Nothing like a hot Democratic Town Committee district race to rev up absentee ballot magician Americo Santiago. The number of absentee ballots returned in the 131st District where Americo is trying to fend off a slate of challengers on March 6 has already surpassed the number returned in last September’s Democratic primary between Mayor Bill Finch and Mary-Jane Foster. But who’s counting, eh?
The latest returned AB count to the Town Clerk’s Office from the 131st District is 139, about 30 more than were returned in September’s mayoral primary, four days from Tuesday’s district primary. If Americo, a former member of the State House, keeps this up he’ll be grabbing the AB crown from the city’s queen of ABs City Councilwoman Lydia Martinez. So far only 61 absentee ballots have been returned from the 137th District where two slates are battling for control of the East Side. Lydia received 151 votes via absentee ballots last September. Her opponent received 42.
Could it be Lydia is helping Americo in the South End? Polls will be open for the two district primaries on Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. In the 131st District the voting precincts are Roosevelt School and City Hall. The district covers the South End, downtown and portions of the West End and The Hollow. In the 137th District the voting precincts are Marin School and Bridge Academy.
Santiago is running on the slate of District Leader Mitch Robles, a veteran political operative. The nine members of the slate are primarily elected officials or on the city payroll. The challenge slate is running on a reform message, promising not to accept paid city positions that they claim goes to heart of what’s wrong with city government. The 90-member Democratic Town Committee conducts party business, endorses candidates for public office and elects a chair. In town committee elections the top nine vote-getters from the combined slates win. The 131st District challenge slate has penned this letter to district voters.
To the Democratic Voters in the 131st District:
The reason we are challenging the current nine members of the 131st District Democratic Town Committee is because we believe that a Democratic Party process should be to the benefit of ALL the residents of the 131st District.
Our challenge is intended to demonstrate that the Democratic Party process should be an open one, not secretive.
The current members have used their DTC positions to serve to their personal advantage by accepting city and/or of board of education employment for themselves or family.
We pledge to serve with no conflict of interests by not accepting any employment positions with either the City or the Board of Educations during our term of service.
While the current members have held their meetings in secret (and this practice is certainly questionable), our meetings will be open and announced to the residents of the 131st District so as to encourage resident participation.
Our goal will be to honor and respect the responsibility of membership on the Democratic Town Committee: to help select the most qualified and ethical candidates for elective offices serving Bridgeport. We will take our responsibility seriously and not rubber stamp approval in exchange for personal perks.
Our purpose is to focus on Bridgeport First.
We ask for your vote of support on Tuesday, March 6th by voting Row C, the bottom row. Voting will take place at City Hall, 45 Lyon Terrace or at Roosevelt School from 6am to 8pm.
Thank you
Mario Arango, Mark Bush, Rhonda Bush, Charritin Escalera, Chris Foreman, George Gholson, Jr., Rafael Mojica, Glenn Pettway and Eric Simmons
Americo isn’t a 6-Pack! He’s a Case!!!
Here’s the story on Americo “stab-you-in-the-back” Santiago.
He is the kind of a pimp in politics whose transitory allegiance goes to the highest bidder or goes to Americo himself …
There is not a shred of credibility in his words or actions.
I have been witness to major Santiago betrayals. So his absentee ballot run is just another demonstration of Santiago subversion.
Just say Mary-Jane Foster and Congressman Luis Gutierrez to Americo, and the “betrayal light” blinks brightly in his eyes.
Funny, I live a few houses down from a Cape Verdean gentleman who owns a deli who describes you the same way, Ms. Curry.
Chosen 1 // Mar 2, 2012 at 5:12 pm
To your posting
Chosen …
Clearly you don’t think your posting merits credibility with not only an anonymous handle, but clearly an inability to have an open honest conversation. This is my last and only posting to your anonymous handle.
No one works harder than Ms. Curry!
Ms. Curry,
Let’s drop this here, as you know emails ended up in Mr. Gomes’ possession that he took the high road on and he could have released them.
