Ganim Rolls Out Ministers, Finch Union Endorsements

City Politics, News and Events94 Comments

Update re Shane Gaskins

. Countering a flood of union endorsements for Mayor Bill Finch, former Mayor Joe Ganim on Thursday trotted out endorsements from 12 African American ministers with a message focused on taxes, finances and public safety. From Ganim campaign:

Today, several African American religious leaders within the city of Bridgeport announced their support for former Mayor and 2015 Mayoral candidate Joe Ganim.

Citing quality of life, economic justice, and taxes, members of Bridgeport’s clergy enthusiastically put their faith in Ganim.

“I support Joe Ganim because he is the best candidate with a proven track record. I am confident that he can improve Bridgeport and hold the line on the taxes that is eating away at this city. Appropriating funds towards free programs for children of poverty is a top priority. I have no doubt that Joe Ganim is up to the challenge in improving the lives of those in need,” Reverend Salton Stack said.

The City of Bridgeport cannot afford to remain stagnant and troubled financially, economically, and challenged in our educational system. Joe Ganim is that leader with a proven track record of growth within the private and public sectors. He has a heart for people and a personal passion for the success of the City of Bridgeport. I strongly urge that if a change is what you want and need, Joe Ganim is the man to serve as the next Mayor of the City of Bridgeport,” declared Reverend Janene W. Hawkins.

“I am honored and humbled to have earned the support of so many Reverends, Ministers and Pastors in the city Bridgeport. Their leadership, youth empowerment and passion for helping those in needs within our city’s communities do not, and will not go unnoticed by me. I look forward to working with Bridgeport’s community leaders to get this city moving again,” Ganim enthusiastically stated.

“Taxes were kept low during the Ganim years, while all we’re seeing is higher taxes with the current administration. The business community is embracing Joe, and our communities were safer with a stronger police force. Joe’s connection with the African American and Hispanic communities in this city will be refreshing and welcomed,” Stallworth stated.

The following members of Bridgeport’s religious community have announced their support:
Reverend Dr. C.L. Stallworth
Reverend Mary Lee-McBride
Reverend Salton Stack,
Pastor Carolyn Evans
Baptist Pastor Johnny Gamble
Reverend Janene Hawkins
Pastor Martha Melvin,
Pastor David Miller
Pastor Glenn Pettway
Pastor Pyrnie Fitzgerald
Reverend Eleanora Mosely
Reverend Emanuel Reasor, Jr.

(Editor’s note: Kirk Wesley, a community liaison for Jesus Saves Ministries where Shane Gaskins serves as pastor, notified OIB that Gaskins’ name was listed erroneously by the Ganim campaign. Wesley says Gaskins has not endorsed Ganim. Gaskins has been deleted from the list. Gaskins is apparently out of town so we could not confirm with him, but we’re doing so at the request of Wesley.)

List of Finch endorsements:

• U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal
• U.S. Senator Chris Murphy
• Congressman Jim Himes
• Governor Dan Malloy
• Attorney General George Jepsen
• Bridgeport Democratic Town Committee
• Former Bridgeport Mayor Leonard Paoletta
• Former Bridgeport Mayor Tom Bucci
• Former Bridgeport Mayor John Fabrizi
• Bridgeport Firefighters Union
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
• Fairfield County Building Trades Council
• Carpenters Union Local 210
• Fairfield County Labor Council
• National Association of Government Employees.

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94 comments

    2. I see too many incompetent individuals and a corrupt organization. John Fabrizi is a coke head and an alcoholic. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, Congressman Jim Himes and Governor Dan Malloy are not the most popular politicians to hold their respective positions. The DTC is going to vote for Finch (or Ganim as a backup) to maintain continued reservations on the municipal gravy train.

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    1. Don, what are you talking about? The union president is a BPT firefighter. S/he was elected by the firefighters, including the firefighters who are in the Firebirds club. You do understand the union represents the interests of a wide range of people. What needs do the black firefighters have that are different from any other firefighter based on color? Please explain how the firefighters union is failing to represent the black members.

