Monday night at Testo’s Restaurant, the mothership of city politics owned by Democratic Town Chair Mario Testa, Bridgeport delegates were selected for nominating conventions in May to endorse candidates for state senate in Connecticut’s 22nd and 23rd districts led by incumbents Marilyn Moore and Ed Gomes respectively. Will they have primary challengers? If so, primaries will take place in August.
City Council President Tom McCarthy said last week he is considering a run against Moore. Board of Education Chair Dennis Bradley is doing the same against Gomes. McCarthy and Bradley have not formed candidate committees. If they’re serious they’d better get moving because public financing is at their disposal courtesy of Connecticut’s Citizens Election Program of publicly funded races. That means candidates must raise $15,000 from at least 300 in-district donations of $100 and less to receive a larger hunk of bread. The idea is to limit the influence of special interest money in state elections.
Both districts are considered “party dominant” which means “the percentage of active electors (registered voters) in the district who are enrolled in a major party exceeds the percentage of active electors in the district who are enrolled in the other major party by at least twenty percentage points,” according to CEP rules. Translation: candidates in party dominant districts receive larger primary grants.
For example, incumbents and challengers, if they qualify, will receive $84,450 on top of the $15K raised. But securing 300 in-district donors is a labor intensive process. Some make it, some don’t, and still others receive the money so late it’s impossible to spend it wisely. See full money guidelines here. So getting in the game so close to April compresses the timeframe to run a competitive race against incumbents already raising money. Challenge candidate may qualify for the ballot with 15 percent support at the convention. If they come up short, they can petition their way on through signatures from party voters.
Candidates may apply for primary grants as early as the third week in May, following party endorsements. The final application deadline for a primary grant is by 5 p.m. on July 15, 2016.
Connecticut taxpayers have shelled out tens of millions of dollars in public grants for state offices since the program began in the aftermath of former Governor John Rowland’s conviction on public corruption charges.
Again Mario at his best, Corruption, using members from slates that lost the run for town committee and nominate them as delegates for the election, what Mario wants Mario gets, it’s the reason why he has all districts in his back pocket one way or another they owe Testa, so if you got a job or position through him you’d better support what he wants or just as quick as you got it, it’s just as quick you will lose it, and they say there’s no Corruption. BULLSHIT. Let’s bring the media in these elections and see how things will change, expose what really is going on in Bridgeport, Town Committee districts are suppose to represent communities and people NOT Mario Testa. How do you sleep at night when your voice and decisions are controlled by Testa. Politics in Bridgeport are shady, it’s about what can I do for you so you can do what I want you to do!!!
Another thing, we speak about how much we love Bridgeport, how are we ever going to change and prosper when we’re listening to dictators and letting them control our Constitutional rights and FREEDOM of speech. Bridgeport is being tied down by these minions who have power trips and need control and money. How are we going to progress when were being held down by these tyrants, so much progress this SO-CALLED MAYOR GANIM claims we’re still looking like a cemetery in our City downtown area, no businesses want to open here because these crooks again want a piece of the action so these businesses can come aboard, look at our Ferry line, compare it to our sister Ferry in Port Jeff Long Island, you know why they are successful, because they are free to progress without any interference from political officials who want to benefit from the transaction, they are also not raped with high taxes, i mean who would want to open a business here with all these tactics, and they say there’s no Corruption, BULLSHIT. This so-called leader Mayor Ganim instead of going outside Bridgeport to get money and God only knows what’s going on behind those doors, he should be focusing on bringing outside businesses in so we can build our Downtown and get the revenue that we need to build up our tourist attractions. How much history is in Bridgeport you would think Mayor Ganim would focus on building a tourist concept here in Downtown Bridgeport so we can get the proper economic growth to progress this City and not make it look like the Next Detroit, and that’s where we’re headed and fast, look at our economy as of now, we’re in serious trouble, but then again Ganim doesn’t care, he’s not from Bridgeport, he could care less what happens here, he always has a home to go to.
Well Angel, I see you learned another lesson. You are upset incumbent senators received the backing of the TC, well too bad. You won’t be around long so don’t worry.
