April 17, 2022
Democratic Party updates, campaign announcements, and the latest news from our local, state, and federal elected officials
During this holiday weekend, the Stamford DCC wishes a happy and joyous Easter, Passover, and Ramadan to all who celebrate!
DCC News
Join the Stamford Democratic City Committee for a meet & greet with candidates running for statewide office! We will be joined by candidates running for Secretary of State, Comptroller, Treasurer, and Attorney General.
The event will be on Saturday, April 23rd at 11:00 am in the cafeteria of the Stamford Government Center (888 Washington Boulevard). Masks are recommended.
City Updates
On Tuesday, April 19th at 6:00 pm, Mayor Caroline Simmons will be hosting a Citizens Service Hub in North Stamford at the Bartlett Arboretum.
Mayor Simmons administered the oath of office to the largest and most diverse police recruit class in recent years. These fifteen recruits will begin their law enforcement careers this week at the Milford Police Academy. Best of luck to all and thank you for your service to our community!
Mayor Simmons joined Congressman Jim Himes and Vin Tufo, CEO of Charter Oak Communities, to announce funding for the final phase of the revitalization of Lawnhill Terrace. Lawnhill Terrace is a 100% affordable housing complex and this funding will go toward completing the renovation of the development.
Thank you Congressman Himes for your advocacy and leadership in Washington to secure this funding!
ICYMI: This week, the Board of Finance voted 3-3 on the sale agreement for the Glenbrook Community Center building (35 Crescent Street), which would have added 51 affordable apartments and preserved the community center in the process. The agreement needed support from at least four members to be approved.
Richard Freedman (D) – Yes; David Mannis (D) – Yes; Geoff Alswanger (D) – Yes
Mary Lou Rinaldi (D) – No; J.R. McMullen (R) – No; Dennis Mahoney (R) – No
Making Stamford more affordable and equitable is one of the key priorities of the Simmons administration. Stamford is experiencing an affordable housing shortage and it is disappointing that this deal was not approved.
We look forward to seeing what next steps will be taken to address this issue. Click here to read more.
State Updates
Treasurer Shawn Wooden has announced that he is not running for re-election. Treasurer Wooden was elected in 2018 following his 21-year career as an investment attorney and serving as President of the Hartford City Council.
There are currently three Democrats who have announced they are running for the seat: Dita Bhargava of Greenwich, Karen Dubois-Walton of New Haven, and Erick Russell of New Haven. Click here to read more.
Federal Updates
ICYMI: This week, Congressman Himes tweeted that he has been added to Russia’s sanctions list.
Senator Chris Murphy shared a preview of how Connecticut will benefit in this year’s federal budget. Among other items, Stamford will receive $513,000 for pre-apprenticeship training and services.
In the News
ICYMI: Attorney General William Tong was featured on today’s episode of the CBS Sunday Morning Show and provided an update on Connecticut’s lawsuit against ExxonMobil. More than two dozen cities, counties and states are suing more than 40 fossil fuel companies accusing them of making false and misleading claims about climate change.
You can watch the full clip here.
Campaign Announcements
Exciting campaign news! Rachel Khanna is running for state representative to represent the 149th district, which covers North Greenwich, the western portion of North Stamford and Stamford’s Westover/Roxbury neighborhoods. This district is currently represented by Republican Kimberly Fiorello.
Rachel is an entrepreneur and small business owner who will fight to protect voting rights, women’s rights, and advocate for policies that will grow Connecticut’s economy and combat climate change.
Rachel is participating in the Citizens’ Election Program and needs contributions from 150 residents in Greenwich and Stamford. The maximum contribution amount is $290.
Click here to contribute & stay tuned for how you can get involved to help the campaign!
State Representative Hubert Delany is running for re-election! In his short time in office, Representative Delany has been working hard on behalf of the residents of the 144th district.
He is co-sponsoring legislation that will provide clean air and promote mental health in our schools and medical facilities, reimburse CT student loans, increase support for our veterans and first responders, and defend abortion rights.
Representative Delany is participating in the Citizens’ Election Program and needs contributions from 150 Stamford residents. The maximum contribution amount is $290.
Click here to contribute to his campaign.