On a day that produced the lowest general election percentage turnout (18 percent) in city history, Mayor Bill Finch cruised to a second four-year term. Outside of Black Rock, the home precinct of Republican candidate Rick Torres, the mayor ran up large wins across the city. He can now plan for the next four years. And he has shown he’s not afraid to implement dramatic change such as his push for state control of city schools.
The big question in the short term: how will the State Supremes rule on the court challenge to overturn the decision by local and state education officials to reconstitute control of schools? If they rule to restore local control what will the mayor do in response? One option could be seeking a special master to oversee city schools, the traditional route to reform education systems. Or perhaps another is empaneling a charter revision commission to examine school reforms such as allowing voters to decide how school board members are selected.
After getting off to a shaky start as mayor in 2008, Finch is much more comfortable in his mayoral skin. Finch’s pedigree is much closer to policy wonk than manager and the transition from legislator to chief executive was not easy. This is not a mayor who has higher ambitions at this point. He likes the job of being mayor and if the political stars (and results) are aligned correctly he could be in the position until he says otherwise. Finch was recruited by party regulars to defeat Chris Caruso in a 2007 primary after polling showed incumbent Mayor John Fabrizi could not win. Finch won the primary by just 270 votes. When that happens every gypsy, tramp and thief in the party lines up to bang their chest about the results they produced. Finch governed much more politically in his first term than he had wanted. Now he has a clean slate to govern by desire, policy and prestige. Govern well and the politics follow. The pols can meow all they want if they’re not first in line.
What happens in the East Side redevelopment area known as Steelpointe Harbor bldsteelpointeharbor.net/main.htm will have a major impact on Finch’s mayoral legacy. Downtown is experiencing progress with new young residents, restaurants and Phil Kuchma’s Bijou Square project that includes housing, eateries and the cool Bijou Theatre (check it out). The potential development of downtown north on Main Street is another area to watch. If that area gets done downtown will finally enjoy a clean Main Street south of the Connector to the ballpark and arena at Harbor Yard.
The mayor has also applied for federal funding for an East End redevelopment that would include a new terminal for the Bridgeport and Port Jefferson Ferry.
See link to city election results:
www.ctpost.com/news/article/Election-2011-results-2257040.php
“Everything’s up to date in Kansas City.
They’ve gone about as far as they can go.” Etc.
Well we have a burlyque too, called the Bijou and the owners (and other businesses) hope to go much farther in terms of profitable economic development than where they are today. But community “trust” in those in power to be open, accountable and transparent in government structure, process and operations is truly at a minimum today. That is a limiting factor.
Perhaps that is the reason for the record low turnout rate for City voters in 2011? When less than 20% go to the polls on a beautiful fall day, there is no happy answer for this show of disaffection with the way things are going or the way things are done. Well, reformation is always a possibility. But machines and the people operating them rarely find reform healthy or helpful to maintaining advantage, power, and what they see as their right to secure from the ability to use other people’s money, i.e. conflicts of interest.
Who can predict what will soon happen on the economic development front, especially if those things depend on Federal or State money? If taxes need to be raised for a major cause or a major emergency, the most practical time to do that is 2012 before another revaluation process recognizes decreased residential values and a consequent jump in mil rate just to maintain a budget level. And that is when the Torres campaign call of FED UP … WAKE UP may finally gain traction. Too late for the Torres campaign, but very much in time for the people of Bridgeport to comprehend how little say they are actually provided in governance, and how unprepared their representatives are to deal with the large-scale financial issues rapidly rising on the City radar. Time will tell.
I actually figured the numbers right. I predicted Torres would crack the 20% mark and he did easily which Republicans never do of late in Bridgeport. One more thing, it looked like hundreds of Foster supporters did not cast ballots for Torres.
donj, I also read last week where you DIDN’T think Rick would crack 20%. You had all sides covered. Kinda like betting on all the horses in a race, eh?
To me, if you can fix the schools, economic development will occur naturally. With the major developments like Steelepoint and the South End by University of Bridgeport the taxes will go down for the rest of the city. Without these projects the city has no future other than looking like Detroit. We may have the location in Fairfield county on the water with all types of transportation, but if families do not want to send their children to failing schools and the taxes are so high they can not afford a parochial school, well … you get the picture. Schools and economic development go hand in hand. Now would be the time to get these proposals off the drawing board and shovels in the ground. If we wait for the economic recovery to happen it will be as usual too late for Bridgeport.
I know education and economic development are often linked in conversation. I also know you have some familiarity with classroom activity here in Bridgeport.
