Former Mayor Joe Ganim, seeking a comeback following his conviction on federal corruption charges in 2003, on Thursday overwhelmingly received the endorsement of the Bridgeport Police Union Local 1159 that represents nearly 400 city police officers.
Union officials did not release a tally of the vote but sources say Ganim received approximately 70 votes with a few other votes split among Mayor Bill Finch and Mary-Jane Foster, among the union members who participated in the vote at Port 5 in Black Rock.
Finch’s Campaign Manager Maryli Secrest called the endorsement made in “a backroom deal setting” by a small group of “select union members.”
Ganim, Finch and Foster interviewed for the endorsement. Finch as a mayoral candidate and incumbent has never received the police union endorsement, but for Ganim it leverages a discussion point for a comeback, including lower police staffing levels with the backdrop of recent high-profile shootings.
Although many city police officers no longer live in the city, the endorsement provides some cover on the campaign trail for Ganim as he seeks to assuage voter concerns about his departure from public office. If cops do not think he’ll offend again why should the average voter be concerned? is certainly something Ganim political operatives will take to door-to-door campaigning.
“Joe Ganim has the experience, the courage, and compassion to make improving public safety and the expansion of community policing top priorities for Bridgeport,” said union president Chuck Paris in a news release. “Joe Ganim has shown he can get things done and can work with all groups within the city to improve communications between the police and the communities we serve. Ganim will be a mayor who rolls-up their sleeves and takes real action in times of crisis,” said Paris.
Ganim, in competing statements with Finch, is seeking to make public safety a campaign battleground. They are also dueling over their competing slogans of a city that “works for everyone” an effort to reach out to the disenfranchised.
“I am gratified and humbled to receive the support of Bridgeport’s finest officers and I pledge to support their efforts to rebuild the Bridgeport Police Department so Bridgeport residents and neighborhoods have the police department they deserve,” Ganim said in a statement.
“Additionally, in the wake of the tragic shootings in Trumbull Gardens, Mayor Finch’s failure to take immediate steps to increase police presence shows a failure of leadership, if not a cavalier disregard for the safety of Trumbull Garden residents. By restoring Mayor Finch’s cuts in our police department, expanding community policing, establishing new neighborhood command posts, and building greater cooperation between the police and communities throughout our city, we will build a better and safer Bridgeport for all our citizens,” said Ganim.
Finch’s Campaign Manager Maryli Secrest issued this statement:
“It’s ironic that in a backroom deal setting, a small group of select union members decided to support Joe Ganim –a criminal who as mayor, was convicted of sixteen felony charges and spent seven years in jail for systematically steering city contracts to friends in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes. Ganim also did not pay his taxes, encouraged his inner circle to exaggerate expenses billed to the city, and had them leave cash for him in hidden envelopes.”
“Ganim also received kickbacks from stockbrokers, who in exchange invested the city’s police pension fund in high-risk investments that ultimately failed–this loss has ending up costing each Bridgeport resident an average of over $1,500 in taxes.
“Mayor Finch remains focused on earning support from hardworking Bridgeporters across the city–and the hundreds of Bridgeport police officers who are protecting our streets every single day, helping the city see some of its lowest crime rates in nearly a half-century.”
Speaking of ironic, “it’s ironic that in a backroom deal setting, a small group of select union members” likely decided to once again thwart the non-conflict-of-interest bill yet again this year, after the bill, HB 5886, with great thanks to Senators Moore and Gomes, passed the state senate unanimously.
But no, the bill never got a vote in the lower chamber–thanks to the public employees union, with blessings from our mayor and city council president.
How is that “making Bridgeport a city that works for everyone?”
This blog informed me Mayor Finch was indifferent to HB5586’s outcome. He didn’t have a vote and the insinuation is your own, not his.
Local Eyes–time for a new prescription lens? The bill was HB 5886. Of course you, as a non-resident of Bridgeport, wouldn’t know that because you never cared like we do who are residents.
Adding value to Bridgeport is always a pleasure. That’s why I invented this:
www .zazzle.com/bridgeportctusa_progress_underway_shirt-235919231166613602
Great newsm Joe! You’re on a roll!
Great news, maybe one vote?
You need to take into account the family and friends of those police officers, it’s hard to downplay any endorsement, but the Police, with the only offense being played out of the mayor’s camp is Joe’s probability to commit a crime. My thoughts are if the police are sworn to “protect and serve” and their choice is Joe Ganim, what better argument is there?
Hector, G-d bless you!