My point is you shouldn’t throw stones.
thank you
*** Stop hating people for changing their minds when the writing’s on the wall! ***
Sorry Mr. Mojo, but you don’t know what this is about so please don’t hazard wrong guesses.
Thank You
Chosen 1,
Throw away your old baggage and focus on the future. There is an important election Tuesday. Help the challenge slates win. Carolanne is doing her part plus much much more. None work harder than CC. Stop complaining, get up and help reform the DTC to make Bridgeport First!
Game on. Everyone who knows anyone in the 131st district should be contacted and encouraged to vote for the Challenge Slate Row C. We can’t keep whining and complaining about change and reform. The time to act is Tuesday March 6th. Pick up the phone; call; make sure they have a ride; offer to watch their kids while they vote. Be a part of making a difference.
I spoke with friends and relatives in the 131st. My first question to them was: Did anyone contact you about the Town Committee Primary set for Tuesday March 6th? Eleven out of eleven times, the answer was NO. The countdown begins!
Joel,
There are over 4000 registered Democrats in the 131st. Help get the message out. Most people I talk to never even heard of the Democratic Town Committee. If there is one positive outcome concerning this election it is more people will know. Encourage them to vote Row C, the bottom line.
I find myself feeling a bit sorry for Don Mario, he used to have smart seasoned politicians to deal with,
NOW HE HAS THE GANG THAT CAN’T SHOOT STRAIGHT
Americo Santiago is a waste as a human being. He is part of that group in the South End that tries to bleed the city dry. They think as does their leader Mitch Robles, they are entitled to get what they want.
MJF showed them they are vulnerable and I am 100% behind the challenge slate. The challenge slate stands for good and cares about ALL the residents in the South End. Let’s go, challenge slate.
I wonder why Americo left his job in Hartford. Was he asked to remove himself or else he will be removed? He and Lydia are competing with AB’s …
*** As has been stated from the beginning of this local DTC challenge in the 131st district, it will be an uphill battle on a slippery slope! They have the upper hand with AB’s because of the help from a few city workers who work with city seniors. The “Bpt First Challenge Slate” needs good weather on election day, UB student votes and lots of help in getting the word out in the district to encourage residents to come out and vote. Along with a little luck and a few Hail Marys and Our Fathers to boot! Change is not always welcomed but in the 131st district it is much needed to go from “autopilot” to “hands on!” A transparent real neighborhood eyes, ears and voice committee that will have the best interest of the community first. *** HERE WE GO! ***
*** Hey Lennie, it would be nice to hear or see something about the Bpt First Challenge Slates appearance on Bpt’s local TV channel 88. Three slate residents with no experience in politics or city employment looking for a better, transparent, hands-on approach in the way political decisions are made for our neighborhoods. No more private “autopilot” closed-door representation that benefits no one but themselves! Time for change from the bottom up district by district, no? *** People Power ***
When I hear the words Absentee Ballots, the first thought that comes to mind is: It’s over! When Americo is involved, it’s definitely over. Lots of people know about Americo’s skills with Absentee Ballots, but they don’t have a clue as to the method to his art. I won’t tell! Even if I had the time to take a look at a few things to see if such method was or is still being used, I just won’t. My advice to challengers is: Do the same! If Americo can figure out a method, shame on those who can only say Absentee Ballot.
Condom Cause
Holding Erections Accountable
Americo’s picture next to it.
Can someone, maybe you Lennie, tell me how Americo gets to be on the 131 slate when he lives with his sister in the 136th district, or does he reside in Puerto Rico??? I”m confused … doesn’t the town clerk check on these types of issues to make this a fair process or wait that can’t happen because Alma Maya is one of his followers. I think Santa Ayala should be checking on this one, she doesn’t need another election mishap on her resume.
Americo is a carpetbagger and can really cut a rug. He likes to pile it high and deep.
*** Living or not living in Bpt means nothing when it comes to Bpt politics, no? *** Say PO Box! ***
Is that the same sister who listed her address on Park Street, so she can then run in Lydia’s slate? I wonder if she is on section 8, perhaps they should find out she moved without notifying the main office … Hmmmmmmmmm!