height: 5px; She resigned this week as the representative for the 144th District, which includes neighborhoods in the middle of Stamford. 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. It has added some stress, but my top priority and focus right now is serving my constituents and working on a bipartisan budget for the people of Connecticut, Simmons said. The couple plans to set a wedding. 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They exuded an affection that was beautiful to witness, the love felt that weekend and that night on Cumberland Island. Susan Bysiewicz. I adored her expressionit says it all. 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. It was five-star perfection. On Thursday, she and engineering officials will go on a tour of the city to assess roads, bridges and sidewalks. We couldnt be happier about our upcoming wedding and are excited about sharing this occasion with all of you. The house sits on 0.57 acre, with a pond in back. 2513 Kimball St Retracing the path of controversial Project Veritas founder James O'Keefe includes many stops in Connecticut. Simmons moved to Stamford and started working at the Women's Business Development Council in 2013 after living in Washington, D.C., and working at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. and just really despicable language. But as the youngest state senator, he has championed new technology and has led the battle to bring Tesla to Connecticut. [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. "[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. Theyre both great people and I wish them many years of happiness, Aresimowicz said. I feel today as a father so proud, so fulfilled and so excited, Steve Simmons said. 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. Linares co-founded Greenskies, a solar energy company in Middletown. 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. It was virtually dark outside. Caroline & Evan April 9, 2022 Nashville, TN, USA Home Our Story Talk about reaching across the aisle. 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. "She's gonna reach across the aisle. What did they spend it on? She reached across the aisle. Keelin Daly / For Hearst Connecticut Media. Fox was later appointed as Simmons' chief of staff. Camila Vallejo is a corps member with Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms. When asked to identify individuals who used this language, Simmons singled out Democratic Majority Leader Nina Sherwood and another board member of the same party. Art is the son of Robin and Art Linares of Clinton. It never shows its age. Fashion designer Ann Mashburn: [Carolyn] worked in fashion and was a fashion person. The swearing-in ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. from the Stamford Government . [5], After graduating Harvard she worked on Barack Obama's Presidential Transition Team, before accepting a job at the Department of Homeland Security. }, 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. [51], Simmons lives in Stamford with her Republican husband and three children. Get the latest chatter, from Kensington Palace and beyond, straight to your inbox. [47] Stamford's Board of Representatives Legislative and Rules Committee voted against the proposal and local residents organized in opposition to the plan. The 35-year-old Democrat took the oath of office alongside her two toddlers and her husband, former Republican state Sen. Art Linares. 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. I really respect that. 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.. Linarus represents the state Senates 33rd District, which includes most of Middlesex County. Mashburn: It is a timeless dress. Welcome to Caroline Simmons and Art Linares's Wedding Website! [5], In 2014, Simmons became a state representative candidate for the 144th district. ", It's time for me to congratulate the new mayor of Stamford, Caroline Simmons. Simmons worked for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security before running for office. They are shown here during their final debate in the. With less than two weeks before the primary, Simmons and Martin each stumbled mildly during a Zoom forum Wednesday while pondering the possibility of defeat. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. Her administration's first-year budget recommended a 1 percent tax increase. [40] Nadres had worked in New York City on economic issues for over a decade prior to accepting her role in Stamford. Only a woman with a real sense of self can do that. "[48] Despite her initial defense of the proposal, Simmons eventually withdrew the proposal before it was voted on by the board. STAMFORD, CT State Rep. Caroline Simmons made history early Wednesday morning, as she became the first woman to be elected as mayor of Stamford. | 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. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Carolyns veil was made of silk tulle, and she wore crystal-beaded satin sandals from Manolo Blahnik; on her arms were long white gloves, and in her hands were an understated bouquet of lilies of the valley. Her father, Steve Simmons, echoed similar sentiments. For a celebrity to be that warmhearted and showing his love in that wayit was great. By Tammy La Gorce. They live an hour apart. 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. So the mayors office wont be any different. [35] Jankowski was nominated by Mayor Pavia in 2012 and reappointed by Martin for both of his terms. Simmons represents Stamfords 144th District on the state House of Representatives. It was one of the most anticipated nuptials since Princess Diana and Prince Charles, but instead of a cathedral filled with thousands of people, the couple chose the First African Baptist Church on Cumberland Island, Georgia, with about 40 guests in attendance. How many dresses can we say get better and better? Please enter valid email address to continue. Thats what I remember mostthe magic feeling of the two of them together, the way they were. Caroline Simmons, left, a Democratic state representative, and Art Linares, right, a Republican state senator, are getting married Saturday. It was one of the most anticipated nuptials since Princess Diana and Prince Charles, but instead of a cathedral filled with thousands of people, the couple chose the First African Baptist Church on. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. Twenty-five years after Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy hands down changed the wedding dress game, the people who watched it happen look back. What can I do? Linares has served on the state Senate since 2013. Linares is a traditional conservative, winning the endorsement of the Family Institute of Connecticut political action committee in 2016. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Simmons won the election Tuesday and will become the city . Many ancient pipes in CT aren't up to the task of draining storm water, yet officials just seem to shrug. What I remember most was the way they were around each other. 2022 Moffly Media. Simmons gave Martin a shoutout during the Government Center ceremony, saying that she had big shoes to fill. Martin presented Simmons with a gavel and congratulated her. 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 a great moment in my career but also a beautiful moment in my personal life, he told Vogue in 2018. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Simmons said she will hold virtual town halls on a weekly basis starting this Friday. Jan. 28, 2022. 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. [13] She was appointed as Chair of the Commerce Committee, becoming one of the youngest women to ever do so. 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. 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. 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. Caroline Simmons is now in charge of the state's second-largest city. Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov. State rep finds surprise proposal in The Advocate, State report: Stamford discriminated against Westhill teacher, Maple Sugar Fest Sundays at Stamford Nature Center. 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. Reggie: It was an incredibly magical moment. Simmons, 35, defeated unaffiliated Bobby Valentine is a closely-contested race in November. Caroline Simmons. content: Politics Videos; And, we'll look at the connection between exercise and spirituality. You have all been such an important part of our lives and we wouldnt imagine getting married without you. And in a place with a lot of sharp elbows, she was amazing. 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. Many ancient pipes in CT aren't up to the task of draining storm water, yet officials just seem to shrug. 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London: [The dress] has the most extraordinary constructionsimple, bias-cut, all of it. [The dress] emphasized and highlighted the woman wearing it. Early on in the planning process, Caroline knew she wanted to wear all vintage on her wedding day for the sake of sustainability. I definitely feel like it broke the mold of the moment. Caroline Simmons said the comments are 'misogynistic' and 'offensive. Ive never met somebody so arresting, London says. Can the two state lawmakers from opposite political parties build a life together in an age marked by partisan bickering and sharp ideological divisions? I did a double take. The double-ring ceremony was officiated by Dr. With Stamford increasingly driving growth in Connecticut, the pressure is on Simmons to deliver on the collaborative leadership she promised. Since the election, Simmons has prepared for office by working with her transition team and policy committees. Fantasy baseball: Which prospects have fantasy value in 2023? I think that kind of dress will now forever be the moment we realized being a bride doesnt mean you have to look like a fairy princess. Whatever she wore for that wedding would have been memorable. Style expert Stacy London met Carolyn many times on the fashion circuit. But something was different. Winter's finally here for Frankie & Johnny a couple months after it started. The way she flowed in her beautiful dress, moving at full pace, coming down the steps. It was indicative of the way the wedding wasnatural and of the moment, not trying to be any more than it was in its simplicity. 561.676.7299, Caroline Mortgage Matchmaker & Owner at The Mortgage Brokers, LLC - NMLS #2173627. We hope that our wedding is more than a marriage between the two of us, but also the beginning of a friendship between our families and friends. 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. Linares family is from Cuba, where you werent allowed to have different political views. In his own relationship, it makes for great conversation. [At the time] nothing was as stripped down to that level of lingerie, basically. [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. [18][19] Simmons had raised over $239,000 for her primary campaign, outpacing Martin's $78,000. The couple honeymooned in the Seychelles; they call Stamford home. She is due to deliver her third child early next year. 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. They discuss the first real winter storm of the season in Connecticut and they offer some updates on local political elections. Simmons and Linares canceled their honeymoon to continue negotiations. STAMFORD, CT Caroline Simmons will make history on Wednesday when she's sworn-in as Stamford's first female mayor. 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 Republican-endorsed candidate dropped out prior to the Democratic primary and endorsed Valentine. Betts: Nobody knew they were getting married, then that was a shocking part of the whole eventshe was wearing this very simple dress at a very simple, secret wedding. ", "Mothers of young children a rising political force as Stewart, Simmons lead two of Connecticut's largest cities", "Former President Barack Obama endorses Caroline Simmons in Stamford mayoral race", "In Stamford mayoral race, 71-year-old Bobby Valentine called his Democratic opponent a '35-year-old girl.' Caroline Mack and Evan Simmons's Wedding Website - The Knot Friends and Family, we're getting married April 9 in a small ceremony at First Presbyterian Church with only immediate family. She specifically asked that the photo Reggie chose to release show off Rodriguezs dress. 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. [14] During her second term, Simmons continued advocating for improvements to Stamford public schools, infrastructure, and public safety. Rob Harrell. Kargman: The spotlight that A-listers have to endurethe dress was a chess move away from that. [25] The race was characterized as "tense" with Simmons claiming Valentine had used misogynistic language and Valentine claiming Simmons was ageist. We look forward to seeing you on our wedding day. Simmons has a successful model, having been raised by parents who come from opposite sides of the aisle. When everything else is pared down, you see the person for who they are and see their beauty. Caroline Simmons made history Wednesday morning as the first woman to lead the states second-largest city. 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. 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. 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. How Corbin Burnes became an ace by making his bed, 7 Cubs pitchers combine for no-hitter vs Machado, Padres, Top moments from Brady, Manning, Jordan and other athletes hosting 'Saturday Night Live', Fantasy baseball rankings, projections, strategy and cheat sheets, Rojas to withdraw from WBC, stay with Dodgers. 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. Then, at his own wedding, another incredibly kind, princely gesture. 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! It was a really special photograph. 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. Until then, theyll continue celebrating their engagement with family and friends. She is a bilingual reporter based out of Fairfield County and welcomes all story ideas at cvallejo@ctpublic.org. All rights reserved. On February 10, 2021, Simmons declared her run for mayor of Stamford, Connecticut in the 2021 Stamford mayoral election. The former state representative beat two-term incumbent Mayor David Martin in a primary. Caroline Simmons Officially Sworn In As Stamford Mayor December 1, 2021 / 6:45 PM / CBS New York STAMFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- History was made Wednesday, as Connecticut's second-biggest city. Last month, Simmons won a second term representing the assembly district extending from Ridgeway to North Stamford.