The Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) has unanimously voted to refer a complaint against Bridgeport Democrat party official Wanda Geter-Pataky and City Council President Aidee Nieves to the Office of the Chief States Attorney for possible prosecution. The complaint, filed on September 15, 2023, pertains to alleged election violations during the 2023 mayoral primary election between incumbent mayor Joe Ganim and challenger John Gomes.
SEEC staff attorney William B. Smith stated during a meeting that the commission authorizes counsel to refer the matter to the Chief State’s Attorney’s office for consultation and potential prosecution of any criminal violations related to election law violations uncovered in their investigation.
Denise Solano, who filed the complaint, alleges that Geter-Pataky promised an elderly Bridgeport resident an affordable housing unit in exchange for voting for Ganim over Gomes. Additionally, Solano claims that Nieves contacted a Bridgeport voter multiple times and offered to pick up their absentee ballot, which she believes is illegal.
Geter-Pataky was re-elected as vice-chair of the Bridgeport Democratic Town Committee in March, although her name and photo are not displayed on the party’s website. This is not the first time Geter-Pataky has been involved in a SEEC complaint, as she was previously arrested in June for allegedly mishandling absentee ballots during the 2019 Democratic Party mayoral primary.
Solano, a former city council candidate, expressed relief that her complaint will proceed but also voiced concerns about potential retaliation. She emphasized the need for democracy to be restored in Bridgeport, citing incidents of violence targeting political figures like Gomes, whose car and apartment were shot at.
Police are investigating the recent shooting incident involving Gomes, where bullets hit his car windshield and apartment. Gomes has called for swifter action on complaints by the Commission and suggested federal government involvement in addressing issues within the city and state.
The Bridgeport Police Department and City of Bridgeport declined to comment on Solano’s complaint, stating that it falls outside their jurisdiction. Can you please rewrite this sentence?
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