I knew it was a sure thing that she would come downstairs and read The Advocate, Linares said. Retracing the path of controversial Project Veritas founder James O'Keefe includes many stops in Connecticut. Try This: 5 Soothing Places in Fairfield County for Sunsets. 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. Rowley: I definitely think it does feel like that kind of simplicity will never go out of style. At the time, few at the Capitol knew about the relationship. 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. The couples post-wedding plans also have the potential to cause consternation among Connecticut politicos. She specifically asked that the photo Reggie chose to release show off Rodriguezs dress. I definitely feel like it broke the mold of the moment. He graduated from the University of Tampa with a bachelors degree in entrepreneurship. With the fame fuckers now, its so refreshing she chose to turn the spotlight down rather than up. London: I honestly cant believe 25 years have passed. [26], Initial results on election night indicated a close race, but absentee ballots swung heavily in Simmons' favor resulting in a 5-point victory. Both lawmakers are well-liked on both sides of the aisle. When everything else is pared down, you see the person for who they are and see their beauty. What struck me about the dress is it was so bareno ornamentation, no rhinestones or sequins or even embroidery. [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. Both are iconic in different ways. Before the Omicron surge caused dozens of people to drop off the wedding guest list of Bryan Terrell Clark and Devario D. Simmons, it shut down "Thoughts of A . [21] The race attracted several high-profile donors,[22] amounting to a total of $1.2M between both candidates. [4] She was the president of her high school, captain of three varsity sports and a two-time All-American lacrosse player. When Republican State Senator Art Linares cofounded a Bipartisan Young Legislators Caucus, Democratic State Representative Caroline Simmons got on board, and they hit it off while working together on legislation. Fox was later appointed as Simmons' chief of staff. 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. Caroline Simmons is young, optimistic, energetic and expanding.. Its simplicity really changed the whole nature of the bridal industrythat whole idea of wearing a much simpler wedding gown has become a classic bridal expression now. Find a Couple's Wedding Website or Registry. [20], Simmons faced unaffiliated candidate Bobby Valentine in the general election. That was her aesthetic, and her wedding dress was a very, very bold expression of that minimalism. font: 700 23px/25px Belizio,Georgia,Droid Serif,serif; Democratic State Rep. Caroline Simmons of Stamford and her husband, a Republican state senator, gave birth to their first child on Friday as the season's first snow storm blanketed Connecticut . Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov. He said that Simmons, who moved to Stamford in 2013, was an amazing state legislator in part because everybody liked her.. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. I saw it as it was unfolding, almost in silhouette. Dennies had previously served as Director of Administration under Mayor Malloy. At both, Attorney General William Tong administered the oath of office. The former state representative beat two-term incumbent Mayor David Martin in a primary. We are getting Married on May 30th, 2009 at 3:00pm at the Villa St. Elizabeth in Wyomissing, PA. [13] Simmons introduced and led debate on a bill to enhance the state's cyber security. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. He snapped the newlyweds as they descended the steps of the candlelit church, which had no air-conditioning and only eight pews. 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. Im walking backwards in the light rain at dusk, and John does this amazing gesture, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips. She plans to visit small businesses on Saturday. To have it be a slip dress is a bold thing to wear; its not even corseted. [27] Valentine originally claimed duplicate ballots may have influenced the result,[28] but conceded soon afterward. [38] Simmons nominated Assistant Police Chief Louis DeRubeis as Jankowski's replacement. One night, everyone stepped out to transition to another meeting and I lent Caroline my coat, Linares said. View photos, directions, registry details and more at The Knot. Dear Caroline, Will you marry me? Why Audrey Hepburns 3 Wedding Dresses Continue to Blaze a Trail in Fashion. Sophie Simmons is married! [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. height: 5px; [5], In 2014, Simmons became a state representative candidate for the 144th district. Her husband, Art Linares, is a Republican former state senator. Both say the political differences enrich their relationship. 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. This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Publics Members It was virtually dark outside. 