Last week was a difficult time to understand and stomach details about embattled Bridgeport, Stratford and West Haven public officials. As a researcher and teacher of state and local politics, it’s especially hard for me to explain to students why corruption reoccurs in our state. Over the years, I have offered suggestions as to how so many elected officials have become embroiled in scandals. Aside from the public and media demanding more accountability and transparency, it comes down to officials breaking laws and the public’s trust.
