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Voting is just days away with a majority of regular Bridgeport voting precincts powerless. If power is not restored within the next day or so, don’t be surprised if you end up voting at a new location. While Mayor Bill Finch pushes United Illuminating to turn on the lights, city elections officials are assessing options so they can notify electors of new polling places, if necessary. This could get messy.

Meanwhile federal and state law enforcement officials today announced a hotline for reporting election and rights abuses. News release below from Connecticut U.S. Attorney David Fein.

FEDERAL AND STATE OFFICIALS PROMOTE TELEPHONE HOTLINE FOR REPORTING ELECTION FRAUD AND VOTING RIGHTS ABUSES

In an effort to ensure that the November 6, 2012 elections are administered fairly in every city and town in Connecticut, David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Michael J. Brandi, Executive Director of the Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission, Denise Merrill, Connecticut Secretary of the State, and Kevin T. Kane, Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney, today announced that a telephone hotline will be available for use by anyone who witnesses or experiences voting irregularities on Election Day.

The hotline will be staffed by the Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) during polling hours on Election Day. Anyone with knowledge of election fraud or voting rights abuses is encouraged to call 1-866-733-2463 (1-866-SEEC-INFO) to report suspected violations. The number is toll-free statewide. Individuals also can call the SEEC at 860-256-2940. The SEEC staff will answer questions, advise on complaint procedures and, if appropriate, request the assistance of state criminal or federal law enforcement authorities in the investigation and possible prosecution of the matter.

Citizens can also send an email to elections@ct.gov to communicate with the SEEC and the Secretary of the State’s office on Election Day.

The SEEC is the primary elections investigative and civil enforcement authority in Connecticut, and the Secretary of the State’s office is charged with overseeing all elections in Connecticut, which includes advising and assisting local Registrars of Voters and Town Clerks on their statutory responsibilities regarding administration of elections.

Federal law protects against crimes such as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.

On Election Day, representatives of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI will be in direct contact with the SEEC in order to receive any complaints of electoral corruption or civil rights violations. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher M. Mattei has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer for the District of Connecticut. In that capacity, he is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

The FBI in Connecticut and across the country will have special agents available to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The local FBI field office in New Haven can be reached by the public at 203-777-6311. In addition, complaints about ballot access problems or discrimination can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767

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The ballot for the September 4 Board of Education special election.

Next Tuesday September 4 nine candidates will appear on the ballot for the special election to fill four Board of Education seats per order of the Connecticut Supreme Court that invalidated state control of city schools. City electors may vote for any three of the candidates.  The day after Labor Day is not exactly the greatest calendar spot for an election so a number of campaign operatives are working the absentee ballot process. Why wait until the last minute? This is Bridgeport, the place that never disappoints when it comes to election news. So, are you voting?

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Bill Finch had the job before he became mayor of Bridgeport and now Donald Eversley will attempt to breathe life into the Bridgeport Economic Development Corporation, the former quasi-public agency. Finch has decided Eversley wasn’t the best fit as development director for four years. Maybe he’ll do better working under the authority of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council. Finch is expected to announce Eversley’s replacement within the next day or so. News release from the mayor:

Mayor Bill Finch today announced that Donald Eversley, who has helmed the City’s Office of Planning and Economic Development (OPED) since July 2008, will help reinvigorate BEDCO – the Bridgeport Economic Development Corporation.

“One of my long-standing goals since taking office was to re-form and reinvigorate BEDCO to provide greater support and incentive for private sector development in Bridgeport,” said Mayor Finch. “Don’s wide-ranging knowledge of economic development, city, state and federal development programs, and his extensive contacts in the public and private sector make him the right person to breathe new life into this public/private venture.”

BEDCO counts among its successes the Read’s ArtSpace project and the renovation of the Arcade Mall and Hotel as a mixed-use commercial/residential project in downtown Bridgeport.

Paul Timpanelli, CEO of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council said, “It is our hope that this will add to our toolbox of public/private resources in pursuit of continued economic development for Bridgeport”.

During his tenure at OPED, Eversley successfully led the City’s support of a number of prominent projects including, the revitalization of Bijou Square, the Mechanics & Farmers building, 333 State Street and the five-block area at the north end of Main Street, which was recently awarded to developers. On Steel Point, he is credited with dividing the project into phases with ownership remaining with the City until the developer is ready to proceed with each parcel. Implementing the City’s new Master Plan and Zoning Code, the Bridgeport Arts Fest, Downtown Thursdays and a storefront improvement program were other key initiatives.

