Statement from Lamond Daniels:
When I started this journey last year, I knew there were challenges ahead. As a candidate without any political machine or party support, I was aware of the obstacles I would face. However, I was hoping to bring my experience and skills to City Hall to address the problems that have been undermining our city and quality of life for years.
Throughout my campaign, I had the privilege of talking to countless residents across the city, listening to their concerns, and discussing my vision and plans to address the worries of our struggling families. Although there were moments of frustration and disappointment, there was also hope that we could make a meaningful difference for our community. And I am proud of the issues we raised, the voices we amplified, the vision we offered, and the new narrative that we are writing about Bridgeport’s future. However, I have recognized that the institutional advantages of incumbency are not within my reach as a mayoral candidate. Therefore, I do not see a rationale for continuing an unwinnable campaign in the new general election.
I know that many Bridgeporters, regardless of their political affiliation, are angered about what we all witnessed, and in response, you may want to turn away from the political process, but I implore each of you not to give in to that anger or apathy but instead turn to action. Voters have chosen a different path for our city, yet it is not the end of our collective journey. Make no mistake, I will remain committed and will continue to work with like-minded Bridgeporters to build support and awareness that will allow us to improve our city for all.
And finally, to the voters who placed their trust in me, I want you to know how profoundly honored I am to have had your support. I entered this race because I believe in the potential of our city, and I will continue to champion the values and ideas that brought us together during this campaign. As Bobby Kennedy once said, “Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.” This campaign was the first of those ripples, but it will not be the last. I thank everyone who supported me and look forward to working together to give Bridgeport’s families the government they deserve.
Thank you for campaigning this year and learning the reality of Bridgeport politics. You suggest that your sent “ripples of hope” to voters. But you doubtless learned that not enough voters, as many as 80% of them have been captive to a different attitude or mentality that defies informed voting and civic participation.
Some writers have said that we should not be voting on February 27 at a re-do GENERAL Election and instead be healing. But they have no remedy for our status quo contentment with 20% or less of the eligible electorate using their voting space each election. Do people really think that conversations that criticize the way things are or how funds are allocated CHANGE things? How does healing occur without fact based conversations, followed by ACTION, including use of the VOTE each and every time available? We have a population in Bridgeport that is DIVERSE and largest of any other city or town. We have opportunities for public/community service on Boards and Commissions if the MAYOR provides timely and qualified appointments, opportunities for “public speaking”, and opportunities for learning about crime, education, and through archives in person and from paper records as part of INCLUSION. Do we have EQUITY among citizens in the public square? If you answer NO, where do you work for JUSTICE? Time will tell..
JML, I think it’s medication time. I’m waiting for OIB friend Jeff Jeff kohut’s take on this announcement. I hope there’s Moore to come from Lamond Daniel’s our delegation needs a family man to represent us.
It is disappointing to see a candidate with the background and leadership potential of Lamond Daniels drop out of an electoral marathon just a short sprint from the finish line. Such a decision — unless based on deeply personal reasons that can’t be shared — doesn’t reflect the tenacity, desire to lead, and chief-executive decision-making style and ability that will be required of the 21st-Century Bridgeport mayor that can lead us back to the “green pastures” economic identity that once characterized our city.
While Candidate Daniels states that; “… I have recognized that the institutional advantages of incumbency are not within my reach as a mayoral candidate. Therefore, I do not see a rationale for continuing an unwinnable campaign in the new general election…,” it must be recalled that he entered the race and stayed through a brutal elimination process despite his extreme underdog status and empty coffers. To leave now suggests that the decision was based on some decision-making calculus other than the lack of the “advantages of incumbency,” a level of resources or name recognition which he could NEVER have hoped to achieve…
Strategically, Candidate Daniels had positioned himself to take advantage of a strong level of name-recognition and candidate respectability/admiration that he managed to achieve in Round #2 of this race (with minimal resources, and, if the truth be recognized, minimal physical effort), along with the attraction of “availability” (of a capable, well-trained/well-rounded executive/stranger to the Bridgeport Political Arena — “fresh-face”) to a broad-spectrum electorate that was obviously looking for change… He exhibited political tactical failure with his mysterious decision to abandon his impressive (unexpected) position instead of just sliding to the finish line down the slippery slope of his opponents on his accumulated momentum…
BUT?! Was Candidate Daniels’ decision really that “mysterious”?! Quite likely not! If we do the math —-
Joe Ganim (incumbent) pressure + job offer + political machine pressure/coat-tails offer = (-) incentive to compete against Incumbent+ Machine
(Can substitute or add GOVERNOR Ned Lamont, and maybe even Connecticut Post Editorial Board — but certainly not the BBB/CC — to the left side of the above equation)
Unfortunately, the above math makes much more stand-alone sense than “… I have recognized that the institutional advantages of incumbency are not within my reach as a mayoral candidate. Therefore, I do not see a rationale for continuing an unwinnable campaign in the new general election…”. (No, Lamond; you didn’t just now realize that you were the underdog!…)
In any event, it was disappointing to learn of Candidate Daniels’ uninspiring decision to wave his political opponents past him and exit the “track” before the end of the race…
At this point, I have to say that I’m hoping that there is still enough life and fight in the Gomes Campaign to at least throw a few more punches in this contest (to shift metaphors…). I will certainly vote for John Gomes and urge others to do the same on 2/27/24 — in the name of at least providing some “movement”/stirring to tamp down the pollution process in Bridgeport’s foul-smelling, stagnant political waters (to really shift/mix metaphors!…).
Good Night, Lamond…. Good Morning, Mr. Gomes!
Fair enough Jeff kohut. Reading your comments serves as therapy after reading a JML post. You do know that if Daniels votes for Ganim, your vote is neutralized. Do you think there could or should be Moore of Lamond Daniel’s down the road?
At this point, I think that we need a broader choice than just the obvious contenders for that seat. We need a Bridgeport advocate that can also find a fair approach to unified advocacy for the whole 22nd, where a mutually-beneficial, fair, regional agenda can be developed and implemented… Not a simple order to prepare and deliver — but not impossible… (Trumbull’s looking for Moore of the same, but that isn’t good for Bridgeport and Monroe…)
Joel,
The “meds accusation” has lost its potency on OIB. When you think about it? But you don’t, and that is too bad for readership. At 81 I have a good relationship with my healthcare specialist and I take the necessary Rx to lower my risks.
What do you take to avoid the risk of having another spell where you risk some other part of your body to violence? Or does growing to adulthood and providing for yourself, your family, and a larger community have an affect? Do you go for therapy after “reading a JML post”? Why not call me and have a cup of organic tea or coffee, your choice? Did you see the response to Mike Daly in the CT Post on the Editorial page? Comments? Time will tell.
JMl, it’s not an accusation anymore. You just confessed to being on medications. My meds are all diabetes and cholesterol related. I can’t even pronounce most of them. The subject matter can’t be that bad for “readership”. Not only did you read it, you reacted to it and even replied.
I have two (2) good OIB therapists: Dr. Kohut and Dr. McLaine. They have openings for scheduled appointments and it’s pro bono. Coffee? What you think keeps me up? I like Mike Daly. What’s CT Post? Oh right! CT Post is the old building in downtown purchased by the Black Rock Elite with other people’s money.
Next month mark’s 30 years since my “violent” act. Gun violence in Bridgeport declined dramatically since I started addressing the issue in a different demension. Not a single pill or therapy since the 8 hour psychological evaluation. The only thing close to a “spell” having to do with me are the words I “spell” here on OIB. I’m not crazy, my spelling drives some folks crazy. I’m sure there’s a pill for that!
My little family and the community is what affects my broad views past, present, and
future.
So what does your RX comment mean?
And what does your current mention of “revolution” or threat to Black Rock really mean?
And the CT Post is still an acknowledged journal, certainly not perfect, but perhaps more worthy of being called ‘independent’ in my opinion than the Ganim2 support daily for months to satisfy advertisers.
Where else do you read Mike Daly than in the CT Post? He is not a regular writer about support of democracy on OIB, nor about social justice issues.
Perhaps you wish to create an “elite” and hold it up for inspection? Who is included in your gaze? What is their announced purpose and world view? What do they control, if anything, that is corrupt, illegal or unjust in your view? And why are they not included in the diverse community that you work towards good? Time will tell.