Caroline Simmons Outlines Vision For Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — On Thursday morning in front of Old Town Hall in Stamford, Caroline Simmons, the Democrat-endorsed candidate for mayor, outlined her vision for the city.

About 30 people gathered on the front steps of the historic building, which Simmons said served as a poignant backdrop.

"Old Town Hall has the same story as Stamford, the city we all call home. It has a lot of potential to be one of the best cities in America, but it needs a champion who can recognize that potential," Simmons said,

Simmons is the State Representative for the 144th District, where she has served since being elected in 2014. Before becoming a legislator, Simmons worked for the federal government in the Department of Homeland Security.

Last month, she was narrowly endorsed by Democrats over incumbent Mayor David Martin for this fall's election. Martin petitioned for the requisite number of signatures, and forced a primary which will take place on Sept. 14.

Stamford native and longtime Major League Baseball manager Bobby Valentine is running as an unaffiliated candidate. Former Stamford police officer Joe Corsello was endorsed to be the Republican candidate.

If elected, Simmons said she will focus on improving Stamford's schools, infrastructure, and the way government operates.

Simmons noted that during her time in the state legislature, she has helped secure over $300 billion in bonding for Stamford, including $65 million for the new Strawberry Hill School.

"Our schools have needed repairs for over eight years. The current conditions in our schools are unacceptable, and don't do justice to the incredible teachers and students that fill their buildings," she said. "As mayor, I'll put forth a plan that will remove all portable classrooms and remove hazardous mold from our schools. Let's finally give our kids the facilities they need and deserve."

Simmons also said she will support better mental health initiatives for students and teachers, as well as establish a citywide universal pre-K program.

Looking to President Joe Biden's infrastructure bill, Simmons said she will work to take advantage of the over $1 billion in federal funding that would come to Connecticut to repair roads, bridges and train stations.

"I've worked with the state on ambitious infrastructure projects before, and I know how the federal government gives grants to cities. I'm the most qualified candidate to get federal funding for our city and I will secure this funding for Stamford," she said, outlining a plan to develop a dedicated city fund for sidewalk repair.

On the environment, Simmons said she will promote "climate resiliency."

"'ll reduce our carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency by issuing an RFP within my first 100 days in office to install solar panels on our municipal and school buildings when we can, as well as electrify our vehicle fleet," she said.

A main goal for Simmons will be to streamline government and be more accessible to constituents, she said.

"As a State Representative I've had countless constituents reach out to me because they can't get a response from the city, and this is unacceptable. I'm committed to making our government more responsive to constituent concerns and to make sure every voice in every neighborhood is heard," she said. Simmons pledged to recruit a diverse workforce to represent the city's "wonderful diverse demographics."

Coming out of the pandemic, Simmons said she'll support small businesses.

"We have so much vacant space in our downtown. We need a mayor who will be a small business champion to help revitalize our downtown and support entrepreneurs and jobs. With my experience as Commerce Chair [in Hartford], I will bring that to the city and do everything I can to help our small businesses flourish," she said.

"I'll work to make Stamford a more affordable and inclusive and equitable city for all of our residents, so all families can thrive. These policies are achievable. Our residents want it and we can do it. But we can only do these things if we have a leader who believes and says, 'Yes, we can,' instead of, 'No, we can't.'"