To the Editor:
Nick Simmons is an exceptional candidate for the 36th State Senate District. His broad experience in education, workforce development, and encouraging economic growth makes him uniquely qualified to represent us.
Nick worked under moderate Governor Ned Lamont, serving as a policy adviser, Director of Strategic Initiatives, and later as Deputy Chief of Staff. He focused on education and workforce development, leading President Biden to appoint him as a senior adviser to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. Before his time in government, Nick graduated from Yale and worked in finance, only to shift gears and teach 7th grade math at a school for low-income families in New York. By age 26, he became one of the youngest acting principals in the state. He later earned dual master’s degrees in business administration and public policy from Harvard.
Nick’s experience in education, workforce development, and growing the economy is so needed in the legislature. As the Governor has said, “We don’t need more taxes; we need more taxpayers”.
Despite his accomplishments, Nick is being criticized by the incumbent and his followers for raising money from friends, relatives, colleagues, employers and admirers outside of the district. I find this criticism perplexing. Given that Nick is new to many voters here, it’s only natural that he would rely on supporters who know him best to introduce himself to the district. He didn’t take state funding and instead has worked to earn the financial support of a broad coalition of voters—regardless of their party affiliation. He has recently been endorsed by the Independent Party, showing his appeal across party lines.
Please join me in voting for Nick Simmons for the 36th State Senate District on November 5th.
Toddy Turrentine