Angel Figueroa, wow, you haven’t been on the DTC a month yet and with your outrage do you really think you can win friends and influence people to make change? Hell NO, nobody hears you because you don’t understand how the Bridgeport Democratic Town Committee works, you don’t know the rules of the DTC, you don’t know the membership or the history of the DTC. You’re like a bull in a china shop, you’re in there and the only thing you want to do is to run wild but nobody cares about anything you are saying. Angel, there is a process to change things in the DTC but not your way.
Hey Ron, here is an interesting item. Our district leader thinks she is an enforcement arm of any and all city agencies. She sent a letter and then made a personal visit to a local merchant where she outlined a resident’s complaint. I did not know the town committee did these things. My friend did not know this and told her to GFY. They definitely have a lot to learn.
Andy, they want to do things they as DTC members cannot do. DTC members have power when they have 46 votes but before they get that far they need to know the rules and the policy of the DTC. If this group of DTC members in the 138th don’t change they will be out in two years.
Ron Mackey and Fardy, I don’t have to know politics to know where there is corruption, and you can both go fly kites if you think by any means your words mean shit to me, you’re probably both supporters of Ganim and Testa. I am not here looking to change Bridgeport through the DTC, but as a resident of Bridgeport I can call an Ace an Ace and if you don’t like it, tough shit, and friends amongst you morons I don’t need, never did and never will, so why don’t the both of you go on a date and go — yourselves!
If our words meant nothing to you then why are you responding to us? FYI I was for MJF not Ganim or Finch, if you read the blog you would know this. Angel, if you had a brain you would have three things to play with. Grow Up.
Angel Figueroa, I don’t support President Obama’s war policy and his selection for the Supreme Court but I voted for him both times and I like him.
And anyone else who supports Ganim and Testa, and fyi it’s not you suckers who elect the DTC, you incompetent fools, it’s the people and that’s all the support I need.
You need a checkup from the neck up.
At least this I will agree as me being a bull in a china shop, but at least I’m not on the DTC kissing Testa’s ass and looking for opportunities through corruption, one thing I will say at least I have the balls to stand up and say it like it is without having to submit to no one, and as far as no one listening, lol, trust me they are listening and already I’m getting calls from several people supporting and agreeing with me, you bunch of hypocritical phonies!
Where is the corruption you are talking about?
Same place the corruption in Success is hiding. Again Angel has all the answers, he just isn’t telling us. It’s all in his head.
Angel Figueroa, it was you coming on Only In Bridgeport bragging about you and your 138th district DTC members winning your primary and how you stood up to Mario Testa to challenge him to be the chairman of the DTC. Now you’re saying, “I am not here looking to change Bridgeport through the DTC.” Tell us, how are you going to make changes in Bridgeport? Now you make changes if you were the head of the DTC but you can’t get 46 votes from the DTC membership. Next you can run for mayor but you will need $500,000 to start your campaign and then have the ability to raise another $500,000 and more to run in the general election if you won the primary, now my numbers are on the low side. You have no plan whatsoever to change anything.
Hey Einstein, let me say it again. As a DTC I have no power but my constitutional right of freedom of speech, which grants me the power to inform and be the activist I am, and gives me the opportunity to open the eyes of the people and communities. That I intend to do, already building forts, don’t undermine or underestimate me Mr. Mackey, I like when people sleep on me because when I come out, you’ll be in for a rude awakening, and me running for Mayor is not a choice, but I’ll tell you this motor mouth, I’m sure I can get enough people to support me, and the $500.000 it will be there as well, keep running your mouth again undermining the power of the people! And you’re right, 46 votes I can’t get because they are all in Testa’s back pocket, but on a clean election bet your bottom chump change I would be a strong candidate. Keep underestimating me and my abilities.
They just want the same thing the people of Success want, proof.
Angel Figueroa, I always address you by your God-given name and I’d appreciate if you do the same for me.
