City Council - Regular Meeting

The time is now 6:35 and we will be calling the December 15th Bridgeport City Council public speaking session to order. At this time we have five speakers who have already signed up and we have an additional one, two, three, four. We have an additional four people who signed up from the audience. So that makes it 10. I'm going to ask the madame clerk to take the roll call, please. Murray, say it again. Gayen Murray.

Roll call. Roll call. Nicole Nelson. Denise Taylor Moy. George Cruz. Dasha spell. Orlando Smith, Ake Boy, Janette Heron, Loretta Dubac here, Michelle Lions, Mary McBryley, Richard Ortiz here, Alfredo Castillo, Frederick Hodes, Idin Neves, Maria Valley, Kayla Medina, Maria Pereira here,

and Martinez Ernest Newton, we have a quorum.

Thank you very much. I just want to remind everyone that when signing up for public speaking, you shall identify yourself in the subject on which you will be speaking with the subject matter and addressing the council, speakers shall confine their address to their listed topic or subject matter. Refrain from personal character or political attacks on council persons or other persons. be courteous and not use unbecoming, abusive, inflammatory, deflamatory or unparliamentary language and shall avoid personalities. Any speaker who violates these rules of decorum may have his hers, their theirs, or they opportunity to address the city council at this and future meeting suspended or revoked by the city council president. If you are suspended or revoked under this rule, do not sign this sheet as you will not be called upon or do not sign up for electronic speaking. The first speaker for the evening is Miss Jacqueline Cawin. Miss Jacqueline, if you're with us, Miss Jacqueline. Going once, going twice, three times. Going to the next speaker, Mr. Cecil Young. Right. Uh, good evening, city council. You know, I've been here for it's been about 19 years now that I've been working for the city of Bridgeport. Some 19 years ago, I was terminated from my job because I had the audacity to want to speak out about contaminated dirt piles over at the city health department on East Main Street, which is the building that's being torn down right now as I speak. It was known as a sick building, a building that a number of city employees over the years have gotten cancer and come down with other type of problems because of that being a sick building. That was the building that I found those contaminated dirt piles that I complained about some 19 years ago. And I complained about it. And I also complained about it to my councilman Ernest Newton as well as well as to the city council as a whole. And I've been coming back and forth here to

the city council to say to you I was terminated, okay, in 2006. And they terminated me in the name of so-cal I voluntarily resigned. Well, you know that I did not voluntarily resign. You all know that. I've given you documentation in black and white confirming the fact that that was never the case. I've also given you audio tapes pertaining to documentations backing up the allegations I've been making about city officials who wanted to conspire to get rid of me and they wanted to get rid of me and they did do so. But after 19 years, you would think that I would give up and let it go. I'm not going to let nothing go like that. I believe in fighting for my rights. Okay? And it troubles me that I can have two city council members, Anita and Martinez and Ernest Newton, to say that they want the city to respond to them issues, to respond to if the city was justifiable and terminate me or not. That's all I ask for. That's what they asked for. And I say to the council president, you've heard me say this matter before. You all know about this matter. The ones that are new, you may not know about it, but the ones that have been here for the last 14 years, you've heard me come here time after time saying to you, "All I want is my name to be cleared. I was terminated for so-called not coming to work." When you have on YouTube, on my documentation in black and white, if you go to YouTube, you download the Cecil Young Show. You can you can download on your phone around the clock, seven days a week. I do a talk show called the Cecil Young Show. It's been on air for the last two and a half years. And I'm saying to you, I have given documentation in black and white. I've also given voice of those who who conspired against me to get rid of me. Okay? Jod Paul, Dr. Evans, uh Gerald Wayne, and Mike Co. They committed fraud. Now, I also want to let you know that I filed a complaint with the with the Human Rights Commission. They also took my complaints last month, and they are following up on my complaints with the with the governor. Govern the governor's getting a letter or record, a subpoena. I don't know what he's going to get, but I know that the human rights have taken my complaint and they're they're summoning the governor to respond to why come he had not respond to my complaints that I gave him forward. You also have um um Mike Coh, which I said as well, he committed fraud. And I say this not lightly, and I say to them all all of those who I've been complaining about for the last 19

years, okay, sue me if anything I said here, I can't back up. I'm saying I'm sick and tired of city officials taking advantage of our people's rights. And I myself are speaking for my rights because I have a right to speak for my rights. And I'm saying to you tonight, when you go home tonight, download the Cecil Young Show on YouTube. You will hear in black and white. You will see in black and white. You will hear audio tapes of Dr. Evans, Jodie Paul, Gerald Wayne, and Mike Gohead. You will hear them say, "Oh, Cecil, you voluntarily resign." No, I did not voluntarily resign. I was terminated. I was terminated. And then they also took away my medical benefits as well. And I said, I was mad as hell about that because I had to put in my my retirements in order to continue my medical benefits. It troubles me that I can come here year after year and say to this Democratic team here that you supposed to be concerned about our rights. The question is why aren't you responding to my issues like you should have. Ernest and them gave you a letter last month saying on the ETH last month that they want sit down with Chief Garnett which we did sat down with him but he could not come up with the answers that we needed to solve the problem that we came here about. And I'm saying to the council as a whole, please make the mayor sit down and respond to these issues that I'm talking about because again, it's a shame and a disgrace that I'm being treated like a slave. And it should not be the case. I've worked for the city for 27 and a half years. And for me to be treated the way I've been treated is a shame and a disgrace. And I just say to you as a whole, please download the Cecil Young Show and you will find out and you will hear from the audio tapes from those involved in covering up my unjust termination in terms of the roles that they played in my my situation. I'm sorry I'm a little stagnated right now because I'm a little aggravated, okay? With some other things that are trouble me about tonight. But again, look at the YouTube and again I'll be back here next month to follow up on what I said here tonight. Thank you.

