What started out as a lighthearted Bridgeport City Council meeting soon turned solemn.
Upon time to give his mayor’s report, Mario Blount left his seat on Council and took the podium on the floor, standing and facing members of the city’s governing body. Loudly, clearly and concisely, he read a carefully-planned resignation to members of Council, family and others who attended tonight’s meeting.
Blount, who was voted into office in July of 2013, said he regretted not being able to fulfill his term, but that being elected mayor of Bridgeport has been the greatest privilege of his life.
“Besides my faith and my family, there’s nothing more important to me than the beloved city of Bridgeport,” he said. “Serving its citizens is one of the greatest honors I could imagine.”
Blount went on to thank those who have stood by him since his June 3 arrest on felony drug charges. He said he is eternally grateful for the support he has received from his life partner and wife Liz, daughter Megan, brother Anthony and other family members, friends and members of the community.
“And to those who have chosen not to support me, I have no animosity toward them,” he said.
Blount said he had carefully thought about the best course of action. He said upon being sworn in as mayor, he has vowed to keep Bridgeport a safe place to work, live and raise a family.
“And I have given my all toward that pledge,” he said. “And I am confident that Bridgeport is a better place today. That is what I had hoped to achieve when I sought to be mayor.”
There was silence when Blount finished at the podium and afterwards individually thanked Council Member Dustin Vincent, Council Member Diana Marra, Recorder Bob Greer, Council Member John Wilson, City Manager Kim Haws, City Attorney Norm Farley, Assistant City Manager Jimmy Smith and City Clerk Andrea Kerr for their service. Councilors Darrell Bowen and Melissa Matheny were absent from tonight’s meeting.
Upon Blount’s exit from the room, his family, including wife Liz and daughter Megan, followed suit.
Greer conducted the remainder of tonight’s business as acting mayor. After conferring with members of Council, he announced that the governing body would meet at 5 p.m. Tuesday to discuss how to fill the vacancy.
One individual addressed Council tonight on behalf of Blount. Kim Floyd introduced herself as a family member by marriage.
“After more than 30 years, Mario Blount has never done anything to embarrass me or my family,” she said.
Since his June 3 arrest, Floyd said city government has moved along in a proficient manner and that Blount has continued to stand strong under pressure.
“I am heartbroken that his faith in the system has failed him so greatly,” she said. “My own faith in the justice system has been shattered as I am shocked at things that have happened and been shocked by things which have not happened.”
Floyd said Bridgeport has been served by one of the best cheerleaders she has ever seen.
“No one has ever been a better ambassador for goodwill,” she said. “The citizens of Bridgeport put their faith in Mario by electing him as mayor. You did the right thing. Don’t ever question your judgment or your gut instinct.”
Floyd ended by thanking Blount for good, honest hard work and asked God’s blessing and strength on him and his family.
After the conclusion of the meeting, Greer publicly thanked Blount for his service to the city as both mayor and prior to that, as city recorder.
“We’ve all watched the news coverage of his personal problems and have recognized that not a single portion of that addressed his role and responsibilities as steward of the city of Bridgeport,” Greer said. “The man served his city - and we thank him for that service.”
Following adjournment, Greer shared with members of the media that according to the city’s charter, the mayor vacancy must be filled by a current member of Council or himself as recorder through Blount's elected term to end June 2017.
Greer said he is interested in filling the position and that he has talked with members of Council to that regard.
“We took Mario at his word. He said when the time was appropriate, he would step aside,” Greer said. “I have spoken individually with all members of Council and unless something unforeseen happens between now and Tuesday, I will accept that role.”
In that event, the recorder's position would be filled from either inside or outside Council membership and if a current Council member takes the recorder's position, a new Council member would have to be appointed.
Councilor Diana Marra, who has worked on Council with Blount for several years and has been an outspoken advocate for him since his June 3 arrest, offered a comment.
“I sat there tonight with a heavy heart as I listened to Mr. Blount’s comments,” she said. “After he finished, it occurred to me that Mario Blount left office the way he took office - with class, with a positive attitude and with a passion to serve the citizens of Bridgeport. I’ll miss working with him and the City will surely miss his numerous abilities that have helped lead Bridgeport in unparalleled success over the last seven years.”
Editor's Note: Coverage of tonight's business items will be reported Tuesday on Connect-Bridgeport. Read an earlier story about Blount's resignation, with background information about the arrest and hearing dates HERE.
Upon additional research, it seems that the past media report that "3 of the 4 members of the CENTRA Board of Directors are convicted criminals" is incorrect. There are 5 positions on the CENTRA Board of Directors. There are 2 appointed by the County Commissioners. One is currently vacant due to a resignation. The other is held by Commissioner Fazzini. Clarksburg appoints 2 board members. One is Zeke Lopez who was convicted of domestic abuse. Unlike Rice, who was terminated by the Ravens and from all his product endorsements, Lopez still serves on the City Council and the CENTRA Board, and unlike Rice who punched his wife, Lopez beat his wife multiple times with a dangerous weapon, a rolling pin. The 5th member is recommended by the Bridgeport City Council and approved by the Clarksburg City Council and the Harrison County Commissioners. That is Mario Blount. John Aman, who was convicted of embezzlement, is the General Manager of CENTRA... and still serves.
Posted by Stephen McElroy Sep. 09, 2014 at 6:32 PM EST
I requested Jeff remove my post. Sorry if I caused a problem.