In this new position, Eversley will initially be focusing on the Eco-Industrial Park in the City’s South End, one of Mayor Finch’s top sustainability and economic development goals. He also will be working with the Bridgeport Port Authority to re-position the Bridgeport Shipyard, and a new minority contractor bond assistance program, which was recently authorized and funded through the state Legislature. Plans for the Eco-Industrial Park include a solar array to be placed on the Seaside Park landfill in conjunction with United Illuminating, and an anaerobic digester facility, among other projects.

(Check out my daily webzine at www.onlyinbridgeport.com)

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This is a shameless self promotion. Join us. From the Barnum Museum:

Learn more about Bridgeport ’s History during The Word on Bridgeport : Author Panel on June 5

On Tuesday, June 5 at 7 p.m., The Barnum Museum will present a lively panel discussion featuring three prominent Bridgeport authors and historians: Michael Bielawa, Lennie Grimaldi and Eric Lehman. Each has spent their lifetime dedicated to researching, writing and speaking about Bridgeport ’s rich history.

The panel discussion, The Word on Bridgeport: Author Panel will be moderated by Mr. Bielawa and focus on each person’s Bridgeport related works, why the Park City should be celebrated and the craft of writing. The topics will range from sewing machines to helicopters and architecture to public parks. You will learn remarkable stories of struggles and triumphs from each of these specialists and explore how Bridgeport stands as a testament to the American dream.

Historian Michael J. Bielawa’s diverse writings have focused on Bridgeport and early baseball history and his essays have addressed such topics as the mysterious creature of Lake Champlain, Bridgeport ’s crying stone statue and the bizarre disappearance of a Hartford minor league baseball manager. He has also addressed baseball symbolism in James Joyce’s, Ulysses. Bielawa has lectured on behalf of the National Endowment for the Arts in Louisiana and is a moderator for the Connecticut Humanities Council’s Literature for a Lifetime discussion series. Since the mid-1970s Bielawa has conducted research, interviews and journeyed extensively throughout the northeast in search of the unexplained. He has served as a guest curator to the Barnum Museum and as a special consultant to the Fairfield Museum and History Center . His latest books, Wicked Bridgeport (where true crime meets the paranormal) and Baseball Pioneers 1850 to 1870, have just been published and are available at major bookstores and at Amazon.com.

Lennie Grimaldi is host of the daily webzine Only In Bridgeport Dot Com and an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in hundreds of newspapers and magazines including The New York Times, TV Guide, Yankee Magazine and Connecticut Magazine. His books include Only In Bridgeport: An Illustrated History of The Park City; Chased, The Life of Mob Infiltrator Billy Chase; Bow Tie Banker, a biography of David Carson, retired CEO of People’s Bank; and Connecticut Whistle Stops: Greenwich to New Haven. He has won awards for journalistic excellence from the Associated Press, United Press International and the Society of Professional Journalists, Connecticut chapter. Grimaldi has also written dozens of radio campaigns and corporate-crafted history programs for companies such as Louis Rich HBO, Tropicana, Excedrin, Nivea, SNET, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Campbell Soup and Apple.

Eric D. Lehman is Director of Creative Writing at the University of Bridgeport where he has taught for over fifteen years. He is the editor of the student literary magazine, Groundswell, and the faculty essay series, The Commons. His essays, reviews, poems, and stories have been published in dozens of journals and magazines, from the New Haven Review to the International Henry Miller Journal. He has written five books about Connecticut : Bridgeport: Tales from the Park City; Hamden: Tales from the Sleeping Giant; A History of Connecticut Wine; Insiders’ Guide to Connecticut; and A History of Connecticut Food.

What: The Word on Bridgeport : Author Panel

Where: The Barnum Museum , 820 Main Street , Bridgeport , CT 06604

Visitors are asked to enter through the double glass doors at the back of the historic building, where it is connected to People’s United Bank. The front doors are closed.

Learn more at: barnum-museum.org or call 203-331-1104

When: Tuesday, June 5 at 7 p.m.

Cost: No charge, however donations are always welcome

The original Barnum Institute building, designed by the architectural firm Longstaff and Hurd, was completed in1893. It is owned by the City of Bridgeport and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

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Former State Senator Ernie Newton won the Democratic endorsement on Monday for his old seat. It continues Newton’s quest for “redemption” following corruption charges that sent him to prison and a declaration that he was the Moses of his people. He says he’s remorseful for his past conduct and once again wants to represent Bridgeport and a portion of Stratford in Hartford.

The endorsement does not mean Newton is a lock to win the Aug. 14 primary. He is being challenged by incumbent Ed Gomes and State Rep. Andres Ayala? But the endorsement provides an unlikely campaign launch for Newton in his quest.

What’s your take on Newton’s new journey?

(Check out my daily webzine at www.onlyinbridgeport.com)

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Gregg Dancho, director of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, shares some history as the state’s only zoo celebrated 90 years on Saturday. From the zoo:

Zoo’s 90th Birthday Party to Feature Regional Great Cake Bake Off!

May 19 bakery battle to be judged by hometown celebrities,

the Twice Baked Twins

Birthday bash continues May 20 with Bridgeport Day at the Zoo

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is marking its 90th birthday with its wildest party ever on May 19, 2012 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Visitors can expect to enjoy music, entertainment, and of course, birthday cake! Eight regional bakeries are working feverishly to bake their wildest creations and will take part in a Great Cake Bake Off that will be judged by hometown celebrities, the Twice Baked Twins. Well-known and local favorite radio host, WICC’s Jim Buchanan, will serve as emcee for this fun filled celebration. The birthday party is free with paid admission to the Zoo and will take place rain or shine.

“We are so excited to celebrate our birthday with everyone and having eight cakes to choose from is every little kid’s dream come true,” shared Gregg Dancho, Zoo director. “My recommendation is: don’t come that day if you’re counting calories!”

Local bakeries facing off in the Great Cake Bake Off include Adam’s Bakery of Fairfield, Billy’s Bakery of Fairfield, Del Prete Italian Pastry of Bridgeport, DiSorbo’s Italian Bakery of Hamden, Dorazio Sisters Bakery of Newtown, Lucibello’s Italian Pastry Shop of New Haven, Luigi’s Italian Pastry & Wedding Cake Center of Bridgeport, and Stew Leonard’s of Danbury. Each bakery will create a three tiered, frosted, zoo and birthday themed cake to be judged on taste, look, and theme. Visitors may view the cakes in the Carousel building beginning at 10:00 am and the Twice Baked Twins will announce the winners at 1:00 pm. Guests may sample the cakes after 1:00 pm while supplies last. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: Best in Show, Best Zoo/Birthday theme, Best Looking, Best Frosting, Best Flavor, Best Cake Texture, People’s Choice, and Kid’s Choice.

The Twice Baked Twins, Joy Paoletti and Judy Vig of Trumbull and Monroe respectively, Connecticut, are identical twins who got their start by turning their love of baking into a delectable dessert business focusing on elaborate displays and presentation. They entered a Bobbly Flay contest called “Grill it with Bobby,” and the network loved them so much they invited them back to do a holiday special called, “Dear Food Network.” Enjoying television so much, they continued to earn a spot on Channel 3’s Better Connecticut, where they share classic recipes with a new twist, called the “Twice Baked 2 Minute Take.”

The birthday bash continues on Sunday, May 20 as the Zoo celebrates Bridgeport Day. All Bridgeport residents are invited to visit to the Zoo for a reduced admission fee of just $5 with proper I.D. WEBE 108 will be on site welcoming visitors who will have the chance to meet and greet with City officials, business and civic leaders, friends, and neighbors during a fun filled day for the whole family. Residents are welcome to spend the day visiting new animals at the zoo and enjoying the great outdoors. This event is presented in partnership with Mayor Bill Finch and the City of Bridgeport. The rain date is June 10.

In honor of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s 90th birthday, the Zoo kicks off the ’90 Days of Summer” beginning Memorial Day weekend and ending Labor Day weekend. A list of some of the summer promotions are featured below:

‘90 Days of Summer’ Promotions*

Memorial Day, May 28 – Labor Day, September 3, 2012:

Mondays: Roll Back Monday – all admission prices roll back to only $9!

Tuesdays: $1 carousel rides

Wednesdays: Receive half price admission if you were born in the 90s! MUST SHOW PROOF (Valid photo ID, birth certificate, passport, report card) Hint: If you were born in the 90s, you’d be 12-22 years old.

Thursdays: If it’s a scorcher (over 90 degrees Fahrenheit), receive one free child admission with one paying adult.

Fridays: Be the 90th guest and get in FREE and receive a special gift just for you!

*NOTE: These offers do NOT apply to groups. Cannot be combined with any other discounts or coupons.

Birthday Bonus! As a gift to all Zoo visitors, anyone who comes to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo on his or her birthday gets in free (Photo ID with birthday required. Valid through 12/31/12).

A complete calendar of events from mid-May through Labor Day may be found at beardsleyzoo.org.

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is closer than you think and is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Adult admission (ages 12 & older) is $12.00, children (ages 3 -11) and senior admission (62 and older) is just $10.00, and children under 3 years old are free. Zoo members are also admitted free. Parking at the Zoo is free of charge. For information, call: (203) 394-6565. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is located at 1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut.

