Connecticut’s State Senator and Republican Senate Minority Leader Pro Tempore, Kevin Witkos (R-8), was nominated to serve another term by the Senate’s Eighth District delegation during a convention conference call. Witkos is unopposed. The convention Chair was Avon’s RTC Chair Jeffrey Fleischman. Barkhamsted Chair, Juliana Simone, and Board of Finance Chair, Richard Winn, participated in the convention. Simone was asked to be a member of the Rules Committee.
Witkos, first elected to the State Senate in 2009, served as a State Representative in the Connecticut General Assembly for six years prior. Kevin is the Ranking Member of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee and the General Law Committee. He is also a member of the Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee.
A retired Canton police Sergeant after 28 years of service, former restaurant owner and current employee of Eversource since 2012, Kevin is married with two adult children. Witkos has appeared on the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee’s cable show “Conservative Chat” multiple times during his tenure. YouTube Channel “Conservative Chat” has his most recent interview from 2019 available for viewers.
Congratulations to Senator Witkos for his years of work in the Connecticut legislature.
March 30, 2020 – The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee
held their biannual officer elections this evening and reelected Chair Juliana
Simone and Treasurer Rev. Steven Blackburn, Ph.D. for their sixth term. Both
Simone and Blackburn were first elected in
2010. Also elected were Dave Moulton for Vice Chair, who preceded Simone as the
BRTC Chair for five terms, and Michael Stewart for Secretary. Upcoming
convention delegates were also selected.
Due to the Coronavirus public gathering restrictions, this meeting had to be held via conference call. The district conventions may have to be, as well, if the public safety mandates are continued after April 30th.
This past weekend brought another successful conclusion to the state’s last held town fair despite off and on weather.
All agreed change was desperately needed for residents to continue to live here, existing business to thrive and new business to move in, and a new Republican majority elected to take us out of our enormous four billion dollar debt, resolve union pension issues and cut taxes.
Outside of politics, attendees enjoyed fair food, ox pulls, music and games. Though it rained most of Saturday, the sun did eventually break through and make a couple of afternoon hours pleasant for those on the grounds. Friday night was a continued success for locals, and Sunday brought out the biggest crowd with classic autumn weather.
State Senator and Senate Minority Leader, Kevin Witkos (R-8) joined the fun Friday evening, and State Representative William Simanski (R-62) spent a few hours talking to voters on Saturday through rain and sunshine. Probate Judge Michael Magistrali, serving since 1999, was also on hand Sunday as he seeks reelection to represent his district which consists of seven towns, including Barkhamsted. Former State Representative and Agricultural Commissioner under Governor Jodi Rell, Phil Prelli, also dropped by to tell us his thoughts on the election.
(l-r) Jerry P. Padula Esq., BRTC Chair Juliana Simone, Rev. Steven Blackburn, Ph.D. at Riverton Fair RTC Booth
(l-r) BRTC members Tom Palmer and Dave Moulton at Riverton Fair RTC Booth
(l-r) Probate Judge Michael Magistrali and former Probate Judge candidate/Waterbury Alderman Jerry P. Padula, Esq. – Riverton Fair RTC Booth 2018
Riverton Fair Barkhamsted RTC Booth crew Sunday – (l-r) Probate Judge Michael Magistrali, RTC member Tom Palmer, Former Waterbury Alderman Jerry Padula, Mark Carotunti and RTC member Ernie Little.
Riverton Fair Barkhamsted RTC Booth 2018
(l-r) State Representative William Simanski (R-62), Barkhamsted RTC Chair Juliana Simone, Barkhamsted RTC Treasurer Rev. Steven Blackburn, Ph.D.
Averill and Steven Blackburn Riverton Fair RTC Booth 2018
Guest Former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson Enthralled All
September 24, 2018
Barkhamsted, CT
Written by Juliana Simone
Monday evening the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee held it’s biannual F/R and cocktail party at the home of member Alice Judd. Attendance was high and the slate of candidates long. Guests were treated to the special appearance of veteran former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson (CT-5).
Candidates speaking were Probate Judge Michael Magistrali, Congressional Candidate Jennifer Nye (CT-1), State Representative William Simanski (R-62), State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8), Lt. Governor Candidate State Senator, Joe Markley and U.S. Senate Candidate Matthew Corey (R). Nancy Johnson followed with an inspiring and knowledgeable speech, which illustrated how much she is still in touch with current politics and issues.
Keynote speaker, afternoon radio host on WTIC 1080 AM, Todd Feinburg, wrapped it up with his observations on politics today. Most guests attended to hear the popular Feinburg and have the opportunity to meet him in person.