Enudio, people of Success who are you speaking about, are you mental? People of Success, lol. People of Success support me for what I’ve done so don’t speak for people of my community, which you are not a part of, lol. You’re on this blog simply to try to retaliate on me, and guess what it’s not working, lol. You obviously have some sort of attraction to me or something but I would say this, sorry, I’m not that type of a guy, find a hobby. I keep telling you this, you make your comments about Success like you have done anything for us or our community, you’re a nobody looking for your 5 minutes of fame Guess what? 5..4..3..2..1, your 5 minutes are up, maybe if you did anything for your community you can get the recognition you deserve, lol. I have the support I have because of what I have accomplished, again look at my page, people speak and make their comments about me, there are videos that show what was going on in my community and if I weren’t what I say then why did Success support me on the elections for the DTC? I’ll tell you why, ’cause I get shit done period and I’m not about talking, I am proactive, so my question to you is what have you done, Mr. Mole man? Nothing but follow my pages and complain and ridicule, lol. Dude seriously, get a job or a girlfriend, lol.
Here’s a magic trick. POOF, be gone, lol.
Oh I’m doing more good than you are. Exposing you for the clown you are. Believe me, people pay attention. They see your petty arguments and it gets noticed. Your videos show nothing but accusations. No repairs, no proof of theft, just claims with no merit. Believe me, you’re losing friends faster than you gain them and OIB is proof of that. You are fighting with the big fish here. You obviously think I make you a priority. I get a big laugh out of making you look foolish. Again I supported you ’til you showed just what kind of man you are. You cannot take criticism. You lie on your own Facebook page. I bet that wasn’t even your sister. Just a post to gain sympathy from weak-minded individuals. Your page is closed to differing opinions. Trust if I went that way you’d be the last on my list with that bulbous nose and butt chin.
Hey Mack, it was my mother who named me, get your facts straight.
The same mother you claimed abused you?
And what happened Einstein, you didn’t like my answer and now you’re crying the name game, if you can’t take the heat get out of the kitchen, or don’t answer on my comments if you don’t like what I say. GET IT? GOT IT? GOOD. Have a coke and a smile Mack, this round is on me. 😉
You obviously need the hobby instead of sitting home like you do.
Angel, I mean Punk, I see you weren’t baptized in the church.
Ron, it really is a waste of time talking to this moron, he has no clue and changes his story like he should change his clothes. I guess a little comedy from him is okay in small doses.
Lol, you guys are really cute, keep it up you’re doing me a great favor. 😉
Enudio me sitting home, lol. Now I’m sitting home, this gets better and better with you, wait, hear that? CHA CHING. It’s the money I’m making while wasting my time with you. Smh, you will never learn.
Okay. More power to you. I’m making money right now too. At the same time entertaining myself. What’s to learn? You’ve been telling the same story all along. Corruption and you’re gonna stop it. You couldn’t even stay on good terms with this new board. One week you’re praising Andy for being the only good board member, now you’re calling for his removal. You are a hypocrite and a back stabber. You lie about everything and can’t even make a decent defense against it. You resort to childish antics. That’s gonna get you far in politics. You can’t even have a good debate because your feelings are so easily hurt.
Angel, while no one on OIB is trying to abridge your right to freedom of speech and I have personally agreed with your being the voice of discontent on the DTC, I think your are out of line by your characterizations of Ron Mackey.
You know nothing about Ron and if you tried for the next 50 years you couldn’t walk in his shoes. Ron Mackey has changed the lives of countless (40-50) blacks, Latinos and women by running study groups to help prepare them to become Bridgeport firefighters. No one in the history of the BFD has done that better than Ron. Once they are on the job Ron ran study groups to prepare blacks, Latinos and women to reach elevated rank in the fire service. Even though the Firebird Society was only 15% of the department we historically took from 40% to 50% of every tested position, from engineer to Captain.
Those two actions put our people into jobs that now pay over $100,000 a year and jobs that changed their lives. Ron Mackey is and has always been his own man and if you so inquire you won’t find any man or woman that can and/or will tell you anything else. Ron has never been a DTC ass-kisser as I have known him for almost 50 years. It is better people think you’re a damned fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
Angel respects no one. I doubt he knows the definition of the word. If he took the time and had any decency he’d see it was advice being offered to him but he can’t determine friend from foe because all he does is make false claims and get defensive. If you honestly could have read what set him off against me you’d see he turns simple advice and debate into argument and insults. He does not have what it takes to lead or represent anyone.
