Committee Events

Second Meet and Greet Brings More Supporters Out for FS Candidate Nick Lukiwsky at The Brass Horse

Barkhamsted, CT

On October 18th, residents on this side of town, including district State Representative Mark Anderson (R-62), showed up to support First Selectman Candidate Selectman Nick Lukiwsky, and his running mate for the BOS, Mark Mahoney, at the roadhouse bar and cafe “The Brass Horse.” Lukiwsky is unopposed. Owner Kim Hamel put out a delicious pot of New England Clam Chowder among some other appetizers for guests created by her cook. Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee’s Treasurer, Steven Blackburn, was on hand to make sure any proper papers were filled out for donations, along with Chairman, Juliana Simone. Thanks again to balloon artist, Shelley Thibault, for putting up some festive decorations for the occasion.

First Selectman Candidate Barkhamsted Selectman Nick Lukiwsky
Barkhamsted RTC Chairman Juliana Simone and Treasurer Steven Blackburn
Supporters for Nick Lukiwsky and Mark Mahoney
(L-R) State Representative Mark Anderson, The Brass Horse owner Kim Hamel, Selectman Candidate Mark Mahoney, First Selectman Candidate Selectman Nick Lukiwsky and Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee Chairman Juliana Simone

Committee Events

Riverton Fair BRTC Booth with First Selectman candidate Nick Lukiwsky

Legislators and supporters turn out for Lukiwsky and Mahoney

The Riverton Fair, traditionally the last fair held in the state, changed their dates to mid-October to remain so in terms of title. Friday, October 13th kicked off the event with great turnout from locals. State Senator, Lisa Seminara (R-08), and State Representative, Mark Anderson (R-62), came out to show their support for First Selectman candidate BOS member, Nick Lukiwsky, and BOS candidate Mark Mahoney.  

Predicted rain held back throughout Saturday and Sunday, allowing fair goers a good time in autumn weather. The Barkhamsted RTC booth had many visitors over the weekend, from Governor Ned Lamont who attended the fair with his wife, to retiring long-serving FS Don Stein. Other notables were former State Representative Tim LeGeyt, former Barkhamsted BOS Bill Downes, retired businessman John Lavieri (Sterling Engineering), Winsted and Canton Republicans, along with area small business owners and town voters.

(l-r) State Senator Lisa Seminara (R-08), BOS Candidate Mark Mahoney, First Selectman Candidate Selectman Nick Lukiwsky, State Representative Mark Anderson (R-62)
(l-r) Retired Barkhamsted FS Don Stein, former State Rep. Tim LeGeyt (R-17) and First Selectman Candidate Barkhamsted Selectman Nick Lukiwsky
(l-r) Barkhamsted BOS candidate Mark Mahoney and
First Selectman Candidate BOS member Nick Lukiwsky

(l-r) First Selectman Candidate BOS member Nick Lukiwsky and Barkhamsted Sterling Engineering founder John Lavieri
Former Barkhamsted BOS member Bill Downes with BOS candidate Mark Mahoney and supporter

(l-r) Susan Blackburn, Former Waterbury Alderman Jerry Padula, Esq. and Steven Blackburn
(l-r) Veteran BRTC member Alice Judd and BRTC Chairman Juliana Simone
First Selectman Candidate talking to voter
Canton RTC member with wife and their newborn baby
Former New Hartford Liquor and Beverage Store owner Jen and Barkhamsted Selectman candidate Mark Mahoney at the Riverton Fair
(l-r) Shelley Thibault, balloon artist and First Selectman candidate Selectman Nick Lukiwsky

Committee Events

Legislators and Supporters Turn Out for First Selectman Candidate Nick Lukiwsky in Riverton

September 21, 2023

Barkhamsted, CT – At The Royal Coachman Tavern, state legislators who represent Barkhamsted residents in Hartford at the Connecticut General Assembly attended the meet and greet in Riverton. State Senator, Lisa Seminara (R-08), and State Representative Mark Anderson (R-62), came out to endorse First Selectman candidate BOS member Nick Lukiwsky. Friends, family, locals, RTC and town board members also were there to meet or speak with Nick. Running mate, Mark Mahoney, introduced Nick to the crowd before he gave a campaign speech. Thanks to Riverton Inn owners Adam and Dana Towers for providing their main dining room for the event.

