Statements from Casual Conversations - City Council Address September 8, 2026 (John Marshall Lee)
City Council Comments-Public Speaking September 8, 2026
Neighbors, fellow citizens, and Council members who listen tonight, I report to you, in
my comments at Public Speaking sessions. My words bring little or no result it may
seem. They do have effects. What do I mean specifically you ask?
Two years ago, in October 2024 I presented an idea to you called Casual Civics
Conversations: One-hour meetings monthly in places within each District where
residents with Bridgeport questions can find answers. In 2024 this was to be an
opportunity for a Council person to informally learn what their residents were
seeking and feeling before the 2025 election. How many of you have been to one
or more? One hour monthly. Twelve hours annually.
The Council is the local body that creates ordinances. Eight years ago, to prevent
imposters who resided and were electors outside Bridgeport from serving on our
Commissions, you passed an ordinance. It requires all elected and appointed
officials to sign an official register in the Town Clerk's office annually in January
attesting to their residence. Five of your members have ignored their 2026 duty.
They join seven current members of the Board of Education and most current
Board or Commission members today except the Library Board. Why is that?
What was your oversight and enforcement mechanism? Why hasn’t the mayor
shown administrative responsibility?
Who speaks for housing? Where is the Fair Housing Commission 20 years ago?
It died in plain sight, for want of members but leaves residents and seekers
unprepared for affordable, energy sustaining, and responses from Bridgeport
governance. Is the Fair Rent Commission operating as you intended three years
ago with its rebirth by Ordinance? What information, currently available will you
use to learn?
Tonight, I can inform you that Casual Civics Conversations are alive monthly in six
districts in pursuit of the Common Good. We are discussing locations in the other four
districts to expand the learning about CIVICS, the study of citizen rights and obligations,
not otherwise organized at this time in our schools. City Council elections will return in
14 months. Helping all neighbors to Become a Better Voter and use a City Council
Accountability Scorecard will soon be available to encourage thoughts, actions, and
pride among the 90% of eligible registered voters who seem voiceless in recent years.
Time will tell.
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