Bill Finch for Mayor

Malloy sings Finch’s praises at fund-raiser

Dorry Clay — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:48:50 +0000

Malloy sings Finch’s praises at fund-raiser

Ken Dixon, Staff Writer
Published 10:55 p.m., Monday, October 24, 2011
http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Malloy-sings-Finch-s-praises-at-fund-raiser-2234543.php#ixzz1bndW88Ru

BRIDGEPORT — Mayor Bill Finch is turning around Connecticut’s largest city and deserves a second four-year term, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy told some high-rolling Democrats Monday night.

Malloy, the former 14-year Stamford mayor, told about 100 people at a $500-a-head cocktail party that Finch is making good progress and has earned another four years.

“I’m very happy to do everything in my power to make sure that a good strong Democratic mayor is re-elected in this great Democratic city with the prospect of moving this community forward,” Malloy said in the crowded foyer of a home in the city’s Brooklawn neighborhood. “With a new superintendent here, with a new commissioner of education on the state level, I think we can do some amazing things.

“I want to be very clear that I think Bill Finch is good for Bridgeport; that he has the vision necessary; has the capability of assembling a team necessary,” Malloy said. “And now that he has a Democratic governor to work with as well as a Democratic Legislature that we can actually get Bridgeport moving again, pulling in the same direction; an eye on the prize when it comes to improving education, improving the quality of life and bringing jobs back to Bridgeport.”

Finch said any competition there may have been between Bridgeport and Stamford was probably a reflection of Malloy’s success there.

“I think that we have to confess that many of the times when Bridgeport and Stamford sort of looked at each other in the eye, it is because we were jealous of the good things you did in Stamford,” Finch said. “The governor is known around the world, literally, through the U.S. Conference of Mayors for his work and what he did in Stamford.”

Finch said it was Malloy’s administration that finalized the deal for Bridgeport to acquire part of Trumbull for a new regional high school that will accept 1,000 Bridgeport students.

“It’s the Malloy administration that has said that the children should come first; that the children and the new school should be what Bridgeport gets; and that the labor-union jobs that we are delivering that are so critically important to our economy should be started,” Finch said.

“I don’t want anyone to forget it,” he said. “And we’re going to do what we can to make sure that we turn this city around and it’s going to be because of all of you in this room helping us.”

The governor’s appearance was his first fundraising visit of the local election season for Finch. Malloy did not endorse candidates in the recent Democratic mayoral primaries in Bridgeport and New Haven.

“I guess he endorsed in some races and didn’t in others, but I didn’t really pursue it,” Finch said in an interview shortly after his arrival at the fundraiser hosted by John F. Stafstrom Jr., a formerDemocratic Town Committee chairman.

The event featured a business-suited crowd and servers circulating hors d’oeuvres from Woods End Delicatessen & Catering.

Last year, Finch, Town Chairman Maria Testa and the city’s delegation endorsed Greenwich businessman Ned Lamont’s unsuccessful bid for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.

“The day after a primary we put all that to bed and start on the next thing,” Finch said. “We worked extremely hard to get Gov. Malloy elected in the general election and we’re really proud of him.”

In November, Bridgeport held up the results of the general election, keeping Malloy guessing for days on the margin of victory over Republican Tom Foley, after voting officials failed to order enough ballots for the computerized optical scanners.

About $50,000 was collected Monday from the guests, including business executives, ranking party leaders, lobbyists and political veterans including U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who bemoaned the fact that out of 100 in the Senate, he ranks 97th in seniority.

Finch for Mayor Adds Three More Union Endorsements

Dorry Clay — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:13:48 +0000

Finch for Mayor Adds Three More Union Endorsements

BRIDGEPORT, CT (September 22, 2011)

Iron Workers Union Local 424, Sheet Metal Workers International Association (SMWIA) Local 40 and the United Union Of Roofers, Waterproofers And Allied Workers Local 12 each announced their endorsement of Mayor Bill Finch in his bid for reelection.

“I am very proud to have the endorsement of these three unions,” said Mayor Finch. “We’re rebuilding Bridgeport, and union laborers have played a significant role and will continue to do so in the next four years.”

About the Iron Workers International Union: The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (IABSO&RIW) was founded in 1896 in Pittsburgh, Penn. They now represent more than 125,000 Ironworkers throughout the United States and Canada. The IABSO&RIW’s mission is to improve the working conditions of its members while promoting constructive relationships with their employers to increase work opportunities.

The Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association (SMWIA) serves to protect and raise the living standards of over 150,000 skilled men and women employed throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. We work in the construction, manufacturing, service, railroad and shipyard industries. The SMWIA strives to establish and maintain desirable working conditions for its members through their employers. Doing so provides them that measure of comfort, happiness, and security to which every member is entitled to in return for his or her highly trained and skilled labor.

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. NRCA’s mission is to inform and assist the roofing industry, act as its principal advocate and help members in serving their customers. NRCA continually strives to enhance every aspect of the roofing industry. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit www.nrca.net.

Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association, Bridgeport Fire Fighters Association Local 834 Vote to Endorse Finch for Mayor

Dorry Clay — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:11:35 +0000

Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association, Bridgeport Fire Fighters Association Local 834 Vote to Endorse Finch for Mayor

BRIDGEPORT, CT (September 21, 2011)

The Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association (UPFFA) and Bridgeport Fire Fighters Association Local 834 voted to endorse Mayor Bill Finch in his bid for reelection.

Representatives of the state and local firefighters union will announce their endorsement with Mayor Finch in front of the City’s Wood Avenue Fire Station, 233 Wood Avenue, Thursday, Sept. 22 at 10 a.m.

AFSCME Local 1522 and AFSCME Council 4 Endorses Finch for Mayor

Dorry Clay — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:00:18 +0000

AFSCME Local 1522 and AFSCME Council 4 Endorses Finch for Mayor

BRIDGEPORT, CT (September 19, 2011)

The American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) today endorsed Mayor Bill Finch for four more years as mayor of Bridgeport.

“Mayor Finch has made the tough decisions necessary to preserve jobs in Bridgeport,” said Anna Montalvo, President, AFSCME Local 1522. “AFSCME members appreciate the leadership demonstrated by Mayor Finch in the toughest of economic times. We endorse Mayor Finch’s run for reelection and are very optimistic about the next four years in Bridgeport.”

“I am very proud and thankful to accept the endorsement from AFSCME,” said Mayor Finch. “These public servants have proven their commitment to the future of the City of Bridgeport by shouldering a larger share of their health care cost premiums to help save jobs and save the taxpayers significant amounts of money.”

Attorney General George Jepsen Endorses Finch for Mayor

Dorry Clay — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:34:49 +0000

Attorney General George Jepsen Endorses Finch for Mayor

BRIDGEPORT, CT (September 21, 2011)

State Attorney General George Jepsen today endorsed Mayor Finch’s reelection effort citing the Mayor’s strong record on fiscal responsibility and progress in economic development as his reasons for support.

“I’ve known Mayor Finch for many years, and I am impressed by what he has accomplished in his first term. He has managed to keep the City moving forward, even in difficult economic times, by exercising fiscal restraint and using his experience as a state legislator to help free up funds to allow development projects to move forward,” said Jepsen. “I know his experience will be an important plus in moving the City forward during the next four years.”

“I’m very pleased to accept the Attorney General’s endorsement. We share similar viewpoints on gun control and protecting the environment. I know I can count on the Attorney General to assist me in continuing to keep the City on its current positive trajectory.”

A former legislator, state Senate majority leader and Democratic state party chairman, Jepsen was a practicing lawyer for more than 26 years before becoming Attorney General in 2010.

Carpenters Local Union Local 210 Endorses Finch for Mayor

Dorry Clay — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:32:03 +0000

Carpenters Local Union Local 210 Endorses Finch for Mayor

BRIDGEPORT, CT (September 20, 2011)

Carpenters Local Union Local 210 today endorsed Mayor Bill Finch for his reelection as Mayor of Bridgeport.

“Mayor Finch has a proven commitment to union labor,” said John Cunningham, President, Carpenters Union Local 210. “Our members endorse Mayor Finch and are excited to continue working with the City of Bridgeport during its revitalization.”

“I am very proud and thankful to accept the endorsement from Carpenters Local 210,” said Mayor Finch. “During the last four years, we’ve worked together to rebuild Bridgeport and I thank our local Carpenters for their role in helping move our City forward.”

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Endorses Finch for Mayor

Dorry Clay — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:25:15 +0000

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Endorses Finch for Mayor

BRIDGEPORT, CT (September 19, 2011)

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Second District today endorsed the reelection of Mayor Bill Finch.

