Mayor Della Volpe’s Back

Mayor James Della Volpe was happy to be in his usual seat for Tuesday’s Board of Aldermen meeting.

Actually, he’s just happy to be alive.

I’m very happy to be here physically,” he told the board at the first meeting he has attended since he underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery in February.

The mayor has a history of heart problems and has suffered a heart attack in the past. 

A routine stress test in February uncovered a serious blockage in his heart and led immediately to the surgery, which was performed Feb. 15. He spent the next several months recovering while Aldermanic President Steve Blume stepped in to run the city as acting mayor.

And in those ensuing months, he’s been deluged with the good wishes of family, friends and residents, Della Volpe said.

I want to thank everyone for the hundreds of cards I’ve received and all the flowers and the Edible Arrangements,” he said, referring to the business that provides fruit baskets arranged like flowers.

Blume, a Bridgeport teacher, spent his afternoons after school at City Hall, working with officials on the daily running of the city, as well as the process of formulating a budget for the new fiscal year.

I would like to thank Steve for filling in for me,” Della Volpe said, and thank the Board of Aldermen as well.”

It’s great to see you back,” Board of Apportionment and Taxation member Ed Norman told the mayor during Tuesday’s meeting.

It’s great to be here,” the mayor said.

Della Volpe returned to City Hall last month.

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