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. Here's how WBC offenses stack up with MLB's best, 7 Cubs combine for 1st spring no-no since 2017, Scherzer tries to test pitch clock limits, gets balk, Jays 'playing it safe' after Guerrero tweaks knee, PitchCom-tipping: Loud device leaks Twins calls, Eflin's first start after $40M deal impresses Rays, Rangers' Leclerc to miss WBC with neck injury, Rockies' Rodgers may need surgery, '23 at risk. Linares co-founded Greenskies, a solar energy company in Middletown. But legislative elections will be held in 2018 and the two lawmakers say they will decide early next year which district they will settle in. [At the time] nothing was as stripped down to that level of lingerie, basically. Her dress was perfect for where she got married. 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. How many dresses can we say get better and better? Caroline Sundvold is on Facebook. PublishedDecember 1, 2021 at 5:19 PM EST. STAMFORD Caroline Simmons was sworn in Wednesday as Stamford's mayor, becoming the first woman to take the city's highest office. display: block; It was happening in real time, and not in any way posed or arranged. It crystallized that trend [minimalism] in fashion. The Republican-endorsed candidate dropped out prior to the Democratic primary and endorsed Valentine. Simmons made it look easy. [36][37] Six months after being reappointed, Jankowski announced he would step down from the position. I thought I misread it.. 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. ", "Ex-MLB manager Valentine hints at election irregularities after mayoral loss", "Stamford Mayor-elect Caroline Simmons taps Bridget Fox, Patricia Billie Miller, Kathleen Silard to head transition team", "State Sen. Patricia Billie Miller (opinion): Why I am voting for Caroline Simmons", "Mayor Simmons Announces Cabinet Appointments", "Stamford Mayor Simmons names nominees for three cabinet positions: Some new faces, some old", "Stamford hires former administration director to replace Handler", "Jankowski brings N.Y. experience to public safety role", "Stamford Public Safety Director Ted Jankowski announces plans to step down", "From Stamford patrol to bomb squad to assistant chief: New public safety director says 'you never stop learning', "Simmons poaches Lamont's deputy general counsel for top legal affairs post in Stamford", "Mayor Simmons selects economic development director to help Stamford 'think globally', "Stamford Mayor Simmons' first 100 days: Her controversial pick of Fedeli, COVID mandates, and a new baby", "Stamford mayor's proposed $638M budget includes new positions, plus $59M for capital projects, like sidewalks", "Stamford homeowners to pay 1% more in taxes to help create $20M school construction reserve", "Stamford schools to get more state aid, including $200M for new Westhill High: 'A game changer', "Editorial: We endorse Simmons over Valentine for Stamford mayor", "Stamford reps, mayor clash over plan to make community center Glenbrook's 'soul' into affordable housing", "Mayor Simmons (opinion): When it comes to housing, Stamford can't afford to do nothing", "Glenbrook Community Center's future 'in limbo' after Stamford mayor backs down on affordable housing plan", "Stamford mayor's 'background checks' comments strain relationship with city board members", "Leaders of Stamford Board Of Reps Ask to Meet Simmons Over Claims of Racism", "Stamford Mayor Simmons and husband celebrate birth of third son", cities with populations exceeding 100,000, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caroline_Simmons&oldid=1138633092, Democratic Party members of the Connecticut House of Representatives, Elliott School of International Affairs alumni, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2022, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 10 February 2023, at 18:54. She is a bilingual reporter based out of Fairfield County and welcomes all story ideas at cvallejo@ctpublic.org. 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. Simmons announced in September that she and Linares are expecting a third son. 2023 Cond Nast. John and Carolyn asked Reggie to choose the photo that would be released to the public two days later, on Monday, September 23. #oneofusfourallofus. People are laughing that she married Art. 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. Brianna Gurciullo covers local government and politics for the Stamford Advocate. 484.269.4974, After we get married, we will be living in Center City, Philadelphia. But something was different. 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. I did a double take. For a celebrity to be that warmhearted and showing his love in that wayit was great. Simmons, who is tall, blonde and 31, acknowledged that the budget drama has added a layer of strain to an already hectic time. 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.. 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's gonna reach across the aisle. Im very pleased that they were able to do this in what otherwise can be a combative place. Art Linares and Caroline Simmons insist its possible. The best pitcher in MLB? Chris [49], Simmons' public comments about the failed affordable housing proposal received criticism from board members after the proposal was rescinded. 