DRUG USE SHOCKER SADDENS, DISTURBS

Concerns For City, Mayor's Fate Raised

Reaction to Mayor John M. Fabrizi's revelation he used cocaine while
in office ranged from shock to sympathy as officials weighed in
Monday on the latest scandal to rock the city's political establishment.

U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays, R-4, said Fabrizi must level with
residents if he is to survive the controversy.

"He should not be vague. He needs to be very clear on what he has
done. I encouraged him not to leave anything out," Shays said.

"I really like him. He is a very engaging person, and he is trying to
do good things for the city. He is asking the people of Bridgeport to
allow him to continue doing his job," Shays said.

Shays' comments came after Fabrizi gave a tearful interview to the
Connecticut Post editorial board in which he admitted using cocaine
while serving as the city's chief elected official but maintained he
quit well over a year ago. "He is asking people to forgive not only
drug use, but the fact that he broke the law," Shays said. "It's a
little different than asking people to forgive you because you are an
alcoholic. It's an issue of trust and confidence."

Rick Torres, chairman of the city's Republican Town Committee and a
former mayoral candidate, renewed his call for Fabrizi to resign.

"I'm not trying to take advantage," Torres said. "I'm interested in
what's best for the city. What image are we offering the children? We
have a mayor in jail and an admitted coke user in office." Paul
Timpanelli, president of Bridgeport Regional Business Council, said
he's pleased Fabrizi confessed, but disappointed he used drugs while in office.

"Are we disappointed and upset over his behavior? Absolutely. Should
he be punished? Absolutely. People will think differently of him. I
still like him. It's a very disappointed business community. Mayors
are supposed to set an example," Timpanelli said.

Board of Education President Auden C. Grogins called Fabrizi's
confession a "sad day" for the city.

"I hope he gets whatever help he needs to completely resolve this
problem," she said.

Her board colleague and fellow attorney, Maximino Medina Jr., struck
the same stance.

"Obviously, this is a tragedy for the mayor, his family and our city.
I urge the mayor to obtain whatever professional assistance he needs
to get healthy and stay healthy because he is a father and husband
before anything else.

"I pray he will be successful in this challenge."

Robert Francis, executive director of Regional Youth/Adult Substance
Abuse Project, Advertisementsaid every person copes with addiction differently.

"I pray he's beaten it," said Francis, adding he likes the mayor.

"People who love and support Fabrizi should urge him to seek
treatment and step down as mayor," said state Rep. Christopher
Caruso, D-Bridgeport. Caruso is Fabrizi's likely challenger to seek
the Democratic mayoral nomination, should the mayor seek re-election next year.

"The fact remains Fabrizi has compromised his office as mayor by his
involvement with the drug underworld, which has ripped our kids and
community apart," Caruso said. "How do we know he didn't run
interference with the Police Department on behalf of the drug dealers?"

While Fabrizi presided over a City Council meeting Monday, council
members learned of his confession earlier in the day. Without going
into specifics, Fabrizi said he would address the matter in a meeting
with city employees at 10 a.m. today in the City Hall council chamber.

"Fabrizi has got to take a good, hard look at himself and the future
implications of this story," said Councilman Robert S. Walsh, D-132.
"If there's more twists and turns to it, he'll have to step aside."

Walsh said he wondered whether Fabrizi also used cocaine while he was
a teacher, principal and administrator in the city schools before he was mayor.

Another councilman, Angel M. dePara Jr., D-136, said he was "saddened
and disturbed" by the mayor's confession, because it comes at a time
when development plans Fabrizi has been working on for the city are
coming to fruition.

"We should hold ourselves as public officials to a higher standard
because we have been chosen to lead," dePara said. "I can't help but
feel bad. I'll keep the mayor and his family in my prayers."

Taking an overview, Councilman Rafael A. Mojica, D-131, said the
council remains committed to working with Fabrizi to move the city forward.

"Everyone has a relative, a friend or a neighbor who has had a drug
problem," Mojica said. "We have to learn from our mistakes and move on."