Citizens Working For A Better Bridgeport Announces Primary Endorsements

The political action group Citizens Working For A Better Bridgeport (CW4BB) has endorsed the challenge slate for Board of Education as well as four candidates for City Council running in September 10 Democratic primaries.

CW4BB endorsed Democratic challengers for school board Andre Baker, Dave Hennessey and Howard Gardner over the Democratic Town Committee endorsed candidates Kathryn Bukovsky, Simon Castillo and Brandon Clark.

The community action group also endorsed Bob Halstead and Trish Swain over incumbents John Olson and Evette Brantley representing the City Council’s West Side 132nd District and Maria Valle and Aidee Nieves over challengers Lydia Martinez and Milta Feliciano in the East Side 137th District. No endorsements were made for the council primaries in the North End 135 District and East Side 136th District.

In a statement issued by CW4BB its endorsed candidates:

… satisfactorily completed the CW4BB questionnaire and were interviewed by representatives of the group. The endorsement reflects CW4BB’s belief that these individuals are qualified, not conflicted, are committed to serve the taxpayers (both BOE and the Council) and the kids (BOE), and support the key governance principles outlined by CW4BB.

Other primary candidates were under consideration as well, but some of them did not meet the deadline date provided by CW4BB for completion of the required questionnaires. In addition, some candidates who did complete the questionnaire and were interviewed did, in fact, garner support among CW4BB members but not enough to warrant an endorsement in this primary. Of particular note is the fact that CW4BB has chosen to only endorse up to three candidates for BOE and two for each contested Council seat in this primary.

Given the minority representation requirements for the BOE and the fact that there are five positions on the Board of Education up for re-election, CW4BB may choose to support up to five candidates for the BOE in the general election. In addition, all endorsements are subject to reconsideration based on subsequent events.

CW4BB will provide financial and other support to endorsed candidates consistent with applicable legal limits. We expect to hold a forum for endorsed candidates before the primary. We also expect to hold a public forum for general election candidates after the primary and to make CW4BB endorsements for general election BOE and Council candidates thereafter.

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28 comments

  1. Questions regarding these endorsements should be directed to:
    Dave Walker, Treasurer at dmwalker@vzw.blackberry.net

    CW4BB is actively seeking volunteers from all sections of Bridgeport to aid us in our efforts in this upcoming primary, as well as the general election and beyond.

    About Citizens Working for a Better Bridgeport:
    CW4BB is dedicated to improving the city through constructive and non-partisan community activism. The coalition is especially concerned with The City of Bridgeport’s governance practices, financial condition, education system, economic development and public services.

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  2. So now are we to believe Citizens Working for a Better Bridgeport are major players here Bridgeport? I’m willing to bet this is the most NON-diversified PAC ever in Bridgeport.

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  3. Ron,
    There you go again. I knew it wouldn’t take you long to get to race. You’re a “Ronnie one note” on race. The problem is what counts is actions and the CW4BB endorsements clearly include a diverse group of candidates. Why don’t you get involved and do something productive in the effort to turn the City around?

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    1. Dave Walker, you got that right. I have no problem bringing up race. Let me repeat myself because you seem to have a problem in reading what I wrote, CW4BB is NOT a diverse group, I’m not talking about CW4BB endorsements. Bridgeport is a majority city of black and Hispanic voters, why is CW4BB nearly an all-white PAC group with such a large population of Hispanics and blacks here in Bridgeport?

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      1. Ron,
        Read this carefully. CW4BB is an inclusive organization that is open to people of all races, ethnicities, genders, religions, political affiliations, etc. Some individuals, such as you, like to complain without doing much and others believe actions speak louder than words. It is up to each individual to determine for themselves.

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        1. Dave Walker, you said, “CW4BB is an inclusive organization that is open to people of all races, ethnicities, genders, religions, political affiliations, etc,” now that sounds great now let’s look at the FACTS, CW4BB’s inclusive membership is all white. Dave Walker, why is it blacks and Hispanic are NOT members of CW4BB? Another thing, your work games might work someplace else, but not here.

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          1. Ron,
            This is my last reply to you. You have no way to know who is involved in our group but you are wrong on your assertion. I don’t have time for chronic complainers who do little to nothing to make a difference today.

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      2. Ron, do you think endorsements should be based solely on qualifications/credentials or should the makeup of the community also be considered? Also, does it surprise you the school board slate CW4BB endorsed does not include one Hispanic even though Hispanics comprise 50 percent of the Democratic registration as well as the largest student demographic in city schools?

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        1. Lennie, I’m in agreement in what Andy Fardy said, “It sounds like if you don’t pledge alliance to CW4BB then you don’t get their endorsement.” I don’t care for any PAC that is asking a candidate to “PLEDGE ALLIANCE” to group that has no track record about anything and I will not respect any candidate who takes such a pledge.

          Lennie, you asked me, “does it surprise you the school board slate CW4BB endorsed does not include one Hispanic even though Hispanics comprise 50 percent of the Democratic registration as well as the largest student demographic in city schools?” No, it doesn’t surprise me at all, CW4BB has no contact into the Hispanic community and Hispanic voters, nor the black voter, they are what they are.

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          1. Ron: You can only speak for yourself. Am I to understand you have conversations on a daily basis with every Hispanic voter in Bridgeport? Um, I think not.

            Andy Fardy has been brought up to date on the endorsement efforts of CW4BB. He is a great guy and a Bridgeport advocate in the truest sense of the word.

            Am I to assume you do not realize the fact Valle and Nieves are both Hispanic names? Of course not. I know you are more intelligent than that.

            Am I to assume you think Baker and Gardner are white guys from Black Rock? Of course not, I know you can clearly see they are not.

            What gives, Mackey? CW4BB did not create nor sharpen the axe you have to grind.

            If you are up to it, get involved with reform. If you are just sitting in your house or condo looking to conjure up problems with a group that is trying to reform this City–MOVE.

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  4. It sounds like if you don’t pledge allegiance to CW4BB then you don’t get their endorsement. It’s a shame because there are four good candidates in the 136th and yet no endorsement. That in and of itself is okay as the side of the city mainly represented by Black Rock never understood our side of town.

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    1. Mojo, that sounds good and it would make a great slogan but let’s get real here. We are talking about Bridgeport and Hispanics and blacks have NO real power at all. They having nothing to do with hiring, contract, etc; they are not the decision makers here in Bridgeport.

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      1. *** And whose fault might that be Ron, let me guess, “the white man,” no? Last I looked and read on the city’s census and current city voting lists, minorities far outnumber the whites in Bpt. However minorities only seem to come out and vote for the bigger elections like Gov. or President, not the local elections that really affect us and our neighborhoods more directly. Hell, in my neighborhood many residents when checking out the local CT Post newspaper turn to the police log, sports or comics first, before even thinking of maybe looking or reading the front page, editorials or business sections! Sad but true, if not for the TV, radio or iPhones kids today would be out of touch with the world around them in many cases! There could have been a black or Latino mayor in Bpt years ago if only those two ethic groups got together and both supported a decent candidate! Minorities complain to each other when and where it doesn’t count. The squeaky wheel usually gets the oil and most of the time when there are issues to squeak about as a community neighborhood, it’s always the “same groups” from the “same sides of town” and most are white and have done some homework on the issues at hand so they sound like they know what they’re talking about! “NO REAL POWER” because blacks and Latinos simply have only themselves to blame during this time and age in the city of Bpt. They fight and bicker like jealous kids over extra peanuts among each other, never mind having to share with other races or nationalities! United as one for the betterment of our people, neighborhoods and city, by supporting good trustworthy family and good-book caring individuals who live in the Park City and don’t work for the city of Bpt. *** TIME WAITS FOR NO MAN REGARDLESS OF SKIN COLOR OR NATIONALITY ***

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        1. Mojo, you asked, “*** And whose fault might that be Ron, let me guess, “the white man,” no?” Mojo, you answered that question right. Have you forgotten history, have you forgotten discrimination, segregation, poll tax, the migration of blacks from the South and the migration of Hispanics all coming here in the 1940s with nothing? They were behind and at no time were they ever even with whites. They were looking for work and housing to support their family, they came here en masse with no money or power but a desire for a better way of life. There has always been ethnic migration and once a certain ethnic group got power they looked out for their own. Well blacks and Hispanics are now the last groups through and they are now trying to get power but those who have power have no plan to give it up. With power comes money.