Banner over table
State Representative Mark Anderson (R-62) and First Selectman Candidate Selectman Nick Lukiwsky
State Senator Lisa Seminara (R-08) and First Selectman Candidate Selectman Nick Lukiwsky
(l-r) Selectman Candidate Mark Mahoney, First Selectman Candidate Selectman Nick Lukiwsky, Barkhamsted RTC Chairman Juliana Simone, State Senator Lisa Seminara (R-08) and State Representative Mark Anderson (R-62)
First Selectman Candidate Selectman Nick Lukiwsky and BOS Candidate Mark Mahoney
Press

Register Citizen post on Lukiwsky run for First Selectman

The Register Citizen Homepage - Site Logo

Nick Lukiwsky gets GOP nod to run for Barkhamsted first selectman

Emily M. Olson, Staff Writer

Aug. 17, 2023

The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee endorsed Selectman Nick Lukiwsky to run for First Selectman in November. Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee

BARKHAMSTED — Members of the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee have endorsed Selectman Nick Lukiwsky for first selectman in the coming elections. 

This is the first year the seat has been open since 2008. Longtime First Selectman Don Stein announced this summer that he would not seek another term. 

“During his six years serving on the Board of Selectmen, Nicholas has demonstrated exceptional administrative skills, invaluable expertise, and a proven ability to navigate the challenges facing the town,” members said in a statement. “His vision for Barkhamsted is rooted in sustainable growth, fiscal responsibility, and a steadfast commitment to preserving Barkhamsted’s unique heritage.”

Lukiwsky is a captain of professional standards at the Waterbury Police Department. He is married and has four children.

Mark Mahoney, running for Board of Selectmen as Lukiwsky’s running mate, has lived in Barkhamsted since 2008, after being born and raised in Maryland and then residing in the Pacific Northwest.

Professionally, he works in management in the food service industry.

“Since moving to Barkhamsted, he has volunteered as a Lions Club member and sits on the Economic Development Committee. His focus as a selectman will be controlled growth with our environment and ‘small town’ appeal, and NW Regional 7 award winning educational opportunities,” according to the committee. 

Republican Mark Mahoney is running for reelection* to the Barkhamsted Board of Selectmen in November.  Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee

{* Editor’s note: Mark Mahoney is not running for reelection to the Barkhamsted BOS, but for a BOS first term 2023. Register Citizen caption error.}

https://www.registercitizen.com/news/article/nick-lukiwsky-gop-barkhamsted-first-selectman-18297868.php#photo-24144020

Written By
Emily M. Olson

Emily M. Olson is the community editor for the Torrington Register Citizen, the New Haven Register and the Middletown Press.

She is a 1997 graduate of Western Connecticut State University with a degree in English and a minor in journalism.

She started her career at the Patent Trader newspaper in Westchester County in 1998. After a brief period as a reporter with the Register Citizen in 1999, she joined the former Housatonic Publications group as a reporter. She was managing editor of the former Litchfield Enquirer and helped run the weekly newspapers at Housatonic and the Litchfield County Times. She returned to the Register Citizen in 2009.

News, Press

Barkhamsted Selectman Nicholas Lukiwsky Declares Candidacy for First Selectman

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7, 2023
To Contact Nick Lukiwsky:
email: nlukiwsky@gmail.com
Mobile 203-623-9205

Barkhamsted, Connecticut

On July 7th, Barkhamsted Selectman Nicholas Lukiwsky announced his candidacy for the position of First Selectman. With an extensive background in public service and a deep commitment to the betterment of Barkhamsted, Lukiwsky aims to lead the town towards a prosperous and inclusive future. 

Lukiwsky’s decision to run for the position of First Selectman stems from his unwavering dedication to the Barkhamsted community. As a sitting Selectman, Nicholas has demonstrated exceptional administrative skills, invaluable expertise, and a proven ability to navigate the challenges facing the town. His vision for Barkhamsted is rooted in sustainable growth, fiscal responsibility, and a steadfast commitment to preserving Barkhamsted’s unique heritage. 

