Statements from Casual Conversations - City Council Address September 21, 2026 (John Marshall Lee)
Two weeks ago, I introduced a two-sided card to you with instructions for
our citizen/neighbors on how to Become a Better Voter. When I consider
the actual number of ballots cast in 2025 relative to the eligible registered
voters I am dismayed. But I have learned as a salesman for 60 years to
persevere in increasing responses.
I informed the Council two years ago about my concept of gathering for
Casual Civics Conversations, wherein at least one hour monthly in each of
ten districts would become a civic governance magnet drawing people with
questions or clarifying information for each of you on a regular monthly
basis for one hour. One month ago, there were active commitments from
locations in six districts. Last week the library leadership agreed to join
yourbridgeportvote.com with sessions in four new districts. We are working
out the schedules currently.
The 2025 and 2026 elections are part of the baseline for comparing
changes in citizen voting results from now into the future. When you turn
the card over there is a report card that can be attached by magnet to city
refrigerators. Citizens can consider the behavior of elected leadership when
they cast a ballot in November 2027. As elected legislators responsible to
your constituents specifically as well as the population of all ages in
Bridgeport. Do you want them to be informed?
When you make Ordinances, you then need to perform oversight. opinion.
When you fail to follow the direction of the revised 2025 Charter, you fail
the people who voted for ethical behavior. The Ethics Commission is
overdue for action. And there are five members of the City Council, seven
members of the Board of Education, and all but one member of the Police
Commission among Board and Commission members who have failed to
register with the Town Clerk for their residence address in January 2026.
Who instructs Board or Commission members to follow Ordinance 2.02.080? How much respect do you place in your fellow citizens to make an informed trusted vote?
Time will tell.
Please see the City Council Scorecard below:
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