swore everyone to secrecy. The man is clearly losing it!
Phantom, I have no idea what you are talking about. Apparently you weren’t sworn to secrecy. Was he going for the larynx or the lungs or the jugular over???
I do. Good job, Phantom. 🙂
That sounds real good but just attend a Civil Service meeting and watch Hamilton Burger and David Dunn do everything they can to block a candidate who has a record from being hired and the crime could have been ten years ago the candidate has a good work record after they came out but these two plus the department head is there fighting them.
Lennie Grimaldi, honestly, can we get a few less anonymous contributors sharing bullshit? So now I suppose the CT Post should interview Castillo. Did he also try to kick Melanie Jackson down the stairs? Did he have Michelle Lyons in a half nelson? Bob Halstead in a scissor lock? Lydia Martinez in a body slam? Phantom, what the hell are you talking about?
Maybe go to a meeting? That could work.
Wicca, both of your posts make no sense to me.
Steve,
You like to be in the know, but tell us you’d rather curl up with popcorn to watch TV than attend a City Council meeting. On May 4 the City Council voted 10-8 against an abatement for a developer that Finch favors. The Mayor’s behavior relative to more than one Council person who voted against the measure is the subject of the “larynx” comment.
In recent years there have been more moments of hands or fingers on other people where they should not have been, within the Council Chamber gates than outside where the public sits (sometimes). The public safety officers have a special box for them to be close to the action so they keep the Council follies from getting the YouTube treatment. Steve, you have to get out more often. Time will tell.
“Second” chance? In Connecticut in the “Malloy Economy” far too many young people aren’t even getting a “first” chance. Maybe that’s why the Governor is putting so much focus on “second” chances.
I certainly believe in second chances–everybody makes a serious mistake or two in their lives. It is a blessing to get a second chance and it is unspeakable to not treat it as a precious gift.
Yes, indeed. The voters of Connecticut had a second chance and we blew it and voted for Malloy again. What does that say about us?
What will the voters of Bridgeport do with our “second chance” in the municipal elections this year?
Steve. As you can see from other post, it’s no BS. I’m sure Lennie could find out if needed. He tried to strangle the man. He’s off the rails, my friend.
Well Phantom, I suppose this would be a great front-page story and how anyone was sworn to secrecy considering everyone hates Finch doesn’t sound realistic. I am certain every Ganim supporter would have posted a picture from a cell phone. JML, I do not need to give up my entertainment for second-rate reality. When there is something on the agenda I am personally drawn to, then I will be there. I am not running for office. I read the internet. Anything I need to know I can research. If it concerns my neighborhood I have two of the best council women who share information regularly. What more do I need?
Steve, I don’t understand why you refuse to believe anything negative about Finch. This act of aggression truly did happen in front of witnesses. Charges should have been filed because it was assault. People are starting to talk about it now and the true story is getting out. Your mayor has an anger problem. He can’t stand it when things don’t go his way. He acts out violently. He needs help.
Steve. With all due respect, I’m not the only poster telling you this happened. I understand your affection for all things Finch but it really did happen. It’ll slowly make its way around and you’ll see.
Steve–I believe this isn’t the Phantom of the Soap Opera!
Steve–I think this video can be found on Whackopedia!
From what I am hearing it was not just Castillo. Casco too was a target of some kind of “hands on” response to the vote.
When the budget passed at the following meeting 5/11/15, there was $200K identified for Casco’s cause, immigrant ID’s.
Well goody.
Okay guys, I cannot judge a situation I have no knowledge about. Is this the narrative Ganim is putting out there? I guess 2019 can’t come quick enough for me to work my ass off for Mary-Jane Foster. I do not believe Mayor Finch walks on water. I do believe he is going to get his story out and get another four years. If he loses, oh well. I am certain it wouldn’t hurt to show some love to UB before it appears a last-minute desperate attempt to find support. The time is now.
city hall smoker, thank you for auto correct. I teach cooking 1 and world religions. Thanks for inquiring, and what exactly do you do on the taxpayers’ dime?
This information originated at the council meeting. No one said anything about Joe Ganim, Steven.
Although you may not be able to comprehend it, there are people in Bridgeport who are are not in the vice grip of deep-seated delusions about Mayor Finch.
He acted in a manner unflattering to any law-abiding citizen, and heinously intolerable for the Mayor of Connecticut’s largest City.
And before you go hanging this incident up on Foster or Gardner or anyone else, let’s be clear; Finch owns this debacle and threats and promises could only keep it quiet until they can’t anymore.
Wicca, so it happened. PRESIDENT OBAMA CHEWS GUM ON THE NATIONAL STAGE AND MICHELLE OBAMA PUT HER ARM AROUND THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND–disgraceful! Did Finch hurt the man? Can you get over it? I already did. Foster, Gardner and Ganim need a platform. Addressing Finch’s occasional outbursts is not an issue.
You would minimize, and thereby condone, the mayor putting his hands on a city council member out of anger? Are you out of your damned mind? Occasional outbursts? Really?
Oust the Finchettes now!
Lolololol 🙂