LET'S NOT RUSH TO JUDGMENT ON FABRIZI ACTIONS

Monday's unsettling admission by Bridgeport Mayor John M. Fabrizi
that he has a history of cocaine and alcohol abuse, even during part
of his tenure as mayor, adds to the tragedy Bridgeport has suffered
in recent years.

It's tragic that Fabrizi's confession of his drug use comes at a time
when Bridgeport is beginning to move out from under the cloud of
corruption brought on by the Ganim administration.

It's tragic that the chief executive of the state's largest city -- a
person who should be a role model for young and old alike -- utilized
such utterly poor judgment while in office, engaging in behavior that
will now lead to questions about the honesty and integrity of every
move he's made and will make as mayor.

And it's tragic that Fabrizi and his family must endure such hurt and
humiliation.

Fortunately, the mayor made the correct decision over a year ago to
stop using cocaine and seek professional help to end his drug and
alcohol abuse. He must continue with this professional help to cope
with his problems and become whole once again.

It's also commendable that the mayor made the move -- although
belatedly -- to come forward and publicly disclose his problems and
offer a detailed accounting of his behavior. It's human nature that
when we fail we do not always want to admit such. It's an
understatement to say the mayor's behavior has been a great
disappointment, especially in the context of what Bridgeport has been
through in the early years of this decade.

In the wake of the Ganim corruption scandal, Fabrizi's mayoralty
brought new energy and hope to a beleaguered City Hall and to a
populace yearning for its city to be blessed by an economic
renaissance and a bright future.

The Connecticut Post, which supported Fabrizi in his political
battles to become mayor, does not condone his illegal behavior. We do
support him in his attempt to rectify and set right his life.

At this point, the Connecticut Post is not prepared to call for the
mayor's resignation.

During the coming weeks, the Fabrizi situation will play out in the
court of public opinion as people consider what has occurred and what
the ramifications are. Ultimately, city voters will determine
Fabrizi's political fate if he continues in office.

Perhaps events could also be influenced by happens in the federal or
state courts.

Most important, federal law enforcement officials haven't concluded
their probe of Bridgeport and they have signaled they do not intend
to leave town any time soon. They are keeping a watchful eye on City
Hall, and no one really can predict what's to come.

The mayor can help federal officials by fully cooperating with them
on any facet of their investigations, whether it's looking into
regional drug rings or City Hall corruption.

And, of course, he must continue to be forthcoming, under what will
be persistent questioning, about his past actions.

In addition, Fabrizi has offered to take periodic drug tests if
anyone doubts he has stopped using cocaine. That's commendable.

Certainly, everyone's trust and credibility in the mayor has been
shaken by these revelations.

But it's also a fact that Fabrizi has worked overtime -- to the
detriment of his personal health and family life -- to return
Bridgeport to greatness. During the last year, the city has made
giant leaps in attracting developers and re-creating itself.

Of course, political opponents are already calling for the mayor's
head, while partisan supporters have rushed to defend him.

We urge a more measured approach, without rashness, that allows time
and public consensus to determine the mayor's future.