Simmons Calls Valentine's Comments About Her 'Misogynistic'

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Democratic mayoral candidate Caroline Simmons responded Tuesday to comments made by her opponent, Bobby Valentine, in a recent Associated Press article.

In discussing Stamford and the idea that he's "not an ordinary old white guy," Valentine, 71, told the AP that Simmons could not relate to the people of Stamford like he can. Valentine was born and raised in the city, and Simmons grew up in nearby Greenwich before moving to Stamford several years ago.

Simmons has served as the State Representative for the 144th District in Stamford since 2014.

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"There’s no chance of a 35-year-old girl who grew up in a private setting, going to a private school in Greenwich, Connecticut, could possibly relate to the diverse culture of Stamford, Connecticut, better than I do, no matter what the age is,” Valentine, who is running as an unaffiliated candidate for mayor, told the AP. "It’s an absolute impossibility in my mind."

On Tuesday, Simmons' campaign issued a statement, calling Valentine's comments "misogynistic" and "offensive."

"His misogynistic comments are offensive to all women and girls in our city and we cannot stand for his demeaning remarks — whether it is to people who were not born here, people who can’t afford to own here, or women pursuing their dreams here," Simmons' campaign said in a news release. "None of us should be surprised Bobby said this. He’s been showing us who he is — over and over — throughout this campaign."

The latest spat between the candidates comes less than a week before the election in Stamford on Nov. 2. The election has gotten heated at times, with the campaigns trading barbs over home ownership versus renting in Stamford, mold in Stamford Public Schools, Valentine's tenure as the city's Public Safety Director in 2011, and property and motor vehicle taxes.

Read more from the Associated Press