“Mayor Finch’s guidance, leadership and ability to make the tough decisions have ushered the City of Bridgeport through one of the worst economies we have ever seen” said Frank Carroll, International Vice President, IBEW second district. “We are proud to endorse Mayor Finch for four more years of moving Bridgeport forward. He believes in good construction jobs for labor unions and will continue to work hard to help create opportunities for our members in his next term.”

“The endorsement of IBEW means a great deal to me,” said Mayor Finch. “IBEW has a proven commitment to Bridgeport. I’m proud to work with Bridgeport native Frank Carroll and all of his members. I’m looking forward to four more years of a successful and valuable partnership between the City and IBEW.”

City Council Members and Candidates Endorse Finch for Mayor

Dorry Clay — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:18:26 +0000

City Council Members and Candidates Endorse Finch for Mayor

BRIDGEPORT, CT

(September 15, 2011)

City Council members and candidates today endorsed Mayor Finch for reelection citing his work on stabilizing city finances and economic development as positives for the City.

“Despite having to deal with one of the worst economies our country has faced in decades, Mayor Finch has done an excellent job of holding taxes down, lowering city spending for the last three years in a row, while maintaining and improving delivery of city services. Our schools are being rebuilt, our downtown is being revitalized and waterfront access expanded for the enjoyment of all of our city residents. He deserves enormous credit for the work that he has accomplished,” said City Council President Thomas McCarthy, (D-133).

“I am extremely pleased and proud to accept this endorsement from our City Council members. During my four years in office, we have all worked together to propel the City forward and position it for increased economic development in the coming years. I look forward to continuing our work on behalf of the citizens of Bridgeport during the next four years,” said Mayor Finch.

Signing on to the endorsement are:

Susan Brannelly and Martin McCarthy, D-130
Denese Taylor-Moye, D-131, and her running mate Leticia Colon
M. Evette Brantley, D-132 and her running mate, the Rev. John Olson
Thomas C. McCarthy and Howard Austin, D-133
Michele Lyons and AmyMarie Vizzo-Paniccia, D-134
Warren Blunt and Richard K. Bonney, D-135
Angel M. dePara Jr, D-136
Manuel Ayala and Lydia N. Martinez, D-137
Robert P. Curwen Sr. and Richard M. Paoletto Jr., D-138
James Holloway, D-139

The entire City Council is up for election every two years.

The Connecticut Laborers’ District Council Endorses Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch for Re-Election

Dorry Clay — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 23:56:59 +0000

The Connecticut Laborers’ District Council Endorses Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch for Re-Election

Hartford, CT (September 16, 2011)

The Connecticut Laborers’ District Council announced today that it has officially endorsed current Bridgeport, CT Mayor Bill Finch for re-election in November 2011.

“During Bill Finch’s tenure so far as mayor, he has led the program to open five new public schools. Overall, Bill understands what the challenges are as mayor of Connecticut’s largest city and has made significant progress in creating new economic development opportunities by revitalizing downtown areas with new business and residential complexes,” explained Charles LeConche, business manager, Connecticut Laborers’ proudly endorse Mayor Bill Finch for his re-election this fall 2011. After all, he’s proven already that he’s a true leader and friend to all hard-working families in Connecticut.”

The Connecticut Laborers’ District Council represents approximately 7,500 members employed in the construction industry, public sector and other building and trade fields throughout the state. The Laborers’ International Union of North America, founded in 1903 largely by immigrant workers, includes more than 800,000 members who work in construction and hazardous materials remediation, as well as in healthcare, the U.S. Postal Service and other public service sectors o

United Food and Commercial Workers Union Endorses Finch for Mayor

Dorry Clay — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 23:36:04 +0000

United Food and Commercial Workers Union Endorses Finch for Mayor

BRIDGEPORT, CT (September 13, 2011)

The statewide United Food and Commercial Workers Union today endorsed Mayor Bill Finch for reelection.

“During his first four years in office, Mayor Finch has demonstrated the leadership necessary to move Bridgeport forward,” said Thomas Wilkinson, President, Local 371, UFCW. “We appreciate Mayor Finch’s pro-union support and we know he understands the value of union labor. We fully endorse Mayor Finch in his re-election bid.” Wilkinson also is president of the Fairfield County Labor Council, AFL-CIO.

“I am proud to have the endorsement of UFCW,” said Mayor Finch. “When I ran for Mayor in 2007, I made it a priority to support the work of our unions. I look forward to four more years of working with the UFCW, in our efforts to revitalize our City.”