Thank you.

The next speaker will be Miss Justinta Thomas. just to Thomas if you're with us. Sorry, this is my first time. I never come never be here here and I'm very nervous. You have to say your You have to say your name. You have to say your name and your address.

My name is Justinta Thomas. My address is 771 Colorado Avenue, Bridgeport 06604. And I'm here for I apply for for approve in the garage cons garage. for make apartment and that's why I'm here. I want to do everything right and I ask the city for if approve or not. Thank you very much. You you want to translate for her Okay. I speak Portuguese. My

Oh, you Portuguese? Oh, okay. Okay. Have a question. See? See, see, no, you have a question. Excuse me. Sorry. You have a question for her? No. No. You No. Do you have anything else to say, Justinta? Anything else? No, I need I need only this. Okay, it's approved. Okay, thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you.

The next speaker is Mr. John Marshall. Mr. John Marshal. Mr. to John Marshall Lee.

My name is John Marshall Lee. As many of you know, 30 Beacon Street, Bridgeport, Connecticut. Um, these comments I was ready to deliver on December 1st. I was scheduled. So my greetings are still to each of you as elected representatives for all of the people of Bridgeport, 20 individuals of you in total. And greetings as well to the entire 151,000 human beings, our neighbors, the public whom you serve. To those returning, I welcome you to better governance under the voterapproved charter. both parts. To those who are new, I hope you have taken the time to review the charter document as part of your orientation. It's now a foundation of city regulations and updates, the 1993 document that previously was an outdated reference point for city administration. You'll see that the opening paragraph of the city charter, if you were to turn to it, is called the preamble. It sets out the purpose and desire for open and accountable self-governance that includes transparent and honest values. The second sentence is particularly relevant to the intended changes in the new document. Quote, "By this action, we wish to secure the benefits of home rule and provide for local government that is responsive to the will and the values of the residents of our city and strongly affirms resident participation, representative democracy, and professional management. Nowhere is there a call to exercise power over the public, but rather a call

to the people to become familiar with their rights as well as duties, responsibilities, and obligations. In a city where elections show that fewer than 10% of registered voters actually exercise their balloting rights, there is much remedial work to be done to remind our neighbors of the meaning of civics, which is the study of citizen rights and responsibilities. I've invited each of you in multiple commentaries to you during the past year to join in casual civics conversations around Bridgeport. Will you join with me in that task? We're at two locations, moving to four by January. Civics is designed to welcome all folks who have life experience as well as questions about municipal life. They do have the time to attend, to speak, and to be listened to. I can tell you with respect and response to their questions about how things may improve for them and their families and businesses. It's an informal way for you to instruct by your attentive listening to the words spoken with expression and response. Participation in these casual sessions without agendas or minutes help you learn and build strong relations. Two years from now, perhaps we can see whether the people voting or participating with boards and commissions has increased. I invite you to fully participate. Time will tell. I wish you a good holiday season with your family and friends. I'm happy to meet meet the deadline. God bless.

Thank you, Mr. Joe Salokovich.

Thank you. Good evening. My name is Joseph Oliver. I live at 334 Burnsford Avenue. Today I speak to you not as a board member, but in my capacity as a citizen, a father, an advocate, and a taxpayer. The state's outdated funding formula has left Bridgeport far behind. It does not account for realities like cities like ours face. Concentrated poverty, students with special needs, and a true cost of educating English language learners. Instead, it relies on property taxes to make up for the state's failure to equitably fund our city schools. Well, I'll be the first to point out that the city can and should do more. The state needs to step up and do more for cities like Bridgeport. At a viewing of a recent meeting between the city and the state, it became all too clear that the state was trying to shift the narrative back onto the city by withholding the $5 million set aside for Bridgeport Public Schools. They did so by leaning on a qualifier hidden within the bond bill that stated Bridgeport mayors must demonstrate that Bridgeport Public Schools will not need supplemental aid in the future. While I repeat, the city can and should do more. Our schools need a projected $37 million to keep the same level of inadequate services our CH children receive today. Every dollar below that $37 million means one more dollar in further cuts. Governor Lamont claims districts have too many administrators. That is simply not true. Bridgeport has the same number as as Greenwich. What we really have is too little funding and a governor that lacks the will to increase funding. Our delegation in Harford needs our help. Even with all the city's delegations banding together as one, they don't have the numbers to alternate alter the governor's budget. We need the people of cities like Bridgeport to join with us to pressure the governor to fund our schools. We have the number to change the governor if need be. We all should speak with we all need to speak with one voice. We need a $2,000 minimum per pupil increase in the foundation amount which has not been increased by 2013. that has robbed Bridgeport cumulative total of $450 million over that period of time. It has been raised twice since 2005. Once by $4,000 by Govern Jod Re and once by Dan Mallaloy of 166 1680.

The money is there. The only thing the current governor lacks is a willingness to equitably fund our schools. In addition, we need them to tie the formula to inflation so we never fall so far behind again. We need to add real weights for poverty, special education, and English language learners. In this fight, I will stand shoulder-to-shoulder and put aside any differences I may have with any of you and even the mayor. [snorts] We need to stand together as elected officials. We need to testify at state budget hearings, pass resolutions demanding fair funding, educate our community and advocacy groups, and when election season comes, vote for the governor based on how many more cuts our children have to endure. Thank you. Bridgeport students deserve much better than a

Thank you very much, Mr. Zuch. The next speaker is Miss Carolyn Na. Miss Carolyn now.

