‘I look forward to supporting Bobby’s team’
It’s a privilege to say I’ve spent my life in Stamford. I was born here 74 years ago, raised my four sons here, served 22 years on our police force as a street cop, detective and community outreach officer, was elected president of our Italian Center, and am active in a vibrant community of musicians.
Since the Republican Town Committee endorsed me to run for mayor in July, I have spent considerable time visiting with residents, attending public events, and sharpening my focus on the issues.
I’ve known Mayor David Martin’s leadership style for much of the 35 years since he first took office, and appreciate why his Democratic Party endorsed someone else. We thank him for serving, but it’s time for a change in how our government functions — or, more often, doesn’t!
I recently met with David’s Democratic challenger, Caroline Simmons. Although she is a pleasant person, Caroline lacks a basic understanding of Stamford’s budget, union contracts, public school system and, importantly, our culture.
She has never managed a department, let alone thousands of hard-working employees who need leadership. She is entirely unprepared to lead a complex city like Stamford.
Caroline’s campaign literature reads like gobbledygook. She takes credit for securing $300 million from Hartford, with no mention of the other six Stamford legislators who worked to secure the funds. Our city needs someone who values teamwork!
Despite all of the taxpayer funding from Hartford, Simmons says Stamford has failed to address mold in our schools, and needs yet more money. The mold has been a problem in Stamford schools since Simmons moved here from Greenwich and ran for state office seven years ago. Wasn’t it her job during that time to secure more funding?
As a detective, I worked with federal and state agencies to combat serious crime. It is confusing that Caroline touts her time as a 25-year-old policy analyst reviewing counter terrorism at the Department of Homeland Security. Policy analysts do research and prepare reports. It does not qualify someone to manage our police force and protect Stamford residents.
I also had the opportunity to speak with Bobby Valentine, who is energizing our community. I attended one of his events with 150 people, and was impressed by his mastery of the issues as he answered questions for 45 minutes.
Bobby isn’t running for mayor because he needs a job or has political ambition. He is doing it for the love of Stamford that he has displayed all of his life. Bobby has a diverse record of success and will bring unique insight to governing.
On the issue of helping our seniors, like me, he understands the financial challenges and has a long record of creative problem-solving. He attended our public schools, opened two small businesses here, and has been a generous supporter of our nonprofits.
He has spent decades mentoring young people, and his eight years as an executive director at Sacred Heart University speak to his record of igniting change.
Bobby is building a broad base of support that includes Democrats, Republicans and individuals who are tired of political chaos. After the Stamford police union board unanimously endorsed Bobby, I decided to step aside and support him to be our next mayor.
While I will be withdrawing from the race as a candidate, I look forward to supporting Bobby’s team, and encourage Stamford residents who care about people, not politics, to join me!