To the Editor:
As you may be aware, I am a candidate for Mayor of Stamford and have been since officially entering the race on March 21, 2025. Please allow me to share my perspective regarding being banned from the upcoming mayoral debates.
I will begin by repeating the only explanation given to me, by Stamford’s League of Women Voters, an organization that my mother proudly volunteered with for many years. The rationale given was “the hurdle to be a write-in candidate is fairly low (no collection of numerous required signatures required), so a generalized rule needs to set some basic criteria for accepted candidates. Otherwise, candidates not printed on the ballot could push to be included for a number of reasons, including self-promotion, commercial advertising and external political confusion techniques”. While I respect the logic presented, it certainly does not apply to my candidacy. While other write-in candidates have entered the race alarmingly late (late July and September), I have not, nor am I guilty of the other, above described behaviors. The other reason that was given is that “we’ve always done it this way.” That has never been the mantra of successful organizations or companies.
I have volunteered with and/or lead over a dozen Stamford non-profit organizations, long before considering political office. Since the age of eighteen, I have put myself in harm’s way, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps overseas and as a Sergeant with the Stamford Police Department. I suffered many line of duty injuries while battling combative felons, on your behalf, which resulted in my disability pension. I have never engaged in self-promotion until it has now become a necessary component of my mayoral campaign.
Unlike the other write-in candidates, my staff and I did collect numerous petition signatures in an attempt to force a primary. Much to our disappointment, we only collected approximately 89% of what was required, due to a lengthy heat wave and unhealthy air quality, during the short window allowed. Will you allow the weather to have such a large impact on Stamford’s mayoral race and ignore our efforts? Should we have risked our very health in order for me to not be treated like a second-class candidate?
The organizations that have excluded me from the debate are led by many well respected pillars of our beloved community, as their websites clearly illustrate. I also recognize that some of the leaders have given generously to other candidates’ campaigns, as is their right as private citizens. Another is a prominent local attorney whose specialty is representing developers who profit greatly, with Mayor Simmons’ support, and that of her “holdover“ Land Use and Planning Board appointees. I can only hope that all organizations will reconsider their decision and put any political leanings aside, so that all candidates can participate in the spirited debate that Stamford voters are so looking forward to. I am not looking for favorable treatment, based on my decades of service to our community, but I firmly believe that ALL registered candidates deserve equal treatment. A level playing field would be much appreciated. It is not too late for you to make it happen. Thank you!
—
The writer is a write-in candidate running for Stamford mayor