Enudio Colon, thank you. Myself and others have been giving Angel good advice on what to look for and what has happened in the past and how he can move forward but he hears nothing but his own words. People with experience have no meaning to him. His style will not win people over to listen to him.
I’ve been following what you two have been telling him. He takes anything that isn’t 100% in support of him as a personal attack. Some in Success have been keeping an eye on this page because he won’t allow any real debate on his Success Village page. So I come on OIB to ask the questions he doesn’t allow on Facebook. I knew it wouldn’t be long before he took the advice you guys were giving him as a personal attack on him. He doesn’t realize you don’t have to kiss ass to get things done but he thinks all-out war is the only way to get his point across.
I personally really don’t give a f*** on what your opinion is. You speak a lot, you suppose to have all the answers and you know so much about me yet you know nothing, you run like a coward and just proclaimed to be just not existing representation of my community. I will say it right now I didn’t sign up for a future in politics, I signed up to say whatever it is I have to say. I got characters who walk around trying to defame what I do and again it really doesn’t matter as long as my community is happy with what I’ve done for them, I have done my job. People now pop out of the woodwork because I’m not supportive of a lying mayor, and the corruption on the DTC and as far as me and Mr. Mack, I’ve never press judgement on him until he drew first blood on me, and I really don’t care about anyone’s opinions for that matter and nothing that’s said here is going to be a reflection on what I am going to accomplish. You don’t like what I have to say, get the f*** off my comments and you won’t have to deal with me, period!
Enudio, you’re a clown, you talk a lot of gibberish yet have nothing concrete to stabilize any allegations you proclaim, you have a personal vendetta against me. You know what, be man enough to step up to the plate and show your face because anybody could come here and text and say whatever it is they want to say, you got a problem with me I’ll be more than happy to buy you a coffee I even had a donut just to make you happy it seems your life is very boring and I’m very flattered to be the attention you’ve been lacking. You’re incompetent of being a true man, all I have to say is step up to the plate, you’ve got something to say, say it to my face. It’s easy to speak behind a page, it’s another to show face.
You really have nothing to say of substance.
You know what, it really doesn’t matter because your opinion Andy doesn’t mean squat diddly to me. I’m real and I say it like it is, a lot of people can’t deal with it, you’re obviously one of them and as far as any substance this rebuttal every time I come on and get attacked by the same Three Musketeers is getting old and it’s very obvious I’m just being retaliated on. You above all shouldn’t be speaking, you’ve done nothing but try to sit here on this blog and ridicule, you weren’t even man enough to run on anything it was your wife the one doing not you so until you can step up and do something that carries credentials behind it shut up because you’re already boring me.
Angel Figueroa, nobody knows you, nobody, nobody cares about anything you say, in fact the more you keep going back and forth with me the more you will look like a real asshole. Everything is about you and you are showing everybody you don’t have the ability to change or to learn. How do you make changes in Bridgeport when nobody hears you? I don’t know who’s blowing smoke up your ass but you need to come back to earth because the trip you’re on is taking you nowhere.
Angel, I ran for office before I was already on the TC for 16 years. You claim to tell it like it is then please, What is it? When I was doing it you were a little kid who could not read. Go back in the papers and you can read all about me.
Why do you want to meet face to face? For a fight? I don’t have time for clowns like you. When I’m not ruining your day I have a job and family to care for. Besides you can’t handle a conversation on social media, how would one face-to-face go. I’ve provided the proof to your claims of being abused as a child. What have you provided? Videos of you ranting and making claims. Since you did your great work here in Success it seems we are more in debt and the board is as “corrupt” as ever so honestly what good have you done? As far as meeting face to face funny how I see you around all the time. Even waved as you drove by the other day but your head is so far up your ass you can’t see anything but hate. It seems you need to have the Coke and a smile. Good job on the doughnut. You’re 49 years old, man. Don’t you think it’s time to grow up?
Angel Figueroa, no hostility intended here, but apparently there was a Democratic party meeting you attended on Monday. You seem very angry about what transpired. You are seemingly a “no holds barred” kind of guy. Did you air your opinions or issues at this meeting? If so, what was the outcome?