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  4. Only in Bridgeport. Rolling out 13 clergy from the African American community to support Joe Ganim, if that isn’t the most insulting assault on the African American voters in the city of Bridgeport. Leave it to Ron Mackey to look for a black person on Mayor Finch’s list. I always said politics and religion do not mix and to be so vocal as to support a convicted felon over Mary-Jane Foster or Mayor Bill Finch is just about as disturbing as you can get. Do these Reverends, Pastors and Ministers have to go to school for this title or is it a certificate you buy? I realize Joe Ganim is extremely light on endorsements but this cannot possibly be helpful. Okay so they are anti-Finch with Lee and Stallworth leading the pack, but Mary-Jane Foster? Exactly what is the message the clergy is sending out? New schools and parks, economic development doesn’t resonate? Downtown? Steelpointe? One said the city-is stagnant- lol really? I expect the congregants have a mind of their own and Charlie Coviello, Howard Gardner and officer Daniels are certainly respectable alternatives to Finch but the clergy for Ganim–honest to G-d, this is disturbing. Only they know why! Very very sad!

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    1. It just occurred to me, maybe the modus operandi of the clergy is they do not want to see city improvements. Perhaps they fear gentrification. Maybe they were satisfied with stagnation during the Ganim administration. Personally, I do not think these endorsements have clout as voters are a little more educated. They have eyes and they can see. They have ears and they can hear. They have mouths and they can question. Why???

      I think it is time for Mayor Finch to get out his message and if Mary-Jane cannot start making headway with the anti-Finch vote I’d suggest she pack it in. She should question the credibility of these endorsements.

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    2. Steve. I didn’t say anything about religion, I said blacks. I hope Finch continues to not include blacks. As for Bridgeport firefighters supporting Finch, the large majority of them who live in Bridgeport are black and they are supporting Finch. Firefighters union Local 834 are so scared of Finch they just caved like the other unions did.

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      1. Ron Mackey, you absolutely baffle me. You and Donald Day have this uncanny ability to alienate people. I am sick and tired of these comments regarding Mayor Finch and the black community. Every corner of this city, young and old the Mayor has huge respect from the black community. What is it with you? Is he supposed to hang out at the projects? Is that the only place the black community resides in Bridgeport? What is it with you? I get it, you despise Mayor Finch, but make no mistake about it Ron, black people all over the city have the same exact concerns as everybody else. I think Mayor Finch will show you on Sept. 16th. Maybe not. This is Bridgeport, a city that has made more mistakes than most other cities. I believe this time voters are going to keep moving this city forward.

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        1. Steve, see if you can understand this. I don’t care what you are sick and tired of or if I alienate you. The most loyal voters for Democrats nationwide, statewide or here in Bridgeport are black females. The name of the game in elections is to have one more vote than the other candidates, for too long politicians take blacks and black voters for granted and Republicans don’t care or seek their vote. Blacks and Hispanics voters are the majority in Bridgeport, enough said.

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          1. Ron Mackey, again you baffle me and I don’t get your point. Black females will be voting for Bill Finch. Hoe did that song go years ago? You have to have a J.O.B. if you wanna be with me! Are you imagining black females are supporting another candidate? Have you met the army of Finch supporters? The specific demographic of black female voter is covered very well. You would not be disappointed. Mayor Bill Finch has huge support in the black and Latino communities. Add the Jews, a few whites, Brazilian, Vietnamese, Portuguese, a few unions and respected in office politicians, etc. etc. and you have a winning ticket. Of course it would be a lot nicer if we were all just people without a politician having to pander to a minority. Where we voted for the best interest of our community. We are one community. We are all affected by the same things. I think Mayor Finch understands that and will win because of that.

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        2. NEWS ALERT: The election is over for mayor in Bridgeport. According to Steve Auerbach, “Mayor Bill Finch has huge support in the black and Latino communities. Add the Jews, a few whites, Brazilian, Vietnamese, Portuguese, a few unions and respected in office politicians.”

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          1. Ron Mackey, NEWS ALERT … I said the election was over months ago. Duh! This is old news. There is no excitement, just some background noise. Steelpointe, new schools and parks … taxes and crime are redundant cliches that have been political issues since the year of the flood. (That is the time of Noah for all of the religious people.)

            Mayor Finch is addressing all these issues!
            Steelpointe!

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        3. There’s nothing to get, Steve. The clergy do not fear “gentrification.” They want what is best for everyone. That really has nothing to do with a particular candidate. Neither Ganim nor Finch is the best choice for mayor. Both have records of failure, both are allied with the DTC, a corrupt political machine that drafted Finch to run for high office out of a collective fear of Chris Caruso.

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          1. I love Chris Caruso and the initial DTC headed by Mario Testa may have in fact drafted Finch. But to your point, why isn’t the clergy supporting Mary-Jane Foster??? It is all political and disturbing to me.

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          2. The Bridgeport Kid, you are absolutely correct. I will never forget that move, it’s what made me support Chris with all my might. I won’t mention names because I don’t want to stir up old wars, but one person in particular had a lot to lose in terms of a lucrative City contract. This person knew Chris would be fair and honest and put the contract out to bid. If memory serves me, Bill Finch was happy in Hartford, was earning seniority and from what I hear had potential as a State Senator. He was pushed to run for Mayor, he didn’t want to do it. The rest is anyone’s interpretation of present history with Bill as Mayor. I wish for him he had resisted the self-serving individuals meddling in his life.

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      1. Hector, everyone understands redemption. Redemption is a good thing. Not at the expense of others who are not in need of redemption and certainly not for the number-one job in Bridgeport. He was a sociopathic liar and had shown no remorse for years. Now he should be rewarded by giving him the keys to the kingdom? Honestly Hector, redemption comes in many forms. The fact taxpayers haven’t assaulted him shows we are very forgiving. Stupid, most of us are not!

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        1. Why would the taxpayers attack him? He is the only one to never raise them, while your boy has raised them every year. If he were the best barber, wouldn’t we support his bid to be a barber again? Well he was absolutely the best mayor we’ve had and most assuredly the best amongst the other candidates (current mayor included).

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  5. Don–it’s always the same old song with you. Seriously, give it a break. Your constant race baiting on this forum is a disgrace and it calls into question the judgement of Mary-Jane Foster for aligning herself with you.

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    1. park city fan,
      Donald Day will never be credited with delivering anything to Mary-Jane Foster. Day is a Marilyn Moore supporter. Mary-Jane gets him by default. He is a proud black man and there is nothing wrong with that. But you are so right, it is almost as though Donald Day sees black people as a different species that needs a special voice. I can only go by my friends and neighbors and see them as no different than myself. In my world they are totally integrated into society. They are black of many different cultures practicing many forms of Christianity, Islam, Voodoo etc. etc. I am white, Eastern European and a Jew. We are just fine.
      Donald Day’s theology does not allow him to integrate and appreciate different cultures. He is a race baiter and he does not really like white people. I do think he is a bigot. I appreciate his love of his culture. But he is way too extreme. I am a little surprised Donald Day, Ron Mackey, Ed Gomes and Marilyn Moore were not able to deliver one clergy for Mary-Jane Foster and to be clear this is not a dig. I am assuming like Mayor Finch, Mary-Jane Foster has many clergy on her side. They just didn’t think it was necessary to mix politics with religion. I just cannot imagine a church or synagogue coming out for a candidate. I am certain they would welcome all candidates to speak, but never in the sanctuary.

      park city fan, I wish Donald Day would speak out more about Mary-Jane Foster. He certainly had no problem commenting about Mary McBride Lee. As a Foster supporter his words are extremely limited.

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          1. Ron, I will not be delivering or promising any minority or religious vote for Mayor Finch. I will be delivering as many votes as possible and I understand you keep forgetting, I support and am involved with the entire city. Since you mention the gay community, ironically the African American gay community in this city is 2 to 1 over white. Because the gay community is every minority and religion, male and female as well as mixed together with bi and transgendered, it is a community that does not have a collective interest for Mayor. The only thing I do know Ron, is when I am chatting with voters, I am not interested in who they are involved with, when I am talking to a biracial straight or gay couple, I do not think who am I directing my conversation to. I care about this city and its future. I could care about where you are from unless there is food involved. I appreciate the diversity of this city and I talk to everyone as though they were my neighbor. It is sad you and Donald Day just see everything as black and white and everyone in between is grey or invisible. So the answer to your original question is I do not know how many gay votes I will deliver. I do not know everyone’s sexuality and I really do not care.
            Jim Fox, when I talk to voters I respect everyone including blacks, Jews who happen to be gay and little people. Why? Because we are all living in the same city with the same hopes and dreams.

            This is why I am supporting Bill Finch! 🙂

            The city is getting better every day! 😉

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      3. Steve–I think Finch has done a very good job of steering this rusty old scupper of a city towards a better future overall. I am not sure his vision and ideas are broad enough to bring her to port. And, there are too many small incidents of surprises that affect neighborhoods in a negative way carried out under the cover of silence. And deals have been made that look shady, drivewaygate, the parking lot deal for Pleasure Beach, trees being removed all over the city, gambling debts of city employees being paid in exchange for jobs, to name a few. As to your comments about Mr. Day and Mr. Mackey, I just do not understand your lack of empathy–perhaps you cannot walk a mile in their shoes. Saying I do not see color, just people, certainly diminishes the real issues faced daily by people who receive the sting and barbs because of their color, in my opinion. Knowing a bit about the history and struggle endured by these men, and while the words may not be as soft, warm and fuzzy as we might wish to hear, I am always grateful to be reminded the world does not look the same to everyone. When I return to CT in October, let us break cookies together again–keep on keeping on, Steve!

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        1. Jennifer, I don’t know what it is like to be a white female, the pain, the joy, the ups and downs in their life especially in the workforce so I have educated myself about their issues and concerns. They are the largest voting group in America but their issues are addressed by white males and the voice of females is seldom heard. Well it’s the same with blacks except there are still roadblocks in the way of blacks like the Voting Rights Act being weakened. Blacks work in a white world but then go home to live in a black world. Like Kermit the Frog would say, “it’s not easy being green,” well I’m sure there are no whites who would trade places with a black person who has the job a white person has.

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          2. Isn’t it like old, white, Christian, Huckabee-esque men in the bible belt discussing a woman’s reproductive rights?

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          2. I am certain Enrique will appreciate that. Btw Jennifer, if you want to try the most amazing mouth-watering cookies, you must check out Laekeisha’s Bakeria by Bijou Square. You will not be sorry. See ya soon!

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          1. I simply meant try to imagine what your life would be like if you were living in Donald Day’s circumstances. Most people do not like to wear others’ shoes, your spiffy hat is another story.

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          2. Jennifer, a mile in his shoes as a successful, retired firemen with a nice pension from the city of Bridgeport. It was the Rev. McBride Lee who marched in Selma. Donald Day was a Bridgeporter who seems to always make race an issue. A huge chip on his shoulder for sure. I will bet he cannot laugh at one of the funniest comedies on TV–Blackish, because he thinks it is a put-down to the black community. If I were walking in Donald Day’s shoes I’d be driving a BMW.

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    2. Robert, the Pope should, they both agree with going green and taking care of the environment. I think Bill Finch gets very little credit for his leadership on environmental concerns. Imagine, Bridgeport’s Mayor is ahead of the curve and respected by many for his green platform.

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  7. I’m still a newbie in Bridgeport, having recently returned to Fairfield County and Connecticut after living away for four decades. (Ouch! Where did the time go?) I’m supporting Bill Finch for mayor because it’s the very improvements and creativity I see in Bridgeport today that attracted me to make my new home in the heart of the city.

