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Scott
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Rowan
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Pete
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Christina
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Question 1: What do you believe is the most important problem facing Bridgeport today and what, specifically, do you intend to do to address it if elected?
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Scott Burns (D)Bridgeport's greatest challenge lies in maximizing its long term economic development. We know the city has major long term structural debt issues and a post-industrial past to overcome. But we also know that the city is taking positive steps. We are beginning to reconnect with our coastal assets through the Waterfront Bridgeport initiative and must support that effort. To ensure a vibrant future for Bridgeport, we need to continue to constrain our discretionary budget and take on long term debt restructuring steps. We also need to ensure that developers know that we want their business through an aggressive economic development office. Finally, we need to invest in the local workforce through stronger schools and targeted educational initiatives as well as in the infrastructure necessary for business, residents, and visitors to make downtown Bridgeport and all its districts strong and vibrant for decades to come. |
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Rowan Kane (D)The most important problem facing Bridgeport is also our biggest opportunity to succeed; a lack of economic opportunity and an underdeveloped tax base. By creating more space and opportunity for entrepreneurs and companies to move to and thrive in Bridgeport, we will create well-paying jobs for our citizens. I would call for an increased commitment to recruiting new businesses to Bridgeport and proactively seek out the advice of existing businesses to see what they need to grow and succeed. The resulting development of our tax base will lighten the enormous burden that has been put on our city’s property owners. But Bridgeport does not exist in a vacuum and our growth, or lack thereof, impacts surrounding communities and our state. I would go beyond working within our city limits and stress to surrounding communities and leaders that our city’s success will only improve the area’s economy. |
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Pete Spain (D)Our city’s finances. Truth in Accounting reported last fall that Bridgeport has $1.7 billion in unfunded liabilities. Last year’s 29% mill rate increase – the largest in the history of Bridgeport -- has harmed our property values and made Bridgeport a less attractive place to live and own a business. City leaders must advance a credible plan to expand the tax base, restructure its retirement obligations, and reduce relative tax burdens over time. While pushing for a 5-year plan, I’d work with my fellow City Council members to pass a resolution to establish a financial task force. The scope of work should include assessing and reporting on financial and competitiveness issues, based on both Bridgeport data and relevant benchmarking statistics relating to other Connecticut cities and towns. |
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Christina Smith (D)I believe the most important problem facing Bridgeport today is the lack of a strong economic base to support the city's needs overall. The city's fiscal challenges, e.g. high tax rate, underfunded pension liabilities, and an education budget shortfall, to name a few, are hindering the city’s progress. If elected, I intend to understand in detail where our city funds are spent and how our spending compares to other municipalities, and then do my best to find and then recommend ways that spending can be reduced and revenues increased. I believe that determining the appropriate actions to take will result from first understanding the root causes of the city's financial issues. |
Question 2: How do you plan to keep your constituents informed about your actions as a City Council member?
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Scott Burns (D)Communicating with constituents, hearing their concerns and keeping them informed is a key role for City Council. I’m committed to creating a two-way dialog with residents and business owners in the 130th District, making myself accessible through e-mail, phone, in person meetings and social media, and by conducting quarterly community forums in which we can discuss concerns, share progress and collectively brainstorm additional solutions. Moreover, I hear from a variety of constituents through regular meetings with the Black Rock NRZ, PT Partners, BRBC, and the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce. |
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Rowan Kane (D)I hope to hold quarterly forums, communicate regularly via email and Facebook, and be proactive about calling and meeting with community leaders, organizers and activists around the district and city to be as informed as possible. Before council and committee meetings, I plan on distributing agendas as well as any questions, concerns or commentary I have on the pending subjects. A well-informed and engaged constituency is vital to any city government and I will also work to place qualified individuals on the city’s boards and commissions, as these are a vital and currently undermanned part of city government. |
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Pete Spain (D)We’ll work to stay connected with you and to keep you informed. Here’s how:
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Christina Smith (D)As a City Council member, I plan to contribute to and distribute a regular newsletter and host regular meetings where information about my actions is shared with constituents. I would highlight information as it pertains to matters brought forth to city council, how matters were decided and voted on, and how stipend funds were used. |