No Mr. Godiva, I wasn’t a part of that meeting. I wasn’t there, sorry.
Hey Mackey, again it’s easy to call me names on here, put on your big boy pants and stop rambling, it seems what I’ve done bothers you so again I’ll continue, or is it the fact I speak about the cheating, corrupt chairman Mario Testa or your corupt cheating mayor Ganim, again you don’t like it, tough, do something about it. And calling me a asshole, lol. Bite me. Mackey, you clown. Smh, and these are the people who represented Bridgeport, no wonder we never got anywhere.
Andy, 16 years in the DTC and what have you accomplished? NOTHING but following orders from dictators who told you what to do because you’re a follower not a leader. It takes balls to stand up against corruption and that is the difference between us.
How many times have you reported alleged corruption to the Feds? I have done it four times and wore a wire once. How about you? There are two city-owned buildings with my name on the plaque attached to the building, how about you?
If you know about corruption and have not reported it then you are as bad as the corrupt people you claim to know. Angel, I told you once, you really don’t want to debate with someone who has talked the talk and walked the walk.
That’s unfortunate Angel, it would have been a perfect opportunity to express your concerns in front of all the other members who were present. Wouldn’t you be curious to see what they had to say?
Godiva, Angel doesn’t have the courage, guts and balls to what you suggest, no way would he ever get up at any DTC meeting and say any of things he has posted on OIB. He’s just hot air with no vision or plan because if he did he would be proud to share it here but the loser he is, he brings nothing but hot air.
Ron, I don’t know who he is but from what I read here he’s a very angry man and combative. I can’t figure why he’s so upset about whatever came down at that meeting that he said he did not attend. It would have been a good opportunity for him to air his gripes to the committee at large.
Godiva2011, on this post I agree with you. Angel Figueroa made this comment earlier, “I speak about the cheating, corrupt chairman Mario Testa or your corrupt cheating mayor Ganim,” now he might truly believe that but he can’t come on OIB and keep on saying things like that and talking about corruption with no facts.
Ron, after Lennie asked Angel here publicly, I told Angel in private email being civil and refraining from making criminal accusations was a condition of his further participation here on OIB. He didn’t agree, so I removed his handle.
Maria Pereira recruited this guy? He is going to be a thorn in her side!
Many knowledgeable people here, including you, Ron, offered to share their experience and advice to help the new guy. He could have graciously accepted and developed some influence, but now his political career will go down in flames. Qué vergüenza, que vergonha.
Enudio, Enudio. You claim you see me and you waved, lol. You’re such a liar, if you had any manhood in you, or better said balls, you would stop and step up to me. What are you scared of, you just talk so much even you believe your own lies. That’s a illness you degenerate, now I’ve been abused, lol. You’re delusional, and a COWARD. As far as ruining my day, lol. You lack the skills. I just keep feeding you, entertaining all your comments, one minute you say I havn’t done anything for Success and now you admitted I have. You’re obviously looking to try to retaliate on me and my accomplishments because you’re jealous or you have a personal vendetta but again it takes a real man to step up and don’t talk about it do something about it because talk is cheap, words are just wasted air, you have no backbone like a girl you defend yourself with false allegations and again you demented degenerate, you don’t affect me, lol.
If you say so, Angel. Trust me, if I could post things you’ve put on your personal Facebook you’d look even worse than you already do. Yes, I see you all the time. I have no reason at all to lie the way you do. I have no reason to “step up face to face,” trust me, it would not go well for you. Even Godiva has seen you are all smoke. You had a chance to be heard at that meeting yet not a peep. Yet you come here ranting and raving saying all these lies with nothing to back them up. Again, why not start with two easy claims you’ve made. Your 25 years in the Marines and now you should easily be able to show you were an 18-year firefighter, there’s gotta be pics? Something? Yet no, all this time and you haven’t produced anything.