    Commenting on a couple of items in this comment thread:
    1. I’ve personally met firefighters and members of unions who are people of color supporting Mayor Finch for re-election.
    2. I know Steve Auerbach is generally a defender of Mayor Finch, but I think he’s off base questioning the education records of ministers. I have worked professionally with several seminaries representing a number of historically protestant denominations. Most ministers I know enter the ministry feeling a call to serve–God, humanity, or a combination. They form their ministry often with a two-year Master of Divinity degree. Nearly all seminaries in the United States and Canada are members of the Association of Theological Schools (ats.edu), which accredits the curriculum of the seminaries and has a fascinating website discussing the organization and history of the hundreds of seminaries in its membership roster. Despite a wide range of denominations, a wide range of theological viewpoints, a wide range of approaches to studying religion history and coursework to prepare for leading churches and creating social change, as well as the majority white/majority black divide in U.S. religion, you might be surprised to know seminaries actually work together at the faculty and staff levels to support each other’s diversity and each other’s quality. A program almost universal in seminaries is “clinical pastoral education,” usually undertaken in hospitals, in which seminarians practice their pastoral approaches with hospital patients, family and friends of patients, medical providers, and staff. Many chaplains you’ll meet at hospitals are seminarians from many denominations working that semester for CPE credits. The behind-the-scenes support seminarians give each other as they help patients cope with challenges including the end of life is one of the places where the magic of ministry begins to take shape. It is also a place where inter-religious rubber meets the road every day. (I fear not enough people who find themselves in hospitals as patients, family, or friends give themselves the soothing comfort a private talk with a seminarian chaplain can provide.) The work of being formed as a minister is difficult, reflective, soul-searching and both joyous and painful. It ought not be dismissed nor denied the respect it deserves. Ministry is a learned profession, the equivalent of law, medicine, engineering, and academia.

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    1. DougDavidoff, your number two post to my attention, omg. You have covered the entire ministry history. It is not that I do not respect the Reverends, Ministers, Pastors and Bishops. I do have respect for most of them and I am fully aware of their contribution to the community. I served with many of them on the Board of Directors of ABCD. My point was simple Doug, religion and politics do not mix. They are always two of my favorite subjects. My point was 13 of these people who have a “calling from G-d,” really diminishes their place in society endorsing a candidate over several others who has set Bridgeport back in ways we will never know. His felony convictions is only part of the problem. What message are they sending?

      I am glad you are supporting Mayor Finch. I am hopeful of great things down the road.

      You are no longer a newbie so get ready for the insults. 🙂

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      1. Thanks for the reply, Steve. But puhleeze, let me hang on to that “newbie” label at least through the General Election. Heck, I won’t even get access to my new apartment until Oct. 5, so I’m still hanging out in a relative’s Bridgeport home, and that’s the address I used to register to vote earlier this week. Can we wait for the Welcome Wagon to come by (did such an organization ever actually exist?) to greet me before you turn me into a longtimer? Or I’ll meet you halfway: How about “newbie” until the Primary Election?

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        1. Doug. Since your new at this, I’ll help you out. Steve is a sycophant with a huge man crush on Finch. If anyone posts anything that can be remotely considered a poke at his man, Steve pounces on them with catlike quickness. Andy is mad as hell and not going to take it anymore with the cops for not responding to his crybaby antics. And lastly, Bob Walsh is the year-’round Grinch who isn’t happy unless he’s unhappy. As for this Robert Teixeira, enough already with the YouTube links. It’s a tad annoying. Go Joe!!! I’ll now wait for Steve to chastise me.

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          2. Phantom, I respectfully ignore your suggestion to stop my annoying YouTube links because I don’t take advise from people who hide behind a phantom name. I find people who hide behind a pseudonym lack courage, character, credibility and honesty. However I’m sorry my YouTube links offend you and in an annoying way. For clarity and I know this might be hard for you since you feel the need to hide from the posts you make, can you tell me why my YouTube links annoy you? I think they were Jesus related video, do you no not like Jesus? Help me understand why they seem to annoy you? If I were supporting Joe would you still find them annoying? I’m sorry my links are annoying to you. I believe you will find my YouTube links less annoying if you don’t click on them. You have to take responsibility for your actions and not blame me, Phantom.

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          3. Phantom, you are a breath of fresh air as always.

            DougDavidoff, on behalf of the city of Bridgeport, but not a spokesperson for the Finch administration, I’d like to welcome you to the Park City, Bridgeport, Connecticut. Your timing to return is amazing. The image is changing daily. As a citizen of this great city, I want to thank you for supporting Mayor Bill Finch.

            Every day, the support gets stronger and stronger. People can feel excitement building with downtown and Steelpointe as well fuel cell technology and green initiatives.

            You may keep the Newbie title for as long as you want. “Who am I to judge.” 🙂

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          4. In fairness to all, Bill Finch looks like he came from central casting when the DTC call came out for an electable senator and Mayor.

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      2. Steve,
        There is nothing in the Federal or State Constitutions prohibiting clerics from holding elected office. People seek ordination because they feel a calling to serve God and humanity. One approach to this work is to dedicate one’s self to spreading God’s word (which is a fantastical thing: the Bible was written by men who believed in God, not by the Almighty). Another way is to live a holy life by practicing selflessness and working in the best interest of humanity.

        This may be lost on you but I hope not.

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        1. They feel a calling to serve God and humanity and only want to work one day a week and drive a Bentley paid for with donations from people who cannot even afford a Honda.

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          2. I have yet to meet a clergyman/woman who works only one day a week or one who drives a Bentley for that matter.

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        2. Bridgeport Kid. Politics and religion do not mix. For the record you may be correct in that the bible was written by men. G-d gave us the Torah and the rest is commentary divinely inspired by people like you and me. 🙂

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        3. It is illegal to campaign from the pulpit. Sometimes the pastors test that line. Being found guilty of campaigning from the pulpit would cause the church to lose its tax-free status.

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          1. Not illegal lol, maybe immoral. They can’t influence legislation or they may lose their status. The pastor can’t TELL you who to vote for, but he can tell you who he’d vote for.

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    2. DougDavidoff, I’m new too. It’s simple mostly Ganim supporters here and some Finch supporters. Their candidate can do no wrong and their opponent candidate can do no right. Each side belittles the other (Which is not a bad thing, I consider it a progression in evolution). Also, everything is spun for the person whom they are supporting in some form. As for me, I’m supporting Finch for mayor and Alma Maya for Town Clerk and Fleeta Hudson for City Clerk, who are on Ganim’s ticket. I leave the council for the voters players in the game, I lean towards Lisa Parziale though. This election makes interesting local politics. I know if Ganim is elected investors would flee not wanting their company to be associated with his criminal past. Also state money would dry up for Bridgeport because Finch has a working relationship with state officials, the Governor and most if not all the state representatives in Washington have endorsed Finch.
      Steve, people see what they want to see. Nothing really mixes. Black and white don’t mix. Ganim and Finch’s supporter don’t mix. Hell, even religions don’t mix with themselves, never mind other religions. There’s a split in almost every same religion denominations and almost every other organization. Protestants and Catholics, Sunnis and Shiites, etc. and yet they are the same religion. Even Bill Finch and Ganim are cut from the same cloth. Right? Once you come to the conclusion humans are nothing more than animals in the jungle trying to survive like any other species on this planet, you will see the only difference between humans and all the animals on this planet is our brains are continuously evolving. Religions are politics. Politics is a way for religions to govern and God is the way for religions to guide them on how to govern, when you also come to the conclusion humans are aggressive animals and religion is God’s form of domestication. Religions are not the cause of war; they are a means to an end of human transgression and chaos. Think about it this way, how many physical altercations have you been in in your life and how many were about your belief in religion.
      One of the major issues in this campaign, beside trees and cracked sidewalks, is crime. How many shootings were about religion? How many domestic violence calls or any other call the cops respond to are about religion? No one can honestly say blacks aren’t the most underprivileged race in an America and Hispanics are not that far behind, just enough for perception. However no one can deny those blacks and Hispanics who attend church on a regular basis are better off than those who don’t.
      Corruption in politics is an illusion, a magic trick, it’s a game. Joe played the game got caught and now he wants back in. The question is how deep the rabbit hole is and what’s at stake at the end of the game called life.

