How many direct hires has Joe Ganim made since he reclaimed the mayoralty starting December 1? Less than 30, according to a list of discretionary appointments provided by the city following an OIB FOI request.
Ganim spokesman Av Harris, who’s on the list, says Ganim has about 60 discretionary appointments at his disposal but is taking his time filling slots in part because of a budget deficit Ganim inherited from the Finch administration. He adds that so far the Ganim administration is about $2 million below the salary figure for discretionary appointees under Finch.
Some political leaders are meowing that Ganim has not hired enough blacks and Latinos. For those who keep score on minority hires, roughly half comprise Ganim appointments.
The city supplied the following list that includes name of city employee, title, date hire and salary. A couple of them are being paid by the hour and in the case of former Police Chief Wilbur Chapman, a senior adviser to the mayor, he has a six-month gig.
JOHN GOMES, CHIEF ADMIN OFFICER, CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE, 12/01/2015, 127,555.00
AVARHAM HARRIS, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, MAYOR, 01/04/2016, 100,000.00
FRED GEE, ASSISTANT SPECIAL PROJECT MANAGER, LIGHT HOUSE YOUTH SERVICES, 01/04/2016, 57,401.00
DANIEL ROACH, CHIEF OF STAFF, MAYOR’S OFFICE, 12/01/2015, 129,778.00
CHRISTOPHER MEYER, CITY ATTORNEY, 12/01/2015, 124,110.00
TERRI COWARD, CITY TREASURER, 01/18/2016, 90,000.00
CAROLANNE CURRY, CLERICAL ASSISTANT CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE, 12/21/2015, 25.00/hr.
VERINICA ORTIZ, CLERICAL ASSISTANT CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE, 12/21/2015, 25.00/hr.
SAM MARKS, CLERICAL ASSISTANT (40 HRS) PUBLIC FACILITIES ADMIN 12/22/2015, 37,290.00
ANGEL DEPARA, DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR, CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE 12/01/2015, 75,000.00
GINIA MALHEIRO, DEPUTY CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE, 12/01/2015, 98,518.00
JOHN BOHANNON, DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY, 12/01/2015, 98,518.00
JANENE HAWKINS, DIRECTOR LABOR RELATIONS 12/07/2015, 124,110.00
KENNETH FLATTO, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE, 12/01/2015, 124,110.00
JOHN RICCI, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC FACILITIES, 12/01/2015, 124,110.00
MARIA AGUEDA, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT CAO CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE, 12/10/2015, 65,000.00
KELLY PEREZ, EXECUTIVE OFFICE MANAGER OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, 12/07/2015, 52,000.00
CHRISTOPHER ALARCON, FINANCIAL COORDINATOR CITISTAT DEPARTMENT, 12/14/2015, 57,401.00
JOSEPH GANIM, MAYOR, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, 12/01/2015, 144,039.00
EDWARD ADAMS, MAYOR’S AIDE, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, 12/01/2015, 90,000.00
THOMAS GAUDETT, PROJECT MANAGER, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, 12/01/2015, 85,326.00
DANIEL PIZARRO, PROJECT MANAGER, CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE, 01/19/2016, 75,000.00
CHARLIE STALLWORTH, SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER, (MEB) MINORITY BUSINESS RESOURCE, 12/01/2015, 99,286.00
MICHAEL GIANNOTTI, SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR, POLICE DEPARTMENT, 01/04/2016, 63,500.00
NESTOR NKWO, DIRECTOR OF OPM, 12/01/2015, 124,000
WILBUR CHAPMAN, SENIOR ADVISOR TO MAYOR, 12/15/2015, 64,000 FOR SIX MONTHS
GINNY RAY CLAY, CENTRAL GRANTS DIRECTOR, 02/05/2016, 124,000
Thank you for the list. Some of the titles are self-explanatory (Director of Finance, Chief Administrative Officer) but some need clarification (my two favorites–Wilbur Chapman, Senior Advisor and Edward Adams, Mayor’s Aide. I wonder where Av Harris got the savings of two million dollars. It’s one thing to say something and another thing to prove it.
Frank, the rationale is savings occur because Ganim has not filled out all discretionary positions when factoring in salary and benefits.
Who is to say not all the discretionary positions will eventually be filled?
Where’s Lennie’s name and title? He sounds and acts like he is on staff.