An article published in the newspaper Republican American September 26th, by focusing on a comment made from a guest which hardly anyone heard after many inquiries have been made, skewed the article in a partisan and negative way against Republicans, which is simply bad journalism. Rather than reporting on what a successful event was held, her bias made it clear she was not there to cover what many fine candidates had to say.
Committee’s don’t know in advance what keynote speakers are going to say, nor do they or any group have control of what any one person in a crowd can say out loud, especially if it isn’t heard but by a few people who say nothing. Any gathering can have a Madonna type guest who chooses to say, tweet or post something irresponsible and/or offensive.
This quote of an attendee, not affiliated with any RTC, as Republicans from easily ten towns were guests, is being used by State Representative William Simanski’s opponent in multiple posts, to try and portray Bill Simanski in a bad and false light by association. Simanski is a hard working legislator, good husband and father and a highly respectable and regarded man.
The Hartford Courant picked up the story today, September 27th, with a quote from State Senator Witkos (R-8) denouncing the comment made at the event. So does the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee. The media is promoting the story to continue to influence elections and disparage Republicans and conservatives. All of whom were in attendance are upstanding people and fine patriots who give to their communities consistently in many ways.
Todd Feinburg, Afternoon Talk Radio Host WTIC 1080AM
(l-r) BRTC Chair Juliana Simone; Former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson; Lt. Governor Candidate State Senator Joe Markley; Ted Johnson
(l) Former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson and Veteran BRTC Member, Patriot and Hostess, Alice Judd.
(l) Avon RTC’s Stephen Hunt and Barkhamsted RTC Chair Juliana Simone
Jerry Padula and friend Marwan Ayad (Harwinton RTC Chair Brooke Cheney in background)
(l-r) Lt. Governor Candidate Joe Markley; Goshen RTC Chair and SC Member John Morris; Former State Rep. and Agricultural Commissioner
(l-r) Probate Judge Michael Magistrali with Maureen and Phil Prelli
BRTC event
(l) Probate Judge Michael Magistrali (r) Former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson
(l) Jerry Padula and (r) Francis John Ayres
(l) Juliana Simone (r) New Hartford First Selectman Dan Jerram
(l-r) Lt. Governor Candidate Senator Joe Markley; BRTC Chair Juliana Simone; Jerry Padula, Esq.
Southington’s Rusty and Elaine Haigh
(l) JP guest Marwan and (r) BRTC Treasurer Steven Blackburn
Mark and Carole Anderson – Granby
(l-r) Frank Ayres; Former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson and husband Ted.
The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee held their caucus this evening at 6:00 P.M. to appoint delegates to conventions for Probate Judge, State Representative, and State Senator for their district, as well as for the State Convention where delegates will vote for Federal Candidates on Friday, May 11th, and Statewide Offices on Saturday, May 12th. Volunteer delegates were filled for each convention.
The Committee also elected Officers for their committee. Juliana Simone, was reelected as Chair, and will now serve her fifth term, as will Rev. Steve Blackburn, Ph.D, the committee’s Treasurer. Mark Hemenway, was reelected as Vice Chair and will serve his second term in this role. New RTC member, Andrew Nelson, was elected to be Secretary of the committee.
Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee Chair, Juliana Simone, held a Christmas party and campaign fundraiser for gubernatorial candidate Peter Lumaj in mid-December at her home. Some of the guests included Avon RTC Vice Chair Stephen Hunt, newly-elected Barkhamsted Board of Selectman Nick Lukiwsky, former veteran Waterbury Alderman Jerry Padula, Winsted’s Ray Robago and Rev. Steve Blackburn, Ph.D. who is the treasurer for the BRTC and also served in this capacity for Lumaj’s Secretary of the State campaign 2014 and Padula’s Judge of Probate campaign this past municipal cycle 2017.
Christmas carols were played and a variety of food was laid out for guests including a punch bowl of seasonal eggnog. Republican and conservative candidate, Peter Lumaj, was happy to have one-on-one conversations about the future of Connecticut. He discussed his plans as Governor on how to give Connecticut a fresh start by implementing business friendly legislation to keep or bring corporations and jobs here, in addition to relief for the heavily burdened taxpayers who for many years have paid some of the highest taxes in the country.
Lumaj, surprised both the Democrat Party and the media covering his race in 2014 against Secretary of the State, Denise Merrill, when he came close to winning the constitutional seat by four points, and on Election night was often ahead in returns until the large city results came in with their usual Democrat strongholds. Lumaj fought heavily against continued voter fraud, voter I.D. qualifications and cutting spending in the SOTS office, whereas incumbent Merrill ran on making all votes cast easier, sooner and with less interest into voter fraud complaints.
