Calls Grow For Bridgeport Councilwoman To Resign Over Comments: Report

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bridgeport Councilwoman Maria Pereira is facing calls for her to resign over comments and a middle-finger gesture she has made in recent weeks, the Connecticut Post and Only In Bridgeport have reported.

Last week, Pereira reportedly emailed Bridgeport Council President Aidee Nieves and Mayor Joe Ganim's deputy chief of staff, Thomas Gaudett, comments against the Muslim community and police department that many officials said were offensive.

In the Jan. 3 email, she referred to some Palestinians as "thugs," and Bridgeport police officers as "piglets." The missive came following a vote by the Council for a non-binding motion that called for a cease-fire in the Israel/Hamas war.

"In light of Councilwoman Pereira's recent actions, City Council leadership calls for Councilwoman Pereira’s immediate resignation," City Council officials wrote in a statement. "It is imperative that our elected officials uphold the highest standards of conduct, treating all members of our community and our sworn law enforcement officers with the dignity and respect they deserve.

"Councilwoman Pereira’s email [Jan. 3] included references to Muslim members of our community who attended the Council meeting as a 'mob' and 'thugs.' She even referred to one of the constituents who attended the City Council meeting as a 'possible Hamas terrorist.' This kind of racial profiling and derogatory comments towards a specific racial group has no place in our politics and civil discourse.

"Councilwoman Periera further admitted that she stuck up the middle finger at constituents from her chair in the Council chamber. This public display of disrespect is totally unacceptable behavior. Ultimately, at a meeting in which the City Council was trying to bring unity and peace, Councilwoman Pereira’s comments undermined our common purpose and created a divisive atmosphere.

"Councilwoman Pereira also referred to the Chief of Police as 'Porter the Pig' and his officers as 'piglets.' Such inflammatory language not only disrespects the dedicated men and women who serve our community, but also puts their safety at risk. The use of derogatory terms like these is unacceptable and goes against the values of unity and collaboration that our city stands for."

In addition to City Council members, Bridgeport Police Union President Michael Salemme III is also calling for Pereira's resignation.

On Election Day this past November, Pereira was arrested after she was accused of assaulting a 70-year-old woman at a polling site.

Pereira reportedly has not said that she will resign.

Read the Bridgeport Post story; read the Only In Bridgeport story.