Obama endorses Simmons for Stamford mayor
STAMFORD — President Barack Obama has endorsed Democrat Caroline Simmons in the battle for Stamford mayor.
The endorsement Thursday comes about 12 days before Election Day in an increasingly bitter contest against former New York Mets and Boston Red Sox baseball manager Bobby Valentine. Valentine, 71, is running as an unaffiliated candidate, while Simmons defeated two-term incumbent Democratic Mayor David Martin in a September primary.
“Caroline Simmons knows what it takes to create real change, and she’ll help make Stamford an even better place for families and businesses,’’ Obama was quoted as saying in a statement from the Simmons campaign. “That’s why I’m endorsing her for mayor.’’
Simmons, 35, initially worked on Obama’s presidential campaign as an unpaid intern at the age of 22. She eventually earned a paid position and moved on to a position in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security during the Obama administration.
She served there for 4 ½ years in a variety of positions, including as a special assistant in the Office of the Secretary, a policy analyst for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, and as a special projects director in the counterterrorism coordinator’s office.
Simmons helped support the department’s programs, including making multiple trips to Kabul, Afghanistan.
She previously served as an intern at the U.S. Department of State on issues regarding the Middle East.
“President Obama inspired a generation of leaders to serve their country and reach for a better America,’’ Simmons said. “His call for hope and change inspired me to serve my country, and I am ready to take the next step in that mission by stepping up to lead our great city of Stamford.’’
She added, “I will always strive to be honest, approachable, and transparent with all of my colleagues and constituents — living the values I learned from President Obama.’’
Regarding endorsements, the mayoral candidates have been split. The police union has endorsed Valentine, while the firefighters’ union has endorsed Simmons. Valentine also received the endorsement from the teachers’ union.