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“As we protect kids and families across Bridgeport every single day, it’s critical that we have a leader in the mayor’s office that we can trust to do what’s best for everyone,” Firefighters Union President Dave Dobbs said in a statement released Thursday morning. “Mayor Finch is a leader we know is always on our side.”
Dobbs, in giving the membership’s rationale for supporting Finch, referenced their work together to install tens of thousands of smoke alarms across the city, as well as the mayor’s efforts to make the city a better place to live, work, and play.
The Bridgeport Fire Department IAFF Local 834 has 270 members.
“I’m honored and humbled by the support of Bridgeport firefighters,” said Finch, who held a campaign kick-off event at Captain's Cove on Wednesday. “Together, through selfless leadership and hard work, we’re truly building a city that works for everyone. Thanks to Bridgeport Firefighters for helping Bridgeport get better every day.”
Finch and Ganim — both Democrats — face competition from members of their own party in getting the nomination. Bridgeport Bluefish co-founder Mary-Jane Foster, school board member Howard Gardner and Charles Coviello are also vying for the top post in Connecticut’s largest city.
Ganim, who was convicted on several felony charges and served seven years in federal prison, recently announced the dual opening of a police substation and campaign office near the site of Trumbull Gardens, the scene of two shootings in the past month.
The mayor’s office responded to Ganim’s announcement in a statement Wednesday hailing the opening of a police substation — one they say has been in the works for a year.
“On Reservoir Avenue, a private citizen has opened a political campaign office that he claims will double as a police substation,” the statement said. “No private citizen or candidate for electoral office, however, can legally open a police facility.”
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