UPDATE: Alma Maya has notified OIB that after careful consideration she’ll not be a candidate for State Senate.
Add Town Clerk Alma Maya and former State Senator Ed Gomes to the list of top-tier potential candidates to fill the senate seat being vacated by Andres Ayala who will be appointed commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles in January.
Several city political operatives say those two names are making the rounds to possibly run in a special election for Connecticut’s 23rd State Senate district expected to be called roughly 45 days after Ayala fills out his term in early January.
Gomes occupied the seat until he was knocked off in an August 2012 primary by Ayala. Gomes, at 77 years old, still has some political spunk remaining as evidenced by his work on behalf of Marilyn Moore, who won the adjoining 22nd State Senatorial in November.
Maya has served as city clerk for seven years winning in the 2007 election year when Bill Finch was elected mayor.
Alma has an independent streak that doesn’t always sit well with some members of the Democratic Party apparatus including Town Chair Mario Testa. As a result, the 90-member DTC endorsing Maya for another four-year term is questionable. But Maya is also well-liked by many members of the party as well as neighborhood activists.
Another name floating for a possible run is city fire commissioner Dennis Bradley who finished second in an August State House primary to city blight director Chris Rosario. Incumbent Christina Ayala lost her seat in that primary.
Six weeks is a compressed cycle for an election, especially where public financing is available to the candidates.
Run Alma, run!!!
Now, based on these new names being brought into the discussion for the open State Senate position, I must say I’m in favor of Ed Gomes. In the earlier topic these names were not mentioned, with that list of names and at that time I had selected Scott Hughes only because Ed Gomes’ name was not on the list. Now based on all of the names, without a doubt Ed Gomes is my top choice even at 77, if you know Ed then you know 77 is just a number.
Run, Run Alma. We will work for you and we will vote for you.
If Ed Gomes decides to run, I think he wins hands down.
Hmmm. Ed Gomes. Just what Bridgeport needs, an anti-Steelepointe senator. I don’t think so. This isn’t Wilbur Cross territory, is it? Moore would love that. I think she would be in his shadow and I think she is capable of great things. I think Ed Gomes has enjoyed enough time as a career politician. We need fresh blood.
Going! Going!! Gomes!!!
Steven Auerbach, have you ever spoken to Ed Gomes about your concerns?
Ron Mackey, yes I have. At a meet and greet for Marilyn Moore hosted by Chris Caruso at the Italian center on Park Ave. I also try to listen to all candidates. That is when Moore and Gomes gave their negative, ain’t gonna happen, Steelepointe diatribe. Ron Mackey, for the record, I voted for Gomes, he was supported by a good friend and neighbor of mine, George Bryant, a former firemen I am certain you know. When he told me he and his friends had a nickname for my friend and former mayor as Mary Moron, it endeared me more to him. You get my drift, no?
I understand why folks would want Alma in the Delegation. I really do. She is a wonderful, smart, ethical and thoughtful elected official. She is her own woman in the truest sense of the word. As it currently stands, we need her at City Hall. She is one of the only lights in a dark forest, and she is already there. Who would replace her? Would we end up with another Sandi? Lydia? Americo?
Mustang Sally, I couldn’t agree more. Alma is everything you said.
As usual Ron, I’m with you 100%. Ed’s the one we want and need. I’ll do whatever it takes to help him return to the State Senate.
I’m voting for Gomes, John Gomes, my best guess is you all will too in the end.