Candidate Forum a Success; Informative to Residents
By Julie Perine on May 18, 2013
Bridgeport City residents vying for positions of mayor and city council in the upcoming June 11 election had a chance to let their voices be heard before about 100 prospective voters.
Interest in and attendance at Thursday night’s “Meet Your Candidates” at Benedum Civic Center was impressive and organizers were pleased.
Ruth Allen, director of public affairs for GFWC Woman’s Club of Bridgeport, event sponsor, said the organization was pleased to add a few dozen chairs just as the forum was about to start. Serving as emcee and facilitator of the event, Allen – a former Council woman - said she believed questions presented by audience members represented a nice range of issues.
Questions were submitted anonymously to GFWC Woman’s Club members to be delivered to Allen, who directed them to pertinent candidates. Some questions were directed to a particular candidate or candidates; others seeking response across the board. There was a time limit for responses to keep speaking time fairly distributed.
Among questions asked were:
“Will taxes increase if Charles Pointe does not meet financial obligations?”
“Why should I pay taxes when the city doesn’t maintain our road?”
“Where do family values rate in your goals for the City of Bridgeport? And do you support events like Light-Up Night and Movies in the Park, which aren’t essential, but important family activities?
“Would you push for a second entrance to Meadowbrook Mall?”
“Do you support expansion of the Bridgeport Public Library?”
“What can be done about speeding on city streets?”
“Could Bridgeport support a Minor League team when there is one in Morgantown?”
“What is your position to Home Rule as it pertains to the Board of Education?”
“Do you feel the City of Bridgeport is more concerned with parks and recreation than public safety? Do you feel the fire department is sometimes understaffed?”
“Are there any plans to use surplus funds in consideration of keeping taxes down?”
On some issues, candidates answered on a united front; on others, they took adverse positions.
Before the Q & A session started, each candidate had a chance to introduce him/herself, sharing background, family life and platforms most important to them. Candidates had drawn numbers for order of introductions. Attending and participating were candidates for Mayor of Bridgeport Mario Blount, Charles “Chuck” Lindsey and Mike Fresa; and candidates for Bridgeport City Council David Claprood, Robert Greer (due to a prior commitment, represented by his son, Joseph Greer), Diana Marra, Lowell “LJ” Maxey and John Wilson,
Attendees said the event was most informative.
Having just relocated to Bridgeport within the last year, Rose Bitler said the forum was most beneficial to her as she knew very little about the candidates running in the upcoming municipal election. It helped her to make some decisions insofar as voting, she said.
Les and Betty Sue Filicsky are established Bridgeport residents and active in the community, including their service with the Bridgeport Senior Citizens and GFWC. Nonetheless, they found Thursday night’s event very informative and helped them learn more about public issue positions taken by some of the candidates.
Take a glimpse into Thursday night’s event by viewing the Ben Queen photo gallery, link HERE. Video coverage of a portion of "Meet Your Candidates" is forthcoming on Connect-Bridgeport.
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