Lennie is not interested in a city job and you know that, smart ass. One thing is for sure, your name and title will not be appearing. I and others like Jim Fox weren’t even remembered or considered for the transition team. Not cool! Care to tell us what position or title your horse had promised you, Bob Walsh?
Joel, I’m from the old school of John Wrable, John Sullivan and Herman Wolf my mentors in politics may they all R.I.P.
One thing I learned from those great Fairfield politicians is patience is a virtue.
I guess Joe Ganim had to have a seat at the table for some Roachettes and Finchettes, people who did absolutely nothing for his reelection.
Jim, I saw the posting where you put up your resume. Can you repost it here again? I was told I was on the list of people who were being considered. I’m not bent all out of shape about this as I really wasn’t going to be able to find the time in the morning to go to meetings. I suggested a think tank in addition to the transition team. A.J. and I have been doing our own two-man think tank on the side during our free time. Two heads are better than one.
Lennie and Joe Ganim had a “mutually beneficial” relationship during the campaign–there’s no reason to think it should diminish now.
Forget anything that has or should have diminished.
I can tell you what is finished–your career as City of Bridgeport Confidential Informant. Goodbye, CI Local Eyes.
So he has fired 60 and only hired 30? That’s an average of $67k a year. In his calculations is Av including unemployment benefits?
The city does not pay into the fund but does reimburse the state dollar for dollar for any city employee who collects.
I am assuming Av is mixing and matching his years and is calculating the savings based on calendar year (i.e. 12 months total) while the fiscal year is already 7 months old.
Does Av pitch in and work part time in OPM since he seems to be a wiz with numbers?
And let’s not forget the excellent work Av has done in the City Attorney’s office. I believe it was Av who authored the opinion Joe’s appointments do not need City Council approval even though the titles, job description, duties and salaries are different from what is in the ordinance. A fine piece of legal research was proffered with that opinion.
*** LET’S HOPE AND PRAY THESE NEW CITY EMPLOYEES DON’T EMBARRASS THEMSELVES, THE CITY OR THE NEW MAYOR DURING THEIR EMPLOYMENT TIME WITH THE CITY, NO? *** GOOD LUCK TO ALL! ***
“… a list of discretionary appointments provided by the city following an OIB FOI request …”
I’m not a fan of FOI request requirement for public information. Transparency? Is this policy staying in place and for how long? How long did it take for you to get this, Lennie? I have been compiling names myself via mining and looking at the list I did pretty well. It would be a good idea Lennie to ask for photos to go with the names, I’m sure you had a few already. I’m keeping tabs on a few of them and keeping notes on statements made by city officials so far. Lennie, did you FOI their resumes if any are available?
I agree. The fact FOI was needed to comprise this list, as well as the list of the top municipal wage earners, does not bode well going forward. Put on top of that the “executive” AKA secret Common Council meetings is not proper governance. I don’t know where to post this but I might as well post it here. My greatest concern is, of the 148,000 people who live in Bridgeport, 99% don’t care (or to put it in the vernacular, don’t give a shit). That, TO ME, remains the biggest problem and the biggest challenge.
Lennie, do you have copies of the Joe Ganim campaign contribution reports? We know where to get them if we wanted to view them right. I contributed modestly and got a few friends and family to do the same. I campaigned for Joe Ganim in a way I haven’t done not even for myself. In addition to paying for my own gasoline, food, etc. while I was out there. If anyone checks the campaign contribution report, they will see only contribution with my name and not reimbursements or salary. Now what will I see if I check the names of all those hired? How much did they donate? Were they paid staff or true volunteers/supporters? The way I see it, if anyone were paid for their work in the campaign, they have no right or authority to ask or demand a city job. I believe in Joe. How many can back that up? What’s your take on this, OIB reader/poster?
Joel, I also volunteered for the entire campaign and never asked for a cup of coffee let alone be rewarded with a job or compensated for time lost in my business and personal responsibilities. I supported Joe Ganim because I believed he was the best candidate for Mayor. I say this because I agree with your position that paid volunteers should not have been considered before the ever-present real volunteers (without any compensation). I’m disappointed this has not been the case to the degree it should have, but there’s nothing we can do but state our opinion. When the campaign ended, we became residents and taxpayers of the City of Bridgeport, and should always be vigilant of the performance of the candidate we supported.
Ditto!
Ms. Parziale and Mr. Gonzalez, after reading your comments, the two of you obviously have years of experience in working political campaigns. Indulge me if you will–how many people have you encountered who are truly dedicated to electing someone they believe in vs. those who only have a “what’s in it for me” outlook? Who, after the candidate is elected, decides which of those supporters should be rewarded by giving them a job or a favor of some sort? Are there any priorities in place that determines that or is it just a who-knows-whom basis?
Godiva2011, the one who comes to mind and respect for being openly honest and straightforward is Tom Coble. I had read an article (not sure if it was the CT Post) where it stated Coble went straight to the point and asked what’s in it for me. It’s okay to come in with the what’s in it for me mentality, but people of this mentality must be sat down and clearly informed if they get what they want, they must produce for the city. No one should get a position in which they have nothing to produce or show for after a certain period. I’m not sure how selections will be made or have been made. Will district leaders be the ones to pick who gets a job? Mario Testa? I took a big gamble this time around being a city employee. As far as I’m concerned I don’t have to worry about retaliation from the Joe Ganim administration like in 2008 under the Finch Administration. I should make a t-shirt that reads: I’m a survivor of the Finch Administration Political War. I would have not survived had it not been for this webzine and being the different political animal I am. But if any individual or group wants a piece of me, come and get it! This political war is not over, I know there are still a few enemies who are hiding in the jungle–and I’m in pursuit. Political war crimes is a serious offense and those involved shall be prosecuted. It looks like the selection process is a little bit of everything you and I mentioned.
Godiva, this was me. I made the decision to support Joe, I was available and present for whatever fell into my skill-set. I worked in headquarters every day with the exception of what probably amounted to a week scattered throughout the campaign. I rarely ate normal meals at normal times, I would fall into my bed at 8:00 p.m. or later, depending on the day. I never even hinted at being paid or rewarded for my work. I was never included in the “brain trust,” didn’t want to be. I have no knowledge of how jobs were given or to whom. After the general election ended, it was approximately three weeks before I received a call from Joe Ganim. Just a hi, not a thank you. I was in his conference room once, by chance not invitation, and I know as much as you or any other blogger about what happens in City Hall. With all that said, I still maintain I supported Joe Ganim because I felt and knew he was the best candidate for the job. I still feel that way! A short while ago I suggested a common-sense action on his part, I’m still waiting for a yes or no. I hope I answered your question.
Lisa Parziale, 100% agreement with your last sentence in your post. “When the campaign ended, we became residents and taxpayers of the City of Bridgeport, and should always be vigilant of the performance of the candidate we supported.”
“When the campaign ended, we became residents and taxpayers of the City of Bridgeport, and should always be vigilant of the performance of the candidate we supported.”
I was a resident and a taxpayer way before this and past campaigns started. I and many others are still playing hand grenades. Honey, it’s a political war, all involved knew or should have known the consequences.
It was customary for a number of years of Mayor Finch’s terms to annually present a chart of City Departments showing the number of employees identified with each department. The chart did not indicate or identify Grant Employees as for the most part Grant reporting of purpose, payroll, and personnel was not prominent public knowledge from one year to the next.
It did not identify who was union or who was a Mayoral appointee, etc. The chart, such as it was, intended to show a decrease in employees over the years. However the charts do not seem to have been used recently, though they would make for great OPEN, ACCOUNTABLE, TRANSPARENT and HONEST process whereby anyone, taxpayer or Council member could identify a position, with an understandable purpose and a pay level. Isn’t that reasonable? Why don’t we start that now? Time will tell.
JML, if all you mentioned is implemented or made publicly available, how would it be useful to you or anyone? Will it or could it be used to spread vitriol, misinformation or personal opinions for the sake of doing so? Time will tell.
Joel,
Not all of us work at the epicenter of Bridgeport government as you do, so we must depend on the posting of relevant and official data by those in office. You have heard my calls for OPEN, ACCOUNTABLE, TRANSPARENT and HONEST process in governance for years now. It never seemed to bother you in the past, did it? Why the seeming change? Isn’t the whole idea of a blog that personal opinions are able to be expressed, and perhaps the more accurate info available the better the commentary might be? And just for the record assuming the past election was an example of Bridgeport voters providing a “second chance” to one or more candidates, I continue to ask in that regard, so we trust our leadership but isn’t it right to verify? Will I get everything I ask for? Not likely, but if we get some of it, and that builds the desire for more info, and greater common sense participation, what’s the harm, Joel? Another way of saying it, Joel, can we get any more dumbed down than we are today as a citizenry? Time will tell.
After glancing over the salaries that are allocated to various positions in Ganim’s administration, I have but one question I feel should be of utmost concern to the Bridgeport taxpayers. Regardless of who among them was a paid or unpaid volunteer during his campaign, are these people actually qualified to be in the positions they have been hired for? I also am curious as to exactly what a special project manager’s duties entail since that title is so vague. Aren’t the taxpayers concerned as to what their money is being spent on?
Come on, Godiva.
A Special Projects Manager is a Project Manager who is very special in the eyes of the mayor.
Bob Walsh–thanks, your comment gave me a good laugh.
It’s mind boggling how this administration can pay the Deputy CAO with no degree $98,000, and with no experience in government. I give Joe Ganim another two months until he finally realizes he flucked up. Hopefully sooner!
On a smaller scale. A foreman position was filled in the PFD. Joe Tiago’s cousin became the Recycling Foreman. Gee, how did that happen? The only thing that has changed in Bridgeport is the weather! LOL! Go blow smoke up someone else’s ass!
Change takes time, you impatient nut. 🙂 It’s easier said than done.
Hello???
Has anyone seen or heard from little Tommy Mac? Now that he is freed from the bonds that tied him, is he going to start showing some leadership or is this who he really is?
Go to a City Council Meeting if you want to see him, chump. Stop being a pussy and answer my question. I’m 100% sure many OIB readers and posters are interested in your reply. You wouldn’t lie, would you? I apologize to all those with a pussy and all pussy lovers for calling Bob Walsh a pussy. It’s an insult to y’all to have done so.
Pussy Wart is more appropriate. Care to tell us what position or title your horse had promised you, Bob Walsh?
Bob Walsh // Feb 5, 2016 at 8:13 pm
Where’s Lennie’s name and title? He sounds and acts like he is on staff.
Joel Gonzalez // Feb 6, 2016 at 3:49 am
Lennie is not interested in a city job and you know that, smart ass. One thing is for sure, your name and title will not be appearing. I and others like Jim Fox weren’t even remembered or considered for the transition team. Not cool! Care to tell us what position or title your horse had promised you, Bob Walsh?
Lennie, I recognize some names, but not others. Were bios supplied or available?
It would also be useful to see a listing of ALL “60” discretionary positions, see what has been filled and what positions are still vacant. IMHO, the savings of $2 million can be taken with a grain of salt. And if it’s true, it should be applied towards the $20 million Flatto deficit. TALKING ABOUT SAVING MONEY, I wonder if we can get some realtime information about any Police Overtime. With computerized payroll, that should be easy enough to calculate. Would that require FOI as well? And since Ganim put AJ Perez in charge of overtime, it’s even more important to see any impact of that re-assignment of duties in the Police Department.
Bob Walsh made a comment a couple of days ago on this forum that I may have misinterpreted. Are you saying the Ganim administration eliminated 60 jobs but hired 30 new people? It appears to me if the cost saving to do this was only $67K, the end result is you would have half the manpower for the same cost. Is it just me, or is anyone else under the impression this was a foolhardy move, especially since the 30 new hires are being paid approximately double the employees who were terminated. Math is not my forte, but you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out something is wrong with this picture. What gives?
Godiva,
Expertise in math should not be necessary to have a reasonable understanding of City departments, services, employee counts and budgets. Accurate data, provided regularly, with explanations for what is presented should be reasonably adequate.
In the first place, I am not certain how many positions are part of the current City side (in contrast to the BOE side) of the City budget. Of the City side, how many are actually unfilled due to departures, retirements, terminations or because they were “ghosts?” Finance Department has estimated there will be a $4.5 Million savings to get down to a $20 Million deficit already. There may be a little more room because of unfunded benefits, etc., but there are also unemployment expenses to face.
What number of positions and titles of the Ganim 2 era match up with Finch’s recent term? How does a Mayor go about changing the Table of Organization? Does it require approval? How many Acting Directors can serve and for how long in Bridgeport without getting “regularized?” When will we get a job description for each budgeted position? Wouldn’t upcoming budget time FY 2016-17 be a good time for that OPEN, ACCOUNTABLE, TRANSPARENT and HONEST posting? If the City has the info, and we have the systems and software to crunch, display and routinely present the info, why does it seem so hard to find? Time will tell.