Stonington Republicans endorse former Congressman Rob Simmons to run for first selectman
Stonington — The Republican Town Committee unanimously endorsed current Selectman and former 2nd District Congressman Rob Simmons on Tuesday to run for first selectman in the November election against Democratic incumbent George Crouse.
The town committee also endorsed unaffiliated Selectman Michael Spellman for re-election. After former Democratic First Selectman Ed Haberek resigned last December, Simmons had considered forcing a special election with Crouse for the first selectmen’s position but decided against it. Simmons and Crouse then agreed to appoint Spellman to fill the vacancy that was created when Crouse moved from selectman to first selectman. The three men characterized the board as “tripartisan.”
Asked why he is running, Simmons said “Because this is my home. This is where my wife and I met, were married and raised our children. This is where my daughter Jane has chosen to live, work and start a family. I want to know that her family, and many others like her in Stonington, will have the same good education, quality of life and jobs that we have enjoyed,” he wrote. “To do that we need to address and solve the problems we have locally. We need to refocus Town Hall, build better schools and grow the local economy. I am ready to answer the 'call to service' just as I have my whole life. Now I am ready to put Stonington first."
The town committee also endorsed incumbent Board of Finance member Glenn Frishman, incumbent Tax Collector Linda Camelio and incumbent school board member Deb Downey. It also endorsed three Democrats: longtime Town Clerk Cindy Ladwig, school board Chairman Frank Todisco and Treasurer Paul Cravinho.
Asked about the Republicans’ decision to endorse as many Democrats and unaffiliated voters as members of their own party, Simmons said, "we want to get the best elements of the Republicans, Democrats and independents we can find so we can move Stonington forward and put Stonington first.”
j.wojtas@theday.com
Twitter: @joewojtas
Comment threads are monitored for 48 hours after publication and then closed.