No Confidence, What Will The Unions Do? Plus: Soccer Fever

Today is a key day with the new budget year starting in one week. If the city does not hear from union leadership regarding concessions the city needs for closing a multi-million dollar budget gap, layoff notices will begin to go out. Unions say we’ve given enough. City management says we have no other choice without givebacks.

Meanwhile in a symbolic move, city cops have overwhelmingly issued a “no confidence” vote against Acting Police Chief Joe Gaudett with the specter of layoffs. The chief’s in a tough spot. The last thing he wants is to thin out his ranks. Could a Blue Flu be far away? The cops wouldn’t do that, would they?

All The World’s A Ball

Brazil plays former colonial master Portugal in a World Cup match Friday morning. Talk about high holy passion. Brazilians and Portuguese take their soccer seriously. The Hollow’s gonna be a hoot, portions of Madison Avenue and Main Street as well. Mayor Bill Finch and city police hope the communities can keep the passion in check. Statement from Mayor Finch:

Mayor Finch Urges Soccer Fans to Enjoy World Cup in Safe, Responsible Manner

Mayor Bill Finch released the following statement regarding the upcoming soccer match between Brazil and Portugal on Friday, June 25:

“As Mayor of Bridgeport, I am particularly proud to be serving a city where multiculturalism is the tie that binds individuals who are of very different backgrounds. I am always impressed by the mutual deference that our citizens display toward one another in their daily interactions and the acknowledgment that the shared sense of common destiny cannot be diluted by our differences.

“Now that the FIFA World Cup is in full swing it provides a chance for us to celebrate the diverse city in which we live. After all, soccer is the world’s most popular sport, and many Bridgeport residents hail from countries whose teams are playing in South Africa; their flags and colors are filling our streets as each game is played.

The Brazil vs. Portugal game on June 25th is a chance for us to celebrate two distinct cultures and two very, very good teams. The Portuguese and Brazilian communities have contributed enormously to the City and I want this to be an opportunity that all citizens can enjoy.

“Vasco de Gama Cultural & Civic Center, 355 James Street, and Azul Brazilian Restaurant, 1691 Main Street, will be hosting the viewing of the game and subsequent celebratory activities starting at 10 a.m. on Friday.

“I hope that members of the community will come out and enjoy the game at the aforementioned venues. I ask that you do so while upholding a sense of respect for others who are watching the game, and the community at-large. Our police department will be strictly enforcing all traffic laws and there will be zero tolerance for any disturbances that jeopardize your safety and that of others.

“Have fun and be safe!”

 From Tom Foley:

Larry DeNardis Endorses Tom Foley for Governor

Stamford, Conn., — Larry DeNardis and Tom Foley held a press conference today at the Hamden Town Center to announce Larry’s endorsement of Tom for Governor of Connecticut.

“I endorse Tom Foley for the Republican nomination for Governor,” said Larry DeNardis. “Tom’s impressive business experience, and what he has learned as a candidate through extensive meetings with people throughout Connecticut, as well as his personal qualities and integrity, provide him with the knowledge and the basis for good judgment to be an effective Governor for our state.

“I support his candidacy because Tom believes that state government must be competent and must have good leadership. It should do well the things that it undertakes to do. He also believes that state government should be economical; that citizens have a right to expect that unnecessary expenditures will be eliminated or avoided.

“We both believe that better organization – for responsibility, competence and economy – is essential to a better government. In short, state government to be successful, must be managed, and manageable.”

Tom Foley gave the following remarks after receiving Mr. DeNardis’ support:

“Larry has had a distinguished career in government and academia. I have developed tremendous respect for Larry from our time on the campaign trail and we have become friends. I am honored to have his support and help in this campaign.

“During his own campaign for governor he talked about Connecticut being headed in the wrong direction and stressed the need to return to basics, focus on good policy, better government, and strong leadership to get our state headed back in the right direction. He agrees with me that our first order of business is creating jobs and solving our budget crisis without increasing taxes. These are the same themes I will be carrying to the voters of Connecticut in the months ahead.

“I intend to call on Larry often for advice in the coming months. He has offered to provide advice and counsel on budget and policy issues to my campaign and to my administration if I am elected. I look forward to putting his unique wisdom to work on behalf of the people of Connecticut.”

From Achievement First

Leo Nevas Legacy Now Includes Annual Gift to Achievement First

New annual grant from Newman’s Own Foundation provides scholarships and support

BRIDGEPORT, June 16, 2010 – The far-reaching legacy of Leo Nevas, international human rights advocate, philanthropist, community leader and attorney, now includes an annual grant from Newman’s Own Foundation to support Achievement First Bridgeport Academy.

Mr. Nevas, a 71-year Westport resident and attorney, passed away in 2009 at age 97.

On June 11, family, friends and colleagues of Mr. Nevas presented Achievement First with the inaugural grant from the Leo Nevas Memorial Fund. The fund was established at the Fairfield County Community Foundation by Newman’s Own Foundation. Mr. Nevas helped his longtime friend Paul Newman launch Newman’s Own and the Hole in the Wall camps.

Mr. Nevas was committed to equal educational opportunities for all, and advised and supported Achievement First since its inception. The grant provides scholarships to 10 Achievement First students, and book purchases for the library.

The students include 5th graders Anthony Maldonado, Michael Martinez, Cyrus Medas; 6th graders Israel Martell, Erika Pettway, Anabell Pichardo-Mercado; and 7th graders Desiar Badgett, Monica Collazo, Terrell Saunders, and Nathaniel Torres.

“Leo Nevas worked tirelessly to promote philanthropy both at home and abroad,” said Bob Forrester, president of Newman’s Own Foundation. “He was particularly invested in educational opportunities for all students. Today we honor his legacy with the Leo Nevas Memorial Fund that recognizes extraordinary academic achievement and the spirit of excellence, which he embodied.”

Among Mr. Nevas’s numerous leadership positions, he served as Chairman of the Five Town Community Foundation, and remained a board member through mergers with other foundations to become the Fairfield County Community Foundation.

Secure, online gifts to the Leo Nevas Memorial Fund can be made at the Fairfield County Community Foundation website, www.fccfoundation.org

Paul Newman was committed to helping make the world a better place. To carry on his philanthropic legacy, Newman’s Own Foundation donates all net royalties and profits after taxes it receives from the sale of Newman’s Own products to charity. To date, Paul Newman and Newman’s Own Foundation have given over $295 million to thousands of charities around the world. www.newmansownfoundation.org

The Fairfield County Community Foundation promotes the growth of community and regional philanthropy to improve the quality of life throughout Fairfield County. Individuals, families, corporations and organizations can establish charitable funds or contribute to existing funds. The Foundation also provides philanthropic advisory services, and develops and leads initiatives to tackle critical community issues. It is in compliance with the Council on Foundations’ national standards for community foundations. The Foundation has awarded over $110 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond. www.fccfoundation.org

Founded in 2003 by the leaders of the nationally acclaimed Amistad Academy that opened in New Haven, Conn., in 1999, the mission of Achievement First is to close the achievement gap and deliver on the promise of equal educational opportunity for all children, regardless of race, economic status or zip code. With its college-preparatory focus, the Achievement First approach is attaining breakthrough academic gains throughout its network of 17 public charter schools. In the 2009-10 academic year, Achievement First is educating nearly 4,600 children in historically low-performing and underserved neighborhoods in Connecticut and New York. For more information about Achievement First, please visit www.achievementfirst.org.