I can supply the post you put up to anyone who wishes to see it. Again I have zero reasons to lie. All of this talk because you couldn’t allow this freedom of speech you always talk about on your page you claim represents Success but it only represents your agenda. As far as me being scared, not at all. You can’t control your temper like you’ve proven in the past on here, on Facebook and with how you’ve approached neighbors. You won’t bully or intimidate me.
Enudio Colon, oh yes, please post it.
Jackass, you speak with no validity, I’ll invite anyone on my Success Village 411 page so they can see if I bullied anyone. Lol, you’re obsessed, demented degenerate. Get a life, lol.
Is there a way to post a screen shot here? I can email it to you. My email address is enudiocolon@gmail.com, I have other interesting things to share.
Lol, hey Ron, you’re just as much of an idiot as he is, lol.
Angel, please reel in the name calling. You’re capable of making arguments in a more productive way, okay? Please also stop accusing people of corruption without merit. If you have proof, please take it to the authorities.
Sorry, the software does not support including an image file. You can include a link to an image file if you have somewhere else to house it.
Well I cannot post a pic but I can post a link.
m.facebook.com/home.php?stype=phs&sk=live&gfid=AQAvuAqc5onRX0mV&hrc=1&refsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fh.facebook.com%2Fhr%2Fr&_rdr#!/photo.php?fbid=211018919286612&id=100011355171619&set=a.211020505953120.1073741826.100011355171619&source=48&refid=7&__tn__=E
Dumbass, that’s my personal Facebook page. Okay, what are you getting at? Lol, loser.
See how easy it is to supply proof, Angel? You said you weren’t abused and I’m lying but what is this post about? It displays more of your blind rage.
What, you idiot. What’s the proof you’re talking about? Idiot, smh.
Proof, what proof you degenerate, you’re just going on my page stealing pictures as you go along and fabricating what you want, listen you can post and say what you feel, my page is open you lying sack of shit, I’ve got nothing to hide, you’re obsessed with me. Sounds pretty gay, lol, but anyways going back, nothing you say or try to instill on this page will do anything and trust me you didn’t succeed in my Facebook page you’re not gonna succeed anywhere, but I will say this, for someone who is going out of their way it’s quite flattering. Tell me, do you dream about me as well? Lol, you’re pathetic.
I’m waiting for the proof of abuse, you degenerate. Lol, blind rage, lol. You’re all over the place, Enudio. Lol, you crack me up. And as far as it not going well for me if you step up to me, that sounds like a challenge I’m willing to take. You’re obsessed in putting me down since I got rid of your corrupt friends who were stealing from us in Success, since then you have been on my Success Village 411 page trying to give me a bad rap and the members themselves have told you off, I just found out some pretty upsetting things about you and kids and with issues like those you shouldn’t be attacking anyone, but again go on my page Success Village 411 and show me who I bullied, you lying sack of shit, only the ones we kicked out for wrongdoing are whom I confronted, and it seems history repeats itself, you’re not a member in Success and I’m looking into if you are here you’re probably an illegal renter and you know what that means. Lol, I’m committed to finding out and I’m starting in Danutta’s old building. Lol, chau bacalau.
Okay Angel, prove it. I guarantee my name is on my lease. You come off very homophobic. I posted the proof. Where is yours? You really think I’d sink to your level and “step up?” Like I said, you are not worth my time. All the time you get is right here on OIB and on Facebook. I’ve got better things to do than seek you out. Yes I posted something from your Facebook page. Yes it is open to the public so what’s your issue? You still can’t even admit you posted it. I’m starting to think you are a pathological liar. You make up your truths as you go along. You confronted people and made accusations like you are with me now. You aren’t even a board membe, you use your puppets on the inside and you still get false information. I look forward to you proving I’m an “illegal renter,” funny how I’ve lived here almost eight years and suddenly I’m illegal. Lol. Well good luck on that. You can’t even respect the person who runs this page when he requests you stop with the name calling, you really are immature.
Angel, you hold an elected office and you need to maintain a little dignity and tone it down. It doesn’t bode well for you to insult people and embroil others into arguing with you. Just my two cents. Meanwhile- this forum is redundant and has become nothing more than a sounding board for a very disgruntled person who is hurling accusations that may not have any validity.
Godiva, thank you for your reasonable comment. Agree.