Stonington — In an email titled “Go Stonington!” First Selectman Rob Simmons expressed pride late last week in new census statistics that show the town to be the only municipality in the state with more than 1 percent population growth in 2015-16.

In fact, Stonington had growth of almost double that, 1.9 percent, while most municipalities lost population.

In his email, Simmons said population data published on The Day’s website Thursday shows that the state “is losing population which is not good” but “Stonington is the lead town in the state to gain population, which I believe IS good.”

Simmons wrote that “Towns grow because of their quality of life, good schools, available housing, public safety, sound infrastructure and job opportunities among other things. I think over the last several years we have tried to promote these values for our town through directed public policies. The two new elementary schools, Mystic River Boathouse Park, a new and progressive Plan of Conservation and Development, a creative and visionary Planning Department, unique tripartisan Board of Selectmen, spirit of bipartisanship, congenial political collaboration among the parties and a philosophy of putting Stonington First all contribute to our growth and success.”

He added, “While I am sure there are other factors which I have left out, I think everyone involved can take some pride in our town and what we have done together to make it grow.

The report can be found at: http://www.theday.com/article/20170525/MEDIA05/170529572