Good afternoon, council persons. First and foremost, I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to come here to speak. What I came here to do is to raise a level of conscience to let you know with some of the things that's going on in our city that should not be going on. Um, and I'm going to speak to the whole council person, but I'm going speak now particularly to the north end of Bridgeport. I own a condominium at 175 Britain Street. I rented to the young lady that's standing right next to me. I've had it for 30 years. But what you need to know what's going on and you have developers coming out of New York and investors frightening these old people to selling their properties and when you won't take the offer with where we live at 175 Britain Street where she living in my unit. They bringing pit bulls in out of New York roaming the hallways growling at old people forcing them to sell their properties. When that doesn't work they bringing in other people from New York like the unit that she's living in above a lady that came in from New York. She stomps the floor all night long, bang the door, call her all kinds of names in the back building, the pit bull, another pit bull, driving old people into selling their properties. Now, the reason why I'm bringing this to your attention because this this investor is living in New York. He has done that at units all over Bridgeport. You all represent this city. You need to know what's going on in your city in order for you to make a decision. You first of all, you need to know what's going on. You need to be educated on these things. We don't I should not be standing before the common council behind a gentleman asking for funds from the board of education when you got a guy the billionaires coming out of New York. You need to know are they paying properties on taxes on these properties that they're investing in. I don't know whether you realize it the trickology that they're using. They destroyed success village purposely. And if you notice the people that's buying those are coming the same person that's coming in out of New York. If you go over to this old southern New England telephone company and look at the guy that's

coming in out of New York bought that he's turning into high-rise condominium. But what my question is to the council tonight is are you all aware of these technology things that they are doing here in your city particularly this not just going on in the north then I'm here to represent my tenant who cannot sleep at night. They've called her They put notes on her door. this gentleman is instigating all of this. And I told the management that managed those unit, I would love to meet this guy to New York. Miss Mo told me she's already met him. So, I would love to meet him. So, I think you all need to get this man's address and telephone number. Find out why he's using these scare tactics to scare these old people out of selling their units because Carolyn Na is not going to sell. He'll be on the run before I will. But you need to ra I'm raising a level of consciousness here tonight for those that's representing the north and the bridgeport and other parts of I'm talking about Bridgeport tonight the northern it's happening in everywhere so you need to be aware of this so please take note of this because if you won't deal with it I will

thank you very much Miss Na the next speaker is Nerlande Pierre Nerlande Pierre Nerland Pierre, she she's not here. Miss Naw.

Okay. All right, then. Thank you. Thank you very much. The next speaker is Maria Pereira. Good evening. Happy holidays to everyone. Ad Grahamfield Avenue. As someone who considered themselves to be very decisive, voting based on facts and research, never worried about voting my conscience, even if that means being the only council member to vote in opposition or in favor of an agenda item. I have really struggled with casting my vote for a nominee for city council president. I would like to thank a Boyd for calling me and meeting with me. I as I respect those who are willing to communicate with those they may see as adversarial. I enjoyed our phone conversation and in-person meeting. Both were productive. Janette Herren and I also met several times um and had in in-depth conversation as well. It is critical we elect a council president who treats the other 19 members of the duly elected city council with the dignity, respect, and professionalism they have earned as representatives of the people. They must lead without favoritism. In addition, the council president must not use their position to retaliate, ostracize and punish those who articulate their own point of view and perspective who challenge those in power and descent verbally or by casting their vote. That is referred to as democracy. The only real thing we have as elected officials is our word. And once our constituents know our word means nothing, they will hold you accountable at the polls. And I teach my constituents to hold me accountable. If I tell you I'm going to do something when I'm at your door for your vote, hold me accountable to doing it. And don't vote for me again if I don't. Commitments regarding items that directly impact my constituents in the 138th district, as well as commitments regarding good governance, including

following our charter, following ordinances, following our city council rules, have been made. Those commitments must be honored. I will not accept excuses or explanations as to why a commit a commitment is honored because I don't accept it from myself. I don't make excuses and I will not accept them from others. I am honestly not 100% sure in the vote I will cast for city council president tonight. However, I believe in holding all elected officials accountable. Politicians get one chance to lie to me. You will never receive a second. That includes you, Councilman Castillo. Thank you.

The next speaker will be Mr. Devin Brown. Mr. Devin Brown. Hello. Hello. Hello. Can you guys hear me? All right, perfect. My name is Devin Brown, aka Downtown D. Brown, aka Elapo, aka Deinho. First, I want to say congratulations to all you gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen, for your new elected terms. And also I want to personally thank Miss Aiden Neves. I want to personally thank her not just as a public official but as a human being who chose service where it would be easier to step back. I've watched how even facing constant criticism, negative headlines, you never stop showing up. You didn't allow the noise of to pull you off your mission. Instead you stay focused on what mattered most, the people of Bridgeport. And that's the kind of resilience that isn't taught is live. What many don't see is the work that you carry behind the scenes because of your leadership. Over 1,000 families are fed each week on and have food on their tables. Childrens are fed and parents are relieved. Seniors are supported and those outcomes don't make the headlines. But the real difference in the real lives, they do behind the scenes. Mine's included. As a resident, as a resident who sees and feels the impact, you lead with compassion, with discipline, and unwavering sense of responsibility when the pressure was high and you chose to

serve harder. When the spite turned critical, you chose to stay grounded and that speaks volumes about your character. Thank you for standing strong, for your protecting your dignity of the city and for being a champion for the families when they needed it most. Your work mattered most and it still does and it deserve to be recognized. with sincere appreciation and much respect. Thank you to the service to the city of Bridgeport and God bless you all and the stepiga. Thank you very much. That ends public speaking. If you want to take a fivem minute recess to go to the ladies room before the meeting start. I don't know if the mayor is in the back yet. Is the mayor in the back? Till he arrives.