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. Please enter valid email address to continue. It had such an incredible elegance and romance; the authenticity of it all, its simplicity gives it real power. [Carolyns dress] was revolutionary in that sense, that someone would wear something that simple. Hopefully its a foreshadowing of whats to come, he said. Hes the Republican grandson of Cuban exiles who has been endorsed by the National Rifle Association and volunteered for Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida. [14] During her second term, Simmons continued advocating for improvements to Stamford public schools, infrastructure, and public safety. Caroline Simmons made history Wednesday morning as the first woman to lead the state's second-largest city. And, we'll look at the connection between exercise and spirituality. 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. Written just ahead of her final Christmas, the highly personal letter from the late royal will be up for auction next week. On February 10, 2021, Simmons declared her run for mayor of Stamford, Connecticut in the 2021 Stamford mayoral election. An ad appearing in the Stamford Advocate on Friday, December 23, 2016. Her focus never wavered, even with her 3-year-old, Teddy, at her feet, turning her podium into a play space. Style expert Stacy London met Carolyn many times on the fashion circuit. Fashion designer Ann Mashburn: [Carolyn] worked in fashion and was a fashion person. Last month, Simmons won a second term representing the assembly district extending from Ridgeway to North Stamford. But as the youngest state senator, he has championed new technology and has led the battle to bring Tesla to Connecticut. Miss Caroline Lee Simmons and Mr. James Kennedy Skipton IV were united in marriage on Saturday, January 2, 2021, at six o'clock in the evening at The Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas. 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. Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has openly shared her admiration of Carolyns style. She certainly wore it beautifully and it was made for her. A Meriden native, Brianna came to the Advocate after four years at POLITICO, where she wrote about federal transportation policy. It took Simmons a moment to realize the proposal was from her boyfriend, state Sen. Art Linares. Many ancient pipes in CT aren't up to the task of draining storm water, yet officials just seem to shrug. 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! 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. Our address will be: Simmons has a successful model, having been raised by parents who come from opposite sides of the aisle. The day was marked by two ceremonies: one just after midnight. Her father, Steve Simmons, echoed similar sentiments. Simmons worked for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security before running for office. Every morning she reads The Advocate cover to cover, the Westbrook legislator said. It wasnt like Oh, Im marrying into Camelot with a 20-foot train. It was a complete chess move in the opposite direction. Based in North Carolina and Virginia. Elle Fanning on Queenly Makeup, From Blush on. 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. Specializing in model test shoots and headshots. text-align: center; Not for everybodybut for 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. Her fashion legacy, however, lives on. They kept this a state secret from everybody, said Frantz, who sits next to Linares in the Republican caucus room. Something about that dress transcends trends and timealmost no bridal establishment would say they dont have at least one dress that resembles it. I was just absolutely amazed by her. Caroline & Evan April 9, 2022 Nashville, TN, USA Home Our Story Her administration's first-year budget recommended a 1 percent tax increase. And we both share the values of caring about the state and our work as public servants, he said. Watch Live at 7:00 PM: The U.S. and the Holocaust, a film by Ken Burns | Screening & Panel Discussion . See Photos. What did they spend it on? 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. 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. She was the epitome of chic.. 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. I burned the eggs, he said. ChristopherTField@hotmail.com Meanwhile, former Democratic President Barack Obama endorsed Simmons. Simmons knocked off incumbent Democrat David Martin in the primary, and then in the general snuck past former New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine, who ran as an independent. Ned Lamont and state Attorney General William Tong -- who privately and publicly swore her in. Fashion designer Cynthia Rowley: I was so awestruck at the time with its simplicity. 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. STAMFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Caroline Simmons was officially sworn in as Stamford's 32nd mayor Wednesday. STAMFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- History was made Wednesday, as Connecticut's second-biggest city now its first female mayor.