City Council fails to elect president after roll-call vote; rules adopted with objections

The Bridgeport City Council adopted its printed rules for the new term but did not elect a council president after a contested roll-call vote on nominations.

The mayor called the first meeting to order, asked the clerk to call roll and presented the council "yellow book" of rules said to be effective Dec. 1. A voice vote to adopt the rules carried after the clerk recorded opposition from Councilwoman Pereira and Mary Lee; the mayor declared the rules adopted.

The mayor then opened nominations for City Council president. Councilman Newton nominated Jeanette Herring and a colleague seconded the nomination. Other council members nominated Ida Nieves, and both candidates were given floor time as members explained their choices — some urging continuity, others arguing for change.

The clerk conducted a roll-call vote after the mayor reminded members that election of the president requires a majority of the 20-member body (11 votes). Following the tally, the mayor announced, "The vote fails. We don't have a council president." The meeting proceeded to other business, with the mayor saying the process would "sort itself out" under council rules.

No council president was elected during the session; the mayor moved past committee appointments and called for approval of minutes. The transcript records debate over whether the council should continue balloting, and one member referenced past sessions that required many ballots before a president was chosen.

What happens next: council members and the mayor indicated the rules and charter will govern the next steps. The body moved to approve minutes and other routine matters; a motion to adjourn was ultimately made as the meeting concluded.