What’s the over/under for the Democratic Town Committee endorsement for mayor on Tuesday?
That’s the night 90 party regulars will assemble at Testo’s Restaurant, the mothership of city politics, owned by chairman Mario Testa. They will endorse candidates for several citywide offices as well as district City Council seats.
The endorsement for mayor is generally the first course of business. The campaign camps of Mayor Bill Finch and former Mayor Joe Ganim are in overdrive compartmentalizing lock votes from those they can potentially pick off from the other. Poaching a town committee vote is a political rite of passage, or could it be fight of passage? Tuesday night could be noisy with a few surprises on both sides. Some members will not show up, handing over a proxy instead. “I’m torn between the Bill and Joe!” Okay, give me your proxy. Bagging a proxy provides bragging rights.
The night is key because it sets in motion endorsed candidates for public office, followed the next day by opponents trooping into the Democratic registrar’s office starting the petition process to qualify for the ballot. In the case of citywide offices approximately 1,800 certified signatures of registered Democrats in the city. If endorsed, no signatures required except the hancock of the candidate.
Testa has set the earliest possible date for the endorsement giving opponents three weeks to secure signatures.
Less than a week out, political operatives are still searching out candidates for some offices and positioning continues to fill out candidate slates.
Other citywide offices are city clerk, town clerk, school board and sheriff.
Yes, Republicans are meeting too at the North End library branch to endorse candidates.
The vote will be fun because so much pressure is being put on DTC members by both candidates but especially by Mayor Finch. There are a number of DTC members who are telling Finch they will vote for him but watch for them to seek cover by passing when their time comes to vote. There are those who are scared about their jobs and their loved one’s jobs with the City. I know a few members who have Finch, they’re still not sure how they will vote.
Don Mario will give his blessing to his chosen puppet. I just hope if MJF will get the signatures she will tell Testa to go kiss her ass.
If this vote doesn’t go Mr. Finch’s way there’s no telling what may happen. Can’t help but recall a couple months ago when the council voted down Finch’s longtime supporter/friend, McClutchy, tax abatement Finch promised him. Finch flew into a state of rage,a fter the meeting he marched right over to one of the councilmen who voted no, and actually put his hand around his neck in anger. Scary stuff indeed, let’s hope he can control his anger issues that night if things don’t go his way.
Please click on Mayor Finch’s new OIB advertisement. Mayor Finch is clearly delusional.
Maria, I especially like the results portion. What was your favorite? 🙂
I’ve heard several city employees have been threatened with their jobs. And Finch has others ganging up on them too, the typical Finch bully tag team. It’s backfiring though. I know of two people who have said “f” you and are handing in their proxies for Ganim votes. This gives others the courage to do the same.
city hall smoker // Jul 16, 2015 at 8:04 am
To your post
smoker,
Can you confirm for us raises have been distributed to several “DTC members, who also happen to be city hall employees.”
I’ve heard $15,000 is at least one buy-off.
I even heard Mayor Finch-wood was turning on the escalator at 999 Broad st. True?
Anything the current Mayor does should be considered as “too little, too late.”
So much drama, it still does not make for excitement. After the endorsement on Tuesday, Finch will go on to be reelected and many will lose jobs as one would expect. No?
To Carolanne Curry’s post: city hall smoker will confirm the raises when she also tells us approximately how much money Ganim cost the city during the corruption trial and payout to Steelpointe developer Conroy. The other question is will Ganim continue to hire those outside of Bridgeport like yourself, Ms. Curry and will you get the same salary or will you get a raise. The DTC probably would need that information before deciding on Bridgeport’s future or dark past where corruption and scandal were the norm and perception of those living within and outside of the Park City.
Steve, you need to be there.
I will be there. You’d better be nice to me!
Steven Auerbach // Jul 16, 2015 at 10:20 am
To your post
Steve,
Count the cars leaving the City each night and you’ll have a true picture of the “outsiders.”
A few of your insults thrown their way might be more appropriate for you.
