NEGATIVE TEST RESULT A POSITIVE FOR CITY

Last week's surprise random drug test of Bridgeport Mayor John M.
Fabrizi by a laboratory selected by the Connecticut Post brought
negative results for use of cocaine and four other types of drugs. The
results should help ease citizen concerns that the mayor is still
using drugs.

The Post decided to take up the mayor on his challenge that he would
take a drug test "anytime, anyplace, anywhere" as one more logical
piece of the debate that has swirled like a tornado around
Bridgeport's chief elected official since he confessed to the Post
editorial board on June 19 to having used cocaine prior to and after
becoming mayor in 2003.

The testing was completed before the mayor disclosed to the Post that
it was the second time since June 19 that he's been tested, the first
test being done as part of the city of Bridgeport's random testing
program on at-risk city employees.

Negative results from both tests must bring reassurances to city
residents and taxpayers, whether or not they agree that the mayor
should remain in office.

Politically, unless there are intervening events, John M. Fabrizi's
City Hall career will most likely be in the hands of city voters in
2007, since the mayor has repeatedly indicated he won't resign.

Personally, the results show that the mayor is remaining true to his
pledge that he is determined to fight his drug and alcohol addictions
and overcome them.

The Bridgeport City Council, meanwhile, as outlined in an essay in
Sunday's Commentary section of the Post, is moving ahead to overhaul
the city's drug and alcohol policies for its employees, to tighten up
the city ethics code and to explore possible charter revisions that
could even include a recall provision if required General Assembly
approval can be gained.

Based on past history, the recall effort in the Assembly will be an
uphill challenge. However, the council's other proposed changes can
only lead to a stronger Bridgeport government.