The renaming on Saturday of City Hall Annex to the Margaret E. Morton Government Center brought together politicians past and present including those the first African American woman in the Connecticut legislature influenced into positions of power and those who want to follow her ascension. Ernie Newton and Ed Gomes both have occupied the seat to which she was elected in the State Senate. State Rep. Andres Ayala wants to join them. All three are involved in a fierce Aug. 14 Democratic primary.
Mayor Bill Finch was gracious in introducing all elected officials under the ceremonial tent fronting the annex, including Gomes with whom the mayor has experienced a messy political divorce. Gomes and Ayala, well dressed in the elected officials seating area, acknowledged the polite applause from about 150 spectators when the mayor called out their names. Finch is supporting Ayala over incumbent Gomes.
Gomes and Newton both supported Mary-Jane Foster for mayor last year while Ayala provided a pretty good ducking act. The mayor is supporting Ayala by default. While Gomes and Ayala were doing what incumbents do in their respective positions on Saturday, Ernie was doing what challengers do, leading an anti-violence march from the East End to downtown. As soon as the march ended Ernie made his presence known at the ceremony for Morton who served as his political role model in politics.
The city has not experienced interest in a primary for State Senate like this since insurgent Morton defeated incumbent Sal DePiano by the thinnest of margins in 1980. Gomes, who’s had little ballot resistance since he replaced Newton in the Senate seven years ago; Ayala leaving a safe seat to challenge Gomes; and Newton, a lightning rod seeking a political comeback as the endorsed candidate create the dynamic.
All three candidates had supporters at the Morton dedication. Some said Ed Gomes should go out when Gomes is good and ready. Others said the city needs a senator such as Ayala who will work with the mayor. Yet others carried the Newton torch; he’s far from perfect, they say, but the Moses of his peeps knows how to get down with the little folk who will decide the primary.
Ayala has already qualified for public financing so he’ll have about $100k to spend. Gomes and Newton must qualify for public financing to remain in play. If they do it’s a wide-open race.
*** So far this race has been a sleeper, ZZZzzzZZZzzzZz …, no? When are the city and state debates and where? Media and voters should be able to have some Q&A time with all the candidates running for State Legislator seats instead of voting just on hearsay, race or incumbency reasons! They’re not going to volunteer for any debates anytime soon if the issue is not addressed. Time to Wake Up Voters from their Zombie state of mind! *** HERE WE GO! ***
There should be an unedited essay contest.
1. To Former Senator and convicted felon Ernest Newton … why should the public trust you when you violated the public trust, did time in a Federal prison, and did NOT pay back what was claimed you stole (or if you did pay back what you stole, where did those funds come from)?
2. To Senator Ed Gomes … What monies have you brought back to Bridgeport for its good and welfare? What legislation have you personally instituted for that good and welfare?
3. To Legislator Ayala … What do you bring to the table from your legislative experiences (both in Hartford and on the Bridgeport City Council)?
The worst possible pick? Newton. First and foremost he is an ignoramus who couldn’t think his way out of a reefer wrapper. He has continually embarrassed us with his blatant thievery, convulsions on the Senate floor, and his complete lack of substance on any important issues badly needed by his ‘peeps.’ He is wrong and always will be. If the chronically brain-dead registered Bridgeport voters who don’t get out and vote actually go to the polls this time then he hasn’t got a chance. The sad fact is the dumb shits who live in his district and vote will elect this shithead. Sad. Very sad.
Then comes Ayala. Where’s the Beef, Chubby? Just what in the hell have you ever done to contribute to the betterment of the people you propose to represent. No, Mr. Ayala. We need better and you’re not it.
OK, Mr. Gomes. What have you got to say for yourself? The East Side is a shithole. It was a shithole when you took office and it still is. How come? Why in the hell should we put you back into office?