When the greater Bridgeport area executives, otherwise knowns as the political flunkies who serve as mayors and first selectmen gathered in Trumbull yesterday, economic development was on their minds. But also they were talking about regional cooperation concerning education. Sort of.

Most of the mayors and first selectmen agreed that regional cooperation between their communities could play a role in equalizing the educational opportunities between urban and suburban schools.

The bigger responsibility for educational equity, however, said Trumbull First Selectman Raymond G. Baldwin Jr., lies with the state.

“Each town not only competes economically, but also for education dollars from the state,” he said, and that needs to be corrected by the state General Assembly.

“I wholeheartedly agree with First Selectman Baldwin,” said Bridgeport Mayor John M. Fabrizi. “The state of Connecticut needs to take more responsibility in equalizing education. I believe they have failed. I believe the General Assembly has failed.”

He said the city of Bridgeport is doing its part, citing progress in building two new magnet schools.

“I think in some instances the state could be more helpful,” Easton First Selectman William Kupinse said. He said federal mandates get passed to the state, which then passes them on to municipalities with no funding to carry out.

Sponsored by the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, others on the panel included Fairfield First Selectman Kenneth Flatto, Shelton Mayor Mark A. Lauretti, Stratford Mayor James R. Miron and Monroe First Selectman Andrew J. Nunn.

Competing economically, towns have wrought the abysmal drive towards attracting retail, office and other industries to offset the growing burdens placed residential property taxes. Many acknowledged the reality that Fairfield County is a regional economy.

“Education is a local issue, education has to come from the home,” he said. “I think the performance comes from what you do in these buildings and the kinds of people you attract.”

Marketing on a regional basis was also discussed.

“The economy has no geographical boundaries,” Flatto said, and Lauretti said area communities invest in Bridgeport.

The area needs to boost its culture, arts and tourism, Miron said. “The rest of the businesses will thrive, the hotel business will thrive, the retail establishments will thrive.

“Look how neat SoNo is,” he said, referring to a revitalized section of South Norwalk.

So its nice to know our neighbours to the north, or east, see Norwalk as leading the way of cultural economies. Something to keep in mind as we debate all the issues these days.

source: The Connecticut Post, Officials call for more regional efforts