Bridgeport Beat: And the Beat Goes On

Hello Bridgeport Banner readers! I’ve been on the disabled list for a few weeks so it is wonderful to be back again covering the great city of Bridgeport. Also, I want to give a special shout out of thanks to the folks who work on the seventh floor at Bridgeport Hospital. All of you are dynamite! But enough of that. It’s time to go scattershooting around the Park City…Obviously, the biggest story in the city is the ongoing race for mayor which has taken more twists and turns than your average small intestine. This election requires in depth coverage, which the Banner will provide, but for now we can settle for a few scattershots…A few weeks ago I popped off about how weak the coverage of this election has been and I singled out Mike Bellamy and Tony Reno of WICC. Then I realized my coverage is probably much worse. Physician heal thyself. So my hat is off to those two guys and I pledge to have top notch election news in the Banner…We all know that Bill Finch is probably the most unhappy gut in Bridgeport at this moment, but I can’t imagine that Mary-Jane Foster will be too pleased when she realize how much baggage she picked up with the current mayor’s endorsement. She shouldn’t be surprised, though. After all hasn’t she ben railing against his policies for four years now. Still and all, this was quite a coup for Foster who was close to dropping out of the race not that long ago. She handles herself quite coolly and clearly at Monday’s press conference at 10 Middle Street and is certainly ready for what promises to be a month of incredible Bridgeport politics…In his continues fight for viability as a candidate, Charlie Coviello tells us that he is “elated” at the new Finch-Foster partnership…Finally, all of this chaos also bodes well for Republican City Councilman Enrique Torres in his quest for City Hall, a quest that is certainly no longer quixotic. While the Democrats, no matter what party banner they happen to be running under, are all scrambling for respectability, the G.O.P. standard bearer appears to be above the fray…One final word on the race for mayor: surreal. This entire election cycle is surreal…Congratulations to the Bridgeport Bluefish! Sure, the Fish had yet another losing season and again failed to make the Atlantic League playoffs, but on the field, the team was beset by injuries. Off the field, they held some great promotions, became tremendously involved in the Greater Bridgeport community and kept the Bluefish name at the forefront of the many sports and entertainment options in the Park City. Under the leadership of General Manager Jamie Toole, Attendance at Harbor Yard is up and enthusiasm for this ball club is on the rise…On the other hand, there are those Bridgeport institutions that appear to be going down the drain. I am referring to Two Boots, which once was warm and welcoming, served great food, was involved in the community and served as a first class entertainment venue. The current state of Two Boots is a continuing disappointment. Once, one of the jewels of downtown, the once-popular restaurant is a mere shell of itself. Under current management, there is almost no acknowledgement of the city where it is located, open mike night was stopped abruptly for no apparent reason, customers are given short shrift unless they know Tony the manager and the crowds are gone. The food is still good, though. Owner Phil Hartman’s dream of a great pizza restaurant and entertainment venue in Bridgeport has been hijacked by his own people. That dream needs to be resurrected…Speaking of downtown, don’t forget to check out the Star of Istanbul. Sure, it’s slightly off the beaten path on Markle Court but the Star also serves up some of the best dishes in the Park City…Yes, the election cycle in Bridgeport in 2015 is certainly puzzling. But read up on all the candidates, see where they stand on the issues and make a decision. Above all else, vote. It is your right and a vote is too precious to throw away…See you on the city streets.