Ganim takes a stand; goes shopping for a new podium

BRIDGEPORT — If clothes make the man, does a podium make the politician?

Joe Ganim is already a seasoned one, but his office apparently feels his press conferences could use a little more oomph and is on the market for a new podium.

One staffer derided the custom-made wooden one Ganim inherited in 2015, when voters returned Bridgeport’s former mayor to office, as the “coffin.”

Ganim tried out a seethrough podium earlier this week — think Wonder Woman’s invisible jet — while addressing reporters about the city budget. Hizzoner joked that the clear podium was a further example of his administration’s efforts at transparency.

“We are testing out a couple podiums for functionality,” wrote Dalmarys Matos, with Ganim’s communications’ office, in an email. “We are looking for a podium that can be outdoors and brave the elements. Something lightweight, portable and easy for transporting. Height is also an important factor. We want children and individuals under five feet to be seen over it.”

Matos could not say what City Hall is willing to spend on a new podium. She suggested consulting Amazon.com for a price range. Podiums there cost anywhere from $98 to $329.

Matos noted the good old coffin podium is still available for use and will be pulled out “when suitable.”

So whether the quality of the podium — or its size — makes for a better politician remains unclear. But Ganim is running for governor this year, so now seems a good opportunity to test that theory.