Posted by Michael Horne Sep. 09, 2014 at 1:06 PM EST
Mr. Smith,
The comments were removed at the request of the individuals making the comments. They were approved and once approved, one of the few ways they are removed is at the request of the person that initially posted them. A slight majority of the comments on our pages - and there have been thousands - are usually critical. Generally, only profanity and going off topic or making personal attacks get a non-approval. Thanks for posting. We appreciate you reading and your concerns
Posted by Jeff Toquinto Sep. 09, 2014 at 1:02 PM EST
Why are all the comments being removed? Shouldn't people be able to speak their mind or can you only post positive comments that support this stuff?????
Posted by Joe Smith Sep. 09, 2014 at 12:56 PM EST
No respect for the rule of law. The NFL has finally recognized the seriousness of Mr Rice punching his wife. Lawless behavior reveals true character. It should not be tolerated ANYWHERE. In the private sector people are outraged by it and you lose your job. Yet here in Harrison County we see multiple examples of criminals in government positions being supported especially by others in the government bureaucracy to remain in their positions.
The poster child for this support is the Board of Directors for the Harrison County CENTRA bus service. 3 out of 4 members of the Board of Director are convicted criminals. The 4th is Mario Blount, President of the Board.
I must ask: Is it a requirement to have no respect for the rule of law to be in the government bureaucracy? These criminals were appointed by the Harrison County Commissioners. The appointment can be forgiven since most criminals are excellent con men who successfully hide their true character for years. Who knows what is going on behind closed doors.
What I cannot forgive is nothing being done to remove these convicted criminals. I have heard NOTHING from Mr Watson, Mr. Fazzini, or Mr. Romano seeking to remove these people who have exhibited no respect for the rule of law. Why?
I can only think of 2 valid reasons: 1) They support corruption in government bureaucracy. or 2) They have extremely poor judgement in continuing to allow people who have exhibited no respect for the rule of law to serve in a position of public trust and do who knows what behind closed door. This would not be tolerated in the private sector by anyone other than likeminded criminals.
Whether they support corruption in government or just have extremely poor judgement these 3 Harrison County Commissioners should not be serving anywhere in government. Wether it is poor judgement or support for criminals, let them ply these skills in the private sector if they can. Obviously they do it now in the government sector because they can.
Posted by Stephen McElroy Sep. 09, 2014 at 10:50 AM EST
Upon additional research, it seems that the past media report that "3 of the 4 members of the CENTRA Board of Directors are convicted criminals" is incorrect. There are 5 positions on the CENTRA Board of Directors. There are 2 appointed by the County Commissioners. One is currently vacant due to a resignation. The other is held by Commissioner Fazzini. Clarksburg appoints 2 board members. One is Zeke Lopez who was convicted of domestic abuse. Unlike Rice, who was terminated by the Ravens and from all his product endorsements, Lopez still serves on the City Council and the CENTRA Board, and unlike Rice who punched his wife, Lopez beat his wife multiple times with a dangerous weapon, a rolling pin. The 5th member is recommended by the Bridgeport City Council and approved by the Clarksburg City Council and the Harrison County Commissioners. That is Mario Blount. John Aman, who was convicted of embezzlement, is the General Manager of CENTRA... and still serves.
Posted by Stephen McElroy
Sep. 09, 2014 at 6:32 PM EST
I requested Jeff remove my post. Sorry if I caused a problem.
Posted by Michael Horne
Sep. 09, 2014 at 1:06 PM EST
Mr. Smith,
The comments were removed at the request of the individuals making the comments. They were approved and once approved, one of the few ways they are removed is at the request of the person that initially posted them. A slight majority of the comments on our pages - and there have been thousands - are usually critical. Generally, only profanity and going off topic or making personal attacks get a non-approval. Thanks for posting. We appreciate you reading and your concerns
Posted by Jeff Toquinto
Sep. 09, 2014 at 1:02 PM EST
Why are all the comments being removed? Shouldn't people be able to speak their mind or can you only post positive comments that support this stuff?????
Posted by Joe Smith
Sep. 09, 2014 at 12:56 PM EST
No respect for the rule of law. The NFL has finally recognized the seriousness of Mr Rice punching his wife. Lawless behavior reveals true character. It should not be tolerated ANYWHERE. In the private sector people are outraged by it and you lose your job. Yet here in Harrison County we see multiple examples of criminals in government positions being supported especially by others in the government bureaucracy to remain in their positions. The poster child for this support is the Board of Directors for the Harrison County CENTRA bus service. 3 out of 4 members of the Board of Director are convicted criminals. The 4th is Mario Blount, President of the Board. I must ask: Is it a requirement to have no respect for the rule of law to be in the government bureaucracy? These criminals were appointed by the Harrison County Commissioners. The appointment can be forgiven since most criminals are excellent con men who successfully hide their true character for years. Who knows what is going on behind closed doors. What I cannot forgive is nothing being done to remove these convicted criminals. I have heard NOTHING from Mr Watson, Mr. Fazzini, or Mr. Romano seeking to remove these people who have exhibited no respect for the rule of law. Why? I can only think of 2 valid reasons: 1) They support corruption in government bureaucracy. or 2) They have extremely poor judgement in continuing to allow people who have exhibited no respect for the rule of law to serve in a position of public trust and do who knows what behind closed door. This would not be tolerated in the private sector by anyone other than likeminded criminals. Whether they support corruption in government or just have extremely poor judgement these 3 Harrison County Commissioners should not be serving anywhere in government. Wether it is poor judgement or support for criminals, let them ply these skills in the private sector if they can. Obviously they do it now in the government sector because they can.
Posted by Stephen McElroy
Sep. 09, 2014 at 10:50 AM EST
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