The day was marked by two ceremonies: one just after midnight at Simmons home and another in the mid-morning at the Stamford Government Center. Her father, Steve Simmons, echoed similar sentiments. [43][45] These capital investments echoed a claim made by commentators during Simmons' mayoral campaign that her connections to state and federal agencies could result in more funding for local initiatives. He said that Simmons, who moved to Stamford in 2013, was an amazing state legislator in part because everybody liked her.. [5], In 2014, Simmons became a state representative candidate for the 144th district. As someone who had three babies as a state legislator and served as secretary of the state with three kids under the age of 7, Caroline Simmons has got this. Its so interesting to see how the next generation is completely obsessed with her. Linares co-founded Greenskies, a solar energy company in Middletown. This was really a statement about the dawning of a new age, very much in keeping with Narcisos entire aesthetic, the idea that true simplicity can be absolutely, exquisitely beautiful. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Bysiewicz added, Simmons is the right person at the right moment to lead in this city., Shes a person who has always had the right priorities, Bysiewicz said. Caroline was an amazing state legislator for so many reasons, not the least of which is everybody liked her because she liked everyone, Lamont said. Caroline Simmons said the comments are 'misogynistic' and 'offensive. Dennies had previously served as Director of Administration under Mayor Malloy. Art is the son of Robin and Art Linares of Clinton. "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. [20], Simmons faced unaffiliated candidate Bobby Valentine in the general election. [50] Sherwood said the mayor's claim was "a complete fabrication" and asked Simmons to "tell the truth and apologize for her hurtful Chicago statements. And in a place with a lot of sharp elbows, she was amazing. He said hes seen her succeed on the athletic field, in the classroom and in state government. At both, Attorney General William Tong administered the oath of office. So far, efforts to adopt a spending plan have dissolved amid political squabbling and gridlock. Dont you worry, Bysiewicz said. For their rehearsal dinner and reception, they celebrated at the islands Greyfield Inn, where most of their guests stayed as well. display: block; With Stamford increasingly driving growth in Connecticut, the pressure is on Simmons to deliver on the collaborative leadership she promised. [citation needed] As chair, she has focused on small business development and job growth, especially given the COVID-19 pandemic. [4] She was the president of her high school, captain of three varsity sports and a two-time All-American lacrosse player. Linares has served on the state Senate since 2013. Vanity Fair may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. [47] In a public meeting with organizers, Simmons claimed the proposal was the target of misinformation. We are getting Married on May 30th, 2009 at 3:00pm at the Villa St. Elizabeth in Wyomissing, PA. Linares is a traditional conservative, winning the endorsement of the Family Institute of Connecticut political action committee in 2016. Her beauty is this pure, classic beauty; instead of seeing her as this fashion object, were really looking at her. As he cooked breakfast and she flipped through the paper, Caroline came upon Arts ad. Simmons won the election Tuesday and will become the city . They kept this a state secret from everybody, said Frantz, who sits next to Linares in the Republican caucus room. color: #1e1e1e; [6][7] At the Department of Homeland Security, Simmons served as Director of Special Projects in the Counterterrorism Coordinator's Office and traveled to Kabul many times for her work. "It's time for me to congratulate the new mayor of Stamford, Caroline Simmons," Valentine wrote on social media. I was really moved by it and Carolyns surprise. Former Republican President George W. Bush, who was a managing partner of the Rangers when the team fired Valentine as its manager, contributed $500 to the candidate's campaign. She is a bilingual reporter based out of Fairfield County and welcomes all story ideas at [email protected]. "Just grateful for all the women who came before me who blazed a trail. [8] Simmons defeated incumbent Republican Michael Molgano with 53.8% of the vote, and was the only Connecticut Democrat in 2014 to defeat an incumbent Republican. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. [43] This increase was below the city's average of 2 to 3 percent each year from 2013 to 2022. The back cover of The Advocate featured a full-page ad with a personal query. Barack Obama's Presidential Transition Team, "Amid the Partisan Bickering in Hartford, A Republican and a Democrat Found Love", "Simmons wins second term in 144th District", "Caroline Simmons wins Stamford mayoral election as Bobby Valentine concedes", "State Rep finds surprise proposal in The Advocate", "Representative Hopes to Lead By Example", "Representative hopes to lead by example", "Connecticut House of Representatives elections, 2014", "Connecticut 144th District State House Results: Caroline Simmons Wins", "Democrat and GOP lawmakers announce first child together", "Caroline Simmons: Why I am running for re-election", "Simmons announces re-election bid to Stamford's 144th", "Stamford's Simmons backs cybersecurity bil", "State Rep. Caroline Simmons to challenge incumbent David Martin for Stamford mayor", "Simmons narrowly wins Stamford's Democratic endorsement for mayor; Martin looks to force primary", "Broad coalition endorses independent practice for Medicare psychologists", "State Rep. Caroline Simmons defeats Mayor David Martin in Stamford Democratic mayoral primary", "George Bush, Linda McMahon among donors: Valentine outraises Simmons and Martin in Stamford mayoral campaign", "Joe Corsello, Republican candidate for Stamford mayor, drops out of race and endorses Bobby Valentine", "Caroline Simmons, Bobby Valentine raised more than $1.2M in Stamford mayoral race. Join Facebook to connect with Caroline Sundvold and others you may know. For her September 21, 1996, wedding to John F. Kennedy Jr., Carolyn Bessette was ready to surprise. @CarolineSimmons. }, Subscribe and listen to the Capitol Watch Podcast, iTunes | Soundcloud | Google Play | TuneIn, Amid The Partisan Bickering In Hartford, A, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Welcome to the new courant.com: Whats changed, FAQs and more, Amid The Partisan Bickering In Hartford, A Republican And A Democrat Found Love, Alex Murdaugh found guilty of murdering wife, son, CT continues to prosecute some marijuana cases despite legalization, 14 protesters arrested at state Capitol complex, Connecticut Republicans call for crime reforms as traffic deaths soar and enforcement falls, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Shes been a champion for Stamford schools, for small businesses, for public safety, for the environment, for transportation, for equality and inclusion of everyone. "Thank you all for your support, it's been my honor. She is joined by her husband, Art Linares, a former Republican state senator, and their sons Teddy, 3, and Jack, 1. Then, at his own wedding, another incredibly kind, princely gesture. She also plans to meet with schools Superintendent Tamu Lucero this week. The previous time wed seen John Kennedy with an expressive gesture was 33 years before, at the burial of his father on his third birthday. State Rep. Caroline Simmons shares a light moment with State Senator Bob Duff, left, and State Senator L. Scott Frantz at the Women's Business Development Council's annual breakfast at the Hyatt in Greenwich, Sept. 23, 2016. December 1, 2021 / 6:45 PM .galleries:before { Both lawmakers are well-liked on both sides of the aisle. But its fascinating to have a different perspective, and it helps refine my own views. But as the youngest state senator, he has championed new technology and has led the battle to bring Tesla to Connecticut. The city is growing and so is Simmons' family. See Photos. Ned Lamont, Lt. Gov. ', "A 1,500 vote difference put Caroline Simmons over Bobby Valentine to become Stamford's next mayor", "Bobby Valentine loses tight mayoral race in Stamford, suggests some voted twice", "John Breunig (opinion): Caroline Simmons made history in CT. Can she make more? To revist this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. Someone I loved very much asked me to make the most important dress of her life. That life turned out to be much shorter than anyone expected at the timeBessette-Kennedy was 33 when she and her husband died in a private plane crash in July 1999. And I will tell you also, as a working mom, she understands what families are going through and understands the challenges that working parents face.. Im walking backwards in the light rain at dusk, and John does this amazing gesture, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips. Obviously Im incredibly excited to marry Caroline, he said. [15] Simmons was endorsed by the Stamford Democratic City Committee against two-term incumbent Mayor David Martin. Reggie: She said, Show the dress. Ad Choices, How many dresses can we say get better and better?, The 42 Best Romantic Comedies of All Time, The 25 Best Shows on Netflix to Watch Right Now. But they are hopeful an agreement can be reached that will draw support across party lines, which would negate the need for the couple to cancel their honeymoon. Caroline Simmons, D-Stamford, and former New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine debate during a Stamford mayoral debate Oct. 21 in Darien. Reggie: It was lovely, the spontaneity of that gesture. I tried to access a couple's wedding website, but am being prompted for a password. "[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. We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. We love all of you and can't wait to celebrate our marriage with you over the coming years! It crystallized that trend [minimalism] in fashion. Bessette chose her close friend Narciso Rodriguez, who had worked with her at Calvin Klein, and instantly made the designer a household name; the next year, he launched his own eponymous label. The couple met a year and a half ago, at a bipartisan young legislators caucus. Behind Nika Mhl's surprise call from UConn great Sue Bird, Cannabis advocates protest CT's recreational-use rollout, CT SPCA volunteers 'humbled' as hundreds file to adopt pets, Warrant: Ex-CT 'lunch lady' sent nude pics to student for months. Also, whos going to win the Super Bowl and what does it mean for Connecticut? Valentine did not contact Simmons on election night,[29] and characterized local press coverage as "lousy", adding he could not compliment Simmons' victory "with an open heart and clear mind. Her focus never wavered, even with her 3-year-old, Teddy, at her feet, turning her podium into a play space. Ex-manager Valentine falls short in mayoral bid. margin: 16px auto 0; Caroline Simmons (born February 10, 1986) is an American politician serving as the mayor of Stamford, Connecticut. I know today as I take this oath that Im just picking up a torch that many of you have been carrying for a long time and that the young girls watching today will be picking up long after me.. A Stamford native, he was a three-sport high school star in the city. Producing and Acting for TV with Scott Bryce & Laurence A. Caso, DCA's Darien Neighbors, Global Players ~ Sarah Blank, Fine & Decorative Arts Auction | Jewelry | Artwork | Furniture | Silver, David Licata glass art making demonstration, Gluten-Free New England's Connecticut Expo, Road Closed In Stamford Due To Construction: Public Safety, Stamford Resident Wins $50K From Scratch-Off: CT Lottery, The Taco Project Opens First CT Location In Stamford. Thats part of the magicless is more. I think in a perfect scenario, our wedding gift to them would be a bipartisan budget, said House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz, a Democrat. London: [The dress] has the most extraordinary constructionsimple, bias-cut, all of it. It was five-star perfection. Keelin Daly / For Hearst Connecticut Media. The former state representative beat two-term incumbent Mayor David Martin in a primary. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. The 35-year-old didn't miss a beat as she juggled the roles of mom and new mayor at her swearing-in ceremony, CBS2's Tony Aiello reported. Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov. [41] All of Simmons' appointments were approved by the Board of Representatives. STAMFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- History was made Wednesday, as Connecticut's second-biggest city now its first female mayor. Talk about reaching across the aisle. The election was hard fought and Simmons seems well positioned to bridge any lingering divide. Love Artie.. Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has openly shared her admiration of Carolyns style. content: ; People are still dressing in that kind of design for their weddings, and people are definitely still inspired by the dress in many different ways. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are Try This: 5 Soothing Places in Fairfield County for Sunsets. [5] While in college, Simmons played on the varsity lacrosse team and spent a semester studying abroad at the American University in Egypt. Shes a woman of mystery, something we dont have much of today. We look forward to seeing you on our wedding day. It was the first political campaign for Valentine, a former Republican who ran as an unaffiliated candidate after submitting 188 signatures to get on the ballot. The greatest lineups ever? [2] She is married to former Republican State Senator Art Linares. Caroline Simmons addresses the crowd at the Stamford Government Center after being sworn in as the first female mayor of the city of Stamford. When she looked to him, he was on bended knee with a ring. That was her aesthetic, and her wedding dress was a very, very bold expression of that minimalism. She was just one of those women who understood how to make fashion work for her, not the other way around. It was a high-profile, at times hostile and expensive race, with Simmons and Valentine each raising hundreds of thousands of dollars during their campaigns. 2513 Kimball St Sitting side by side, Simmons and her husband, Art Linares, a former Republican state senator, held their sons Teddy, 3, and Jack, 1, who became a bit restless during the hour-long ceremony. As a 484.269.4974, After we get married, we will be living in Center City, Philadelphia. [36][37] Six months after being reappointed, Jankowski announced he would step down from the position. In her first term, Simmons Introduced or co-sponsored 53 bi-partisan bills, two which reduced regulations for small businesses and six of which lowered taxes on hospitals, businesses, and residents. You have all been such an important part of our lives and we wouldnt imagine getting married without you. Behind Nika Mhl's surprise call from UConn great Sue Bird, Cannabis advocates protest CT's recreational-use rollout, CT SPCA volunteers 'humbled' as hundreds file to adopt pets, Warrant: Ex-CT 'lunch lady' sent nude pics to student for months. They discuss the first real winter storm of the season in Connecticut and they offer some updates on local political elections. Watch Live at 7:00 PM: The U.S. and the Holocaust, a film by Ken Burns | Screening & Panel Discussion . [email protected] She understood how to not have the clothes be the focusshe was always the focus. Lamont attended their wedding in 2017. [25] The race was characterized as "tense" with Simmons claiming Valentine had used misogynistic language and Valentine claiming Simmons was ageist. "[48] Despite her initial defense of the proposal, Simmons eventually withdrew the proposal before it was voted on by the board. STAMFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Caroline Simmons was officially sworn in as Stamford's 32nd mayor Wednesday. STAMFORD, CT State Rep. Caroline Simmons made history early Wednesday morning, as she became the first woman to be elected as mayor of Stamford. John reached for the hand of Carolyn; she was caught off guard. The swearing-in ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. from the Stamford Government Center, but residents will have the chance to watch from home since attendance will be limited. 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. The double-ring ceremony was officiated by Dr. height: 5px; Thus may the LORD do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me. Ruth 1:16-17, Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. It sends a really good message., Bipartisanship played an outsized role in their relationship from the start: They met through the Bipartisan Young Legislators Caucus, a group of under-30 lawmakers from both sides of the aisle co-founded by Linares. [Carolyns dress] was revolutionary in that sense, that someone would wear something that simple. Legislative leaders are hoping to convene this week. Caroline Simmons. Rowley: I definitely think it does feel like that kind of simplicity will never go out of style. Because of the budget, we may postpone.. Hopefully its a foreshadowing of whats to come, he said. Linares made eggs as he waited for the big reveal. "It's a young, vibrant, optimistic city and now you have a young, vibrant, optimistic mayor, perfect fit for the job, Caroline Simmons," Gov. Kargman: The spotlight that A-listers have to endurethe dress was a chess move away from that. He represents Connecticuts 33rd District. You dont need a ball gown with bells and whistles. The ceremony can be viewed on the city's YouTube page, as well as on Facebook. We have different political views and we dont agree on everything, Simmons said. [47] Stamford's Board of Representatives Legislative and Rules Committee voted against the proposal and local residents organized in opposition to the plan. Caroline Simmons greets voters outside Stillmeadow Elementary School in Stamford Tuesday morning, Nov. 8, 2016. Next up, her journey as Stamford's 35th mayor. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. I thought I misread it.. "[50] These comments were shared by Simmons on her own personal Instagram page. 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. Her husband, Art Linares, is a Republican former state senator. The reception and dancing to follow will be held at the Reading Country Club from 5:30 to 10:30. Caroline is the daughter of Eileen and Steve Simmons of Greenwich. Linares and Simmons, who was first elected in 2014, are both viewed as rising stars within their respective caucuses and neither party wants to lose them. It wont surprise their constituents to learn the young legislators she is 30, he is 28 met in Hartford. Twenty-five years after Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy hands down changed the wedding dress game, the people who watched it happen look back. 