#Bridgeport Connecticut– Protesters from across the city descended on the city council meeting Tuesday in opposition of the recent 29 percent mill rate increase in taxes.  Many reporters and officials I spoke to said they have never seen such a large gathering at a city council meeting.  The audience was upset that only six people were allowed to speak, Ernie Newton used his time not to talk about taxes but to rehash his plea on a bid he placed and was denied because he did not “check the box” that he was a convicted felon.

The audience was loud but quieted down for respect for the opening prayer and recited the pledge of allegiance.  There were calls for the city council to resign or the Black Rock to secede from Bridgeport.  Former U.S Comptroller David Walker said the taxpayers are fed up and called for an independent financial review board to take over.

After the six chosen spoke, the city council adjourned .  When the returned it was difficult for the city council conduct any further business.  Mayor Ganim and City Council President Tom McCarthy and a few other council members remained to listen to the audience that remained.