Pubdate: Fri, 14 Jul 2006
Source: Stamford Advocate, The (CT)
Copyright: 2006 Southern Connecticut Newspaper, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1522
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)

FABRIZI FORFEITS RAISE AFTER COCAINE ADMISSION

BRIDGEPORT -- Mayor John M. Fabrizi, who tearfully confessed last
month to occasional cocaine use while in office, said today he will
forfeit two years worth of raises worth about $5,400.

Fabrizi, who is up for re-election next year, also said he directed
the police to implement a plan to rid the city of drug dealers.

The move was part of a reform plan Fabrizi announced in an effort to
restore trust with voters.

"My actions have made me re-evaluate my agenda and it is especially
important that I sharpen my focus on how to move Bridgeport forward
over the next 16 months," Fabrizi said. "I am confident that over the
next 16 months I will regain your trust and prove my ability to
personally and professionally move this city forward."

Fabrizi, a Democrat and former City Council president who took office
after former Mayor Joseph Ganim was convicted of corruption in 2003,
confessed last month to occasional cocaine use over the years.

He said it never affected his work, and that he has been drug free for
18 months after seeking treatment. The mayor apologized, saying he
would take a random test "any time, anyplace, anywhere."

He would not say who sold him the drugs and has said he has no plans
to leave office.

After the admission, Fabrizi passed a random drug test requested by
the Connecticut Post.

Fabrizi said Friday he is continuing regular sessions with a team of
counselors and therapists for substance abuse and alcoholism and has
asked the team to update the public quarterly on his progress. He also
announced he will embark on a program of charitable service to the
community and will be a "voice for recovery" during national recovery
month in September. 
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MAP posted-by: Steve Heath