Ganim makes plea for reinstatement

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) -- Former Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim made a plea on Tuesday to get his license to practice law reinstated.

The former five term mayor, who served seven years in federal prison and who remains on federal probation for another year, did not speak on Tuesday, leaving his lawyers the task of talking to a panel of three State Superior Court Judges.
      
"He appreciates the distinction between right and wrong," Ganim's attorney, Hal Rosnickhe, said. "He is of good moral character, he is honorable, and honest, he is upright and trustworthy."
       
Ganim was convicted of running a racketeering conspiracy out of the mayor's office and extorting hundreds of thousands of dollars from city contractors.
     
The chief disciplinary counsel for the Connecticut Judicial Branch argues that Ganim has never been willing to accept responsibility for what he did.

"He has acknowledged the conviction but he didn't acknowledge the conduct," said Attorney Pat King, who sits on the Judicial Branch Disciplinary Counsel.
    
The three judge panel is not expected to make a final decision for several weeks.
     
Ganim's attorney had two crates full of letters from lawyers, public officials, clergy and friends all recommending that he be allowed to practice law again, but what does the public at large think?
     
On the streets of the Park City, there are people that agree with his lawyer's assessment.

"He has a lot to offer now and even though, what he did before, he should be, he should have another chance," said Joe Koestner.
     
Others say Ganim's career in the legal profession should be over.

"I think that he should try something new," said Deborah Peterbark. "I don't think that, maybe law would be something that he should go back to."

"I don't think he can be trusted," said Yvonne Temann. "I think he betrayed our trust and I don't think that he should be allowed to continue practicing law."

Ganim was one of the most popular mayors the city ever had. Many believed he was headed for the Governor's office, now he's advising white collar criminals about the prison system.