{news} Bridgeport Connecticut Council Making Reforms

[clifford thornton]

US CT: Council Making Reforms

      URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n893/a02.html
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      Pubdate: Tue, 04 Jul 2006
      Source: Connecticut Post (Bridgeport, CT)
      Copyright: 2006sMediaNews Group, Inc
      Contact: edit at ctpost.com<mailto:edit at ctpost.com>
      Website: http://www.connpost.com/<http://www.connpost.com/>
      Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/574<http://www.mapinc.org/media/574>
      Author: Susan Silvers, Connecticut Post
      Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Fabrizi<http://www.mapinc.org/people/Fabrizi>
      Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm<http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm> (Corruption - United States)
      Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm<http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm> (Cocaine)


      COUNCIL MAKING REFORMS 

      Power Sought to Recall Bridgeport's Mayor 

      BRIDGEPORT -- Two weeks after Mayor John M.  Fabrizi's tearful confession that he had used cocaine while in office, a special City Council committee was named Monday to recommend appropriate reforms. 

      In naming the committee, council President Andres Ayala Jr.  said the members would "develop a plan to move forward" to address issues raised by the mayor's drug use. 

      Ayala's appointments followed a caucus of Democratic members last Thursday in which participants said no clear groundswell developed to call for the mayor's resignation, even though some council members -- either publicly or privately -- have suggested he do so. 

      But regardless of their feelings on that, Ayala said there were several points of mutual agreement, including the enactment of a provision in the City Charter that could allow the recall of the mayor. 

      Other points of agreement include the possibility of adopting a strict city policy pertaining to drug use; and making drug use an ethical violation under city ordinances. 

      Council members said the wish list would not be easy to achieve. 

      For example, the state does not allow a recall provision, even if the city wishes to adopt one. 

      Still, Ayala said an outpouring of support for one on the local level could resonate in state lawmakers' ears. 

      "If we can send a message to our Hartford legislators, then they would hear the need for such a tool," he said. 

      Ayala said that right now, the only city workers subject to a comprehensive drug policy are drivers with commercial licenses.  He said council members wanted to see if more workers could be subject to specific standards, but cautioned that such action would entail cooperation from unions. 

      While Fabrizi himself said he would "absolutely" consider suggestions made by the council, "they don't set policy," he said. 

      Ayala said he also hoped Fabrizi would set forth a specific "roadmap" to rectify his own credibility and any harm done to the city. 

      Reaction to Fabrizi's admission remains difficult to gauge.  He was warmly received by parade-goers at the Barnum Festival Sunday.  Some council members, such as Elaine Pivirotto, D-132, have said they have heard many complaints from constituents.  Others, such as Richard Paoletto, D-138, have said they haven't received any. 

      The committee will consist of Robert P.  Curwen, D-138; Amy Vizzo-Paniccia, D-134; Angel M.  DePara Jr., D-136; Johnny Dye, D-135; Keith Rodgerson, D-133; and Michelle Lyons, D-134. 

      The sole GOP member of the council, Donna Curran, R-130, was also appointed. 

      Ayala set no specific timetable for the committee to finish.

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