Tong Makes Trek Through Stamford Focusing on Women's Issues

On Tuesday, Rep. William Tong continued his push for Stamford's top spot by focusing his mayoral campaign trail on the issues facing women in the city. Making half-a-dozen stops around the city, Tong talk to some of the city's top female leaders to find out more about the issues facing them. 


Tong started the day at Parkway Diner, owned by Lushe Gjuraj, and wrapped up with a community dinner at El Maya Restaurant, owned by Maria Sandovol. In between, he stopped at Mill River Park to talk with moms, lunched with senior women at the Over 60 Club with Carmen Domonokos, past chair of the Senior Services of Stamford, and stopped at The Center, the Sexual Assault Crisis Counseling and Education Center in Stamford. 

"Today was a day of focusing on women and their contributions to this city," Tong said. "Their such a big part, not just of our families, but of our economy, our community, our businesses and our future."

Tong was making the rounds focusing on the issues facing Stamford women while listening to concerns and formulating ideas as part of his Stamford 2020 plan to bring the city into the future. Throughout the day, Tong supporters could be seen in high-visibility areas wearing pink Women for Tong shirts. 

Before dinner, Tong visited The Pacific House Shelter for the Homeless accompanied by Rev. Kate Heichler from the Church of Christ the Healer, Tong's parish. The reverend regularly serves the homeless men of the city at the shelter and invited Tong to come join her in caring for those in need. Together, they served up water jugs, juice, salad, cuban chicken and cupcakes. 

"Women, this one of faith, make such huge contributions to our community," Tong, donning a hair net and plastic gloves, said during the dinner. "It is important to recognize how important women are to the economy, growth, function and future of this city."

Heichler stated she would remain impartial during the political campaign, but was glad to see Tong taking the initiative to visit and help Stamford's wounded souls in a place where it is essential to find hope. 

"There are a lot of people in this city, and many of them can feel invisible," Heichler said. "I can only think about how fortunate we are and how much healthier this city will be when we no longer have any homeless. The people in this room are a big part of Stamford and they need our help. Tong is a compassionate guy who doesn't look out of place in this room. He's meeting people in the places they are, being comfortable, being real."