          Mojo, you said, “last I looked and read on the city’s census and current city voting lists, minorities far outnumber the whites in Bridgeport,” that’s right but MONEY is the key to any election, the more money you have for an election, the better chance you have to get voters to vote for you. Just look at Mayor Finch, right now he has over $115,000 in campaign funds and the next election is three years away. Where did that money come from? It came from people doing business with the City because they want influence and favors from the mayor. Well, blacks and Hispanics will have a hard time fighting and overcoming that type of power.

          In closing, let me leave you with this and why blacks and Hispanics have it so hard here in Bridgeport:

          “Money is the Mother’s Milk of Politics”
          It is a simile, comparing money to mother’s milk, which is a primary form of nourishment. It means money feeds politics, or money influences politics in many ways. The people who have the money can control political outcomes. Wars are also fought over assets. Bribery in politics can also occur. Political party strengths are often determined by the amount of money donated to them. In politics, money talks in many ways. Some people say politicians are greedy and out for themselves; not nourished by ideals, but by the love of money.

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          1. *** True, money is needed for complete saturation of the airwaves and advertizments with the candidate’s name, face and political platform, however in smaller local races money is not a big issue! Getting voters to come out and vote or to fill out an A/B if needed is! And while you do need the money to advertize for the candidates running, most citizens in Bpt still wouldn’t have a clue about who’s running or for what position and under what platform? Sad but true the average Park City voter is misinformed and in some cases could care less! And if minorities were to get together and pick a candidate of choice and voted for him or her then the money issue would really be not so relevant. Especially since there are more minorities registered than whites in Bpt but more whites actually come out and vote in local elections, why? How much does it cost the local voter to be somewhat informed about what’s happening in their communities these days? And why complain but not bother to vote for local change in hopes of something better? Have minorities given up, or need money to vote for someone other than the same endorsed DTC puppet? Do they care anymore or does the white man have the polls locked up and off limits to people of color like back in medieval times? Money or not, numbers don’t lie and Bpt-registered minorities if they came together and voted for the same candidate, that person would win, no? *** Time For The Dream To Become Reality Without Finding Something Or Someone To Blame! ***

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        2. Mojo, you have been involved long enough to know Mario Testa and the Democratic Town Committee and the ten district leaders will always control those who run for office and will strongly challenge those who are not down with those in power. You were in office, then out, then you attempted a comeback but you were defeated, why? Those in power didn’t want you plus they had the money, manpower and voters to block you. There is too much money, too many jobs and too many contracts involved and those in power will fight to keep that flowing. Yes, maybe a candidate here and there will get in but there will never be enough to change the balance of power. There needs to be a collective effort to make change but there comes a trust issue and who should be in control.

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  5. Oh good grief, for a city the size of a pinhead, the issue of race and where you live makes a bigger difference than who is the best candidate and who is the most removed from the political process that has held this city in its corrupt hands for decades.
    All of a sudden all the “outsiders” who have, for years, wanted the DTC to endorse independent candidates, are now throwing buckets of money at the endorsed candidates. Very interesting dynamics at play here.

    Can big money make a difference in the primary? Is this like the Charter Vote all over again? Just how much $$$ has been raised from the down-county millionaires? And why are they so anxious to buy the favor of the Mayor?

