BRIDGEPORT -- One of the largest church groups in the region says it will demand Mayor John M. Fabrizi's resignation if he does not develop a plan to restore public trust lost over his admitted drug use.

The Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport said in a letter to Fabrizi that its members have "empathy" for the mayor's wife and 19-year-old son. "But neither empathy nor forgiveness can undo the betrayal of the public trust that is the consequence of your addiction," the council wrote, questioning Fabrizi's fitness to lead Bridgeport's fight against drugs in its schools and on its streets.

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BRIDGEPORT -- Amid a few boos and much stronger applause, Mayor John M. Fabrizi on Tuesday stood before more than 200 city employees and residents and admitted he used cocaine in the past.

"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," Fabrizi said during an emotional address in which he choked up several times.

Referring specifically to his past drug use, Fabrizi said flatly, "Over the course of a number of years I abused alcohol and used cocaine occasionally."

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Fabrizi Admits To City Use Of Cocaine In Past

BRIDGEPORT -- Mayor John M. Fabrizi, greeted by a standing ovation punctuated by boos, admitted to a mass meeting of city employees Tuesday that he used cocaine in the past.

"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," Fabrizi said during an emotional address to hundreds in City Hall's council chambers.

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