Former Mayor John Fabrizi checked in on Tuesday. He saw some numbers in the recent OIB poll that piqued his interest. Isn’t that the great thing about polls, we all pick out what’s good for us.
Fabs, who says he’d like his old job back, hasn’t acted like a candidate. He’s kept a low public profile. It appeared his strategy was to sit back, stay quiet and wait for the party to run into his wide-open arms. That–perhaps a portion of the party at least–was a possibility had Ned Lamont become governor. But Democratic Town Chair Mario Testa and Mayor Bill Finch lost their meal ticket in the primary. Mario had curtains fitted for Lamont in the governor’s mansion, a commissionership for Bill, and perhaps the mayoralty for City Council President Tom McCarthy. The plans imploded.
The mayor’s plan now is to run for reelection. And why the hell not? It’s not like there’s lots of other options out there. But Fabs, at least on Tuesday, sounded like a guy aching to get back in the action. There’s not a lot of love between Fabs and Finch. Could Fabs wage a competitive race? Fabs has never been comfortable raising money–others did it for him in the past–but if he wants to get back into the action he’ll need to pile up campaign dough, in addition to building coalitions to force an organized opposition against the Finch mayoralty. He says he’ll make a final decision in a month or so.
Could it be a 2011 Dem primary of Finch, Fabs, John Gomes, State Rep. Chris Caruso and former State Senator Ernie Newton (and a few more candidates)? Yup, the Moses of his peeps is making the rounds. A long long time ago, in 1983, Charles Tisdale became the first black in the city to claim a major party nod for mayor, winning a Democratic primary in a crowded field that included a bunch of white guys. Tizzy lost the general election to Republican incumbent Lenny Paoletta. Bridgeport has had a female mayor (Mary Moran) but never an African American or a Latino. From whom does Ernie pull votes? I say he pulls from the mayor. I get the feeling we’ll be hearing from Ernie.
Bansheeville
Lots of pols take things for granted. Not State Rep. Auden Grogins, especially with cranky voters in this crappy economy. The blonde banshee from Black Rock is walking the streets, knocking on doors, talking to her peeps, hoisting lawn signs. Good grief, Auden’s lawn signs spread from Park Avenue all the way over to Brooklawn and Black Rock. Auden, do you have a Republican opponent? “I have an opponent!” I love that sonic scream.
His name is Larry Patterson who challenged former State Rep. Bob Keeley in 2004. Two years ago Auden out-hustled and out-messaged Keeley, the longest-serving state legislator in Bridgeport’s history, in a Democratic primary. State Rep. Chris Caruso is gaining ground on Keeley’s record.
I can see it already! Black Rock, The North End, West Side, and East Side sounding like Ken Dixon when talking about Ernie Newton:
www .postroad.com/news/2006/20060116-bridgeport-pathetic-ernie-newton.html
I can hear Bill Finch saying, “You left me and the taxpayers with a financial mess,” to Fabrizi. Who then responds by saying, “I told you about the mess ahead of you and you still went and promised the taxpayers a $600 refund.” I’m waiting to see if there will be a third party spot, waiting, for a loser in the Democratic primary to fill it. It sounds as if a few hundred Hispanic votes can win it or lose it for any one of them. The East Side absentee ballots will decide a four-way primary.
Fabrizi–drugs and booze
Newton–convicted thief
Finch–nice guy but awful mayor
Caruso and Gomes? Getting no love on here.
Bill, use your imagination! Caruso and Gomes were sitting in the Fabrizi/Finch exchange.
That’s a nice summary, Billy. Even though one would think the list favors a Caruso or Gomes, never underestimate the power of the paycheck. Finch controls the purse strings, even though the purse is empty. He needs his padded payroll of political cronies in order to survive. Caruso will be looking for a Malloy endorsement, but Malloy is too shrewd to get involved in a primary. Gomes seems to be offering a fresh face and new start. Imagine how refreshing it would be to have a candidate with a clean image. Only in B’port, how about NEVER in B’port.
LENNIE, IT’S INTERESTING TO SEE HOW PEOPLE THINK IN BRIDGEPORT. ONCE A MAN PAYS HIS DEBT BACK, HE SHOULD BE A FREE MAN. OUR FORMER STATE SENATOR HAS DONE JUST THAT AND NO MATTER WHAT PEOPLE SAY HE’S WELL LOVED BY HIS PEOPLE. AND SHOULD HE DECIDE TO RUN FOR MAYOR OR HIS OLD SENATE SEAT, HE’LL WIN AGAIN. WE’LL SEE.
Ernie Newton has some Long Legs!!!
Well Ernie Newton I’m the last person to argue against you!
horseshit.
It’s always nice to read Yahooy’s sensitive side.
Ernie Newton was a zero as an elected official both locally and in the state. If he ran for mayor it would be to pressure the leading candidate for an appointed job in lieu of him dropping his election bid.
