Pubdate: Fri, 07 Jul 2006
Source: Connecticut Post (Bridgeport, CT)
Copyright: 2006sMediaNews Group, Inc
Contact:  http://www.connpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/574
Author: Susan Silvers
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)

FABRIZI 'CANDOR' MOVES CLERGY

BRIDGEPORT -- Mayor John M. Fabrizi won renewed confidence from the 
city's religious leaders after meeting with them Thursday to discuss 
his illegal drug use and assuring them the problem is in the past.

"We came away with exactly what we hoped for," said the Rev. Brian 
Schofield-Bodt, executive director of the Council of Churches of 
Greater Bridgeport, which arranged the session.

During the hour-long meeting, Schofield-Bodt said Fabrizi discussed 
his plan to address concerns raised by his substance abuse and how 
the episode might be turned to good uses.

The meeting came barely a week after the church council, which 
represents dozens of Protestant churches in the city and surrounding 
communities, sent Fabrizi a harshly worded letter saying it would 
demand his resignation if he did not quickly spell out a "clear plan 
to regain the public trust."

The meeting with the mayor was broadened to include clergy from 
congregations other than the council's membership.

Rabbi James Prosnit of Congregation B'nai Israel said Fabrizi 
approached the matter "with the concern and candor that this serious 
issue requires."

Fabrizi admitted to the Connecticut Post editorial board June 19 that 
he had used cocaine while in office and had sought help to stop that, 
as well as abusing alcohol.

Like a similar meeting with the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, 
Fabrizi said he told the religious leaders that he had made "a 
terrible mistake in the past and that I faced that adversity head on" 
by asking for professional help.

He added that he also told the clergy that he is "focused" on his 
efforts to move the city forward and has a "passion" for his job.

Both sides said the discussions were easier because the religious 
leaders are not strangers to the mayor.

"I've worked with the great majority over the years," the mayor said.

"I was heartened and humbled" by the discussion, he added.

Caryn Kaufman, the mayor's spokeswoman, said specifics of the mayor's 
remedial plan are still under consideration, but would probably be 
outlined later this month.

Besides Schofield-Bodt, the other representatives of the church 
council present were the Rev. Hopeton Scott of the First Baptist 
Church of Bridgeport; the Rev. Robert Knebel of Habitat for Humanity 
of Coastal Fairfield County, and the Rev. William B. Sutton III of 
the First Baptist Church of Stratford.

Other participants were: Imam Nasif Muhammad, Al-Aziz Islamic Center; 
Monsignor Kevin W. Wallin, St. Augustine Cathedral; the Rev. David 
Miller, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church; the Rev. Moses Mercedes, 
Prince of Peace Assembly of God Church; and Rabbi Tziona Szajman, 
Congregation Rodeph Sholom.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman