With potentially half the Democratic Town Committee seats on the line for district primaries in March, Black Rock District Leader Danny Roach is weighing a challenge of Chairman Mario Testa in what could shape up as an old-fashioned food fight between two restaurant owners.
Roach, a long-time city police commissioner, has been active in city politics for decades. He owns Matty’s Corner on Fairfield Avenue, the epicenter of Democratic district politics in Black Rock. Nothing like a bar to attract politicians to organize elections, cut deals and settle scores. Testa, owner of a restaurant on Madison Avenue in the North End, knows all about that.
Testa served as town chair during the Joe Ganim mayoral years. After a five-year hiatus Testa reclaimed the chairman spot in 2008. Mario’s strength is raising money, kicking party regulars in the butt and serving as a bridge for political patronage with the mayor’s office. The party establishment fell on hard times last September when all endorsed candidates for school board and City Council were taken out in primaries. As primaries go that was like a 50-year storm.
Testa also does not have a warm and fuzzy relationship with Mayor Bill Finch. They’re not enemies, but they also don’t drink sambuca together.
It looks like there could be March primaries in at least half the city’s 10 political districts. Roach has been making the rounds gauging support for the chairmanship. But a lot of this will depend on the makeup of the 90-member Democratic Town Committee after the primaries. By Friday a clearer picture will emerge about district qualifying slates. Town committee members select the chairman. They also endorse candidates for public office.
Didn’t this happen back in 2008? Roach fell short on votes, then just ceded his votes to Mario?
It’s going to depend on the primary results. Apparently, people are still pissed. There’s been a lot of bonehead decisions made since 2008. Changes in the endorsing party makeup could mean fresh perspectives and new candidates. We need better candidates. I repeat, we need and deserve better candidates. The ones who keep getting endorsed are hurting this city. We need a DTC that works for the citizens and not for themselves. If there are some existing members who are open to change, then maybe they should stay, but the taxpayers need to be heard. I hope Danny has a shot! I really do, but I am fully on board with Mario if the only alternative is the most corrupt person who ever darkened our doorsteps: Americo Santiago.
Why not AS? Explain.
Americo? Someone is not telling us the real good stuff–or at least the real good BS.
I hear Matty’s Corner has Roaches.
Does Sully still have a tab at Matty’s?
Only if Sonny Fox covers it.
Maybe Danny would be a refreshing change! I mean something’s gotta give!
If Mario Testa were to lose to Danny Roach the big winner would be the people of Bridgeport.
Mario is one of the biggest fundraisers this city has ever seen. I doubt if Roach could even come close to raising the money Testa did.
Roach has another problem, he is lazy and will grow bored with being TC. If Roach is elected TC I see the party losing power and control.
Could someone explain the process by which DTC members are chosen? Thanks.
Bepo, if by chance you are a resident of the 130th district it would be my pleasure to explain the process to you. In fact I still have one or two spots available on the ticket I’m putting together, (203)727-4085.
Hmmm, I live on Arthur Street, Hector. LOL. But could you explain the process so I can explain it to my Bridgeport In The Know Facebook friends.
Hey neighbor, you have to know I’ve been trying to contact you. I would be more than happy to explain the process to you.
*** Don’t think Ralph Ford will not try for a run at the chair. It’s better political strategy if you have three running instead of just two. The third party will settle for some part of a deal in the future, thuus giving their support to one of the other candidates and getting something for their district or jobs in return. Problem is all three do not seem to have such a good relationship with the Mayor at this point in city politics! Let’s see what happens with the local T/C slates first, no? ***
Mojo, what about the 131st district leader Mitch Robles running for Chairman of DTC, or does Mario have him in his back pocket?
*** No back-pocket type of relationship between Mario and Mitch there, that’s for sure! More like “strictly political business” that’s good for the DTC as a whole or the 131st district politicians, family and friends and what can you do for me and mine lately? Besides, he would need a large member support and good percentage of votes from the entire DTC Latino members that he does not have outside the 131st district! It’s strictly Mario and Danny who have the largest voter base with everyone else just looking for something for nothing as usual, no? ***