To John Fabrizi John there is no doubt you bled Bridgeport but your time has come and gone. Let it rest and enjoy life.
Ayala forget about it. What has he done for Bridgeport while in the house of Reps? Zero!!! He can’t even solidify his own district.
Republicans: For this we must wait until 3 months before the election before they put up some no-name. In this city there’s unfortunately only one party and that’s the hand- out what’s-in-it-for-me Democratic party.
tc, you and Yahooy should be Ernie’s campaign managers. Theme song: “I want to be loved by you and you and nobody else but you …”
Anna Not a bad idea and you can open our campaign HQ by singing the above song.
What on earth makes you think I support this punk?
Out of the current list and with working with most at some point or another and including their ability for the truth. If the election (for Mayor) were held today I would be voting for Caruso. He loves the city and realistically has a chance of winning. Ernie as I said in an earlier post would have my support for any of his prior seats and with time I’m sure he’d be ready for the Mayor’s seat … maybe an election cycle or two. Gomes if at some point he proves himself to be a politician … who knows? He hasn’t lied to me … yet. The others … those who lied know who they are.
Hector A. Diaz // Sep 29, 2010 at 10:21 am
Hector,
Have you not figured it out yet? John wins because he is not a politician … he doesn’t lie.
Those are just words. No non-politician has EVER won an election anywhere and to be king you have to be born into it. Dictator … that’s a different story.
Carol you alluded to John F. Kennedy “who was a true politician.” Was he a LIAR?
This is the quietest Caruso has been. A lion stalking his prey?
The question is what will all these politicians do for Bridgeport and what are current officials doing to bring business and have people coming to the city. Right? We do have a lot of places to eat now …
But wait, pop quiz, what do people spend more time on … News 12 or the internet? You guessed it, the internet. But instead of an internet presence, we chose to put our $350,000 ad campaign on News 12 which expires soon. We shot the whole amount on that News 12, actually slight print media also.
Well meanwhile, let’s see what they got going on the internet for the city. Punch up on the internet: “tourism, Bridgeport, CT” and you get nothing the city of Bridgeport has done. Is that possible? A city so rich in history. At least crime and corruption don’t come up first.
Number one net search shows some web company that automatically puts info everywhere, not from any local source.
Number two internet hit is showing only one picture of the city and it’s the factory by the ferry:
www .planetware.com/pictures-/bridgeport-us-ct-b.htm
That’s what people see about our city. Great!
This is hilarious and maybe sad.
Now you want to see a lot of hits that DO come from local sources? Punch up “haunted, Bridgeport, CT” and there you go, full of local content.
One more point, if people do come to Bridgeport after seeing that “Suprise it’s Bridgeport” ad, they will find bumpy broken streets at the city entrance–State Street, and elsewhere too.
Proposals had been made to the city to change this, to create an internet presence, that showed the city as an interesting place to go. The city said they did not have money for this though. What is the budget for promoting the city?
Thinking out loud:
If the theory du jour for Mayor Finch’s reelection is his patronage hiring, he’d better find some better hires. They may help him manage the city (OK, you guys will redefine “manage”), but from the postings here, they don’t seem to be big vote-getters.
The OIB poll for next year is inconclusive. That negative number on the mayor is interesting, but no more than that at this point.
Nobody else has shown anything–yet. If I am Bill Finch and his political handlers, I am watchful but not panicked.
Many of the potential opponents do not have name recognition. If they have name recognition, they have a problem–with one exception.
I think Born in Bpt is onto something. Chris Caruso has absolutely no reason to speak out right now. He can lay in the weeds. He has name recognition. The people who think he is nuts today thought he was nuts 20 years ago. I think they are probably fewer because of disappointments in management of the city.
I am persuaded after actually seeing the precinct results from 2007 (I enjoyed the trip and meeting everyone at the library), Caruso could have beaten Finch in that mayoral primary if Caruso had expanded his message beyond “corruption.” (Lennie’s assertion all along.)
You are going to have to go more than a football field to convince me Bill Finch is “corrupt.” Pile on a bunch of negative things if you want, but corrupt does not work.
I don’t think the Caruso campaign of four years ago, which failed on corruption, will work next year on corruption.
But I’m more intrigued by state Rep. Caruso than the others.
Hey, could change after January.
There’s a guber to go through first.
IS THIS THE SAME JOEL GONZALEZ WHO CUT HIS FINGER OFF? IF IT IS, JUST LOOK AT THE SOURCE. GONZALEZ NOR TOWN COMMITTEE COULD BEAT ERNIE IN AN ELECTION. I HOPE ERNIE GETS BACK INTO THE GAME. BECAUSE HE HAS A STRONG BASE. THAT’S FOR SURE. AND THERE’S NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT THAT.
The “Big” question is can’t the Black, Hispanic, or any other community find better candidates to lead them?