As a candidate for Governor, although Lumaj’s policies are much broader as the head of the state, the category and importance of election law is still important to him after learning firsthand how corrupt the system is when seeking this office.
Look for the next episode of the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee’s cable political interview show starting its fourteenth year, “Conservative Chat,” in January 2018 with Peter Lumaj. For those outside the viewing area, this show will be seen on Charter Communications and online on www.ctv191.com and YouTube.
For more information on Peter Lumaj and his candidacy for Governor:
“Conservative Chat” – Tonight, Sunday evening at 7:30PM, on Charter cable channel 191, the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee presents an interview with State Senator Joe Markley (R-16) and BRTC Chair and Host Juliana Simone.
Senator Markley and Juliana discuss current Connecticut state issues, Joe’s history as a Republican State Senator, his anti-tax advocacy, run for Lieutenant Governor in 2018 and more.
For those not in the viewing area or who are not Spectrum/Charter Communications subscribers, this interview can be seen online at www.ctv191.net under tabs – What’s On/Watch Programs/search Conservative and click on Episode 123.
Fellow RTC members, town Republicans and all friends of Robert Judd –
If you are available tomorrow at 2PM please come to the Barkhamsted Historical Society’s tree dedication in memory of fine veteran RTC member Alice Judd’s belated husband, Bob. Our Republican Town Committee along with member Sue Day’s husband, Mike Day, thought a tree would be more special for Robert in his passing rather than flowers, as Bob researched historic trees for our town.
The notice put up on the town’s website recently makes no mention of the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee’s contribution or the implementation of the idea of the tree. The post makes it appear as if it was conceived by people that were not in the process.
Alice, you’re the best, and we will be there tomorrow to support you and give honor to Robert.
October 28th, 2PM at the Historical Society/Squire’s Tavern -100 East River Road
(l) Barkhamsted RTC member and tea party supporter Alice Judd and (r) belated WWII veteran and husband Robert Judd 2009
Fine Veteran BRTC member Alice Judd – Hartford Rally – October 2010
Riverton, CT – The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee maintained its support of the Riverton Fair this past October weekend. Riverton is a section of the town of Barkhamsted. The fair took place a week later than usual and was held on the 13th, 14th and 15th. Weather was sublime with warm temperatures and balmy breezes. New faces and familiar faces came to speak to Republican Town Committee members and candidates working the booth. Attendees come from all over the area and even out of state.
Many expressed lengthy and shared opinions that legislative changes had to take place to make Connecticut livable for longtime residents and new ones, who have just moved here whatever the circumstance. Connecticut continues to be in the top three of most highly taxed states in the United States with sitting Governor Dannel Malloy (D) implementing the two highest historic tax hikes in the state’s history.
First Selectman Candidate, Mark Hemenway (R), was on hand each of the three days, as well as visiting candidates from neighboring towns such as Attorney Jerry Padula, an Alderman from Waterbury who is running for Probate Judge, and Stephen Hunt, the Vice Chair of the Avon Republican Town Committee, who is seeking a seat on the Board of Education. Hemenway’s running mate, Nick Lukiwsky, was at the fair Friday evening, known as ‘local’s night’ to towns people.
Politics aside, fair goers enjoyed the usual food fare such as smoked turkey legs, apple fritters and fried onion blossoms, as well as rides for the children, animal exhibits and live music.
Barkhamsted First Selectman Candidate, Selectman Mark Hemenway (R)
Ben and BRTC/BOF member Dave Moulton
BRTC member Tom Palmer
(l-r) Avon BOE candidate Stephen Hunt, BRTC Chair Juliana Simone, Waterbury Probate Judge candidate Alderman Jerry Padula, Mark C. and Eric
Barkhamsted’s businessman John Lavieri and First Selectman Candidate Mark Hemenway (R)
(l-r) BRTC Chair Juliana Simone and Veteran BRTC member and tea party attendee Alice Judd
(l-r) First Selectman Candidate, Selectman Mark Hemenway, Retired Air Force Veteran BRTC member, Jerry Thompson, and BRTC Chair, Juliana Simone
Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee Members, Candidates, Board Members and town republicans met last night at the home of Drew and Katheryn Nelson. Republicans from additional towns also attended. Harwinton First Selectman Mike Criss, Waterbury Alderman and Probate Judge Candidate, Jerry Padula, Avon RTC Vice Chair, Stephen Hunt, Simsbury RTC’s Angela Cocchi, as well as others, turned out to support the municipal election candidates on the ballot November 7th in Barkhamsted.
Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee and CT GOP news
