BRIDGEPORT COUNCIL WANTS POWER TO RECALL MAYOR

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. --City leaders have formed a special committee to
recommend reforms in light of Bridgeport Mayor John M. Fabrizi's
confession that he used cocaine while in office.

Bridgeport City Council President Andres Ayala Jr. appointed the
committee's members Monday.

It is expected to review a provision in the city charter that could
allow for recall of the mayor, although questions remained about
whether it would conflict with state regulations.

The group will also review whether to adopt a strict city policy on
drug use, including whether it should be deemed an ethics violation
under city ordinances.

Fabrizi said he would "absolutely" consider suggestions made by the
council, but noted that "they don't set policy."

Fabrizi, a Democrat and former City Council president who took office
after former Mayor Joseph Ganim was convicted of corruption in 2003,
confessed last month to occasional cocaine use over the years.

He said it never affected his work, and that he has been drug free
for 18 months after seeking treatment.

The mayor apologized and offered to undergo drug testing. He would
not say who sold him the drugs and has said he has no plans to leave
office. Public opinion on whether he should step down has been mixed.