Could it be? The local GOP is waking up? City Republicans are expected to file a formal complaint this week with the city’s Ethics Commission challenging free VIP passes, worth hundreds of dollars, offered to City Council members by promoters of Gathering of the Vibes.
At issue is access council members had to the four-day hippie festival in Seaside Park. City Council President Tom McCarthy has defended the free access saying council members, through contract with Vibes promoters, have the right to attend events to determine future viability of the festival, and bring along a companion.
Local Republicans say there can be no legislative oversight if the all-Democratic council accepts goodies from promoters. Republican Town Chairman Marc Delmonico issued a statement over the weekend: “City Council members should not be abusing their elected position to try and get perks for their job. Given this city’s history with corruption and the embarrassment it brought, you would think these elected officials would be a little more sensitive about things exactly like this – accepting ‘gifts’ from entities that are in a contract with the city. It’s a violation of the City Charter.”
Politics In The Rock
My oh my, we have some competition Thursday night when former Post scribes Jim Callahan, John Gilmore and I appear at the Black Rock Library to chat about some of the kooky primaries we covered, and handicap Tsunami Tuesday.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Malloy and his lieutenant governor running mate Nancy Wyman will appear at a campaign rally at the Roma Club, 100 Front Street, 7:30 to 9:30. This is the territory of State Rep. Chris Caruso who endorsed Malloy last week. The Big Wave wants to introduce his supporters to the ticket.
And Congressman Jim Himes has roped in Black Rock resident David Walker, the nation’s former chief accountant, for a discussion about budget life in Washington at Ludlowe High School in Fairfield. Walker, who purchased former Congressman Chris Shays’ home, railed about government excess long before the dung hit the fan.
You know what I say, come to our event first!!! We’ll kickoff at 6:30 p.m.
An evening full of Political Pastabilities!
By all means let’s find out how many members of the Jolly McCarthy and their associates conducted an investigation into the Vibes and its impact. The event, after all, has only been going on for 15 years.
*** Well, what’s the GOP got to lose or do besides complain about the Dems? *** Is there no one else, after all the whining on OIB about the Vibes passes? Or are there bigger issues to be concerned about in Bpt? *** Let the ferries go to the East End before we lose them altogether! ***
Before they start checkin’ they should check within their own party to see who may have gotten badges. Their were a few Republicans in the VIP tent also.
Hey Hector, I am on the RTC in Bridgeport. I would be very interested to know which Republicans were in the VIP tent. Can you help me out by shining some light on this situation?