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Jeanette
​Herron

​Democratic  Party 

My name is Jeanette Herron, I am  mother of two grown children. I have two beautiful grand children which I adore. I have lived in Ct for over 20 years and am proud to live here. I work for the BPT Board of education and a paraprofessional.

My experience in politics is as follows, I have been involved in Bridgeport for many years. I became a member of the Citizens Union and held a co chair position for 10. The group is appointed by the council members per district. This is one step in distributing Hud funds.

I currently hold a Co Chair position on the Contracts committee . I am a member of the Nation league of Cities, where I hold a seat on the Community and Economic Development committee. I am a member of H.E.L.O, Hispanic elected local officials. I am a member of WIMG. Women in Municipal Government. All of this gives me on going knowledge to perform my council duties better. 

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Michael
​DeFilippo

​Democratic  Party 

​Michael proudly hails from this city, loves this city, and believes in this city.  Knowing how great Bridgeport was and believing in how great it could be, he plans to use his business accolades, to bring new business to Bridgeport which will help to get ahold of taxes and he plans to implement fiscal responsibility and accountability.
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Bob
​Keeley

​Democratic  Party 

​Education-
 - Sacred Heart University-B.A. Secondary Education, History, Sociology
 - Saint Louis University-M.A.-Urban Planning
 - Sacred Heart University-Completed 27 credits and finished requirements for the 092 Administrative Graduate Certificate program at the Farrington School of Education.
 - New York University-Ph.D program-completed 24 credits in the Graduate Sociology/Criminal Justice Program-Washington Square Campus.
 
Studies/Publications-
 - ”Reducing Structural Unemployment among Puerto Ricans-Associate Investigator”
 - ”The Development of a Hispanic Ministry in Bridgeport Connecticut-Principal Investigator”

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​Anne Pappas 
Philips

​Democratic  Party 

I attended Vassar College, received degrees from Western Connecticut State University - A.S., Manhattanville College - B.A., and my law degree from (University of Bridgeport Law School) Quinnipiac University School of Law - J.D.  I also hold a Certificate in Mediation & Arbitration from Quinnipiac.

I sit on Bridgeport's Inland Wetland & Watercourses Commission, Planning & Zoning Commission.  I chaired the Greater Bridgeport Regional Planning Agency, Bridgeport Arts & Cultural Commission, & am V-P  of Bridgeport Hospital Auxiliary, Executive Board.  I have also served on several other volunteer organizations, i.e. Barnum Festival etc.

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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Jeanette Herron (D)
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I believe the most important problems today facing Bridgeport today are Education is one of the priorities. I feel one problem is that the City and Board of Education are separated . That means we as a City have no control of funds given. I believe we have to work better together for the children. I also believe that as an elected official I will continue to work with our representatives in Hartford. The next issue is the taxes in our city, I believe with development we can start to correct the problem . This city has not had major development in such a long time, I am looking forward to the changes.
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Michael DeFilippo (D)
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Bridgeport has many problems facing it today. It all starts at the top with taxes. Taxes in Bridgeport are too high and out of control. Bridgeport needs to get ahold of them, starting with creating a friendly business component. Businesses need help and need to be welcome here with open arms. From corporations to small businesses, they need resources to help succeed. By adding to our grand list, it will lower taxes, in turn bringing in new homeowners and investors. Having a control on the budget will allow for more policing, adding to safer neighborhoods, a changing of Bridgeport’s image to outsiders, and a sense of optimism for getting the ball rolling for Bridgeport’s future.
 

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Bob Keeley (D)
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Bridgeport’s Mill Rate, at 54.2 is much higher than it should be. In order for Bridgeport to be competitive, we need to lower the current mill rate.
I intend to make Bridgeport more business friendly by advocating for true professionals to be hired in key city positions. I do not support the hiring of unqualified development personnel based on an archaic patronage system. I interact with businesses regularly and constantly hear how they do not have their needs met by city personnel. The complicated planning and zoning processes are too cumbersome which further pushes prospective businesses away. I will advocate for professionalizing Bridgeport’s Planning and Zoning processes and simplify city procurement regulations in order to attract new businesses.

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Philips
​Anne Pappas (D)

Like Bob, I also believe the economic atmosphere in Bridgeport is not conducive to attracting new business.  Its high mil rate deters even simple economic movement from coming into the City & thereby contributing to the commercial tax base.  Increasing commercial tax revenues as well as performing an in-depth examination of the City's obligations & expenditures to identify appropriate spending cuts would allow an intelligent, informed decision as to what items should be omitted or reduced while keeping the necessary budgetary expenses.
A second issue, which, to my mind,is just as critical, is governmental transparency.  Calling for budgetary public hearings before setting and passing a budget will inform the the citizenry and allow them to participate in this crucial process.

Question 2: How do you plan to keep your constituents informed about your actions as a City Council member?

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Jeanette Herron  (D)

Currently i have begun an email chain for constituents that have attended meeting that we have every few months. I also use social media .  This list is growing every time I meet a new constituent . ​

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Michael DeFilippo (D)

Each city council member is given a $9,000.00 stipend. I plan to use this stipend to create a quarterly newsletter stating what issues we have discussed and voted on. Additionally, it will include what we have coming up as a district and a city. It’s important to keep our constituents “in the know” because without you, there is no us.

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Bob Keeley (D)

I intend to implement “Project North” a citizen led advocacy group, which will meet with municipal leaders regularly to discuss neighborhood issues such as burglaries, crimes, drug dealing and vandalism to mention a few topics of concern. Our meetings will be held in convenient locations around the North End of Bridgeport. The North End will start receiving more police protection immediately upon my election to the city council!         

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Philips
​Anne Pappas (D)

As  well as instituting Project North, a quarterly newsletter will keep people informed about various plans, problems and issues affecting them and the City as a whole.  Informal get-togethers will improve communication among neighbors with the Police, Fire and other relevant City departments participating in them.  My phone number is available for contact for any questions,or other information.