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  8. The majority of Finch’s supporters are all unions and paid employees. It is not the local taxpayer who continues to struggle to make ends meet because of these incredibly high taxes.

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  9. It’s ALL about taxes and JOBS. Finch has not addressed TAXES or JOBS. IF you couldn’t do it in 8 years you will not get my vote. So screw all the endorsements and the little pony show. It’s about TAXES and real JOBS, not minimum-wage bullshit and low-paying jobs like Starbucks.

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    1. Taxes were higher when Ganim was mayor. As a percentage of your total income, your property taxes were higher. What jobs has Ganim proposed to bring? The Ganim supporters scream about taxes and jobs but Ganim has not addressed either issue in any way. Employment in BPT was not that much better when Ganim was mayor even though statewide employment was much better. When Ganim was mayor everyone in CT had a job but Bridgeporters.

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      1. Ganim in his 12 years NEVER raised taxes, Finch has raised them every year. While I am not taking the jobs promised or raises promised to secure the endorsement, he’ll probably renege on any he hasn’t given already, I heard he just hired a young man in city hall for one of the votes given, but that’s only one I KNOW OF.

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          2. The tax rate was already 62 mils. Now, it is 42. Are you trying to imply the taxes were better when Ganim was mayor?

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    2. Actually Finch has been bragging, with a smirk on his face, he has created “thousands of jobs.” He just hasn’t created any for Bridgeport residents.

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      1. Finch created the jobs. He cannot be held accountable for who gets the jobs. You do have to have the correct skill set and qualifications to get any job. Unfortunately, in the rotten Connecticut economy people are undershooting or forced to look at jobs they are overqualified for. This makes it harder for people in urban areas who, statistically, are less educated than those from the suburbs.

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  10. pcf, I don’t give a damn about what you think is a disgrace and your opinion of me. What I find to be a disgrace is internet trolls like you who always have something to say while hiding behind anonymity and inscrutability, fluck you.

    As long as racism exits in this America I will speak out. As long as black lives don’t matter I will speak out and if you are tired of hearing me I would suggest you get the hell off of OIB because I can assure you I won’t quit and I have no plans on leaving this forum.

    You and your little gay friend can go to hell and I’ll leave you both with this last thought so there is no ambiguity about how I feel about both of you. If your brains were on fire I wouldn’t piss in your ears.

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    1. Don–‘little gay friend?’ A little homophobic, are we? That was the most racist thing anyone has said in this thread. Congratulations. You should be speaking out about yourself.

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      1. I don’t say that guy’s name anymore and I wanted everyone to know to whom I was addressing. For future references I won’t address anything from you again as long as you hide behind anonymity.

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        1. So calling someone the N word is OK as long as I do not use their name. I.e., there is this guy who posts on OIB who is a real N. That is OK? Don, Don, Don–you racist.

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  11. Donald–you are an angry and bitter man. I honestly feel sorry for you. I will keep you in my prayers and hope you are able to find peace as you approach the autumn of your life. In the meantime, I would suggest, for the sake of MJF, you tone it down a bit unless your true intent is to further alienate any potential MJF voters.
    Peace.