To Hector’s comments, I’m sure before the primary Finch will likely receive endorsements from one union or another, how many members live in Bridgeport?
Crazy how you posted this because I have observed a lot of Bridgeport police officers saying they support Ganim. Even on Fb you see a lot of Bpt cops support him. Shocking because Ganim is a criminal. The police officers must really not like Finch.
Maryli Secrest, will you please stick to the issues and stop talking about Ganim’s conviction? EVERYONE KNOWS HIS PAST! There is a backlash growing towards your constant reminders. We are not in kindergarten. We have a memory!
concerned citizen, you are absolutely correct. We on the blog are aware of Ganim’s criminal past. Sadly most voters 18 to 35 do not know or remember and it is important they are made aware, over and over and over and over and over again! Inquiring minds want to know.
Steve, when you opt to conflate anything with Ganim’s past, it becomes farcical.
At once:
1. Finch is inappropriately self-promoting with taxpayer-funded PR campaign in our tax-bill notices. The brochure includes the following: “For more information contact Bridgeport’s Office of Mayor Finch”
And
2. Finch is having his campaign manager put out almost daily reminders of Ganim’s past.
How do #1 and #2 work to make “Bridgeport a city that works for everyone” (as Finch’s campaign ad above tells us)?
I won’t be surprised if Madame Secrest runs out of ways to hinge the day’s events to Ganim’s past, and desperately ties it to the day’s weather, e.g., It was a hot and humid day just like today when Joe Ganim was found guilty of …
Steve, the whole thing is insulting to any hardworking taxpayer.
I like progress in our city just as much as you, but after seeing so many blunders and falsehoods from the current administration, I can’t just give it a free pass as you seem willing to do.
Pete Spain, I respect your jab at me. After all, in your eyes everything Finch does is farcical. I think it is wonderful of you and the Foster team to overlook the past. Mr. Spain, it is about the future and Joe Ganim deserves a chance to control the city again. Let’s take that message to the streets. Mr. Ganim, a proven leader with an amazing past. I like that! Let’s go with that. What did the police know about Foster’s past that made her a non-contender? It doesn’t matter. What does matter is we change leadership immediately because after 30 years of waiting for Steelpointe we just cannot handle change. The Ganim family live in Easton and his kids never stepped foot in a Bridgeport school. I have always maintained the future of this city was in the hands of the new young out-of-town residents. I didn’t realize it could come from a surburbanite with a record … I mean proven record. Joe is the man for you Pete Spain and unlike you, I respect your choice. Ganim is a lovely man. He has a warm personality and most important he never broke a promise to Hector Diaz. As for Mayor Finch, really what has he done? If the election were held today I would vote for Charlie Coviello. How dare Mayor Finch share exciting news about the city. Mr. Spain, like most voters I say how dare he! Joe Ganim and Mary-Jane Foster would never do that because they are so much more ethical than that self-serving lying bastard in City hall who sends his kids to our failing schools, honestly, how bright can that schmuck be? Nobody cares about schools, parks, Steelpointe, Pleasure Beach or Downtown. We want the Mayor to pay for that brochure with that delinquent man with a great smile. How dare he!
Steve,
Off the top of my head, here are a few things about our current mayor I would not characterize as “farcical”:
His dedicated interest in and concrete actions to implement current technologies and activities (e.g., biking) to reduce man-made emissions contributing to climate change.
His advocacy for the adoption of children.
His advocacy for open public space.
His pride in his alma mater, UConn, a great public university.
His pride in Bridgeport.
What seems to be an experienced understanding of our city’s reliance on state and federal monies to stay above water.
Now, are these features, weighed against the obscurantism, costly mistakes, and an endless parade of falsehoods, enough to compel me to say “Great job, Mr. Mayor. You deserve four more years,” though? No.
I’m glad you’re so happy with the Mayor’s tenure. Why not go forth and make some converts, because you don’t seem to be getting too far here in that regard.
Pete Spain,
I appreciate your last post. Very respectful. What gave you the idea it was my intention to convert anyone on this blog? Seriously, has it been your impression this has ever been the case? Surely you jest. It truly is the other way around. I get it from both the Ganim and Foster sides. I truly appreciate talking to voters and I am usually respectful. I do not have a difficult time giving a rap on all Mayor Finch has done. He is human and is not perfect but as far as changing leadership in the middle of the game when Bridgeport is finally making noise, I don’t think so. I do not and will not say anything against Mary-Jane Foster. It is not necessary. I do not have to say anything negative about Joseph Ganim to any potential voter. I can answer questions. And most importantly I an tell voters why Mayor Finch deserves four more years. The voters will decide what is best for Bridgeport. Mayor Finch should be proud of his accomplishments and I am sure he will in a respectful way share everything going on in the city, educate the public and continue promoting this city. To me that is the easiest and best part of this political season. Bricks and Mortar! Although I wish all candidates well, it is my hope Mayor Finch continues pushing forward and not even react to the background noise.
For those quick to attack Mayor Finch’s job record, I’d remind them of a great little novel, The Alchemist. Every success and failure Mayor Finch has had, has brought him to this moment where under his leadership, for whatever reason, has brought the City of Bridgeport on the verge of a massive rebirth. I expect he will finish the job!
Steve, that’s a bunch of Finch bullshit. Shame on you.
Steve, I have witnessed and observed, I admit with surprise, that it is actually this age group that is the strongest supporters of Joe Ganim. I think they are the least judgmental and admire him as the “comeback kid.” I have to say I’m happy since he’s my choice, and I’m curious to see the numbers as they reflect age, after the primary results are known.
Oh Lisa, if only those 28-35-year-old voters supporting Joe lived in Bridgeport. Least judgmental? Really? These voters were in diapers during the scandal. These young adults are not so forgiving, they just have not been educated yet. I cannot imagine they will be left in the dark, especially since they will he the recipients of new spirit in the city. But, like yourself it is in the numbers.
Steve, I respectfully disagree. I’m not painting them all with one brush, and as I said I was surprised at the response I’ve witnessed from this age group, just my opinion, they see an energetic candidate who for some reason they relate to, and I don’t think any amount of criticism is going to affect their vote. We’ll see.
Steve, one more thing I forgot to mention, the voters I mentioned in my next post do live in Bridgeport, I wouldn’t waste my time listening to the opinions of non-Bridgeport residents.
Again! Finch, like everything he does, is always a day late and a dollar short!
“Mayor Finch’s failure to take immediate steps to increase police presence shows a failure of leadership, if not a cavalier disregard for the safety of Trumbull Garden residents. By restoring Mayor Finch’s cuts in our police department.”
If Finch get reelected he will hit this city with the largest tax increase in the history of the state of Connecticut!
Maryli Secrest is so full of shit it’s coming out of Wood’s ears!
Ganim got the endorsement of the police union. From a practical point it means nothing as most of the cops live outside of Bridgeport and can’t vote here. This vote appears to be a no-confidence vote against Finch.
Let’s be honest for a sec. Does anybody really think this race is going to be close?
Here is an update on the police vote. Mary-Jane Foster came in a very close second on this vote and my sources tell me if there were another vote she would beat Ganim and Finch.
Andy, it is most surprising a no-confidence vote in Finch would not have worked in Foster’s favor. Sad that Ganim got the vote but this endorsement does not translate into anything.
Steve, I think it does work in MJF’s favor because the voting was stacked for Ganim.
So 70 votes for Ganim, a handful for Finch and Foster. donj, that is why this election will be close. This is a group of constituents with a vested interest; their PAYCHECKS and benefits and if only 20% of this group votes it tells you how turned off they are. So the campaign will be all about identifying those voters and convincing them your candidate deserves their consideration.
Whoever manages to do that will be the next mayor.
Can somebody tell me what Joe promised Chuck?
And if anyone is going to say nothing, well you are more naïve than I thought.
This race is not going to be close. The police union has absolutely lost credibility. Andy Fardy is absolutely correct. The Police endorsement has about as much value as the Teachers union. I will assume that will go to Foster. How many of those cops live in Bridgeport and what is the message being sent??? The entire city is aware the police union has brought the city to its knees with union contracts and pensions. These cops do not live in Bridgeport and it is even more ironic they endorse a candidate who believes they are incompetent at their job and their inability to find the Trumbull Gardens shooter. No fear, the cops who hang out at Bagel King in the North End are no fans of Ganim.
On a side note. We went downtown today to explore Downtown North and the Bijou Square Block. Stuck my head in the Mary-Jane Foster headquarters that is under re-construction. We headed to El Tenampa Mexican restaurant on Main Street before shooting down to Pleasure Beach. It was beautiful there and not as congested as Seaside Park. Ended by Steelpointe and ice cream on East Main St. Looking real good!
We ran into Christopher Caruso looking healthy and happy.
It was a great day in Bridgeport, as always!
It’s true! It’s true! For Joe Ganim, it’s getting better every day!
Steve,
How can you make an assertion the union’s contract has brought the city to its knees? Someone from the management side had to agree to it too. That’s why it’s called a contract. The foolishness of it all is allowing outside OT into the retirement formula, you certainly can’t blame the officers who have taken advantage of this policy, but what fool agreed to this? And why is it never on the table for negotiation?
Eric Alicea, the bankruptcy bid by Moran would have leveled the playing field. Union contracts would have been renegotiated and Bridgeport would have been a lot better off. Ganim got money from Weicker, free cops from Clinton and during the most prosperous times, we got the arena and corruption. And your 18-20 friends are voting for him. Makes sense to me. Yes Eric, someone has to agree with it, enter Joe Ganim after a rough negotiation by Finch.
Steve, don’t forget the 48 cops Finch got from the Feds, everything including training paid for three years.
“The entire city is aware the police union has brought the city to its knees with union contracts and pensions,” says Steve Auerbach.
Thanks for raising the issue Steve inasmuch as you don’t like to confuse yourself with financial matters per a recent comment. The role of an executive in a municipality is to provide services and most of the people involved in those services are union members. Thus, Mayors and their Labor Relations people are key. Mayor Finch has made or stalled the most recent police contracts. Those are the ones that have provided opportunity under the State pension to count overtime compensation in the retirement income calculation. What is that costing our City today? And into the future? Has that been shared with the City Council and taxpayers? Not that I have been able to unearth. Why not?
And lest anyone think this only shows the role of Finch, consider $15 Million in the $90 Million Police Department budget is due to former Mayor Ganim’s proposal for a Pension Obligation Bond to create a fund for retired public safety officers. It raised $350 Million and has paid out pensions for the past 15 years while the City is making supplementary contributions (?) approved by the State (?) to Plan A, but what do we do over the next 15 years with only about $100 Million remaining + the Pension Obligation Bond repayment + actual pensions to pay-as-you-go when the fund has “gone South” through market losses or false actuarial assumptions and not sharing the picture with the public? Perhaps Finch and Ganim could have a debate about “competence” rather than leadership. Or “accountability” on fiscal matters.
That brings me to the final part of your statement, Steve, where you state the City has been brought to its knees, and in this case Steve, I think your meaning is “fiscal knees?” What is the news from the Finch camp on money, Steve? Are you leaking the bad news that our “rainy day fund” is flirting with 2% or less of City budget today (while it may have been more than 8% when the Financial Review Board finished)? Does anyone have any idea about City $$$? And if they do, why is it not a subject of the political campaign operatives? Time will tell.
JML,
It may have been a Ganim fiasco but sitting at the table representing the city was also Finch’s bond counsel, former DTC Chair, John Stafstrom. So once again Ganim and Finch walking the city into financial distress.
Time for a change. Time for Mary-Jane Foster. Because Bridgeport deserves better.
Bob, I’m glad you brought this up, maybe you should ask your candidate what she will do about bond council? Being that she worked with Stafstrom on TWO recent elections.
Mr. Diaz–when are you going to enlighten the readers as to what occurred between you and the current administration? I, for one, am curious to hear about what and why you feel you were lied to.
Hector, your comments are completely on point.
John Marshall Lee,
Honestly? I love the way you can take any post and create a dissertation reflecting any subject you would like to expound upon. This is not my topic of expertise nor do I have any inside information.
Steve,
Not your field of expertise, on which we both agree. But important to coming to a conclusion that things are getting better, almost on the verge of, finally in motion, and a slew of other phrases. You need a reference to the data to see the fiscal engine is working as planned, or on its final legs, run down by Bridgeport’s “strong Mayor system” that leaves scant room for checks and balance activity as well as shutting the public out of fiscal info and dialogue to a great extent. And what do you say when you discover much of what the City puts out is full of errors? Time will tell.
This is great news. I will be training our canvassers to use this on every door. When I tell voter both the FBI agent who led the investigation against Joe and the BPD are supporting Joe, it resonates with voters.
Yes, they think they are watching an Adam Sandler comedy because real people could not possibly be that stupid. On the plus side for your campaign, the Foster canvassers will tell voters taxpayers’ money was spent to tell them what’s happening in the city and it’s getting better.
So Ganim apparently made a poor investment on behalf of police officers that Finch estimates cost each taxpayer $1,500. Well I wonder how much all the tax abatements for Stealpoint and every other development project will cost taxpayers each year.
In this political climate in urban cities like Bridgeport going door to door telling them the police union are supporting him for mayor won’t go over big. An unsolved shooting of nine people and one of them killed won’t go over big.
Omg Ron Mackey, I agree.
