PREPARED TEXT OF REMARKS BY BRIDGEPORT MAYOR JOHN FABRIZI

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- The following is the prepared text of remarks
made Tuesday morning by Bridgeport Mayor John Fabrizi, who admitted
Tuesday that he used cocaine while he was mayor:

Good morning. In a perfect world, I would have had an opportunity to
address you yesterday, before today's news hit the paper. I am your
mayor and I believe you should have heard this from me first. I'm
sorry that the timing worked out this way and I appreciate you all
coming today to hear what I have to say.

I wish to make a statement to my family, my friends, and the people
of Bridgeport.

Over the course of a number of years, I 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.

I believe the steps that I have taken are the correct ones for me
personally and for my family. I am pleased to tell you that I have
not used drugs in the last 18 months. 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.

Separately, it became clear to me that I needed to stop drinking
entirely. Approximately four months ago, I did that.

I thought that these were personal and private matters, that I could
deal with these 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 city of Bridgeport for my actions.

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.

I am appalled by some of my recent statements and the lengths to
which I was willing to go to keep this issue private. Having put this
painful episode behind me well over a year ago, I hope you can
understand why I foolishly wanted to distance myself from this
nightmare. I realize now that by trying to protect my family, I only
compounded things by not being open with them or with you. I know
this was a terrible mistake.

Being mayor of Bridgeport has been the highest honor that I could
ever receive. 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.

I have put my heart and soul into moving Bridgeport forward these
last three years. I ask for your understanding and I ask for your
forgiveness so that I may continue working on your behalf over the
months and years ahead.

Thank you.