Pubdate: Wed, 21 Jun 2006
Source: Connecticut Post (Bridgeport, CT)
Copyright: 2006sMediaNews Group, Inc
Contact:  http://www.connpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/574
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)

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.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman