What to Know About Stamford Government and Why it Matters to You
Get the scoop on your local leaders and what's happening in the city
STAMFORD — Even if you don’t follow current events or politics on a regular basis, a lot of what happens has a direct impact on you. This is especially true at the local level.
Here’s a look at who runs the city and why it matters to you.
Mayor
Democrat Caroline Simmons has served as mayor of Stamford since her historic victory in December 2021 when she became the first woman in city history to serve in the role. From new businesses opening and historic school construction funding to efforts to make the city more affordable and environmentally sustainable, the Mayor’s administration has accomplished a lot during her tenure so far.
Under the leadership of Simmons, the city is growing at a responsible pace and attracting positive recognition for one project after the next, including strides made to make the city’s website more accessible (see the video above) to more recently promoting acts of kindness during the holiday season.
Learn more about the Mayor’s Office and all the progress being made.
Board of Education
Overseeing the Stamford Public Schools system, the Board of Education consists of nine elected members. Their work covers a lot of areas such as the appointment and evaluation of a superintendent, developing and establishing policy priorities and a budget for the district, ensuring that all students are able to thrive while feeling safe and supported, and collaborating with community partners to effectively serve the school district. They are in charge of the public schools in the city for grades from pre-k to high school as well as adult education opportunities.
Current BOE members include: *
Antonia Better-Wirz (D)
Andy George (D)
Jackie Heftman (D) - president
Michael Hyman (D) - vice president
Gabriela Koc (D)
Versha Munshi-South (D)
Joshua Esses (R)
Rebecca Hamman (R)
Michael Larobina (R)
* Mayor Simmons serves as a non-voting Board of Education member.
In the most recent election last November, Democrats swept all four seats on the ballot with Heftman and George returning to the BOE alongside newcomers Antonia Better-Wirz and Gabriela Koc.
Board of Finance
Tasked with a focus on the city’s fiscal health, the Board of Finance conducts audits when necessary, monitors pension assets, and works on the annual budget plus related financial issues.
Comprised of six members each elected to a 4-year term, the current BOF members are:
Geoff Alswanger (D)
Laura Burwick (D)
Richard Freedman (D) - chairman
Mary Lou Rinaldi (D) - vice chair
Dennis Mahoney (R)
J.R. McMullen (R)
Mirroring the BOE candidates, Democrats won all Board of Finance seats in the 2023 election.
Board of Representatives
Similar to a city council, the Board of Representatives is Stamford’s legislative body made up of two members from each of the 20 districts. Among other responsibilities, they help constituents with city government, vote on appointments for some city positions, play a major role in the budget and financial decisions, and approve any significant contracts or real estate transactions of city property.
Members of the Board of Representatives include:
Thomas Kuczynski (R-1)
David Watkins (R-1) - deputy minority leader
Virgil de la Cruz (D-2) - deputy majority leader
Ines Saftic (D-2)
Terry Adams (D-3)
Chanta Graham (D-3)
Megan Cottrell (D-4)
Robert Roqueta (D-4)
Dakary Watkins (D-5)
Bonnie Kim Campbell (D-5)
Denis Patterson (D-6)
Annie Summerville (D-6)
Lindsey Miller (D-7)
Christina Strain (D-7)
Anabel Figueroa (D-8)
Nina Sherwood (D-8) - majority leader
Jeffrey Stella (D-9)
Kindrea Walston (D-9)
Francise Jean-Louis (D-10)
Mavina Moore (D-10)
Cara Gilbride (D-11)
Maureen Pollack (D-11)
Jonathan Jacobson (D-12)
Ramya Shaw (D-12)
Amiel Goldberg (D-13)
Eric Morson (D-13) - deputy majority leader
Jeff Curtis (D-14) - president
Daniel Sandford (D-14)
Sean Boeger (D-15)
Carmine Tomas (D-15)
Phil Berns (D-16)
Fred Pierre-Louis (D-16)
Bobby Pavia (D-17)
Mary Fedeli (R-17) - minority leader
Karen Camporeale (D-18)
James Grunberger (D-18)
Jennifer Matheny (D-19)
Don Mays (D-19)
Ashley Ley (D-20)
Carl Weinberg (D-20)
Controversially, in the 2023 primary election, BOR Majority Leader Sherwood actively campaigned against her own Democratic colleague — a rare occurrence at any level of government for someone in that type of leadership position in the legislative branch.
Additionally, there are more than a dozen sitting BOR members who also serve on the Democratic City Committee (DCC), Stamford’s Democratic Party organization, so they are able to block out any potential opponents by nominating themselves each term. This unethical process is often referred to as “double-dipping” given the distasteful approach and attempt to prevent other people in their districts from being involved.
Taking it a step further, Rep. Figueroa, also serves as state representative for House District 148 after winning a special election in 2023. During that race, she was a DCC delegate at the nominating convention and voted for herself, which was the deciding factor in a 4-3 vote that got her the Democratic nomination. The other candidate’s wife, a DCC delegate for the vote, recused herself to avoid a scenario like the tie-breaking vote cast by Figueroa.
Afterward, the Stamford Advocate reported that Figueroa would not resign from her BOR role until she — rather than District 8 residents deciding — “finds ‘somebody that is going to continue my journey.’”
Click here to find your district’s BOR members.
Boards and Commissions
In Stamford, in addition to the elected Boards of Finance, Education, and Representatives, there are also dozens of boards and commissions with members appointed. These agencies focus on specific areas in the city like arts and culture, housing, public safety, and other important issues.
Here is a list of current Stamford boards and commissions.
Arts and Culture Commission
Board of Assessment Appeals
Board of Ethics
Economic Development Commission
Environmental Protection Board
Fire Commission
Golf Authority (Sterling)
Golf Commission (E. Gaynor Brennan)
Harbor Management
Health Commission
Historic Preservation Advisory Commission (HPAC)
Parks and Recreation Commission
Parking Violations Hearing Board
Patriotic and Special Events Commission
Personnel Commission
Planning Board
Police Commission
Social Services Commission (Fair Rent Commission, Human Rights Commission)
Stamford Transit District
Urban Redevelopment Commission (URC)
Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA)
Zoning Board
Zoning Board of Appeals
There are vacancies on some of the authorities, councils, and similar entities listed. Seemingly manufactured outrage by some BOR members has arisen in recent months despite their opposition to experienced nominees. Nonetheless, the Mayor’s Office continues to push ahead on filling the openings with capable individuals.
"Our administration has and continues to nominate diverse candidates to serve on our city boards and commissions," Lauren Meyer, special assistant to Mayor Simmons and Director of Policy & Legislative Affairs, said to local media outlets. “Since taking office, our administration has continually expressed and demonstrated a willingness to put forth candidates to serve on our city boards and commissions.”
Anyone interested in serving the community on a board or commission, can learn more about the process here.
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