School board member says he’s ready to hire an attorney

MILFORD — A year after he was arrested on kidnapping charges, Bridgeport school board member Chris Taylor told a judge Thursday he is finally ready to hire a lawyer.

“I sustained a nearly fatal fall from a two-story building. On Oct. 10th I had shoulder surgery, so I’ve been immobile since then. Unfortunately, because of COVID, I was not able to get a lawyer,” Taylor told Superior Court

Judge Peter Brown during a hearing here Thursday.

Taylor, who is charged with conspiracy to commit second-degree kidnapping, attempted second-degree kidnapping with a firearm, impersonation of a police officer, first-degree threatening, third-degree assault and risk of injury to a minor, previously told the judge he intended to represent himself.

Taylor walked into the courtroom under his own power and stood before the judge.

“Are you considering hiring counsel?” the judge asked him Thursday.

“The problem is that I was considering hiring counsel, but nobody was looking at having a consultation with me, especially for free,” Taylor answered. “Then my accident, the pain prescriptions — I can’t believe the legislature allows those substances to be given, but that’s a matter for another time.”

Taylor asked the judge for a further continuance. “To see if I can get my mobility back, I can’t even write,” he said.

With no objection from State’s Attorney Margaret Kelley, the judge continued the case to April 8.

Taylor is accused of allegedly posing as a police officer and attempting to kidnap his wife’s 21-yearold son at gunpoint.

Taylor’s wife, Stacy Taylor, who is facing similar charges to her husband, is represented by the public defender.

Both Taylor and his wife are free after each posted $100,000 bond.

Taylor declined comment on Thursday.