We're going to take a minute to get organized. I know it's 7:03, so maybe in like two minutes if we could, if the council's ready, we'll we'll start the meeting.

This rule doesn't necessarily Okay, I think we're Yes. Okay,

I think we're ready to go. I think we have a certainly a quorum. Looks like we have everyone here, but I'll leave that to roll call with the city clerk. Um, and city attorney has lent some guidance that I'll share with you as we move forward through the agenda, and hopefully we'll be able to complete the entire agenda tonight. So, with that being said, I welcome everyone to this Monday, December 19th, 2025 city council regularly scheduled meeting. I'd ask us to stand and as as normal if anyone from the public or from the audience or in the chambers would like to lead us in a prayer, you're welcome to come up to the uh podium. We've always been honored by uh Reverend uh Mary Lee McBride who's always led us in a prayer. But always deference to welcome someone else who would want to if anyone wants to lead. If not, would you give us the um the honor again?

Before we pray, your microphone is on.

Okay. Before we pray, I would like to say that Tyler might lost his uh lost his grandmother yesterday. So, if we be in prayer with him, that the Lord will strengthen the family. Praise the Lord. Thank you, Jesus. Uh I tell you, she was a mother of our church for many years and uh she's half responsible for what I am today, good, bad or indifferent. Father God, in the name of Jesus, Lord, we thank you right now for your goodness and your mercy. Thank you God because you're good to thank you because you're kind. Ask you, oh God, to continue to bless us one by one. Then bless us collectively in the name of Jesus. Lord, give us a vision that we might support your people that we might be there for them in the name of Jesus. I ask you, oh God, to bless the Marie family throughout the country. Those that are sick, let the sick say that I'm healed. Let the weak say that I'm strong. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Amen. Bernie, you've always been kind to me. To the flag of the United States of America and to the stands nation under God, indivisible, liberty, justice for all. So I turn our agenda to the our attention to the agenda and note that um it's madam clerk will you take the role

Nicole Nelson Denise Tayloroy George Cruz Dasha spell boy Janette Heron Netta Dub Michelle Lions Mary McBryley Richard Ortiz here Alfredo Castillo Frederick Hodgees ID Neves Maria Valley Kayla Medina Maria Pereira here

Anita Martinez Ernest New and we have a quorum. Okay. So, the first item is election again of the city council president. And basically, this is kind of where we left off uh two weeks ago. And I'll just um go through my recollection and hopefully the record will reflect um the same that uh similarly situated on the agenda. The first item of business, the last meeting was the election of uh or the the item election of city council president. Uh nominations were open. Two candidates names were were placed in. Uh, Councilwoman Herren and Councilwoman uh, Nieves were um, placed in a nomination. Nominations were closed and um, a vote was taken, one round vote and uh, two members of the uh, city council uh, refused to vote after being um, reminded they had just voted in favor of the council rules um, after taking the oath of office that reminded them that they have a obligation and duty to vote. Nonetheless, total votes were cast. No one had a majority. City council president by charter, and I don't think it's of any issue uh raised by anyone. Uh has to be 11 votes. In other words, a majority of the of the whole. So, um that rule continues uh through to tonight. Now ask a question as to what's the what's the proper best procedure upon um discussions and reviews of the Robert's rules 12th edition 11th edition and uh city charter and city attorney and all that um it seems that um the process continues um if no if no candidate receives 11 votes um then um we're actually required in many ways to continue I think at this time and then nominations if someone wants to reopen nom nominations, we we we'd put that out for a vote. Um, and that can be done and we can take a vote and it's up to the

council um how to proceed, but I would just say a couple things. We'll open uh the item up and I'll take whatever action or motions council um want to be heard on in a moment. Just let me finish because I don't want any um confusion. And um from there, we will um proceed. It'll again, it'll be you'll need 11 votes. Um, you know, we I'm hoping that we are able to conclude this uh tonight. Um, and we can at the council's discretion. If we don't get 11 votes, I guess we could do another vote. I would encourage council members to vote because that's what the council rules require you to do. Uh, this isn't because I like that as an idea or or other council members. These are the rules that are signed up with. So, I'd ask you to respect the rules and uh and we'll move ahead. And at this point, uh Councilman Newton, as would any other council who first wanted to be recognized, will um be heard. Councilman Newton, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. It's been brought to my attention as a former council president that you're absolutely right. Everybody has to vote for somebody. Now, it was brought to my attention that you can vote for yourself because you don't need a second to throw your name in, but you have to vote for somebody.

And what we did last week was wrong. And our rules stated, and the mayor did his best to try to articulate that, but some people wasn't listening. So, I agree. Every person has to cast a vote either for yourself or for one of the candidates that are deciding to run. So, is nominations open now, Mr. Mayor? So, I'm not going to go around. Yeah. I I thought you were going to make a motion because I'd like to hear if there's a motion be made by members of the council and then every anybody can be heard. You can make a motion.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. as I stated last week and nominated Janette Hearing because I thought that she Let me just say this in case I don't want to confuse you. Janette's name is still a nomination. Idiy's name is still a nomination unless anybody wants to contend that. No, no. I'm just saying they're already there. They're already there. But you can be heard, Ernie. I just want to clarify that. Hold on. Go ahead.