Therefore I do not understand your comment about “proposals off the drawing board and shovels in the ground.” Where is chicken and egg in this case? Schools achieving less failure for the public $$$ than in the past or businesses looking to Bridgeport for economic opportunity??? Just as if you were teaching social studies in the classroom, why not tell the OIB audience what will impress anyone with money to invest in a business looking for a new site to look here, work through all the planning, at some point get a shovel in the ground, open the new door to business and look for the profit that is supposed to come when due diligence and dollars are combined strategically???
I cannot remember anyone from Office of Planning and Development in the past four years trying to provide that current explanation, although Nancy Hadley, past OPED leader has often provided critical info on what, how, and why.
I know I am waiting and I assume you are too. What is the mechanism to get private dollars put at risk in this City? By the way if anyone else has specific ideas for overcoming whatever roadblocks or speedbumps are encountered, feel free to chime in. Sooner than later, for Steve’s sake. Time will tell.
OK BEACON 2, I WILL DO MY BEST TO EXPLAIN THE WORLD ACCORDING TO AUERBACH. First, let’s be honest and admit on the surface what happened with the board of education was an insult to the city residents who send their children to public schools. If I had children in the public schools I would have applauded the efforts. The Bridgeport school system has been broken a long time. We will not even talk about the 70 dollars the BOE pays their substitutes to come in and try to teach kids when they are really just babysitting and not even being paid for that service. The public schools have been an embarrassment for years. I have been in over 25 schools in the past 3 months and let me tell you every school has their own style. Some were actually impressive while others the kids are so out of control and how they made it to the 8th grade is sad. I was born and raised in Brooklyn New York. I can remember having to take exams before we were promoted to the next level. If you failed you were left back.
At the beginning of the school year it should be mandatory that parents come to an assembly where the principal lays down the rules of his school. Any student in school with electronics will lose it for a year. The parents need to be part of the solution. Now, they are the problem. Some of the faculty are burnt out and need to disappear. Others are trying their best. The classrooms lack books. Everything is on copy paper. How much wasted paper and cost is beyond me. At Bassick High School I was a permanent sub. I gave my time freely on special projects. We created a garden and in September it was all overgrown and pathetic. That was my time spent. The parents need to be a critical part of the change in the system. Parents need help with their parenting skills. These kids are so needy and looking for anyone who will give them attention. The teachers entering an urban school need to be aware this is not Bethany and Fairfield. Teachers need special training. More militant. That’s my take. I will do anything to stimulate the minds of these kids. It’s tough especially when these kids have no respect for teachers and even less for the subs. I have seen the principals screaming daily with no respect. It’s the parents! I will leave the rest of this dilemma up to people who are actually making a living that pays more than a phone bill to fix this problem that has existed in this city for decades. I do give Finch credit for saying enough!!! It was a nice political football during the campaign, but let’s be honest. I think most important is these kids need more exposure to arts and culture outside of the city and a mentoring system of successful individuals who these kids can look up to and aspire to. Monthly assemblies should be mandatory with guest speakers with age-appropriate topics.
As far as economic development, the city has been notorious for starting projects at the end of an upswing cycle and by time a project is completed it lays vacant and what were to be luxury (Bridgeport’s interpretation) apartments become section 8. Now would be the time to start looking into the future. Spot development in a city like Bridgeport just doesn’t work. Downtown is looking good and you are beginning to get a sense of neighborhoods. Let’s be honest, who wants to really rent an apartment across the street on Main St. surrounded by dilapidated buildings? Eric Anderson’s projects need to happen simultaneously. Business and restaurants cannot survive with one apt. complex every 5 years. The business community, BRBC is also to blame for Bridgeport’s lack of development. They seem to feel we are worthy of backroom operations and low-wage jobs while Stamford and Norwalk take it all. Bridgeport does not even get the crumbs. The route 8 corridor is a magnet for business and now we are competing with Milford that now allows edifices as tall as Bridgeport. Upper Park avenue in this city should be lined with only upscale highrise apartment buildings. Stop crying about high traffic. It is not true. You rarely see more than one car entering or leaving any of these buildings. Innwood, Park Royale, Embassy Towers etc. (I mention these because there is a proposal for the former Knights of Columbus site going before zoning in a week). As far as development goes it should not be confined to Steelepointe and Downtown. We are a city and all four corners can always benefit with development. I’d let the new school board tackle the issues with the school system and simultaneously market this city. The Mayor should be doing occasional spots on New York television promoting Bridgeport’s development opportunities and tourists attractions. Realtors should be promoting Bridgeport as having the largest stock of affordable vintage Victorian homes. You just cannot duplicate these masterpieces. Bridgeport has so many opportunities it is amazing.
Nancy Hadley was an asset to the city. She definitely had an excellent staff under her. Bridgeport just needs some good marketing and P.R. It seems people are more concerned with standing still in the same place than stepping out of the box.
