Pubdate: Tue, 20 Jun 2006
Source: Hartford Courant (CT)
Copyright: 2006 The Hartford Courant
Contact:  http://www.courant.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/183
Author: Associated Press
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)

PREPARED TEXT OF REMARKS BY BRIDGEPORT MAYOR JOHN FABRIZI

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. --  The following is the prepared text of remarks 
made Tuesday morning by Bridgeport Mayor John Fabrizi, who admitted 
Tuesday that he used cocaine while he was mayor:

Good morning. In a perfect world, I would have had an opportunity to 
address you yesterday, before today's news hit the paper. I am your 
mayor and I believe you should have heard this from me first. I'm 
sorry that the timing worked out this way and I appreciate you all 
coming today to hear what I have to say.

I wish to make a statement to my family, my friends, and the people 
of Bridgeport.

Over the course of a number of years, I abused alcohol and used 
cocaine occasionally.

About a year and a half ago, I recognized that I had a drug problem 
and sought professional help to address the issue. It has been a 
difficult road but it was one I knew I had to take.

I believe the steps that I have taken are the correct ones for me 
personally and for my family. I am pleased to tell you that I have 
not used drugs in the last 18 months. I have put this personal 
struggle behind me and it has never affected my job performance. The 
tremendous progress Bridgeport has made in the last three years is a 
testament to that. My record speaks for itself.

Separately, it became clear to me that I needed to stop drinking 
entirely. Approximately four months ago, I did that.

I thought that these were personal and private matters, that I could 
deal with these problems alone. I now recognize my actions affect 
many others and I want to apologize to my family, my friends and the 
people of the city of Bridgeport for my actions.

Those are actions I cannot change because they are in the past. All I 
can do is use my office to the benefit of others in making them aware 
that even people in my position can become victims of drugs and alcohol.

I am appalled by some of my recent statements and the lengths to 
which I was willing to go to keep this issue private. Having put this 
painful episode behind me well over a year ago, I hope you can 
understand why I foolishly wanted to distance myself from this 
nightmare. I realize now that by trying to protect my family, I only 
compounded things by not being open with them or with you. I know 
this was a terrible mistake.

Being mayor of Bridgeport has been the highest honor that I could 
ever receive. I am sorry if I have, in any way, hurt the dignity of 
this office. I will do everything I can to regain the respect and 
support of the people of this city.

I have put my heart and soul into moving Bridgeport forward these 
last three years. I ask for your understanding and I ask for your 
forgiveness so that I may continue working on your behalf over the 
months and years ahead.

Thank you.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman