A PLEA FOR FORGIVENESS

Fabrizi Admits To City Use Of Cocaine In Past

BRIDGEPORT -- Mayor John M. Fabrizi, greeted by a standing ovation
punctuated by boos, admitted to a mass meeting of city employees
Tuesday that he used cocaine in the past.

"I am sorry if I have, in any way, hurt the dignity of this office. I
will do everything I can to regain the respect and support of the
people of this city," Fabrizi said during an emotional address to
hundreds in City Hall's council chambers.

The address, during which Fabrizi choked up several times, was
delivered to a meeting called by the mayor a day after he revealed
his illegal drug use and drinking problems in an interview with the
Connecticut Post editorial board.

"Over the course of a number of years, I abused alcohol and used
cocaine occasionally," Fabrizi said in remarks covered by radio and
television stations across the state.

During the Monday interview with the Connecticut Post editorial
board, Fabrizi said he quit using cocaine at the end of 2004 and
stopped drinking alcohol this year.

More than 200 municipal employees who listened to his remarks
responded supportively with applause, although boos could also be heard.

Jill Bruno, one of the city workers on hand to hear the mayor, said
she was impressed with Fabrizi's candor.

"It was absolutely genuine. What he did was amazing. I don't know any
politicians that would pour their heart out for the press," Bruno said.

She said she supports the mayor and understands what he is going
through because she has relatives with addiction problems.

On the other hand, Ronald Morales, a veteran firefighter and frequent
opponent of the mayor, was not impressed.

"I question his decisions to close fire stations and have his people
promoted. I question his ability to name a fire chief. Our concern is
public safety. What was his state of mind when he made decisions?"
Morales said.

Wanda Harris, a Bridgeport mother who does not work for the city,
said she is incensed over Fabrizi's admission because the mayor was
involved in a DARE class her daughter Advertisementtook two years
ago. DARE programs teach young people to resist using drugs and alcohol.

"How can you sit there and preach to kids? People in politics have to
set a better example. How can you give out awards when this is what
you do?" Harris asked.

As Fabrizi began his speech, with his wife, Mary, at his side, the
assembled employees rose to their feet and applauded.

He began with an admission that he "abused alcohol and used cocaine
occasionally.

"About a year and a half ago, I recognized that I had a drug problem
and sought professional help to address the issue. It has been a
difficult road, but it was one I knew I had to take," the mayor said.

"I'm pleased to tell you I have not used drugs in the last 18
months," Fabrizi said to more applause.

"I have put this personal struggle behind me, and it has never
affected my job performance. The tremendous progress Bridgeport has
made in the last three years is a testament to that. My record speaks
for itself," he said.

"I thought these were personal, private matters and that I could deal
with those problems alone. I now recognize my actions affect many
others and I want to apologize to my family, my friends and the
people of the great city of Bridgeport for my actions," Fabrizi said,
choking on the words.

"Those are actions I cannot change because they are in the past. All
I can do is use my office to the benefit of others in making them
aware that even people in my position can become victims of drugs and
alcohol," Fabrizi said.

"I ask for your understanding and your forgiveness so that I may
continue working on your behalf over the months and years ahead," the
mayor said.