Standing. Ernie, don't touch it. Go ahead. You have the floor. It's on green now. You have the floor, Councilman. Thank you. From my understanding because you adjourn that meeting and we're in a new meeting now, my understanding is we have to renominate folk. Now, if the city attorneys are saying something different, then they should share that with me. But my understanding was because you adjourned the meeting, we would have to put them back in nomination. So if they didn't articulate to me I think I think there's no harm done Ernie if that's the way you want to proceed. You have a nomination.

Yes I do. All right. So let's consider nominations open at this at this point with the comments of Councilman Newton which I think we're clarifying that he's going to put a name in a nomination and anyone else can put a name in a nomination and certainly I don't think anybody disagrees with that. Councilman Newton you have the floor.

Thank you Mr. Mayor. As I did last week, I placed in the name of nomination Janette Herring, a person who has been on this council, who has been in leadership roles, and who has demonstrated that she understands the legislative process. And as I said to you before, when I called her, I asked her one question. I didn't ask for no titles. I didn't ask for anything. I said, "Janette, if you became president, would you be vindictive against the people that didn't vote for you?"

She said, "Absolutely not." And that's the kind of person we need to help bring this council together. And so I place in the name of Janette Herin as for council president. Okay. The seconds uh have been noted as well, but I'm going to take the speakers in the order that um that they've hit their microphone. So, uh this is not in any order except when you've hit your microphone. Next speaker is uh Councilman, you have the floor. I I just wanted to uh confirm we've reopened nominations. Okay, then.

All right. Clarification. Next speaker is uh Councilwoman Pur, do you have a nomination? No, I was just going to say the nom the nominations for the last meeting are not still on the floor. There was a vote on the motion. It failed. So everything today is new. There's no motion from the last meeting. We took a vote. It failed. None of the previous nominations were on the floor. Thank you. Uh Councilman McBride. Counciloman Mayor McBride. [clears throat]

I have a nomination. Excuse my froggy voice tonight, but uh I nominated a key to be our next president. And I know out there that uh you know um she with this black and white thing. I have to be with the black and white thing cuz I'm black. So the fact that matter is that's not the reason that I'm nominating a king. is because of the fact that he is uh an upstanding young man and uh and I think that he would make a a great president. However, [cough and clears throat] my uh Ernie said that he didn't ask for anything. I asked for him, so he didn't have to ask for anything by the way. So I I you know I met with Janette and she'll tell you I I did. So the thing about it is is that a Keem is a upstanding young man. What I don't like about it is is that we as people, not just black people, we the one that should be encouraging him and the one that uh should be an example for him is not there for him. We need and I'm talking about my folks now. We need leaders in the black community. Instead of tearing the young man down, we should build him up. He can go far if we do that. Now, you know, the fact of the matter is we say, "Oh, he's too young." Our last black president 40 years ago, 14 years ago, was 24 years old.

25. 25.

I give it. Listen, I'm I got the flow now. Okay. Thank you. Uh we were 25 years old and I'm sure that a kee in his [clears throat] 30 knew more than that 25 year old person, that last black person 40 years ago uh uh uh uh than than now than he knew. Then the other things I would like to say is a is upstanding. It was a lot of people in the paper about what they did and what they didn't do. I didn't see a king named there. He not he he hadn't been to prison. I don't think he sold drugs and don't take drugs and all that stuff. He an example for young people that want to be like him. My last thing that I want to say is I'm not nominating him because he's black. I'm nominating him because I think that he qualified. cuz I don't care what color he is. If he if I didn't think that he was uh qualified, this girl would not be voting for him. I don't care what it is. I would like to say that uh you know when I thought about it been 40 years since we had a black president. I thought about Moses in the wilderness. You know, he led the children of Israel. Uh-huh. got out there and stayed there 40 years going around in circle and still did not make it to the promised land. Uhhuh. Because he didn't do what he's supposed to. I am for a king. And aim I want to say tonight whether or not you make it or not, I want to be your mentor. Okay? Can I be your mentor? Thank you very much. Let me tell you, Akeem has a strong black mother and a black father. If you think for one minute that he going to

follow somebody else, including me and they not going to say anything, you just might as well think again. Cuz some people say, "Oh, he just too close to eye. He up out of whatever." How you know where you at on that? You up the same thing. That's what I'm saying. So now that's all I have to say right now. Unless somebody say something that I don't like, then I'mma ask for a rebutt. Second. Okay. I'm trying to get the next speaker up. You can hit the button. Yeah. Who is it? Uh Maria Councilwoman Maria Vayet. Yes. Thank you.

You have the floor.

Thank you. Um, perhaps some might say this is not the time, but just like everybody else has spoken, I believe I have the same right. Over a week ago, the city council took over the task of electing a council president. Several members spoke, each offering reasons for supporting one of the two candidates. During this discussion, one councilman stated that his support for Councilwoman Heron was based on a question he posed to her, whether she would seek revenge against colleagues. He stated that she answered no, and that this response was the basis for his support. What was notably absent from his remarks was whether he asked Councilwoman Neves the same question or whether her or whether her response differ in any way. That omission is both striking and ironic. Hearing this conversation brought back experiences I had nearly forgotten. experiences that speak directly to the issue of vindictiveness. On one election day, while I was a candidate, an individual approached me and asked, "Maria, is your family important to you?" After a moment of confusion, I responded, "Of course," she replied, "So is mine." and walked away. Alarmed, I immediately contacted a family member who is a police officer. That day, he and others quietly monitor the situation from a distance. That was not politics. That was intimidation. Councilwoman Neves in her leadership

role sought counsel from colleagues, listened to advice and re and relied on guidance from individuals she trusted. when navigating difficult situations, when she reacted to challenges, she did so based on that counsel and in good faith. Ironically, the same councilman who now speaks about vindictiveness once sent me a text following a senatorial election after the senatorial race. It showed me who my friends really are. Those who worked against me, I didn't get mad because what goes around comes around. I did not I did not wrong anyone. I made a decision and I honored my word. There are other incidents that remain vivid after Monday's night meeting which a member a community member was recognized right here with a citation flowers and teddy bear gives presented on behalf of the entire council. One individual who disagreed with the recognition waited for me in the rear parking lot and threatened me stating that I would regret what had taken place that evening. These verbal work threats was followed by a text message. The threats included efforts to remove ID and from our council seats by recruiting candidates to run against us. This has occurred for three consecutive terms. There are witnesses to the public

attacks that took place at the Madison Avenue restaurant, including applause and shouted support for newcomers. The same individuals later offer blessings of words, words of faith. I respectfully suggest that those forgives forgiveness be sought where it is needed. If anyone wishes to understand what vindictiveness truly looks like, these are real examples. Councilwoman Neves is strongminded and resilient. She confronts issues directly regardless of gender or position. She has defended every individual on this council. She has wept privately over the pain of others and has sat beside colleagues in moments of deep sorrow. Yet judgments have been made, rumors spread, and accusations leveled without facts or cause. We must remember the words spoken against her and the narratives created without truth or verification. To my city council partner, stand tall, stand proud, walk with your head high, and do not look back. Ladies [snorts] and gentlemen,

There you go.

Okay. Hey, Mayor. What I just want to say, um, we as city council people, when we vote, we make the best vote that we feel that we need to make for the council, for the seats that we sit in, for our constituents, and and everything else pertaining to the city. You know, I feel that um me myself, I am not vindicted and I don't harbor any animosity or anything towards anyone. You know, everyone has the right to vote whatever way that they want to vote. And I think that's a privilege that we all have in regards to us being human beings, being the people that we are, voting for you or anyone else here in the city of Richport. These are the things that we do, you know. So as far as our votes is concerned, I think we should leave things where it's at in the minds of the ones that are voting. This is a democracy. There's no way that anyone should feel any hazard to what they doing. If you want to run, if you want to keep going, if you want to get your seat, if you want to go get a seat, that's your right. that's your given right, you know, and I think that is just so unfair, you know. I'm not looking at a black or white thing. And the reason why I'm not looking at a black or white thing because my grandmother was 100% Caucasian. My grandfather was half Chinese and black. So, I'm a mut. And when I'm looking at things on that level, I'm not looking at things just being, oh, I'm going this way because I'm black. Oh, I'm going this way because I'm white. You know how how how do you choose when where you want to be when half of all our children today are

biracial babies?

You know, I mean, let's be for real. You know, let's carry this city council thing the way that we supposed to carry it. You know, we supposed to carry it with dignity and respect. And we supposed to respect each other's vote. We supposed to stand up for what we feel is right and stand up. Stand up and stand up for what we need to be doing here in this council. You know, not sitting up here looking like we part of a circus or we uh um part of anything else other than who we are, human beings that want to fight for our constituents here in the city of Bridgeport. So, I'm sitting over here. I'm waiting for this vote to come on and go and just let's get it things done here. You know, none of us have gotten any of our commissions or or any of our um

committees

committees. We haven't done anything for two weeks. And if anybody think that they can hold back on a vote and not pass and just pass and not go ahead on a vote and let's move forward with this here, you're wrong. You're neglecting the city of Bridgeport when you're voting like this. This is not about me. This is not about you. This is about our city, you know. And I and I really I really feel that I do really need to say and I need to say this out loud and very plain. I'm voting for Janette Haron, Iran, whatever. I'm voting for her because I feel that she would do the job. I feel that she can do the job. I feel that she's been here long enough to learn and to uh work with everybody that's here. I know she has worked with a lot of people that's here. I know that, you know. So, this is not about who our team is or anything else. This is about us city council people. When are we going to stand up and be the city council people we supposed to be?

Yes, sir. That's all I got to say. Amen. [applause]

I just want to make sure certainly we can debate, but are we done with nominations? Because I'd like to make a motion to close nominations. No, I'm not talking about debate. I'm talking about nominations. Well, she was talking to me. Any other nominee council woman?

I second. Do we second that? To close nominations. Everybody's nominations. No, but then you could debate part of the nomination. I think it's part of your nomination. So, in order to honor everyone's voice, I think that's

Thank you, mayor. I'd like to read a statement. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today. I'm asking for your support to serve as city council president because I believe this body is strongest when it works together openly, respectfully, and with a shared sense of purpose. I'm a Bridgeport native. This city raised me. It shaped my values, my sense of responsibility, and my belief that public service is about uplifting others. I carry those values with me to form university. They were strengthened when I served in the world's greatest Navy where I learned that leadership is not about volume or ego. It's about trust, discipline, and bringing people together around a mission big bigger than any one individual. As a body of 20 representatives, we come from every corner of our city, each with unique challenges and priorities. Yet, too often, our differences are used to divide us. I know this well and I imagine many of us here can relate. My focus has been and always will be in public service which has been no political label. How we gauge policy solutions should be based on their effectiveness and improving the lives of British borders. We can find common ground if we choose to listen and work towards solutions together. As council president, my priority would be collaboration within this chamber and beyond it. That means creating space for every council member to be heard, being transparent in decision-making, and ensuring no one is shut out of the process. I also believe deeply in collaboration outside this building. Our our work is stronger when we partner with nonprofits, community organizations, labor advocates, and stakeholders who are on the ground every day. And we must also strengthen and create deeper relationships with our state and federal delegations to bring more resources back to Bridgeport. Internally, I will fight to expand and strengthen the office of legislative

services. So, this council has the legislative research and outreach support it needs to do the job well and independently from the mayor's administration. A strong council requires strong infrastructure. And during this budget season especially, the council must serve as a thoughtful, serious check on the administration, asking hard questions, demanding clarity, and legislating in the public interests, not rubber stamping decisions behind closed doors. I believe we can meet this moment with a clear head and unified voice. We can show the city that people from all walks of life on all points on the political spectrum can listen to one another, deliver solutions, and do what is best for Bridgeport. Public service cannot be about our own glory or ambition. Service is an intergener intergenerational promise. It's a commitment to each other, to our communities, and to our future to bring about a better world of our imagination. This is what this moment in our history demands of us. The belief that belief guides my leadership style. I will be honest with you. I will be transparent with you. And I will work every day to unify this council so we can deliver for the people of Bridgeport. I respectfully ask for your support. Thank you very much. [applause] I just I just wanted to clarify something. I [clears throat] am not voting for a king because he's black. I said it once and I'll say it again. I'm voting for him because I think he's qualified. That's all I have to say. Yeah. Uh, thank you, Mayor. I just want to say, uh,

a couple weeks ago, we were talking about voting and we talking about change. I've been on the council for this my second term. And if you're really talking about change, then I would say it's Hakeim. And the reason why I say that because he's fresh. She's new. He doesn't have any obligations to anybody or to anyone or to any people. And I'm not saying that anybody else does. And I'll be honest with you, I have called a couple people when I was running because I felt that she was a good president in the sense that most people said they didn't want her there because the way that she might have disrespected them. It had nothing to do with her job. It was other things. But if you really talking about change and you talking about fresh and you talking about moving the city forward, cuz that's what I'm here for. I don't have no clicks, no individual personalities or likes or dislikes with anybody on this council. But I'm definitely for unity. And I don't care, like I said last time, if the mayor or the city council president, it's us as a council that has to come together and all that vindictive stuff and you're telling me you're not vindictive. I hear it all the time.

Me, too. I hear it all the time. So whoever you want to vote for, vote for who you going to vote for. But it has to stop. [music]

Got my light on.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. we finally arrived here and um I really feel bad that it took this long for us to go through this process of uh elected council president and it's unfortunate that the crossroad that we're at for now. But let me just say a little bit about Janette. You know, nobody has read it. All due respect to Councilman Boyd and everybody here, but I'm just going to read her bio on her website. Upon moving to Bridgeport over 20 years ago, council member Janette Haron became a fierce advocate for improving quality of life for residents, eliminating foods desert deserts, and increasing support for senior citizens in the city. As the community layers for the Brisbane public schools, Heron focuses on supporting parents in various capacities in her role. She is a first generation college graduate from the New York Institute of Technology with an AS in early childhood education, holds a B holds a BS in psychology from the University of Bush. Hera is current board member of the National League of Cities, Hispanic elected local officials and the color positive thought organization. Now, the only thing I got to say also in adding to that is that I have had a good working relationship with Councilwoman Herren and that is the working relationship I always strive to have with everybody no matter who they are, no matter who you are. Don't really care about what color you are. I really don't. I really don't. And one thing that makes me very sick is when the word color is injected into this conversation. Should not be even injected. Talking about people's quality and characters. The

other thing should not be injected is people's families in politics. People's families should be off limits. when somebody cross the line and start attacking people's family instead of the the the person to me that is a disgrace and it's a disgust leave the family alone so that is why I am second councilwoman Janette Herren for the president of the city council

then let's vote I make a nomine I move that the nominations be closed and we start voting

nomination and uh city clerk has the floor and she can start the vote. Thank you. Gayen Murray, Nicole Nelson,

Denise Taylor, George Cruz, Rolanda Smith, Dasha Spell, Janette Haron. She said pass. No, she voted for herself. [clears throat] Aim [laughter] a keen boy. Michelle Lions Loretta Mary McBride Lee.

Okay. Richard Ortiz, Alfredo Castillo, Frederick Hodes, Id Neves, Maria Valley, Maria Pereira, Kayla Medina, Anita Martinez, Ernest Newton. [applause]

Motion passes. Janette Haron is council president. [clears throat] Uh the clerk indicates the vote is 11 to nine. It's necessary 11 votes, a majority of the whole in order to um be elected. Congratulations, Councilwoman. Um, and I'm going to turn the floor over to you because the next item of business on is the uh appointment of a variety of positions and offices and committees and committee chairs. I assume if you needed a couple minutes, we'd give it to you, but I I'm assuming you don't need a couple minutes. Councilwoman, you have the floor.

Thank you very much. I want to thank everybody for the support. Ake, congratulations. You did a great job. Thank you. And we'll work together. We'll all work together [clears throat] in unity in this council. So, I'm going to set the positions up now. Ernest Newton, President Promp. Michelle Lions, majority leader. Richard Ortiz, deputy majority leader. George Cruz, deputy majority leader. Rolanda Smith, deputy majority leader. Kayla Medina, Sergeant-at-Arms. I'm sorry. Okay. Budget co-chair Newton Ortiz. Members Nelson, Hajes, Lions, Smith, and Ye. Ordinance Martinez, Taylor Moy. Members Valier, Maria Pereira, Cruz, Lorett, and Boyd. Public safety Lions Smith Valier member Murray Martinez Medina Castillo ECDE McBride Valier members Cruz Nelson Lions Neves and Newton miscellaneous matters nez Maria Pereira co-chair my Hajes Murray Smith and Ortiz members contracts spell Ortiz member members Medina Newton Martinez Lorett Castillo education Hajes Boyd co-chair NV member Murray Taylor Moy McBride and Maria Pereira we have okay [snorts] that's it

liaison

the leazison I have in front of me we've I've changed the leazison a little bit I've put two people on each leazison committee so if one does not make it we have another one that can attend. Chamber of Commerce Nelson Newton Fire Commission Medina Lions Harbor Commission Murray Spell Historic Commission McBride Lorett Housing Authority Taylor Cruz Library Board Valier Maria Pereira Parks Commission Castillo and Lorett Police Commission Spell Ortiz Port Authority Castillo Medina WPCA, Martinez, Hajj, Zoo Commission, Boyd, M and Murray, School Buildings Committee, Ernest Newton, Rich Ortiz, and Nelson. That completes my assignments.

