BRIDGEPORT — A $2.5 million gift — that was really an I.O.U from the city to the Beardsley Zoo — helped Mayor Joseph Ganim be declared a hero among tiger lovers on Monday.
By the same token it had some supporters of the cash-strapped school district ready to pounce.
“I wish the Mayor loved our students as much as he loves tigers, or at least pretends he does,” an incensed Joe Sokolovic, secretary of the city school board said. Sokolovic’s reaction on social media was a bit more salty.
Others were left scratching their heads.
“I love the tigers at the zoo, they have a nice habitat right now ... while our kids are losing valuable teachers and basic essentials at the schools!” said Keyla Medina Rentas, a parent.
And still others sought clarification.
A quick email from City Council Member Pete Spain to City Budget Director Nestor Nkwo helped 130th representative confirm what he suspected.
“The $2.5 million will be paid out of the 5-year capital budget, specifically from Fiscal Year 2021,” said Spain in an email. “The line item is "Beardsley Zoo Improvements."
So what if the announcement was made two years in advance. It’s an election year. Mayor Ganim is on the campaign trail for another term. Monday, as it turns out, was International Tiger Day.
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s, located in the Park City, has three endangered Amur tigers and there has been a campaign to build a new habitat for them.
Pamela Hope (Kochiss) Werth first stepped forward with the first $1 million pledge for a new tiger habitat. Others have chipped in. The city’s announced contribution will allow architect’s renderings to be finalized, and construction to...
from News https://www.ctpost.com/local/article/City-s-tiger-gift-has-some-school-supporters-14265395.php
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