Budget deficit, reeling in overtime, beefing up police presence, flood control, partnering with the University of Bridgeport and parking meters that “drives me crazy” were some of the subjects Mayor Joe Ganim touched on in a presentation Tuesday to the Bridgeport Rotary Club at the Holiday Inn.
Ganim says he wants to modernize the parking meter system to make Downtown more business friendly. He adds that a formal announcement based on a campaign pledge will come soon regarding a citywide sidewalk improvement plan. He touched on the revaluation of taxable property that will likely produce a mixed bag for taxpayers. Ganim’s address is split into two segments. In the first video he discusses the dead squirrels embedded in his office the first week on the job. Grab a cup of joe and check out Joe.
One of Ganim’s advisers is said to have freaked out when the dead squirrel smell got stronger. A source told me Danny Roach freaked out and ordered police to look for a dead body as they suspected Bill Finch was setting up Ganim again.
Made some time to listen to Mayor Ganim chat about multiple issues and “moving the City forward,” but I still do not hear what his priorities are, do you?
Listening closely to the budget comments and the refinancing of General Obligation Bonds, I heard the number $60 Million for the first time (not specified at B&A meeting in January previous to CC vote). At that meeting I heard the $3 Million assist to the current projected deficit of $20 Million the bond refunding would help. I also remember another $3 Million would come in the second or third year out. However, in the Rotary presentation I believe the Mayor mentioned $3 Million or more this year, $4 Million next year and another $3 Million later? Overstated future results or an expanded project or what? When it come to a press release, the 1-19-16 “Ganim Praises City Council Vote Approving Refinance of 2016 General Obligation Bonds–Saves Taxpayers More Than $3 Million” is still accurate whether surplus is $6 Million or $10 Million, but failure to include financial amounts in City Agendas or resolutions leaves people unsure and unable to accurately compare. For instance the $60 Million quote from the Mayor shows up nowhere in the publicity. Are we getting better in OATH? Time will tell.
Surprisingly dull.
I’m leaving viewing this until the weekend. But this may take up so much time I may not have time for the long-talked-about cup of coffee with JML.
We may never hear from you again! 🙂