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. Were left wanting so much more. It was virtually dark outside. Many ancient pipes in CT aren't up to the task of draining storm water, yet officials just seem to shrug. It has the same sort of simplicity and sex appeal, kind of a boudoir feeling, of when Marilyn Monroe sang Happy Birthday, Mr. President. It kind of has the same dropped onto the body [feel]. "She's gonna reach across the aisle. Based in North Carolina and Virginia. STAMFORD, CT Caroline Simmons will make history on Wednesday when she's sworn-in as Stamford's first female mayor. [34] Dalena left his position as Deputy General Counsel to Governor Lamont to accept the position in Stamford. To have it be a slip dress is a bold thing to wear; its not even corseted. Simmons will be the first woman to serve as mayor of Stamford, the state's second-largest city and its fastest growing. In 1996, it was still a pretty iconic wedding dress. You have to be confident; I could never wear it. 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. [5] She earned her bachelor's degree from Harvard College in 2008, where she majored in Government. [31] Miller was the most senior legislator among the Stamford delegation and an ally to Simmons throughout her mayoral campaign. Chris Please wander around this website to find out more information about our wedding and a little bit about each one of us and our relationship. [42], In her first year as Mayor, Simmons pursued policies that addressed the affordability of living in Stamford. After the musician who is the daughter of KISS rocker Gene Simmons and actress Shannon Tweed-Simmons and her longtime love, James Henderson, tied the knot at a. By signing up you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement. Connecticut Public Radio | 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. We are getting Married on May 30th, 2009 at 3:00pm at the Villa St. Elizabeth in Wyomissing, PA. She reached across the aisle, Lamont said, jokingly pointing to Linares. Her administration's first-year budget recommended a 1 percent tax increase. [26], Initial results on election night indicated a close race, but absentee ballots swung heavily in Simmons' favor resulting in a 5-point victory. I adored her expressionit says it all. Simmons worked for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security before running for office. She just was who she was, and part of her appeal came from not trying to be anything other than herself. Mashburn: It is a timeless dress. In the meantime, Simmons said, we will live separately for a period of time and plan to continue to serve our constituents and live in our own separate districts., Some see the couples union as proof that politicians can rise above the partisan sniping. Both say the political differences enrich their relationship. We dont look at this as a political issue, said Linares, a tall, dark-haired 28-year-old who has represented several lower Connecticut Valley towns in the state Senate since 2013. Fantasy baseball: Which prospects have fantasy value in 2023? It's why our tools cost little to nothing at all and work seamlessly together in one place online. Its healthy to be able to debate the issues.. Only a woman with a real sense of self can do that. [17] Martin collected enough signatures to force a Democratic primary election which took place on September 14, 2021. Caroline Simmons shoe size is 8 UK and she loves to wear casual shoes. She. Simmons worked for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security before running for office. Scripture reading and the poem "Cherish the Treasure" were delivered by Mrs. Sarah Henrich. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. 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. background-color: #c52026; 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. It was lovely in its simplicity and elegance and was very much consistent with the theme or feel of the wedding. Shes a pro-business Democrat who graduated from Harvard and worked on Barack Obamas first campaign for president. She represents the 144th District in Stamford. The house sits on 0.57 acre, with a pond in back. For a celebrity to be that warmhearted and showing his love in that wayit was great. This look was an expression of her personality, that shed do things on her own terms, in her own style, with her own point of view. She understood that an understatement was the loudest statement in the room. [33], After being sworn in as Mayor, Simmons announced she would retain two cabinet members from the previous administration: Sandra Dennies as Director of Administration, and Ted Jankowski as Director of Public Safety, Health, and Welfare. Susan Bysiewicz, state lawmakers, city officials and Simmons family packed the lobby of the Government Center for the second ceremony. Bobby Valentine, 71, conceded the mayoral election in Stamford, Conn., to Democratic state Rep. Caroline Simmons late Tuesday night in what ended up being a close race decided by absentee ballots. Portrait and lifestyle photography. 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!