There were students with the flags from many American nations, at least 13, and families present for the food and beverages for the kickoff celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Council President Nieves and State Rep Rosario were present and greeting all for the Board of Education event in the place of public speaking at 6:30 PM.
I was proud of the enthusiasm of the young folks who were part of immigrant families, proud of their cultural traditions as recent citizens of the US, which flag was presented and posted behind the Council President seat.
I expressed my pleasure, as the first son of a 19 year old immigrant without secondary education, 99 years ago, and the opportunity it offered him and me, as a part of his family, as an American citizen.
City Council Comments 9-15-25 Charter SILENCE
Recently in January 2024 Council President Nieves and Mayor Ganim discussed the City Charter last approved in 1993. They found reasons to work on it by March 2025 and appointed 13 non-partisan citizen volunteers interested in serving on a Review Commission. A revised Charter, the work of the Committee and many Council members, Bridgeport Department leaders spoke to or wrote on subjects to be reviewed and assisted in creating a new document. It was simpler to read, organized for better understanding and ready for the Council to approve or deny. On September 2, the Charter revision was approved to present a question for ballot voters on November 4. As you know, but most voters do not, a Special Meeting was called for Friday at 5 PM September 5 with mainly Council members in attendance to hear a proposal to split the Charter in two! It passed!! But for what purpose?
What are reasons for splitting Charter changes in two parts? Do those purposes serve all the people or only a small minority of City voters? How many of you will recommend a YES to voters on both questions? Which ones of you will not provide a reason for your position? All City Council offices will be on the ballot, as you know. What do primary results or candidacy from other parties mean in your District? Are you basically unopposed and counting on votes by fewer than 10% of your district as happened in 2021 to place you in office again? Does this inform voters?
What support does the Mayor provide to this governance renewal effort? Has he spoken to you about this? I understand that “sheriffs” are former County employees, with no supervision by, funding from, or authorization by Bridgeport, although perhaps risks to taxpayers If the political positions of part-time City Clerk or Town Clerk were eliminated in 2031, how will the Bridgeport citizen be negatively affected? Who will speak up to limit confusion? It is possible that the Charter Commission members will hold public meetings before Election Day to gather media notice and answer questions for the voting public. Time will tell.
There were students with the flags from many American nations, at least 13, and families present for the food and beverages for the kickoff celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Council President Nieves and State Rep Rosario were present and greeting all for the Board of Education event in the place of public speaking at 6:30 PM.
I was proud of the enthusiasm of the young folks who were part of immigrant families, proud of their cultural traditions as recent citizens of the US, which flag was presented and posted behind the Council President seat.
I expressed my pleasure, as the first son of a 19 year old immigrant without secondary education, 99 years ago, and the opportunity it offered him and me, as a part of his family, as an American citizen.
City Council Comments 9-15-25 Charter SILENCE
Recently in January 2024 Council President Nieves and Mayor Ganim discussed the City Charter last approved in 1993. They found reasons to work on it by March 2025 and appointed 13 non-partisan citizen volunteers interested in serving on a Review Commission. A revised Charter, the work of the Committee and many Council members, Bridgeport Department leaders spoke to or wrote on subjects to be reviewed and assisted in creating a new document. It was simpler to read, organized for better understanding and ready for the Council to approve or deny. On September 2, the Charter revision was approved to present a question for ballot voters on November 4. As you know, but most voters do not, a Special Meeting was called for Friday at 5 PM September 5 with mainly Council members in attendance to hear a proposal to split the Charter in two! It passed!! But for what purpose?
What are reasons for splitting Charter changes in two parts? Do those purposes serve all the people or only a small minority of City voters? How many of you will recommend a YES to voters on both questions? Which ones of you will not provide a reason for your position? All City Council offices will be on the ballot, as you know. What do primary results or candidacy from other parties mean in your District? Are you basically unopposed and counting on votes by fewer than 10% of your district as happened in 2021 to place you in office again? Does this inform voters?
What support does the Mayor provide to this governance renewal effort? Has he spoken to you about this? I understand that “sheriffs” are former County employees, with no supervision by, funding from, or authorization by Bridgeport, although perhaps risks to taxpayers If the political positions of part-time City Clerk or Town Clerk were eliminated in 2031, how will the Bridgeport citizen be negatively affected? Who will speak up to limit confusion? It is possible that the Charter Commission members will hold public meetings before Election Day to gather media notice and answer questions for the voting public. Time will tell.