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    1. Ron,
      I am an old white male who wears bow ties who happens to live in Black Rock and have been interested in City governance issues, particularly financial issues for the past five years anyway.
      I have been seeking out women and men of all ages, ethnicities, skin shades, political philosophy, nationalities and diverse cultural persuasions to work as a group on learning and sharing that with the community at large. Should I not share this info with diverse groups? Should I not meet people in other neighborhoods at their favorite sandwich shops to share info and build relationships? Are we about community building or not?

      I have expressed my interest in meeting you, providing my phone number as an example, on more than one occasion. It’s your call, but you have not made one. I am still open. 203-259-9642 daytime. I am pretty sure one or more of the activities you know about can be connected to others others know about and create more foundation for change, for waking up a community, for providing more opportunities for more people.

      CW4BB was an idea last December. It is a PAC today. There are busy people engaged in the process and none are retired at this time among the group of the most active. The problems they are working to change are Bridgeport problems, not Black Rock issues. CW4BB mailing lists and general meetings have not been expertly handled. Some people have stopped getting notices. Not good organization skills, but this issue has been heard and is being attended to. Regarding the statement and candidate questions, all were sent information. Some folks chose not to answer five questions that were not ‘pledges of allegiance,’ thank you. Some continued to not respond when they were called and urged to respond. They have that right, but they also had people interested in supporting them. Quite a few responded in writing and were interviewed. Some of these were supported. Some people contributed funds. All from Bridgeport to my knowledge. Lots of ferment and interest this year. It is a good thing. Time will tell.

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      1. John Marshall Lee, I have most of the time been in agreement with you on issues and in no way would I ever say or suggest you should NOT share info with diverse groups, or you should not meet people in other neighborhoods at their favorite sandwich shops to share info and build relationships.

        I understand how hard it is to get people on board to combat issues and my comments on this topic has nothing to do with you and I respect your reply. My issue is with Dave Walker and his lack of being honest and clear when replying. Walker feels in the three-plus years he has been here Bridgeport, he has a better understanding of blacks here and how to reach out to them. He has no idea. Well, I’ve got a bridge to sell him if he thinks he can get them on board.

        One last thing, I have no problem voting and supporting white candidates, two of the best are Bob “Troll” Walsh and Chris Caruso and I wish they were running for any office.

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  6. S.O.S.
    We back you, put money into your campaign, we own your butt so do as we say. WFP is falling apart for these reasons.
    The machine started these politics, now others want to run the same game plan.
    How can an honest candidate win when anyone who donates or endorses wants their blood in return?

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  7. Mackey is bad for Bridgeport. Don’t waste time reading his distorted views. We have much to do to achieve promise and prosperity. Mackey is merely an obstacle worthy of no consideration.

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  8. Diversity is an ALL-INCLUSIVE concept. Just as is COOPERATION. Separatism hasn’t worked for us, has it? If you’re with that, Mackey, you’re a catalyst; if you’re not, you’re an obstacle.

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  9. I went to the BOE meeting last Monday evening. The “fireworks” were preceded by the revision of the Consent Calendar pulling two main issues off the automatic voting platform: New teacher appointments (for specific focus on the number and abilities of Teach For America appointments); and funding for ‘Jamoke’ program coming to the Dunbar school. Whatever the facts and feelings about these two issues, what I have missed are the voices of any BOE members raising the issue of the funding of the “minimum budget requirement.”
    All members of the BOE should be concerned about the full funding of the budget, especially the City side including additional $3.3 Million to meet the State required MINIMUM BUDGET REQUIREMENT. If you are after Gotchas, especially financial ones, of the ways the City interacts with the BOE, here is an ideal issue. Most of the BOE could find agreement on the issue. And it would put pressure on City Council persons who likewise have let the issue off their radar screen (assuming they keep track of important issues like this, financial or otherwise). Where will the City discover the dollars to meet the State-mandated obligation? Right now it is a part of a Variance, an important one, because the State has the power to provide the City with consequences rather than cash that could put our educational enterprise in worse shape. What say you, Mayor Finch? Better yet, what are you doing about this, Mayor Finch? Time will tell.

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