Stamford Police Association Endorses Bobby Valentine For Mayor

STAMFORD, CT — With the municipal election about two months away, Bobby Valentine, the unaffiliated candidate for Mayor of Stamford, received a strong endorsement from the Stamford Police Association, his campaign announced on Wednesday.

"After evaluating the candidates for mayor, it is clear that Bobby Valentine’s experience and dedication to improving all aspects of Stamford put him far above the others," said Kris Engstrand, President of the SPA, in a news release. "Bobby is unaffiliated from the political party system and isn’t seeking to be mayor as a stepping stone on a career path for higher office. He has already achieved a record of success that is unmatched, and the people of Stamford are fortunate to have someone with so many talents willing to serve."

The SPA pointed to the fact that Stamford is now the second largest city in Connecticut, with more than 135,000 residents and thousands of additional commuters.

"Like so many municipalities across the country, we are in a period of dramatic change. That is why we support a candidate who has consistently demonstrated the ability to manage change," the SPA said in a news release. "Given the evolving social climate, our police department needs a mayor that understands how to manage and support people. In this upcoming election, Bobby is the only candidate who is as focused as the SPA on seeking objective, fair, and non-political solutions."

Last month, the SPA issued a strong letter opposing Mayor David Martin's mask mandate and vaccine requirement for city employees.

Martin was first elected as mayor in 2013. He faces State Rep. Caroline Simmons in a primary on Sept. 14. to be the Democratic candidate. Former Stamford police officer Joe Corsello was endorsed in July to be the Republican candidate.

Valentine is a Stamford native, and a former Major League Baseball player and manager. He managed the Texas Rangers, New York Mets and Boston Red Sox throughout his career, and experienced the most success in New York, where he won 536 games in seven years, leading the Mets to the World Series in 2000.

The SPA said Valentine's experience as a player representative for the MLB Players Association would help as mayor.

"Bobby understands the nuances of contract negotiations for organized labor," the SPA said. Valentine has been the Athletic Director for Sacred Heart University for the past eight years.

Valentine said on Wednesday he was humbled by the endorsement.

"It is an honor to have the endorsement of our dedicated men and women in uniform, many of whom I've known for decades. I have the utmost respect for their service to our community, and look forward to a productive relationship when I'm mayor," Valentine said in a statement. "The enthusiasm for our agenda and the change we will bring to governing our city is gaining momentum."