During his six years as Selectman, Lukiwsky has proven that his belief in a collaborative approach to leadership is right for Barkhamsted. “We have experienced a once in a lifetime pandemic, and as a member of town boards and committees I witnessed thoughtfulness, compassion and the resiliency of our citizens. We worked together to solve problems effectively and became a stronger community,” said Lukiwsky. “As the next First Selectman, I will focus on improving upon our governmental practices to encourage local businesses to thrive.” 

“I want to thank our current First Selectman, Don Stein, for his sixteen year of dedicated service to Barkhamsted. His retirement is well deserved. After spending three terms together, I can assure the citizens and employees of Barkhamsted that Don always looked out for their best interest. I am grateful for what I learned from him,” said Lukiwsky. 

Nick will continue to champion transparency in government, engaging citizens in decision making processes and ensuring their voices are heard. Lukiwsky’s platform encompasses key issues that directly impact the lives of Barkhamsted residents. His agenda includes: 

Fiscal responsibility: Be the careful and responsible guardian of your tax dollars. 

Economic Development: Implement strategic plans to attract new businesses and strengthen existing ones. Making sure government helps and does not hinder growth while still preserving the town’s rural character.  

Infrastructure Improvement: Investing in essential infrastructure projects, such as road maintenance, utilities, and broadband access, to meet the needs of a modern Barkhamsted. 

Education: Supporting and enhancing the quality of local schools, ensuring that our children continue to receive a first-class education, while promoting responsible budgeting. 

Environmental Stewardship: Promoting and advocating for the preservation of our natural resources. Protecting our state parks, forests and the Farmington River. Ensuring the MDC continues to provide access to its lands and water for recreation and community benefit. 

Nicholas Lukiwsky’s campaign will be characterized by a spirit of unity and collaboration. He is committed to listening to the concerns and ideas of the people of Barkhamsted, working diligently to address them effectively. With his proven leadership skills, extensive experience in public service, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of Barkhamsted, Nick is poised to lead our town towards a prosperous future. 

To learn more about Nicholas Lukiwsky’s campaign for First Selectman and to get involved, please visit his official campaign Facebook page: LukiwskyforBarkhamsted (Currently under Construction).  

{The RTC Municipal Candidates caucus will be held Monday, July 24, 2023 in the town garage meeting room at 7:00 PM}

Committee Events

State Senator Lisa Seminara and State Representative Mark Anderson attend March Meeting with 2023 Session reports

Written by Juliana Simone

April 2, 2023

Barkhamsted – The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee welcomed our new Senate District 8 Senator Lisa Seminara and District State Representative Mark Anderson (R-62) during our March meeting, so they could inform attending committee members and town residents about important legislation being proposed this 2023 session. Both legislators delivered very thorough reports.

Senator Seminara discussed the most relative bills in the four committees she has been appointed to serve her first term: Aging, Childrens, Education and Human Services. Giving her views on each, she gave insight into how these bills would be positive or negative for Connecticut citizens.

Representative Anderson addressed the primary topics of the committees he serves on: Commerce, Environmental and Veterans. Anderson also detailed the three different gun bills being proposed by Republicans, Democrats and the Governor, and the language that differed in terms of Second Amendment rights.

He also spoke about MDC (Metropolitan District Commission) and DEEP (Department of Energy and Environmental Program) in re water and land issues, including our neighboring town of Colebrook. He offered insight and solutions into how these problems could be effectively resolved. 

Seminara and Anderson worked together during their presentations and showed they were an effective knowledgeable team for all people in their districts.

During the question and answer period after their reports, Barkhamsted Selectman, Nick Lukiwsky, inquired about the Public and Safety Committee’s House Raised Bill 6863, which addresses the need for recruitment of police officers. BRTC Vice Chair, David Moulton, and BOF Chair, Richard Winn, both gave suggestions on how to keep the Greenwoods 350 acres protected from MDC through DEEP.

The Barkhamsted RTC welcomes our new member, Dan, and sends thanks to our State Senator and Representative for engaging our committee with their Connecticut General Assembly update.

