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December 6, 2007

Don't put Finch and Perillo in the same category

Staff writer Bill Cummings' story Thursday about Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch holding down two jobs has produced some interesting reader responses on www.connpost.com. One in particular calls the Post biased for not criticizing Jason Perillo, who is a state representative and an alderman in Shelton.
First of all, Cummings' story wasn't taking sides, just illustrating the conundrum, even getting Finch to admit he doesn't know what to do.
For Perillo's part, it's true he does hold two jobs, but here's one major difference: aldermen in Shelton are not paid for their often-intensive services. Being an alderman in Shelton doesn't put food on the table, so another job is necessary for most. Finch, on the other hand, will earn $124,000 annually as Bridgeport's mayor, making his salary of about $30,000 as state senator a side income.
When Perillo, who also finds the time for his role as chief of Echo Hose Ambulance, was sworn in to replace the late Richard Belden, he said he wanted to remain on the board of alderman because "I made a commitment to the residents of Shelton. This doesn't change that."

Posted by Ted Tompkins on 1:47 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack