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Obama, Malloy To Highlight Bridgeport's Growth, Revival In Rally

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- On the eve of President Barack Obama’s visit to Central High School in Bridgeport, maintenance and landscape workers were preparing the campus Tuesday for the rally scheduled in support of Gov. Dannel Malloy’s gubernatorial campaign.

Central High School in Bridgeport is preparing for a visit Wednesday by President Barack Obama and Gov. Dannel Malloy.

Central High School in Bridgeport is preparing for a visit Wednesday by President Barack Obama and Gov. Dannel Malloy.

Photo Credit: Salvatore Trifilio

But as Obama and Malloy supporters wait in anticipation of the president’s first trip to Bridgeport since 2010, local officials are focused on November and what this election will mean for the City of Bridgeport.

“It’s an honor to have the president come to Bridgeport,” said Mario Testo, chairman of the Democrats of Bridgeport. “Hopefully the president will increase voter turnout this year.”

Testo, a Bridgeport resident and business owner, said the city’s voter turnout four years ago was “low.” But a turnaround this year could help Malloy win re-election over Republican candidate Tom Foley. He beat Foley by about 6,400 votes in the 2010 election.

For Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch, the return of Obama and Malloy to the state’s largest city is fitting, given the amount of work they have done to restore Bridgeport.

“President Obama and Gov. Malloy have each made critical investments that are helping make Bridgeport a better place to live, work, and raise a family,” Finch said Tuesday.

However, despite all the positive feelings surrounding Bridgeport’s growing economy and the presidential visit, many still remain pessimistic about the state of Connecticut’s economy.

Local barbershop owner and Republican Timothy Gagne said he’s mostly looking for change in next month’s elections.

“The way [things] are now just isn’t good,” Gagne said. “The whole health care thing turned out [terrible] and there’s not a lot of hope.”

But Testo anticipates Wednesday’s rally has the potential to change the mind of some voters.

“This visit by the president [this time] is a little bit different because of the economy,” Testo said. “The economy has a lot to do with it, voters are upset with politicians and they’re losing faith in the system.

“I think this rally will help show everyone the plans for the future and what direction we are going in.”

City of Bridgeport Communications Director and spokesman Brett Broesder said he and the second-term mayor are confident Wednesday will be “a great night for Bridgeport.”

“The mood out here regarding Obama, in support of Malloy, is overwhelmingly positive,” Broesder said. “In Bridgeport jobs are being created and companies are moving here. … Wednesday’s rally will help highlight how Bridgeport is getting better every day with the support of President Obama and Governor Malloy.”

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