How Did Bridgeport Happen?

Paul, Can you or someone out there in NHI land tell me why someone can run/hold office who has been convicted of a felony? I thought it disqualified a person from voting, let alone holding office. I was wondering the same about Keitzulu (sp) here in new haven as well. thanks for any insight.

[Ed.: In Connecticut felons can vote once they're out of jail as long as they're up to date on obligations associated with their release.]

Thank you. And obviously they can also hold office too, I'm guessing then......

[Ed.: Yes.]

People can change, right? If we truly believe in a Second Chance Society, we have to accept that people can change and we shouldn't disparage them if they try to.

It's certainly a unique situation, but you have to believe that the media will at least be holding a very bright light to Mr. Ganim and any future corruption will come to light.

How Did Bridgeport Happen?

LOST SHEEP IN THE VOTING BOOTH.

Josh,

Crooked Politicians don't change, they just find different ways to move the cups around.

Look at Rowland......

I would be in favor of a one conviction and your out rule, when it comes to public service...

If Ganim has reformed the light and will be clean now, all the more power to him. On the other hand, Bridgeport sounds a lot like Washington DC 20 years ago, where the voters kept re-electing Mayor Barry, before and after he did time for cocaine possession.

Should read above:

Typo corrected: if Ganim has reformed, seen the light, and will be clean now, all the more power to him. On the other hand, Bridgeport sounds a lot like Washington DC 20 years ago, where the voters kept re-electing Mayor Barry, before and after he did time for cocaine possession.

Connecticut towns have a history of electing former top officials who have been convicted and jailed.

Just look at the history of Naugatuck and Mayor Rado.

is there really no clue out there? bridgeport is a city full of ex-cons and families that know ex-cons, redemption and forgiveness is in their blood. this is no surprise, get a grip. give him a chance.

HST

It is not common, but not unheard of either, for Americans in our wisdom to elect leaders who are CURRENTLY IN JAIL. Indeed there was one just this year in Virginia:
http://www.politico.com/story/2015/01/joseph-morrissey-virginia-jail-election-114253
and there have been quite a few in the past in every region of the country.

American voters know who we like (or maybe we just like who we know).

My dad always said people in Bridgeport, New Haven and Hartford would vote for Adolf Hitler, Fidel Castro or Joseph Stalin as long as he was a Democrat. His statement holds true today.

I was born and lived a few years in Bridgeport so I guess I can comment.

Some communities suffer the same self deprecation stigma that individuals do.

Evidently Bridgeport residents can't see themselves as successful so settling for someone like Gannim fits the neuroses. He is broken, they are broken- it fits.