No Carolanne, reserved for you. Many of those outsiders actually patronize the city of Bridgeport. Tonight’s amazing packed concert would attest to that. All the restaurants were cranking and the food trucks were busy with lines. Speaking about Finch restoring pride, every week Mayor Finch has movies and popcorn to enjoy behind the courthouse at dusk. It’s the little things Carolanne, people appreciate. Tonight’s crowd was so lively it would remind an old timer of Downtown Thursday Nights 1947. I have that Trepasso print. It was great seeing so many people and supporting the events that will make Bridgeport great again. I have to pick up my I Love Bridgeport tee shirt. Imagine that, people actually proud. Carolanne, I really have better things to do than count cars leaving the city like yourself. Too bad Ganim cannot even count on your vote. I focus on people who come into the city. Those who left for better schools and lower taxes but still are part of the Bridgeport makeup. There is something about this city some people just cannot shake. It isn’t the reminder of corruption and scandal!
Steve, Finch has 12 high-level appointees making $100,000 or more per year. Eight of them live in the suburbs. There is only one token black, one token Hispanic, and one token woman. Our city is 78% minority.
In almost eight years as Mayor, Finch’s cabinet in no way reflects the diversity of our community.
The six most powerful people in Bridgeport are white and Irish. According to the 2010 Census, less than 5% of Bridgeport’s population is Irish.
Maria, no offense. Don’t make Finch out to be a non-equal employer. How many Jews does he have? Really, you are white, right? Do you imagine you are making anyone on this blog, aside from Ron and Don of course, to jump on your Finch is a racist bandwagon? Maria, how about responding to the living in Easton, never attending city schools, Ganim’s penchant for expensive wine, cigars and suits and a very privileged life insulting a community as though he understands their trials and tribulations. You know Maria, I respect your support of Joe Ganim, however there is not one person on this blog who is totally confused given your ethics to support Ganim and all of his sins. Almost everything about Joe Ganim is contrary to you. What’s more, how insulting to every minority trying to find that perfect black or Hispanic to fill a position and when they do there is outrage. Just because one minority at any given time represents a majority does not mean a percentage of jobs go to them. Are you telling me on Ganim’s next mailer he sends will state his administration will be blacker?
Maria, do you realize how demeaning you are to the “token” black, Hispanic and woman in City Hall? Walking through city hall you see every race and religion accounted for. Should we maybe break it down by religion also? This is 2015, no? This is not the police in Ferguson. The message the Ganim campaign is sending is racism. Substations in all minority communities and painting the Mayor as a racist. The kids in the city love Mayor Finch. The people who go to events throughout the city see the real picture.
Maria, I appreciate your embracing your inner blackness but it is not necessary. In Bridgeport they have overcome and live all over the city. Not P.T. or Trumbull Gardens. The entire city is integrated beautifully. This is not Easton! You are white and Portuguese, embrace that! You guys need a new strategy. Police, race and substations have taken back seat again to Downtown excitement, Steelpointe, Parks Playgrounds, Clean energy, New Schools and a bright future. What an exceptional concert tonight. What a joyous multicultural crowd and I was right at home with my Peeps if you feel me and those of us who know why the caged bird sings had the time of our lives if only for a few hours. Thank you, Mayor Finch.
Let’s look at the Commissions, if you are to truly look at numbers and the Mayor’s ability to appoint. That’s where you’ll be able to “judge” if you will.
Steve, I always believed I was white until the very first time I formally met Marilyn Moore. Howard Gardner had invited me to a meeting regarding finding a minority candidate for Mayor in 2011. I explained that as a Portuguese woman I was considered white. I will never forget what she said to me in a meeting with at least 20 people present. She told me the people who live in Black Rock did not consider me to be white. What European descendent is not considered white? I remember thinking how absolutely idiotic her remarks were.
The fact I am absolutely committed to ethical, honest and transparent government, and I have a reputation for being principled and possessing core values that guide me in my decisions only serves to elevate Joe’s campaign.
You are white. I do not believe Marilyn Moore said that. You certainly elevate Joe’s campaign. Why? That is what has everyone confused. I find you fascinating. One day you will explain your amazing ability to deny every essence of Ganim’s persona that is totally contrary to your very being.
Read about the history of Portugal and about Portuguese and you will understand what the Senator was talking about. This is nothing new to a lot of blacks and those who know anything about the Cape Verdeans. I suggest Steve and Maria read about this.
