Bridgeport businesswoman and social action advocate Mary-Jane Foster, who is a candidate for mayor, says she has raised in excess of $50,000 since forming an exploratory committee in late January.
Foster had filed paperwork to form a candidate committee and made the formal announcement last week at the Bridgeport Holiday Inn.
“My campaign has attracted donations from a broad spectrum of supporters ranging from Bridgeport residents looking for a fresh leader who will turn the city around, to individuals from across the region who understand how important Bridgeport”™s revitalization is to our state”™s economic recovery,” explained Foster. “While I am going up against a well-financed incumbent, my early success demonstrates that I”™ll be able to mount a very competitive race.”
In announcing her candidacy, Foster said, “One of the great joys in life is accomplishing what naysayers insist can”™t be done. A baseball park and arena? In Bridgeport? You”™re crazy, they said.
Well, they were wrong. The Harbor Yard sports and entertainment complex ”“ home to the Bridgeport Bluefish and world-class entertainment ”“ is one of the great joys of my professional life. I”™m proud that we created over 140 permanent jobs, 90 percent of which are held by Bridgeport residents. The Bluefish team alone has pumped about $40 million into our local economy. Twelve years later, the ballpark and arena continue to bring over 500,000 visitors to our city each year.”
In announcing her run for office, the Black Rock resident said, “I officially declare my candidacy for the office of mayor. I am running for mayor to put our city back to work and to build relationships throughout the state and beyond that will attract new business, create jobs and beef up our tax base. That is the only way we will be able to finance public safety, improve our schools and rebuild trust with residents so they know that government hears their call for action and is actually doing something about it.”
Foster noted that she is running outside the powerful Democratic parameters and challenging former ally Mayor Bill Finch by noting, “I am seeking the Democratic nomination without the support of the party apparatus that is so entrenched in government decision-making. If we”™re going to change the way Bridgeport does business, our campaign must reach beyond the party regulars and build neighborhood coalitions from the bottom up. If you”™re tired of politics driving government ”¦ if you”™re a long-suffering taxpayer eager for a fresh start ”¦ if you”™re among the neglected, poor and voiceless who want government to be part of the solution rather than the perceived problem, I ask you to support my campaign for mayor.”
Foster also poked fun at her husband, Bridgeport Bluefish and Pittsburgh Penguin founder Jack McGregor, saying, “My husband is going to become a Democrat for the first time.” McGregor is a long-standing Republican who has been a staunch supporter of the Bush family on the national scene.
Foster”™s candidacy certainly throws the race for mayor into upheaval. With former Mayor John Fabrizi and former political heavyweight Chris Caruso saying they are dropping out of the race, Foster immediately becomes the best-known opponent to Finch. Former Finch assistant Jon Gomes and political activist Charlie Coviello have also tossed their hat into the ring.
Foster did not sound like a political newcomer, however, when she said, “My name is Mary Jane Foster and I am running for mayor. Stay tuned.”
Rob Sullivan is the publisher and executive editor of the Bridgeport Banner daily website ”“ www.bridgeportbanner.typepad.com ”“ and monthly print edition. He is a special correspondent for the Fairfield County Business Journal covering news and issues in Bridgeport and surrounding communities on the Sound.