About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo celebrates its 90th birthday in 2012 and is closer than you think! Connecticut’s only zoo features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Visitors won’t want to miss our Amur (Siberian) tigers, Brazilian ocelots, Red wolves, and Golden Lion tamarins. Other highlights include our South American rainforest with free-flight aviary, the prairie dog exhibit with “pop-up” viewing areas, the New England Farmyard with goats, cows, pigs, sheep, and other barnyard critters, plus the hoofstock trail featuring bison, pronghorn, deer, and more. Visitors can grab a bite at the Peacock Café, eat in the Picnic Grove, and enjoy a ride on our colorful carousel. For more information, visit http://www.beardsleyzoo.org

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A Hearst Newspapers story raised a question — Shays: Did McMahon trade WrestleMania tix for endorsement? The campaign of Republican U.S. Senate candidate Chris Shays claimed, with no credible evidence, that Linda McMahon bought the May endorsement of Bridgeport Republican Town Chairman John Slater who had attended a WrestleMania event in April. Problem with the claim: Slater paid his own way and produced the evidence. Now Shays’ campaign is feeling the heat from GOP delegates just one day before the state party convention to endorse. The McMahon campaign kicked out an eblast and automated phone call from Slater slamming Shays’ campaign tactics. McMahon’s Campaign Manager Corry Bliss fired off this statement to delegates.

Congressman Chris Shays has demonstrated over and over that he will say anything to get elected. But this week the Congressman stooped to his lowest point yet.

Congressman Shays wrongly accused Bridgeport RTC Chair John Slater of selling his endorsement for wrestling tickets. His campaign combed through John’s Facebook page, copied his personal photos, and sent them to a reporter. John had to provide his personal bank records to a newspaper to prove that he purchased the tickets on his own. Can you imagine being personally attacked like this?

Understandably, John is offended and outraged at the Congressman’s behavior. I hope you’ll click here to listen to this message from John to learn first-hand what he’s been through because of the Congressman’s dirty, eleventh-hour, campaign attacks.

As John says, people support Linda because she is a job creator with a plan to get people back to work and turn our economy around. They are NOT supporting Chris Shays because he is a professional politician who will say anything to get elected.

By attacking John, Congressman Shays is personally attacking every single delegate and insinuating that Republicans can be bought. I hope you’ll join John in sending a clear message to the Congressman and stand with Linda tomorrow night in Hartford.

Text of Slater’s audio message:

This is John Slater, and I am the RTC Chairman in Bridgeport. I have been an active, loyal Republican for my entire life. This week, however, has been the lowest I have seen in politics in a long time. Congressman Chris Shays publicly accused me of selling my endorsement to Linda McMahon.

He accused me of trading my vote for wrestling tickets. That’s offensive. It should also be offensive to you that a Washington, DC, politician who has sold us out over the years for higher taxes is accusing Republicans of selling their votes.

In the past, I have supported Chris Shays and voted for him when he was in Congress. I am very disappointed in his recent behavior and the way he has attacked Republicans across Connecticut. Chris Shays has become nothing more than a professional politician that is disrespecting the convention process, the Republican Party, and each and every one of us with his false accusations.

Linda McMahon is an outsider and proven job creator with a plan to cut taxes, cut spending, and create jobs. That’s why I am voting for her. I hope you will join me in supporting Linda McMahon at tomorrow’s state convention in Hartford.

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Former Congressman Christopher Shays lives in Bridgeport. It would appear he’d have most of the city’s Republican political establishment supporting him in his nomination fight for U.S. Senate. He doesn’t have the party chairman. John Slater, a banker from Black Rock, the new young party leader who organized a rally last week protesting the city’s tax increase, announced today he’s supporting Linda McMahon for U.S. Senate.

In a statement released by the McMahon campaign Slater points out his personal endorsement of McMahon, not on behalf of the town committee he represents.

“Linda McMahon has shown a real commitment to Bridgeport by visiting the city on multiple occasions and reaching out to the voters,” Slater said. “Bridgeport needs jobs, and Linda has the right experience and plan to help get the people of Bridgeport back to work. Our current government has created a culture of gridlock brought on by career politicians. Linda’s experience as a proven job creator is critical to turning around our economy, especially in cities like Bridgeport.”

Shays and McMahon are positioning for delegate votes at the party convention May 18. Whatever happens both have vowed an August primary. Slater is trying to reverse the dramatic decline in GOP city relevance. Bridgeport Republicans have relevance in this GOP nomination fight. Primaries are all about identifying your friends and dragging them to the polls.

(Check out my daily webzine www.onlyinbridgeport.com)