News

Supporters Come Out For Retirement Party In Thanks To State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-08)

Written by Juliana Simone

February 22, 2023

Canton, CT – Long-serving Connecticut General Assembly member, Kevin Witkos, walked into a surprise party on a Saturday afternoon thrown by his wife, Esther, at the Legitimus Brewery. Dozens were on hand to wish the former Senator, House Representative and Canton Board of Education member well. The guest list could have been much longer, but Esther decided to keep it to a smaller group of people she felt served Kevin well while in office or were friends and relatives.

Catered buffet food was in abundance along with a dessert table. Gift bags for guests were on a seperate station. The open bar included fresh beer on tap and spiked cider.

Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee Chair, Juliana Simone, was among the guests who has a long history of helping Kevin transition to the State Senate as well as making sure he was re-elected each time he ran for another term. He was a regular participant in the popular Barkhamsted Independence Day Parade and also would always spend time at the BRTC Riverton Fair booth in October talking to voters. Other guests included veteran State Representative John Piscopo, Colebrook Chairman Chris Johnstone, and long-serving staff members. BRTC VC Dave Moulton also dropped by along with former Waterbury Alderman Jerry Padula, who was a DCP legislative liason and has been a staff attorney with the DCP for fourteen years.

Popular among not only Republicans, he received votes from Independents and Democrats, for his devoted work to the eleven towns he served in the eighth district, his moderate views and genuine friendly personality.

Altogether, Witkos served three terms in the House of Representatives which serves the towns of Canton and Avon (District 17), and seven in the Senate. His highest achievement in the State Senate was the Deputy Senate Republican Leader, second in command to Senate Minority Leader, Len Fasano. Because for the first time in decades the Senate was tied in terms of Elected Senators, there was no majority or minority leader. Both parties had co-chairs for this two year cycle.

Barkhamsted Chair Simone was a Witkos Senate Republican Committee appointee on Public Safety and Security in 2017, which had two of the largest proposals that session which would allow a third casino in the state, and the crumbling concrete foundation issue which left many homeowners with damaged homes.

Witkos, after serving over 25 years as a Sergeant with the Canton Police Department before retiring, started additional part-time work with the utility company, Eversource, where he currently works today. He also tried his hand as a restaurant owner in the Collinsville section of Canton.

Witkos gave a brief but heartfelt speech to his guests expressing how fast twenty years of service flew by. We all wish Kevin well in his future endeavors and thank him for his dedication to the eighth district.

Kevin and Esther Witkos with the owners of Brewery Legitimus

Veteran State Representative John Piscopo (R-76) and Retired Veteran State Legislator Kevin Witkos

Retired Veteran State Senator Kevin Witkos and Barkhamsted Chair Juliana Simone
Colebrook Chairman Chris Johnstone and his wife at the event for Retired State Senator Kevin Witkos
News

Barkhamsted Wins the Republican Ticket

November 08, 2022

Written by Juliana Simone

Results from tonight’s Election Day Registrar of Voters vote for all candidates on the town ballot as follows:

State Rep. Mark Anderson (R-62) – 1057; Challenger Kim Becker – 787

State Senate Candidate Lisa Seminara (R-SD8) – 1033; Challenger Paul Honig – 807

Congressional Candidate Larry Lazor (CT-1) – 959; U.S. Rep. John Larson – 867

Candidate for Governor Bob Stefanowski (R) – 994; Gov. Ned Lamont – 849

Candidate for U.S. Senate Leora Levy (R) – 978; U.S. Senator Blumenthal – 872

Candidate for Secretary of the State – Dominic Rapini (R) – 957; Candidate Thomas (D) – 850

Candidate for Attorney General Jessica Kordas (R) – 934; AG Tong – 883

Candidate for Treasurer Harry Arora (R) – 980; Erick Russell (D) – 809

Candidate for Comptroller Mary Fay (R) – 1,009; State Rep. Sean Scanlon (D) – 820

Judge of Probate Candidate – James Steck, Esq. (R) – 999; Ruth Dwyer , Esq. (D) 820

Ballot Question in re early voting for CT: No – 847; Yes – 802

* (these are the exact numbers due to what I could hear from our ROV in a loud room but if they’re off at all it’s not notable. Any corrections will be made tomorrow if need be. )

Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee and CT GOP news