Simmons Sworn In, Looks Forward To 2nd Term As Stamford's Chief Elected Official

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons officially began her second term in office Monday after she was sworn in during a ceremony inside the UConn-Stamford Gen Re Auditorium.

Simmons, 39, soundly defeated Republican challenger Nicola Tarzia in the Nov. 4 election, earning over 65 percent of the vote. She became the first female mayor in the history of Stamford in 2021 after she defeated Bobby Valentine in a closely-contested race.

During Monday's ceremony, which was also streamed live on Facebook, Simmons touted accomplishments from her first term in office and looked forward to her next four years.

The ceremony also featured brief remarks from Lt. Gov Susan Bysiewicz, CT Attorney General William Tong, who administered the oath of office to Simmons, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Gov. Ned Lamont, and Ferguson Library CEO Alice Knapp.

"To the over 135,000 residents of this great city, the extraordinary people of Stamford, thank you so much for putting your faith in me and thank you for making Stamford one of the best cities in the state," Simmons said. "No matter who you voted for, I commit to being a mayor for everyone. I look forward to continuing to work with everyone in our city to move us forward."

Simmons thanked her family, cabinet members, city employees and first responders, and she noted she was "recommitted and energized" to continue the work from her first term "to build a more inclusive, affordable and vibrant city where everyone can thrive."

Looking back, Simmons said the city has had to be mindful of rising costs and affordability, housing, the education and well-being of students, and changes to the economy.

"I'm proud to say we've made progress in each of those areas," she said.

Shortly after Simmons came into office in 2021, the city implemented a senior citizen tax credit for the first time since 2015.

This week, Simmons said she will sign a new ordinance, the Veterans Property Tax Exemption, which will provide additional tax relief for Stamford veterans.

"In addition to tax credits, we've managed our city finances well," Simmons said. "Thanks to our extraordinary budget team, we've had four years in a row that delivered surpluses, our grand list has grown to the second largest in the state, and now the lowest mill rate of any big city in Connecticut."

Stamford has completed 700 new or upgraded affordable housing units through partnerships with local nonprofit housing providers, Simmons said, and the city secured $576 million in state funding for school infrastructure projects at Westhill High School and Roxbury Elementary School.

Simmons highlighted increased paving efforts and enhancements to city parks, the creation of the Youth Mental Health Alliance, as well as an effort to make government more accessible through a walk-in permitting center at the Stamford Government Center.

She also mentioned the opening of the new Veterans Resource Center at Old Town Hall as a major community focal point.

"Over the next four years, we have exciting initiatives underway, including breaking ground in 2026 on the Westhill High School project, the largest and most sustainable school project in the state," Simmons said.

Other initiatives the city plans to tackle in Simmons' new term include working with the CT Department of Transportation on rebuilding the Stamford Transportation Center, a hub Simmons called "the gateway to Connecticut."

She pledged to invest in public safety, with a current proposal to add 13 new police officers into the ranks.

Additionally in the coming years, Simmons said, there are plans for enhancements at the Lathan Wider Community Center in the South End, upgrades to the Yerwood Center and Hatchfield Park on the West Side, and a potential new library on the East Side.

The setting for Monday's swearing-in ceremony was symbolic, as Simmons mentioned partnering with UConn-Stamford as the city seeks a major grant to build an AI Institute to position residents for AI jobs of the future.

"We also know we face increasing national and global challenges, and it's critical we find creative solutions to help our residents in this challenging time," Simmons said, noting a desire to continue to work with state and local partners to ensure food security and health care accessibility for Stamford families.

"This is our moment to prove we're capable of extraordinary things. As your mayor, I'll keep using every tool to make Stamford more inclusive, more affordable and more prosperous - a city where every resident in every neighborhood can thrive," Simmons said. "Our future is bright when we lead with purpose, rise above division and work together. There is no limit to what Stamford can achieve. Thank you all so much for being here today, and now let's get back to work."

When Tong was a state representative in the 147th District, he was part of a small group that encouraged then fellow state Rep. Simmons (D-144) to run for mayor.

Tong praised Simmons' friendly demeanor and energy for the job.

"Her strengths now permeate this city. They define who we are," Tong said. "Stamford is extraordinarily welcoming and warm and gracious, especially to the newcomers and immigrants who come to our city. It cares deeply about the people who live here."

Lamont said Simmons possesses "infectious optimism."

"You make us believe we can do better, too," Lamont said. "You bring people together."

After she was sworn in, Simmons then administered the oath of office to new Town Clerk David Hoak, and members of the Stamford Board of Finance, Board of Representatives, and Constables.

Blumenthal, who was preparing to head back to Washington, D.C., said Monday was a day to celebrate democracy.

"Clearly, democracy is alive and well in Stamford, and so is civic engagement," Blumenthal said. "It's what makes Stamford grow, not just in the new buildings that are a mark of its progress, but also in its commitment to each other, your engagement, your generosity. I've always been so grateful for Stamford. It's a model of what democracy should be."

You can watch Monday's swearing-in ceremony below: