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Pledging that “We can do better,” Ganim today filed the necessary paperwork with the State Elections Enforcement Commission to run as a Democratic candidate in 2018.
Citing his more than 14 years as mayor of the state’s largest city, Ganim is pledging to work hard to revive the Connecticut economy and stabilize state government finances.
“The road to bringing fiscal stability back to Connecticut runs through economic development and job growth,” he said in a written statement. “We can get Connecticut back to being the powerhouse of innovation and industrial strength – where young people and entrepreneurs come to start businesses and create jobs, raise their families and make a global impact.”
The mayor, who spent seven years in prison on felony charges after his first stint as mayor, will be raising funds for his campaign since the State Elections Enforcement Commission refused to allow him to receive public campaign funds.
The commission said he was ineligible for the program because of his felony conviction.
Ganim first served five terms as mayor from 1991 to 2003, when he resigned after being convicted of racketeering, extortion, bribery and mail fraud while in office.
He made a stunning comeback in 2015. After apologizing for his mistakes and asking for a “second chance,” Ganim defeated Republican Enrique Torres and unaffiliated candidate Mary Jane Foster in the November election and was sworn in as mayor on Dec. 1.
“I am far from a perfect candidate; I’m someone who has made mistakes in my life. Three years ago, I asked the voters of Bridgeport for a second chance to get it right and improve our quality of life, and I am grateful they gave me that opportunity. Now, I can see that all of Connecticut needs a second chance to succeed.”
In his statement, Ganim listed what he believes to be his successes as mayor — from the building of a minor league baseball park to the continuing development of Steelpointe and the relocation of Housatonic Community College to downtown Bridgeport.
He said he hopes to bring the same hope to the rest of the state.
“We can create and build that future together,” he said. “I want to open all the doors of opportunity for everyone in our state. Connecticut needs a new direction to achieve growth and realize our full potential, and I am offering 14 years of success as an example of what we can accomplish together.”
Want to know more? Visit www.ganim2018.com.
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