Mayor: UI is ignoring Bridgeport

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) -- Mayor Bill Finch says UI is ignoring Bridgeport because people who live there aren't as wealthy as other cities and towns in Fairfield county.

"I don't feel we're getting our fair share from UI," said Mayor Finch. "I drive around my city and I see very few crews."

The frustrated Mayor says the city's children and low income residents cannot afford to go long without power.

"The critical needs of the region and the critical needs of the poorest people in the region are here and they need extra help," said Mayor Finch.

"We're all really struggling and this makes it worse because we have to throw food away, we're in the dark, some people don't have candles or flashlights because they can't afford it," said Tonya Shelton.

"Can you afford to get new food," asked News 8's Ali Reed.

"Of course not," Shelton replied, "they give me $32 a month for food stamps."

She's worried people will get desperate. Police and the National Guard are out monitoring the streets to prevent looting.

"We don't have anything," said Sylvia Campos.

"Do you have the money to go out and get new food," Reed asked.

"No. No, we are like homeless," said Campos.

A United Illuminating spokesman tells News 8 that "no one is given preferential treatment. Every city and town we service gets to put together a list of 10 priorities they feel should be the first places to have power restored."

The Mayor says his top priority is getting power back to the schools so students can get back into the classroom.

While the top priority in the city is restoring power, the second is clearing away trees, including a large tree that fell on top of one man's house.

"Unbelievable, words can't describe. We're relieved it didn't fall our direction and also relieved nobody was hurt, but it was definitely not expected," resident Anthony Neri said.

It's scenes like these, downed trees and power lines, flooding and power outages that has the Mayor asking residents, especially trick-or-treaters to stay inside once the sun sets.

News 8 just learned Wednesday that 10 schools did have power restored to them, so school will be in session for some children Thursday. The Mayor will be announcing which schools those are later this evening. Cesar Batallia school however will continue to serve as a shelter this week.