Murphy engages Bridgeport community in conversation

Usually the City Council chambers that dominate the first floor of City Hall are locked and shuttered on a Sunday afternoon, but not last weekend. The room was filled to near capacity as Senator Chris Murphy conducted a community conversation with close to 200 Park city residents.

The event was moderated by Greater Bridgeport NAACP Executive Director George Mintz and an introduction by Mayor Joe Ganim. The format featured opening remarks by Murphy followed by questions from the audience, an audience that was quite friendly to the state’s freshman senator.

For his part Murphy praised Bridgeport residents.

“I know that it’s often challenging being a Bridgeport resident,” said Murphy. “But I don’t think people realize all the wonderful things that are happening here. I don’t think there is enough media coverage of the great things that are being accomplished in Bridgeport. Those are the things that I want to hear about.”

Murphy also pointed out a significant core of American government that may be under threat during the presidency of Donald J. Trump.

“Have you ever thought about democracy?,” Murphy asked the crowd in City Council chambers. “Democracy has been around for well over 200 years and it has become something we all take for granted. But what if we didn’t have it? Donald Trump would like to move us to the CEO model of government and run the country the way a business is run. That would limit the voice of the people severely and put most of the power squarely in the executive branch.”

During the question and answer session, Murphy fielded questions about health care, education, Trump. The Russian problem and host of national issues, but he was also asked Bridgeport specific questions.

For decades, East End residents have been lobbying for a supermarket in their neighborhood, but their hopes have not been realized. Murphy was asked how he can help make a grocery chain build in the East End.

“Just sit down and talk to me and let’s work together,” answered the senator. “I’ve spent a lot of time in the East End, but we can set up a community meeting on bringing in a supermarket and I will be there. You know, there’s always a chance federal grant money may be available and I’ll try and find it.”

Murphy was also peppered with a series of questions about education. The question of charter schools versus public schools has been front and center in the Park City so it was no surprise that the senator was quizzed on his stance on charter schools. Murphy offered a measured response to the hot button issue.

“I don’t think that we should divert money earmarked for public schools to charter schools and I think that charter schools should be held to the same standards as public schools,” explained Murphy. “But if a charter school is getting the job done then I am all for it. That’s fine. One thing I will not accept, though, is for profit schools. If you want to make a buck off my kid that’s not happening.”

In the end, Murphy urged Bridgeport residents to voice their concerns to him or, at the least, his office.

“The more I know about your concerns, the more I can work for you,” he said.