Maria, please go door to door and tell the people about the cops endorsing Ganim. This would definitely aid MJF as most people in this neighborhood have nothing good to say about the PD and their response to problems in this neighborhood. I had my tires slashed three times not one response from PD. I put a letter in the Post and four people called and said the same thing happened to them and the cops told them someone is after you. Well my son and I caught the kid who was doing the tire slashing and he won’t be doing that anymore, at least not in this neighborhood. BTW it’s called street justice.
Andy you live in a beautiful and peaceful neighborhood. Accept the fact Maria P is slashing your tires and you do not need the Bridgeport Police to tell you that. Do you?
🙂
Steve, you are very bad!
Godiva2011, quite a few BPD officers have attended Ganim’s events. During the Barnum Festival Parade there were five uniformed police officers monitoring traffic on the corner of Capitol and Park Ave. As Joe started walking towards them they started applauding him in front of everyone.
I have been telling voters about the FBI agent and the BPD’s support of Ganim. It absolutely does make a difference and it definitely offers him a level of credibility.
If there are those who don’t believe the BPD endorsement makes a difference, why are they so upset with the endorsement? Why criticize the endorsement if it doesn’t help Ganim?
I laugh at Einsteins like Bob Walsh and Andy Fardy who think it’s the cops’ jobs to keep them informed of an ongoing investigation. What makes you think because they don’t tell you what you want to hear means nothing is happening? Keep watching CSI where everything takes an hour to solve, geniuses. Meanwhile in real life the cops are trying to find witnesses willing to talk. They owe you nothing. Get over that! Go Joe!
Phantom, you are a wise ass and don’t know shit. If you are a cop you probably are inside. There is nothing I want to hear other than an update, which hasn’t come in over three weeks. Now Phantom, I have one I know your dumb ass can’t top. I have personally written two arson Murder warrants and numerous Arson 1 warrants all which led to convictions. How about you or any of your friends? Screw You.
The residents of Trumbull Garden are living in fear and they are scared, they don’t believe the police dept. is doing anything to solve those who were shot and the one person who was killed. Mayor Finch and the police chief owe it to those residents to solve this crime as soon as possible and to let them know what is going on, how can they have any respect for the mayor and the police chief, they don’t.
Phantom, it most certainly is the police dept’s job to keep the public informed of the process they are making on apprehending the persons who committed this reprehensible crime. If nothing more that to ease the minds of those from the Terrace to let them know everything is being done, the progress of the investigation and an arrest will be made.
What faith should those residents have in the chief and the mayor when they are being kept in the dark as to the progress to make their community safer? Andy and Bob, keep doing what you do.
Thank you Don and Ron. I couldn’t have said it better so I won’t even try.
Donald, please trust me when I tell you I think the Mayor and Chief are idiots. They continue to BS all by telling you not to trust your eyes and ears and believe when they say crime is down. The only person who believes that is Steve. Anyway, they are not going to compromise an investigation to please anyone. As for Andy Fardy, you are a cranky old man who couldn’t get a cop to his home and never got over it! Sounds like that tire kid had it in for you personally. I wonder why, ’cause you seem like a pleasant person.
The Phantom, I laughed out loud at your post. Definitely on point.
Phantommm (aka chicken shit), I am not a pleasant person and come to find out with a little investigation that the PD did not do at all, he had done this four other times in the neighborhood. Your answer above is the typical BS the PD puts out, oh some one is after you. Well this teenager was doing it for kicks but after he had a come to Jesus meeting, no more problems.
Phantoooooom, an update is not compromising an investigation, it is just an excuse for not being able to make headway in the investigation.
So let me get this right. It’s okay to let the residents of Trumbull Garden live in fear of their lives until the police solve this shooting? I tell you what, if nine people were shot and one person was killed in Black Rock I can assure you those residents would be given updates on the progress of this investigation.
Phantom is a phony. He is either a police wannabe or he is a cop and embarrassed by the terrible job they are doing. A week later the BPD is showing video from a shooting at the Greens. No compromising the case there I guess.
Got together with some friends last night and the subject of the endorsement of Ganim by the Bridgeport PD Union came up. It was surprising to me to hear Charles Paris, the union president, doesn’t live in Bridgeport, nor do over half of the Bridgeport Police department. So how does this endorsement have an impact? A member of the force who was with us and actually does live in Bridgeport said there is no way he or other officers would vote for Ganim. He said the endorsement was just hype and the union just voted this way to humor Paris (who is anti-Finch) in order to stay in his good graces. Good grief! Only in Bridgeport.