Ron, do not confuse Portuguese people with Cape Verdeans. Coming from you especially, I am shocked and since you agree with Moore, not a shock, it is even more embarrassing. Portuguese people are white. Spanish people are white as are most Europeans. I am Austrian with middle eastern roots on one side. My mother’s lineage is both Austrian and Spanish (sephardic, left Spain during the Inquisition). I am 100 percent Caucasian as I am sure Maria P was and how insulting of Marilyn Moore to suggest Black Rock would not consider her white. Does it get any more racist than that? Did Mary-Jane Foster tell her that? Omg.
LOL at Marilyn Moore. Jesus Christ, the politicians in B’port have to be the dumbest in the nation. Next time she hosts a fundraiser in my ‘hood I’ll be sure to ask her why she wants the money of a bunch of racists.
Anyway, I’m here to rep the Azores, not that Lisbon stuff.
Cape Verdeans is a different thing, more like a Brazilian situation where there are so many sexual relations it is tough to pin down race. Hopefully that happens everywhere and we can get past identity politics.
Steve, like I said, read the history and you will see where a ND how the statement by Marilyn Moore, once again it’s a mind set.
Steve, how many of those blacks and Hispanics you see walking the halls of city hall are department heads with power? NONE.
Who cares?
Steve, I know you and Mayor Finch don’t care if there are blacks, Hispanics or women hired.
I care.
Steve, I’m always nice, just ask anyone who knows me.
I’ll ask Donald Day. 🙂
Ron Mackey is a nice guy. I’d like to know him better, though. Perhaps some time for a cup of coffee, soon? Time will tell.
John Marshall Lee, I heard you found a running mate and she is a very good friend of mine! How in hell did that happen! Hey Ron Mackey, she is black and an attorney is that powerful enough for you and Moore?
Steve,
While you have been hyperventilating over the cranes and bulldozers, the people in the City have found much to be concerned about including financial issues with the current regime’s results including the use of power and influence. So when you wonder how something happened, perhaps you need to slow down your broadcasting a bit and turn the dial to “listen.” 2015 may have many surprises in store for many folks. Remember, it’s OIB time. Time will tell.
John Marshall Lee, I have spoken to 100 people today including eight right now at Fruta Juice and Deli. I can assure you I listen and know more about them than they know about me. I listen. For instance, I can tell you the amazing life story of Charles “Don” Clemons starting 45 years before his dream of opening Pleasure Beach. I think that is impressive, no? I listen! With you I just changed to the same station Ron Mackey listens to.
Rumor has it Joe has the votes needed locked up!!! No pun intended. Go Joe! Beginning of the end of Finch and his merry band of puppets, I hope.
Rumor has it Phantom, the DTC would not embarrass themselves statewide. Besides, even if they were ignorant enough to endorse anyone who was in jail on 17 felony charges. The voters will set them straight. Rumor has it Phantom is going to be crying. That is okay and understandable. No police substation for you! Maybe some more exciting announcements and endorsements to make you more miserable. I hope!
So it has really come down to this. Finch receives the endorsements of Senators Blumenthal and Murphy, and George Jepsen, the Attorney General, has weighed in to credit Hizzoner “rebuilding its image and, along with its image, its economy.”
What planet is Jepsen from, what crack has he been smoking? The city of Bridgeport has been stagnant under Bill Finch’s stewardship, the stink of violent crime and income inequality rising up from the streets. The economy sucks. How many jobs will Chipotle, Starbucks and the upscale movie theater create? Will they pay more than minimum wage?
As it is, the Finch camp is crowing about beautification of city parks providing safe places for local children to play. Pardon me all to hell but I am unable to see how that translates into economic growth, long-term jobs and a safer community. Joe Ganim is talking about crime, making the streets safer and providing educational opportunities for the dispossessed, the disenfranchised who live in the projects. Public housing is not a ghetto or a slum, it is a concentration camp. What was intended to provide the other leg up has morphed into a demonized community. It has nothing to do with race and everything to do with economic and educational oppression.
Mary-Jane Foster is right to hammer Finch for his economic policies. They are failed policies. He has not attracted growth business investment to the city of Bridgeport. Steelpointe Harbor is essentially a retail complex. Retail jobs generally pay poorly. Thanks for the jobs, Mr. Mayor. Would you like butter on your popcorn?
This is a very poor reflection of the judgement of Blumenthal, Murphy, Himes and Jepsen in their next election.
Why? They should have supported Ganim?
They should’ve stayed out of it. Bridgeport is the ugly stepchild of Connecticut politics.