I think Lennie was afraid to ask the question.
I’M SURE LENNIE WILL NOT DISAGREE WITH THAT.
Ernie Newton; you may have the people on the East Side BS’d and you probably would win your old seat back. As far as running for mayor and winning, not a chance. Next year is an off year (no Obama) and no matter what, the turnout will be low, don’t forget not everyone in your district is welcoming you back with open arms. Just ask Clemons or Ed Gomes.
HEY TOWN COMMITTEE I HEARD ERNIE AND YOUR SON WERE IN THE SAME PLACE AT ONE TIME. JUST REMEMBER ERNIE HAND-PICKED CLEMONS AND BEAT ED GOMES WHEN SEN. PENN DIED. AND HE COULD BEAT EITHER ONE OF THEM IF THE ELECTION WERE HELD TOMORROW.
TOWN COMMITTEE ARE YOU THIS JUDGMENTAL ON YOUR SON WHO’S A FELON? HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE.
My son is not running for office or at least thinking about it. What I posted concerning Ernie was not negative. It was my opinion. I know Ernie very well and have voted for him in the past. Let me set you straight I am not nor have I ever been a Felon. My son made mistakes and paid his debt in silence. You have an issue with him I suggest you take it up with him.
Yeah, and I hope he kicks yer ass.
horseshit.
Big Daddy, you are out of line. We don’t attack each other’s children here. Children become adults and make their own choices, right or wrong. TC’s comments bug me sometimes too but I would never hit below the belt. Kids are off limits. So back off, asshole.
Well Ernie Newton, you did not disappoint me. I knew you would be bringing up my son eventually but that’s okay. Just so you can get something correct today, you and my son did not serve sentences in the same place. Your paths may have crossed in transit as the Feds wanted to punish my son for keeping quiet he went to five different places. Now do you want to debate politics or family?
I never cease to be amazed at Bridgeport neighborhoods that have the most problems, have the lowest turnouts. And when they vote, they vote for the same state rep’s and council people year after year … And then they’re amazed when nothing changes.
Big Daddy’s posts about Newton underscore this better than anything. I wish Newton no harm and he’s paid a big price for being a two-bit crook.
At least Ganim stole big!
As a lifelong Bpt resident and Democrat I say let Malloy, Blumenthal and Himes get through their tough elections and hopefully win and then see how the mayor’s race shakes out.
Caruso has been very quiet, Gomes has been hitting the streets, Finch has a lot on his plate but has been seen walking down Madison ave throwing the thumbs-up to people, and I agree Fabrizi loved and loves Bpt but the people who once backed him have abandoned him. Newton I can’t believe would get votes but then again he did pay his debt and they did elect a mayor in DC that did A LOT worse than Newton did.
Too early for the infighting here as the cards are not out on the table, but what I wouldn’t give to see a televised debate between all the gentleman. My early line favorite would have to be Gomes as he is a very good speaker and has CitiStat knowledge. That debate should go national TV as a reality show.
TC in one of the previous stories your comment that Bush’s final 2 years the Dems controlled both houses is off because in the previous 6 years he never used a veto and the final 2yrs he used vetoes to block all Dem party laws or acts. I mean not once in 6 years you can’t get much done that way.
Bpt your point is well made. Thanks.
BPT 1 I agree let them get through that is how I will vote Nov 2 Blummy Malloy Himes. As far as the Mayor’s race goes Finch is a nice guy but he would never have my vote I stand behind Caruso but if Ganims were ever to jump in then my vote would go to one of the brothers. I’d rather vote for Finch than Fabs any day.
donj, how are you? I was wondering why you hadn’t posted in a while. Good to see your back.
Why is everyone obsessed with Caruso? He’s a non player. His 15 minutes were long ago used up. Where has he been the last 3-4 years? He’s never in the news, never visible to tackle the city’s problems, he seems to be a guy who sits on his laurels and name recognition, and shows up when election time comes. TC says “The people who think he is nuts today thought he was nuts 20 years ago.” Well if this dude couldn’t get elected as mayor in 20 year’s time then maybe those people are right. I’ll be honest with you, I don’t think this guy has the balls to be mayor, nor does he want it. All those past frivolous court challenges were just that … frivolous.
That sounds familiar. Finch doesn’t have the balls to be mayor and he doesn’t want it either. But he has it. Caruso has the balls to clean house. So does Gomes. That’s my main priority in choosing a mayor.
As long as their spray bottle isn’t filled with revenge, which is what everyone is hoping JG will do. I can’t justify revenge.
Fabs, Ernie, Joe Ganim, someone come and save this city! Where are the people who care about Bridgeport??? Clearly they aren’t running the city, look at Remington! What a joke! How long will we let back taxes accrue because they belong to the mayor’s supporter? Maybe we should just let DiNardo run the city, Bill Finch does.