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  14. Everybody needs to calm down, take a deep breath and chill out. All of this back and forth shade throwing, race baiting, name calling and outright disrespect is ridiculous and it is totally unnecessary. Ignorant! Not one person in this race for mayor (Finch, Ganim, Foster, Coviello, Gardner, Daniels, etc.) is “The One.” But this is Bridgeport. We get what we got. Please know and understand this: 1) Black people/the black community is not monolithic. We are of a multitude of different cultures, religions, educational background, and financial status. We are not all of the same mindset. And one or two so-called black community leaders and/or clergy does not speak for all. 2) Clergy/Minsters do not have the same influence over their congregations, as it relates to politics, as they had back-in-the-day (50s/60s). A lot of the “so-called” clergy today are no more than storefront ministers to small–no–tiny congregations, and we have one known “Pimp in the Pulpit” here in Bpt. No disrespect to any of the clergy listed endorsing Ganim, but not one of these ministers is Pastor to any of the large congregations, highly respected churches with longevity such as Rev. Bennett, Rev. Moales, Rev. Sutton, Messiah’s pastor, to name a few. And I’d like all the black folks/minorities supporting Ganim, the known criminal, to think on this: Just what exactly did Joe Ganim do to make City government more inclusive to minorities. What happened/took place in the City when Ganim was mayor for 10 years that helped elevate minorities? Better yet, what exactly did Joe Ganim do to move Bpt forward as a whole? What minority company/companies got contracts to help build the Bluefish Stadium, the Arena, the sidewalks, curbs and lighting, the demolition of all those taxable homes and business, on the Steel Point property he had taken via eminent domain? Speaking of transparency–I can recall the WPCA and the Port Authority being formed under the cloak of suspicion. What about that $1 million life insurance policy he had the taxpayers paying the premium on for himself and a few department heads? The Ganim Administration was no more transparent than the current Finch Administration. The problem with the Bpt electorate is we do not hold our elected officials accountable. Accountable to us–the voters–the taxpayers. Once a politician is elected in Bridgeport, everybody goes to sleep and allows them to become a dictator … the King. Lord, help us!

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    1. We try to hold them accountable; we demand the city practice transparency in its business, which is the business of the people of the city of Bridgeport. So far only Finch has paid lip service to the idea of transparency, avoiding any truly honest commitment to doing what is right for the people of the city of Bridgeport. Joe Ganim has proposed a public ethics commission, which is laughable coming from a man who was imprisoned for racketeering and corruption and betraying the public trust. Of the remaining candidates only Mary-Jane Foster and Enrique Torres have honest, practical plans to lead the city out of the precarious financial and social situations we now find ourselves in.

      The tax code needs to be audited and recalibrated so everyone pays a fair and equal share of the financial burden. The 50-year abatements bestowed upon corporations that no longer have a presence in the city must be rescinded. They may not like it but they can always sell their real-estate holdings to interests committed to investing in Bridgeport, not corporate interests beholden to anonymous shareholders. The brownfields must be cleaned up, decontaminated. The pollution that has existed here for decades must be dealt with. So far only one of seven contenders for the mayor’s office has addressed the issue.

      All this touting of union endorsements, new sidewalks, a new railroad station, etc., it’s all just so much bullshit, intended to polish the tarnished and dented public images of mayoral candidates who have absolutely nothing to offer and everything to gain personally.

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  15. pcf, while I appreciate your prayers, the fact is you know absolutely nothing about me, my anger, my bitterness or whether I’m at peace with my life. May I suggest you save your suggestions for someone who gives a damn about how you feel and that’s certainly not me.

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      1. It is only a matter of time before an individual or agency is able to convince the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice to take a look at Bridgeport. There are more than a few examples of institutionalized racism in City Hall. For example, the “boot and tow” program. The majority of the cars booted, towed and confiscated are owned by black drivers. Most of the time, and we’re talking 99% of the time, the city doesn’t collect ANY tax revenue from this process. So the city is just taking cars from a vulnerable section of the population, taking cars they need to go to work, the grocery store, take their children to school. When confronted by a City Councilman about the inequities of the program Bill Finch responded “Those people should learn how to pay their taxes.” Is that man a douche bag, or what?!

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  16. I just finished reading about 15 minutes’ worth of postings on the Ganim minister-endorsements piece, and not ONE pointed out Ganim’s own pastor failed to make the list! Might a Ganim supporter explain why?

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    1. Ganim is Catholic. He would have a priest, not a pastor. Ganim’s priest would work at his church near Ganim’s house in Easton. Depending on how long it has been since Ganim has been in a church, possibly seeking religious or moral guidance, he may not have a close-enough relationship with his priest to get an endorsement from him. It is uncommon for Catholic priests to make political endorsements in order to not embroil the church in issues that are not related to the relationship between God and man.

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