Okay. So, why don't we put that in the form of a motion?

Well, you want to you I'm good. You want to make the motion? I'll make a motion to accept. Is there a second? Second. All right. So, and you'll give a copy obviously to the city clerk and then from there soon it's passed it'll be distributed to members of the city council. All right. All if you want to be opposed, let me know. I'm going to do voice votes. All in favor indicate by saying I. Any opposed? So noted. Councilman leads in opposition. The um committees are approved by the city council. The next item is the minutes. Councilman Newton brought to my attention that he thought there was some um lack of clarity on on voting on the next item. Is that right, Councilman Newton? I'll send it to you.

Council people missed that meeting. So y'all need to remember if you were here. I think Well, I'm going to see if people are comfortable voting the minutes through. Councilman Lee, you want to be heard? We got to do the minutes. Councilwoman Lee, you have the floor. Yeah. Thank you, ma'am. I had decided before anyone became president that I wasn't going to whether it was a king or whether Janette or anybody. I don't want to serve on committees this time. I'm going be doing a lot of traveling with my book and I have a job that I got to put up with. So, if she if you so kind take me off the committee, I'll appreciate it. Thank you. She said she will. She said she will.

Thank you. Bring it. And she'll make it clear on the record in the next meeting because you have to fill somebody in. So don't worry about it. You don't sound good. I know. All right. We're almost done. Now we're almost done. All right. So, uh, do you want to move ahead with the minutes? Anybody want to move the minutes? I move acceptance of the minutes. And, um, there will be some folk that will have to abstain and they know who they are. All right. Is there a second? Is there a second for the minutes? Motion's made in second. And we already made a note that if you weren't here for that meeting, you shouldn't vote on it. Uh but that's uh and I think that's probably appropriate, right? The rules. Okay. Voice vote. All in favor indicate by saying I. Any opposed? Please give me an indication or an abstension.

I was absent. Substension is noted by councilwoman and from councilmen. Anyone else? And I assume the reason is you weren't here. I was absent. Yeah. Okay. All right. There's [clears throat] a there's usually a consolidated motion to refer to the appropriate committees on the balance of the items on the agenda. Do I hear such a motion? Does anybody want to move the balance of the agenda? Oh, I make a motion for the consent calendar. The entire agenda. There's no consent calendar as far as I can see. Consolidate the referrals to committee. Is there a second? All in favor by saying I. Any oppose? Is there a motion to adjurnn? Is there a second? Oh, Councilwoman, you have the floor. Councilwoman Martinez has the floor.

Thank you, Mayor. Um, congratulations to Councilwoman Janette Heron um as as a winning and um moving forward for the next two years as our council president, but I do have a statement that I would like to make. Councilwoman, you have the floor. [snorts]

From the amount of time that I was elected to serve on this council in 2013, excuse me, I'm speaking. Thank you. Um, I have had the opportunity to fight for the housing authority here in the city of Bridgeport. I am taking back the fact that I was removed as the liaison for the housing authority here in the city of Bridgeport because if anyone has fought I have fought tremendously to the point that I even fought a month ago to keep Jillian Bowwin here so that we wouldn't have a turnaround in the city with a new um director of the housing authority so that we can continue to move this city forward. Um, I'm thankful that I was kept on the committees that I was kept on, but definitely taken back that I was removed off the housing authority as the liaison as I put in a lot of work into this housing authority as the liaison. Thank you, mayor.

Welcome. Uh, I'm going to I'm going to entertain because I did. Councilman Newton, go ahead and go ahead councilman and go. You don't have to touch it. It's on.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I will definitely articulate that Councilwoman Martinez has been a hard fighter in housing and I will uh meet with Janette to see if we can make that change so that she could be on housing because she did do a hard job and we have a lot of housing projects in our district that really need the attention and she's done a great job on that. So, I'm sure some changes can be made. Uh, Councilwoman Denise Taylor Moy through the through the microphone of Councilman Cruz.

I just want to say in in general, um, Anita reminds me of myself in the very beginning working hard for the housing authority for public housing for the residents that lived in public housing, scattered sites and also um, and with section 8. So, I know that she has done the done the work. I know that she has done the job. I have seen her in action there, you know, but I um also know that I've done the work too and I'm an action fighter as well as George is an action fighter. So, I'm just looking in in general, you know, because of my age. I'm 72 years old. Don't tell nobody. I won't. You know that if

once this get together, I would be willing to um sit back, let Nita be there. Anita um can be there because I know the job and I know she has helped me alone in these um past months since I lost my vision, you know. So, um I think that that's something that we can sit down and talk with Janette about and move forward. Okay. Thank you. Councilman Newton's indicated that's probably a very good way to handle this and uh be appropriate. There's pending a motion to uh adjourn still on the floor. I'm going to honor it at this point. All in favor indicate by saying I. Thank you. Have a good night.