ϳԹ

© 2024 ϳԹ

FCC Public Inspection Files:
· · ·
· · · · ·
Public Files Contact · ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Bridgeport coalition launches campaign to influence this year’s mayoral election

Callie Heilmann and Gemeem Davis of Bridgeport Generation Now Votes, coordinators of the Unrig Bridgeport Coalition. Its a coalition of local civic organizations working on a 2023 People's Platform to endorse reform candidates for mayor, city council and board of education.
Ebong Udoma
Callie Heilmann and Gemeem Davis of Bridgeport Generation Now Votes, coordinators of the Unrig Bridgeport Coalition. Its a coalition of local civic organizations working on a 2023 People's Platform to endorse reform candidates for mayor, city council and board of education.

A coalition of civic groups concerned with city government in Bridgeport, ϳԹ, launched a campaign to influence this year’s mayoral election.

The coalition’s “Year of Change” campaign seeks voter engagement to elect a slate of reform candidates for mayor, city council and board of education, said Callie Heilmann of Bridgeport Generation, a coordinator of the coalition.

“Over the years our local democracy has stopped working for the betterment of all Bridgeporter’s and really started working for a select group of people and their personal gains,” she said.

Heilmann added that the coalition is drafting a platform that calls for a more inclusive and accountable city government. “That is why we are committed to the people’s platform which really has a vision for justice, equity and good government.”

Only candidates who support that platform would be considered for endorsement.

The city’s incumbent Democratic Mayor Joseph Ganim is facing several challengers as he seeks reelection to a third consecutive term in office this year.

The Unrig Bridgeport coalition includes members of the Greater Bridgeport NAACP, the union SEIU 1199 New England, a local Black Democratic club, and other grassroots organizations.

Copyright 2023 WSHU. To see more, visit .

As WSHU Public Radio’s award-winning senior political reporter, Ebong Udoma draws on his extensive tenure to delve deep into state politics during a major election year. In addition to providing long-form reports and features for WSHU, he regularly contributes spot news to NPR, and has worked at the NPR National News Desk as part of NPR’s diversity initiative.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by ϳԹ’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, ϳԹ has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—ϳԹ to live, work, and play.

Related Content
ϳԹ’s journalism is made possible, in part by funding from Jeffrey Hoffman and Robert Jaeger.