MAYOR MUST GO, HAVING ADMITTED ABUSING COCAINE

Our Vview

Bridgeport Mayor John M. Fabrizi has but one option, having admitted
to abusing cocaine: He must resign. An FBI document reveals an
alleged drug dealer claims to have a videotape of the mayor using cocaine.

Democrat Fabrizi Tuesday said he had not used drugs in 18 months,
although he had "used cocaine occasionally" over the years. He said,
"I thought that these were personal, private matters to me and my family."

No, these are not "personal, private matters." Cocaine abuse is a
felony and the mayor has admitted to repeated occasions -- felonies
- -- of abusing cocaine.

Should Bridgeport residents feel better that it has been 18 months
since the mayor committed a felony?

This is the third recent episode involving criminal activity on the
part of Bridgeport high officials. In May, state Sen. Ernest Newton
went to prison for accepting bribes. Three years ago, Mayor Joseph
Ganim was convicted of corruption and sent to jail.

Fabrizi was the City Council president who succeeded Ganim.

The people of Bridgeport deserve better.

Bridgeport, like other communities, has programs aimed at drug
prevention -- especially among children. How does the city square
those programs with a mayor who admits drug abuse?

And how does the white, middle-class Fabrizi continue in office when
poor, black and Latino cocaine abusers not only lose their jobs, but
go to prison?

The legal ramifications have not played out, but admitted cocaine
abuser Fabrizi can do his city a final distinguished service as its
mayor: He can resign.