UPDATE, Testa complaint included
: Interesting item from www.barnumspost.com, the website responsible for the Anyone But Finch billboard on the Route 25-8 Connector. Democratic Town Chair Mario Testa has filed a complaint with the State Elections Enforcement Commission.
Who Does BarnumsPost Support?
The answer should be obvious … Anybody But Finch!
Mario Testa seems to think that Mary-Jane Foster or John Gomes is behind the curtain here at BarnumsPost. Not true. He thinks they paid for their advertising. Not true. He’s even filed a complaint with the State Elections Commission. Stay tuned!
For more on this: /humbug-whos-behind-the-billboard-against-bill/
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I know nothing about billboard announcements. Other than the fact I read them. Coming as this does in an election year, its posting at this time would seem purposeful. If it is an individual I would not question their right to do this as much as inquire of their motivation/story.
This is one of two “mysterious” posts of this season in Bridgeport. Those who receive and read the CT Post will have seen full-page advertisements with the word PRAY in large bold print, but with very little other content. Reference is provided to Prophetess Gerry Claytor ministries ultimately, but she has publicly said she does not know who is providing these messages to the public.
Reaching out to touch many people with a message can be expensive. And the value of the ‘investment’ is only and ultimately measured by how many people accept the message. But to have secret or mystery financiers of public messages in these two instances is a head-scratcher to many at this time.
BEACON2, hopefully you can help me understand something you wrote. You said, “read the CT Post will have seen full-page advertisements with the word PRAY in large bold print, but with very little other content. Reference is provided to Prophetess Gerry Claytor ministries ultimately, but she has publicly said she does not know who is providing theses messages to the public.” Do you know what action Prophetess Gerry Claytor ministries is taking with someone using her name in the ad? And is this the same Prophetess Gerry Claytor who has supported Mayor Finch? Just asking.
Ron, that is the same prophetess who advised Fabrizi. She’s a nice lady who runs a food pantry and a small ministry. I saw those full-page ads and wondered how she paid for them. What’s Beacon know that we don’t?
Ahhh!!! God bless you City Hall Smoker!!! Thank you for those remarks! Yes! I am the same nice “LADY” who advised Mayor Fabrizi. I do run the PT Barnum Housing Complex’s Feed The People Food Pantry and a Church Without Walls, Ministry, very well known by many! You’re absolutely correct, I can’t pay for those ads. I need the same type of funding for my pantry to offset supplies and operational costs for daily running of my food pantry! I would also like to know what BEACON2 knows that I maybe should know, because I need a lot of financial support, and I need it right now!!!
Prophetess Claytor’s web site indicates she operates a religious ministry “without walls.” The advertisements, perhaps as many as 7 or 8 to date, may get people to go to her web site and support her actions on behalf of those who are needy.
I know nothing about her political leanings. While attending meetings for several years, even preceding Mayor Finch, I have seen she is often been the person called on at public events and meetings to offer a prayer.
Prophetess Claytor has declared her need for volunteers in her work and financial assistance to continue her ministries on more than one occasion. It is curious a generous benefactor is placing ads that cumulatively have cost thousands of dollars, rather than direct most of those funds to providing supplies at her pantry for her clients.
BEACON2, please direct as many people as you can to my website who will click and donate! Evidently people have been going to my website because the views have more than doubled since these “Pray Ads,” but no one’s donating! I do pray at many community gatherings/events. I spend much time studying prayer as well as long-term fasting, going without food and just drinking water. I enjoy praying. I don’t initiate the prayers. I am asked if I will offer prayer. It’s always my delight. Yes! These prayer invitations started with Mr. Jim Connelly, former superintendent of schools prior to his leaving. He got me involved. True story. Like any other non-profit organization, I am always looking for funding, as I presently do not have a sustaining budget. I operate from donations! HELP!!! So, yes, I’d love to have the donors to channel some finances into my ministry to help me with my very needy community! As for as the mayoral candidates, I’m respectful of them all and I have shared that sentiment with all of them more than once!
Grace & peace Brother Ron, correctly said! I don’t know who’s financing the “PRAY ADS,” and I explained it publicly! I am not taking any action because many are encouraged by the ads. They are a reminder to “Pray!” much needed here in the city of Bridgeport. Yes! I am respectful of all leaders who are voted in place by the people! My southern upbringing dictated I would support and respect all leaders. Fortunately for me, my directive from God is to “PRAY,” that’s what I do best. If God uses Mayor Finch, Mr. Gomes, Ms. Mary-Jane, Mr. Coviello or the other Mayoral candidate, then that’s the one, I’ll do all I can to be a support.
Prophetess Claytor, Grace & peace to you. “Pray!” much needed here in the city of Bridgeport, I am in full agreement, the word of God is Eternal and those who believe in God’s everlasting words know prayers work. May God bless you and all of those who need food, clothing and shelter here in Bridgeport.
My question has nothing to do with doing God’s work. Prophetess Gerry Claytor, what action are you taking with someone using your name in the ad? And are you supporting Mayor Finch? Just asking.
The word we should apply here is Semiotics.
Grace & peace, BEACON2, as I recently shared with the CT Post, I have no idea as to who is paying for the “PRAY” Ministry ads. I am encouraged as many others in the faiths have shared with me with regard to remind us to “Pray!” When asked by the CT Post to give the name of the person writing the ads, I shared I feel I should have the person call them, which did occur, because both the person and the CT Post told me they talked! The person writing the ads told me the person paying was an anonymous donor! The messages are scriptural and encouraging! They have reached many. I pray the reason for the “Pray” ads is to be only a constant reminder for “ALL” to pray. And Yes! I too would be happy if the donor would help me with my pantry. In fact the writer of the ads informed me on Friday that the foundational credentials for their “Prayer” Ministry is complete and I would no longer be needed. My Prayer Meeting, The Power of a City at Prayer will be the only time I’m referenced unless I’m hosting some other special “Prayer Event!” I was happy to help in a time of need. Mission accomplished! I’d love to someday find out who’s sponsoring such a mission as this!
B2:
Certain mysteries, agreed, are part of life. And if you are pulling my leg with your post, I’ll concede the “got me!”
If you are serious with your post, I’ll say this, with no spin or razz:
The Anti-Finch billboard, on one level, may be viewed as a hoot. But it is an attempt to influence an election. Elections are regulated for a good reason.
There would be a lot of howls if someone like Mario, say, were doing this. Mario has a good reason to beef under the rules.
In politics you’re supposed to ‘fess up to your name when you flash the cash. And use checks, for that matter. It keeps everything on the table. That’s the idea anyway.
Should be no big deal. What are people trying to hide?
If they are scared they should buy a dog.
Jim Callahan // Jul 14, 2011 at 5:40 pm
To your posting
Jim …
The billboard genius among us is not afraid to have the elections enforcement commission finding out. They are more afraid of the notorious methods of retaliation Finch’s handlers may implement.
My hope is to see that board up every day until the morning following September 13th.
But you are kidding about Mario filing a complaint, aren’t you?
The irony is only exceeded by the hypocrisy.
If they are scared they shouldn’t run.
Won’t Mario be sad when he finds out he was wrong? Finch has pissed off the wrong people. Give ’em hell Barnum.
*** No big deal, the state elections enforcement is all bark with little bite, no? *** DO YOUR THING! ***
Three night ago, I saw Mario Testa with a flashlight in his hands looking behind the big billboard on Madison Avenue at the edge of CT Rt 8. There was no one behind the sign.
I don’t see the word “Vote;” mention of elections or primary date; the first name of the person or animal, whose last name is on the sign.
Finch could be a mechanic who fucked up somebody’s car. Is Mario going to file a complaint against me when I put up my billboard reading: Anybody but AYALA! I’d like Mario to figure that one out! Is it against: Andres? Anderson? Manolin? Tito? Santa? All of the above?
Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
I see Bridgeport is at the BOTTOM of the green economic scale in Connecticut. So much for this “Green” mayor.
Did anyone go to the website on this billboard that only says, “Anyone But Finch?”
www .BarnumsPost.com
Anyone who suggests, as some seem to be, “the ends justify the means” whether in a campaign or in government has no business in government.
Bridgeport has a long history of leaders who said “the hell with the law” (not just the felons). We don’t need any more.
As much as I hate to agree with Mario, his point is well taken.
I’ll take my ball and go home.
Oh, wait a minute–I don’t have any balls.
The US Constitution guarantees the right to free speech, and the billboard is protected under the first amendment. Mario Testa can whine all he wants but his complaint to the SEEC is going nowhere.