What’s my suggestion that the Mayor do some New York tv spots will be met with opposition with politicians feeling he is promoting himself; well who better than the Mayor to market Bridgeport. Stop singing to the choir, take the show on the road.
BEACON2, when you work for a retailer, you realize you may have theft and assorted issues to deal with. When you exceed sales you realize sales will take care of everything. It is the same with development, during the process you are putting people to work including the carpenters, electric and plumbing unions. Than you have a strong marketing group that knows how to identify the potential users of the properties. If we do not get aggressive. Stamford, Norwalk, Shelton, Derby and Milford will take it all. We have location and the workforce, we have all of the transportation and affordable housing, now we just have to figure out how we can put the entire package together and sell it!!!
Steven, the lights on Park Ave. between Park Royale and Embassy are there for safety. Traffic going up or down Park Ave. is like a raceway. Adding the KofC location will create the need for another light. Housing is negative tax dollars. When you build more housing without increasing commercial and industrial taxes those dollars are spent on additional police, fire, public works and school. You need commercial and industrial tax dollars (positive tax dollars) to not only offset the residential negativity, but to pay for those needed services in addition. I lived at the Embassy for seven years and watched all this.
Bob, I respect your comments and your knowledge of the city. I am a new Yorker by birth. I know at least 20 families between the Park Royal and Embassy towers. Buildings do generate tax dollars and more importantly, residents patronize restaurants and other establishments. I want Park Avenue to look like a stretch of land like in Stamford. We are a city and Park Avenue is a main artery. Let’s move into the 21st century. We have been looking at the Knights of Columbus eyesore long enough. We need upscale housing with people that will spread the money to local business. Maybe I will show up at zoning to speak in favor of this. The NIMBY mentality is over in the largest city in the state. Luxury high-rise housing is most appropriate for upper Park Avenue.
What’s next? Maybe Finch can get the State to go back to working on the Fairfield Ave railroad bridge. This project has been dormant for months and is rapidly becoming a symbol of the economic plan for b’port … going nowhere!!!
*** Those who voted in this “historic” low-turnout election have made their choice and those who didn’t vote could really care less. Time to move forward as a people & try to get more voters interested in what goes on in their district and neighborhoods. “Zombies” need lots of nurturing & attention so it won’t be easy! Hope for the best but prepare for the worst, no? *** KEEP THE FAITH ***
Wow … Could not agree more with Steve. Wish many of the gloom & doomers who perpetuate this site followed his lead.
Nobody fought harder for MJF than Steve … Afterwards he has exhibited a maturity many others on this site should emulate. Election’s over so let’s start working together again to make things better.
Realistic, street-smart and not trying to make points by showing everybody how brilliant he is.
FBD … just remember what you have said. Finch has complete control of the city council and a mandate by a weak electorate as to his past performance. If little or nothing is accomplished in the next four years yours and Steve’s Pollyanna perspectives will mean very little. We all hope for positive results, but Bridgeport is a sterling example of the Peter Principle when it comes to economic development and quality of life.
I fought just as hard for MJF as Steve did. Just an FYI: Although I don’t know if I would have publicly announced my new position in the manner he did (that is his right), I will refrain from de facto passing judgement on anyone’s behavior on this blog during the primary months and the time up to and including the general election. I do think, now that all is said and done and we are dealt the hand we are dealt, there are a lot of nuggets of wisdom the posters have put forth. I for one think it’s time to try to make what we have better. This is what we have, and it’s time to make it better. Nobody has to be in a love affair with Finch, but it’s time to move on, and use our powers for good, even if it’s only in our own little corner of the Bridgeport Universe. Peace.
Well stated, Zena. In order for the city to thrive, we must all put aside past political difference and work together to make Bridgeport the best it can be.
Thanks, Godiva. I find you intelligent, entertaining and you have my respect as well. I think you already knew that though. 🙂
You’re welcome Zena, my opinion of you is the same. We may have disagreed on the choice of a candidate, but overall I feel you conduct yourself with dignity. We do have one thing in common it seems–we’ve both been accused of being men. LOL!!!
LOL is right, Godiva. Now that our mutual respect has been revealed, I think we have just “come out of the closet.” TTYS! 😉
Zena, you fought as hard and are prettier than me. As for the individual wondering if you are a man or a woman, you are definitely a woman. A very attractive woman and I respect your comments and certainly your work ethic. The last comment you made was on the money. We are all in this together and Bill Finch is a good man. He won. It was the will of the people. We did what we had to do and moved on. It is healthy. We owe the Mayor the opportunity to try and succeed. Hoping for his failure is waste of time and energy.
Well thank you kindly 134! 🙂
Zena–you are most welcome!!!!!!!!!