COUNCIL MAKING REFORMS

Power Sought to Recall Bridgeport's Mayor

BRIDGEPORT -- Two weeks after Mayor John M. Fabrizi's tearful
confession that he had used cocaine while in office, a special City
Council committee was named Monday to recommend appropriate reforms.

In naming the committee, council President Andres Ayala Jr. said the
members would "develop a plan to move forward" to address issues
raised by the mayor's drug use.

Ayala's appointments followed a caucus of Democratic members last
Thursday in which participants said no clear groundswell developed to
call for the mayor's resignation, even though some council members --
either publicly or privately -- have suggested he do so.

But regardless of their feelings on that, Ayala said there were
several points of mutual agreement, including the enactment of a
provision in the City Charter that could allow the recall of the mayor.

Other points of agreement include the possibility of adopting a strict
city policy pertaining to drug use; and making drug use an ethical
violation under city ordinances.

Council members said the wish list would not be easy to
achieve.

For example, the state does not allow a recall provision, even if the
city wishes to adopt one.

Still, Ayala said an outpouring of support for one on the local level
could resonate in state lawmakers' ears.

"If we can send a message to our Hartford legislators, then they would
hear the need for such a tool," he said.

Ayala said that right now, the only city workers subject to a
comprehensive drug policy are drivers with commercial licenses. He
said council members wanted to see if more workers could be subject to
specific standards, but cautioned that such action would entail
cooperation from unions.

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

Ayala said he also hoped Fabrizi would set forth a specific "roadmap"
to rectify his own credibility and any harm done to the city.

Reaction to Fabrizi's admission remains difficult to gauge. He was
warmly received by parade-goers at the Barnum Festival Sunday. Some
council members, such as Elaine Pivirotto, D-132, have said they have
heard many complaints from constituents. Others, such as Richard
Paoletto, D-138, have said they haven't received any.

The committee will consist of Robert P. Curwen, D-138; Amy
Vizzo-Paniccia, D-134; Angel M. DePara Jr., D-136; Johnny Dye, D-135;
Keith Rodgerson, D-133; and Michelle Lyons, D-134.

The sole GOP member of the council, Donna Curran, R-130, was also
appointed.

Ayala set no specific timetable for the committee to finish.