This is Simmons’ time
I am a strong supporter of state Rep. Caroline Simmons for mayor. She is smart, energetic, knowledgeable, visionary, and a great team builder — all skills and attributes critical to successful leadership.
Her 71⁄2years in state office have shown Rep. Simmons to be a hard-working and effective representative for her constituents — as co-chair of the Commerce Committee she has enacted legislation that has significantly improved people’s lives. And her experience working in the Department of Homeland Security means she has the know-how to be a strong advocate for Stamford at the state and federal levels.
However, when I speak with supporters of Mayor David Martin, who is running against her in the Sept. 14 Democratic primary, the comments I most frequently hear are that Rep. Simmons doesn’t have enough “management experience”; or “it’s not her time”; or that she is only running to “further her career.” (That last one is especially confounding — Simmons is running because she wants to serve our city, but if she is also ambitious is that such bad thing?)
I suspect their concerns wouldn’t be the same if Simmons were a man. After all, Dan Malloy ran for mayor when he was just 40, and no one said it wasn’t “his time.”
That said, I researched the attributes most important to recruiters looking for C-suite leaders and found that when applied to Simmons and her resume she is an excellent candidate to run a large organization. Specifically:
Leadership skills — Simmons has proven her leadership abilities in Hartford, co-chairing key committees and introducing and enacting significant legislation to help our communities and our businesses. To achieve her goals, she has led a diverse coalition of legislators and staff, as well as navigating and managing constituent input, lobbyists, and other stakeholders who engage with the process.
Communication skills — Proactive and consistent communication with constituents has always been a hallmark of Simmons’ time in the legislature and she is committed to bringing this transparency and communication to the mayor’s office.
Relationship building — Simmons has always worked across the aisle in Hartford — her bills are all co-sponsored by at least one Republican — and she has formed important relationships with many groups throughout our city. She is beloved by constituents, who find her approachable and empathetic. One of her key goals is to use these skills to improve relations between the mayor’s office and the various elected and appointed boards throughout the city, as well as other groups who have felt marginalized during the current administration.
Team building —Simmons’ understands that to run the city well she must build a diverse team of experts, a “cabinet” that will bring different skills, strengths, and viewpoints to the table. Her style is to create teams and build relationships to address the issues we face and solve problems. Her motto: “Don’t attack each other, let’s attack the problems.”
Strategic planning — Simmons’ plans for Stamford are far-reaching and multifaceted. She is very focused on taking advantage of key opportunities that exist right now regarding available federal funding for infrastructure improvements. And she is also thinking long-term about how to deliver the services we need to make Stamford an attractive place to work and live for years to come.
Finally, Caroline Simmons is inspirational. Her vision for Stamford — a strong business community; much needed funding for our schools; improved infrastructure; climate resiliency; connected neighborhoods; mental health services; universal Pre-K — makes me optimistic for the future of our city.
Caroline Simmons is up for the job, and this is most definitely “her time.”