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Mayoral hopefuls share ways to improve
By JOEL C. THOMPSON
Article Last Updated: 10/26/2007 12:58:16 AM EDT


BRIDGEOPORT — Mayoral candidates shared their views on major issues facing the city at a forum hosted by the Watermark at 330 Park Thursday.
Democrat state Sen. Bill Finch, Republican Michael Garrett and Bridgeport First candidate Keith Rodgerson addressed a gathering of 50 people in the lobby of the complex along with petition candidates Milton Johnson and the Rev. James Morton III.

"I will make Bridgeport a safer, greener, more affordable city where we can improve education every year," Finch said. "I will raise the tax base so that we can cut property taxes and improve the schools."

He said he would put Bridgeport on the map "as a reform city with a great past and even greater future."

"My administration will make sure we get cranes in the air and shovels in the ground," Finch said, as he emphasized his support for several large-scale projects in the works, including the $1.5 billion redevelopment plan for Steel Point on Bridgeport Harbor.

Garrett, a material logistics planner for Sikorsky Aircraft, said he would, if elected, bring new industry to the city to provide jobs.

"I will bring industry back to Bridgeport to lift everyone out of poverty," he said. "By industry we grew. I worked in factories to get an education that transformed my life."

"In March I decided to leave the Democratic Party because it did not meet my ethical standards," Rodgerson, a City Council member representing the 133rd district said. "The Bridgeport First Party is an


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open tent for everyone interested in making the city a better place, but it is closed to money what would bring a bad influence into politics."
Rodgerson, mentioning his urban planning background, said he was interested in improving city neighborhoods for all citizens, from children to senior citizens. Class sizes in the schools need to be reduced if the quality of education is to be improved, he added.

Morton said his first act as mayor would be to conduct a "forensic audit" of the city finances.

Citing his experience as a drug counselor as well as a bank loan officer, he said, "Restoration of people's lives is what I do best."

"I am the key to unlock the control Democrats have had on his city," Morton said. "I will be a new voice, a beacon to lead the city."

He said he has stressed the need for equitable education, living wage jobs, affordable housing, lower taxes, and social and economic development in his campaign.

Johnson, a city officer and real estate agent, said he would, if elected, call upon the city's state delegation to formulate a mission so that the city gets what it deserves in state funding.

"We have to get on the same page if we are going to get what we need in Bridgeport," Johnson said. "We also have to get a handle on our tax situation and improve our school system to draw more people to the city."

He claimed the current state of the city results from a "catastrophic failure of city leaders over the past 40 years," including not removing old, useless factories to make way for new development.