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.