Democrat and Republican state lawmakers welcome first child She is a bilingual reporter based out of Fairfield County and welcomes all story ideas at cvallejo@ctpublic.org. She graduated from Harvard with a bachelors degree in government and received her masters in Middle East Studies from George Washington University. Simmons worked for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security before running for office. On Twitter, Caroline Simmons shared that she gave birth to a . Connecticut Public Radio. Caroline Simmons, a Democrat, defeated former New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine in a bitter battle to become the next mayor of Stamford. When she looked to him, he was on bended knee with a ring. People are laughing that she married Art. And we both share the values of caring about the state and our work as public servants, he said. We look forward to seeing you on our wedding day. You two are at the heart of everything we do. John and Carolyn asked Reggie to choose the photo that would be released to the public two days later, on Monday, September 23. [41] All of Simmons' appointments were approved by the Board of Representatives. On Linares and Simmons's wedding day, state Democrats and Republicans were so at odds with each other that Connecticut had been without a budget for over three months, the longest fiscal impasse in state history. Ned Lamont said. She really believes in that, listening to everyone," said Eileen Simmons, the new mayor's mother. When they first started planning their wedding, Linares, a senator from Westbrook, and Simmons, a representative from Stamford, settled on an October date for their outdoor celebration at picturesque Griswold Point in Old Lyme. He graduated from the University of Tampa with a bachelors degree in entrepreneurship. DARIEN Former baseball manager Bobby Valentine and state Rep. Caroline Simmons clashed Thursday in their increasingly bitter battle to become Stamford's next mayor. Democrat Caroline Simmons defeats former New York Mets manager Bobby [44] Simmons pursued capital budget increases for sidewalk construction and school buildings while obtaining state and federal funding to offset the increased cost on taxpayers. Art Linares and Caroline Simmons insist its possible. Chris and Caroline's Wedding Website The reception and dancing to follow will be held at the Reading Country Club from 5:30 to 10:30. That they were able to find true love [at the Capitol] is pretty cool., Sen. Scott Frantz, a Greenwich Republican who is a friend of Simmons parents and has known her since she was 3, said the upcoming nuptials give him hope that the rifts that divide lawmakers can be bridged. Specializing in model test shoots and headshots. John Breunig (opinion): The Caroline Simmons Playbook - StamfordAdvocate [21] The race attracted several high-profile donors,[22] amounting to a total of $1.2M between both candidates. Many ancient pipes in CT aren't up to the task of draining storm water, yet officials just seem to shrug. "I know she's very smart, she's very educated, she went to Harvard, and I'm really looking forward to seeing the changes she's going to be making to our city as our new mayor," student Selin Osman said. It was a bold move in an era of froufrou; she brought this kind of palette cleanser, a sort of refreshing sorbet after a fancy meal. Valentine called Simmons 'a 35-year-old girl,' which she called Ive never met somebody so arresting, London says. Do millennials date outside their political party? These couples do [5], In 2014, Simmons became a state representative candidate for the 144th district. content: Politics Videos; Chris Sen. Linares, Rep. Simmons Announce Baby on Senate Floor margin: 16px auto 0; This dress was totally opposite and diametrically opposed. [14] During her second term, Simmons continued advocating for improvements to Stamford public schools, infrastructure, and public safety. Ned Lamont, Lt. 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Keelin Daly / For Hearst Connecticut Media. The couple was at Simmons Bridge Street apartment on the day of the surprise. But legislative elections will be held in 2018 and the two lawmakers say they will decide early next year which district they will settle in. The 71-year-old Valentine conceded the election to Democratic state Rep. Caroline Simmons late Tuesday night in what ended up being a close race decided by absentee ballots. Both say the political differences enrich their relationship. [18][19] Simmons had raised over $239,000 for her primary campaign, outpacing Martin's $78,000. She understood how to not have the clothes be the focusshe was always the focus. Linarus represents the state Senates 33rd District, which includes most of Middlesex County. It took Simmons a moment to realize the proposal was from her boyfriend, state Sen. Art Linares. She dressed like that in photos and when I saw her in the Calvin Klein showroom. and just really despicable language. Try This: 5 Soothing Places in Fairfield County for Sunsets. Lamont attended their wedding in 2017. 2,789 Followers, 1,232 Following, 1,463 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Caroline Simmons (@mcarolinesimmons) Her administration's first-year budget recommended a 1 percent tax increase. [27] Valentine originally claimed duplicate ballots may have influenced the result,[28] but conceded soon afterward. Vera Wang and Carolina Herrera were simplifying their designs, but not as simple as a slip dress. Caroline Simmons officially sworn in as mayor of Stamford The best pitcher in MLB? Its healthy to be able to debate the issues.. I adored her expressionit says it all. There will also be brief remarks from Gov. height: 5px; For now, they will live apart: Linares will stay in Westbrook while Simmons will keep her Stamford apartment, about an hour and a half away. It is a historic day because today we celebrate a trailblazer, said Bysiewicz, who was drowned out by applause as she referred to Simmons as Stamfords first female mayor. I think the quietness of her dress is proving that can almost have more impact than anything else. [46], In August 2022, Simmons' administration pursued a project to renovate Stamford's Glenbrook Community Center into affordable housing but the proposal received significant pushback. How many dresses can we say get better and better? "I hope I can earn your trust, whether you voted for me or not, and know that I will be a mayor for everyone in this city," Simmons said. .galleries:after { @CarolineSimmons. | Website by Web Publisher PRO, Experts (and real local people) share their best SECRETS FOR HOME AND WORK HAPPINESS, TOTAL HEALTH and FINANCIAL FITNESS, The new shop So Fresh shares its secret about irresistible doughnuts. In their final debate. Thats what I remember mostthe magic feeling of the two of them together, the way they were. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously served as State Representative for Connecticut's 144th District, where she was the youngest female legislator in Connecticut state office. Then the head count would not have to be as careful as it would be if it would be done in another way.. Im very pleased that they were able to do this in what otherwise can be a combative place. Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Caroline Simmons, D-Stamford, and former New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine debate during a Stamford mayoral debate Oct. 21 in Darien. "To all of the women and girls in our city, today is for you . [citation needed] As chair, she has focused on small business development and job growth, especially given the COVID-19 pandemic. I am on the couple's website on my phone or tablet- and I can't find anything! She plans to visit small businesses on Saturday. Legislative leaders are hoping to convene this week. The crowd burst into spontaneous applause. Sheryl Lee Ralph Discusses Meeting Beautiful Amazon Rihanna Ahead of The Super Bowl, Princess Diana Wrote That She Hoped 1997 Will Be an Easier Year for Us All Eight Months Before Her Death. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Stamford is young, energetic, optimistic and expanding, he said. Dennies had previously served as Director of Administration under Mayor Malloy. He represents Connecticuts 33rd District. STAMFORD Caroline Simmons was sworn in Wednesday as Stamford's mayor, becoming the first woman to take the city's highest office. Dear Caroline, Will you marry me? No Gavin Lux -- big problem. "[50] Stamford's Board of Representatives requested a meeting to privately discuss "alleged and misconstrued comments" but the outcome of this request was not publicly reported. Legislative leaders are still hoping to convene this week before the wedding to resolve the standoff. text-align: center; You dont need a ball gown with bells and whistles. At the end of the celebration, Art surprised his bride with a rendition of "Sweet Caroline." Caroline is the daughter of Eileen and Steve Simmons of Greenwich. CarolineJSimmons@gmail.com Simmons has a successful model, having been raised by parents who come from opposite sides of the aisle. In the coming weeks, I will be rolling up my sleeves and getting to work on policies to advance the priorities highlighted during our campaign, investing in infrastructure and education, advancing economic prosperity, improving government responsiveness and making our city a more affordable and equitable place for everyone, Simmons said. Valentine and Simmons clash in debate for mayor in Connecticut's second Simmons and Linares canceled their honeymoon to continue negotiations. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. "When I saw my dress, I knew it was perfectit was the only . "[50] These comments were shared by Simmons on her own personal Instagram page. Lamont said that he and his wife, Ann, have known the Simmons family in Greenwich for years. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. Caroline Simmons made history Wednesday morning as the first woman to lead the state's second-largest city. Early on in the planning process, Caroline knew she wanted to wear all vintage on her wedding day for the sake of sustainability. Also, whos going to win the Super Bowl and what does it mean for Connecticut? Wedding registry search and couple's website finder - Zola display: block; Were not sure if were going to go or for how long, Simmons said. Reggie: She said, Show the dress. In December, he proposed to her in a full-page ad in the Stamford Advocate that read, Dear Caroline, will you marry me? What I saw was [that] Carolyns dress was a vehicle to shine light on her. The couples post-wedding plans also have the potential to cause consternation among Connecticut politicos. Simmons worked for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security before running for office. Former New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine and Democratic state legislator Caroline Simmons faced off in the election Tuesday after a bitter campaign. She reached across the aisle, Lamont said, jokingly pointing to Linares. She was just one of those women who understood how to make fashion work for her, not the other way around. Caroline Simmons sworn in as Stamford's mayor - StamfordAdvocate Welcome to the wedding website for Chris Field and Caroline Simmons. Lamont added that Simmons is a perfect fit for Connecticut and for Stamford. hands down changed the wedding dress game. Jan. 28, 2022. Obituary: Frederic Rickinson, 92, Of Stamford, Custom Built Stamford Home Offers Quality & Craftsmanship, Stamford's St. Patrick's Day Parade Is Saturday: Here's What To Know, "A River Runs Through" Opening Reception at Ice Cream Social, Free Workshops! She specifically asked that the photo Reggie chose to release show off Rodriguezs dress. We're always talking to couples like you to find out how we can make every moment from engagement to newlywed life easier and more fun. In June 2018, Simmons and Linares purchased an $885,000 split-level house built in the mid-1950s on Lakeview Drive, across High Ridge Road from Rippowam Middle School, the former high school where Valentine hit and ran to athletic glory in the mid-1960s. December 1, 2021 / 6:45 PM "[50] Simmons denied to elaborate on her claims and stated she wasn't interested in "calling people out individually. [23] Simmons garnered national attention after she announced she was expecting her third child,[24] and again when she was endorsed by President Barack Obama. Linares is a traditional conservative, winning the endorsement of the Family Institute of Connecticut political action committee in 2016. Im walking backwards in the light rain at dusk, and John does this amazing gesture, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips. Were so excited, Simmons said, and we couldnt be happier to spend this time with our families.. / CBS New York. Though they enjoy reading and discussing news, one thing the couple doesnt share is a political party: Simmons is a Democrat; her future husband is a Republican. The day was marked by two ceremonies: one just after midnight. At the end of the celebration, Art surprised his bride with a rendition of Sweet Caroline.. I really respect that. 484.269.4974, After we get married, we will be living in Center City, Philadelphia. Dive into mind-expanding and heart-opening performances in Stamford this January and February. STAMFORD Caroline Simmons was sworn in Wednesday as Stamfords mayor, becoming the first woman to take the citys highest office. Caroline Simmons (born February 10, 1986) is an American politician serving as the mayor of Stamford, Connecticut. The swearing-in ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. from the Stamford Government .