Mayor John M. Fabrizi Speech

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 your forgiveness so that I may continue working on your behalf over the months and years ahead.

Thank you.