Bridgeport Connecticut's former mayor who was convicted for 7 years in prison due to corruption is now back in office after being re-elected last Tuesday.
Joe Ganim, after his release 5 years ago from federal prison, comes back strong in winning over the mayoralty race against seven other opponents.
"Tonight, we not only made history, but we defined a new course for this great city," says Ganim in his victory speech. "Of course, there's an element of redemption in all of this."
The decision to re-run for office was due to insistent demand of his supporters who remembers his term as a time of lower taxes, safer neighborhoods and cleaner parks. He was in office from 1991 to 2003, until his 16 corruption charges convicted him behind bars.
Ganim was endorsed as a candidate by Connecticut's most influential party after beating two-term incumbent Mayor Bill Finch in the mayoralty position. His victory came as a surprise especially for Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, who declined to support any candidate for the race.
"I am hopeful that Mayor-elect Ganim will live up to the huge responsibility that comes with leading our state's biggest city by building trust not just with those within the city he will soon lead, but with leaders statewide. We must continue to make progress in Bridgeport," said Malloy.
Ganim's strongest competitor for the position was Mary Jane Foster, administrator at the University of Bridgeport who was supported by Finch and the biggest newspaper of the city.
He was proven guilty for contract schemes in lieu with city projects earning him thousands of dollars. He had helped his family's law firm right after his release. But the courts blocked his law license thus; he's still unable to practice.
Earlier this year, Ganim issued a public apology for all the crimes he has committed and added that the support he received only shows that people are open to those who admit and learn from their mistakes.
