User:Wr0241a/Bridgeport, Connecticut

Government and Politics
Bridgeport is recognized for its polarizing political culture. The city's current mayor, Joseph P. Ganim, has served the city seven terms since first taking office in 1991. After being indicted on charges of corruption in 2003, Ganim served nine years in federal prison. After his release in 2015, Ganim announced his mayoral campaign to serve a sixth term in office. His campaign ran on a theme of providing him with a "second-chance," as he was renowned for his work of escaping the city from bankruptcy, and build its economy from a post-industrial standpoint. In a divisive primary election between him, the city's mayor at the time, Bill Finch, and University of Bridgeport professor and real estate developer, Mary Jane Foster, Ganim was able to receive the endorsement of the politically volatile democratic town committee, paving the way to his victory for being reelected mayor at the end of year.

Bridgeport's Democratic Town Committee (DTC) is the staple institution with significant influence. With the ability to nominate and endorse Democratic candidates running for local office, they have the resources to outperform challenger slates that may compete with them. There have been numerous calls for better transparency and reform of the committee altogether. The chairman is former state representative and local restauranteur, Mario Testa.

Crime
Crime in Bridgeport is a prevalent issue. What remains consistent is the acts of violence against gang members in the city, particularly individualized targeting of members rather than the gangs themselves.