Regardless of what happens on Tuesday night, the Democratic primary and general elections will serve as a referendum on the failure of the present city administration to secure the proper support and respect of Bridgeport by our state and federal leadership and representation. It is a referendum on the substitution of the “Better Every Day” propaganda for measurable economic gain and improvement of the quality of life for the criminally overtaxed, public safety compromised, unemployed/underemployed citizens of Bridgeport.
These elections will serve as a statement regarding our anger over the failure of Governor Malloy to prioritize the state’s largest city for the massive development of taxbase and related, local living-wage jobs that are required to make Bridgeport viable. He has instead stayed on track with the despicable state-federal-regional plan (“One Coast, One Future”) in developing Bridgeport for further poverty and exploitation by the Gold Coast/suburbs for use as their “servants quarters,” where we maintain their taxbase and lifestyle and they get a free ride on our shirtless back.
These elections are, indeed, a referendum on the patronizing, deceitful treatment we receive from Finch endorsers, US Senators Blumenthal and Murphy, as well State Attorney General Jepsen. (Will Jim Himes join their tainted ranks?)
Yes, Bridgeporters must vote for change in these elections. We must announce our full-scale political rebellion and our demand for payment and reparations for decades of abuse and neglect by Hartford, Washington, the region, and their minions.
I’m sick of this “Better Every Day” bullshit, too. I loved when all Steelpointe had was a sign. Now I have to see new streetlights and roads and potential for commerce. I don’t like that, I like it quiet.
I’m sick of being able to go to Pleasure Beach. This Finch character says he is an environmentalist but you think it is good for the environment to have people on it? Ganim was the true environmentalist. He let Pleasure Beach just sit there.
I’m sick of looking at the addition on the Black Rock School. I’m sick of not being able to get a nice massage in Black Rock.
I’m really sick of all the people moving into the apartments downtown. I liked Bridgeport GROSS. Who does this big toothed idiot think he is with trying to create an urban core? I am so sick of this shit.
This Finch Fool had the audacity to try to take over the schools!!! Doesn’t he know we have great schools in Bridgeport that don’t need his fixing???
“Keep Bridgeport Gross”
“Let’s go back in time”
“Go Joe, Go”
Bridgeport Rising, your sarcasm beats mine! I am sick of the new roads. In another few days you are going to hear a lot of backlash from those disgusted residents in Lake Forest. The entire road will be paved. The truth, he’s got balls. Those green signs reminding us daily of the horror of new roads in the neighborhoods. I shudder to think of the idea of riding my mountain bike to Planet Fitness on a nice smooth road. Wouldn’t they prefer a substation in Lake Forest, otherwise known as Fort Apache? The beauty of Charcoal Pond and Lake Forest is an assault on the senses ant we have a green Mayor who will make sure it stays that way! What would the Pope say about our green Mayor? Remember, Ganim filled in the beautiful Dewhirst dairy pond by forcing through the Stop and Shop grocery store on Madison Avenue. I remember ice-skating there in my youth. Didn’t Ganim’s friends build it? Lenoci? Wasn’t he in jail also? Well that Stop and Shop has been vacant for awhile. Oh the memories the 134th still have. That’s what we really need! Joe Ganim!
It looks like pressure is being put on the DTC from the outside to endorse the incumbent. The question is whether Ganim will run as a third-party candidate or will he move back to Easton?
Time will tell!
Bridgeport Rising: If you were one of 70% of people living near or below the poverty level in Bridgeport, with no job or a low-wage job (or two or three), and you lived in a high-crime and/or low-police coverage neighborhood, and you realized things that will really make a positive difference for you aren’t happening now or likely to happen under the present administration, you would probably have a much different perception of the handful of propaganda items, with little or no benefit to the average Bridgeporter, used by this administration to justify its existence.
Maybe try taking off your rose-colored glasses long enough to see the tremendous chasm between where Bridgeport is and where it needs to go.
Steal Point Strip-Mall-By-the-Sea is really just a 52-acre opportunity lost by Bridgeport.
Have a nice day! (In Bridgeport fantasy land.)
The fact Finch has the potential to lose to a person with Ganim’s history should be proof enough as to the dissolution of the constituency. I’ve always been a strong supporter of his, until his actions (or rather inaction) had a personal negative effect.