Barkhamsted – The annual Independence Day parade in Barkhamsted, CT began at 10:30 A.M. on a beautiful July morning. The usual participants marched along the river waving to the crowd, throwing candy, playing instruments and blasting fire engine horns. The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee’s Chair, Juliana Simone, and Vice Chair/Board of Selectman, Mark Hemenway carried a patriotic banner that read “Vote Republican!”
The Committee wants to thank State Representative Prasad Srinivasan (R-31) for driving up from his district in Glastonbury to join us and introduce himself to our area voters as a candidate for Governor in 2018. Dr. Srinivasan’s wife, Kala, had a great time riding in the parade, and took many photographs and short videos which we are happy to share here.
Republican legislators and candidates running for every level of office have marched with our committee and float on the Fourth of July and all are always welcome to participate. {See photos}
Former BOS and volunteer firefighter Bill Downes (l) and State Rep. Prasad Srinivasan Barkhamsted Independence Day ParadeState Rep. Prasad Srinivasan with BRTC treasurer Steven Blackburn and family Independence Day 2017State Rep. Prasad Srinivasan (R-31) with the Barkhamsted Historical Society Independence Day paradeState Rep. Prasad Srinivasan during the Barkhamsted Independence Day paradePrasad Srinivasan (R-31) with Barkhamsted Fire Department members Independence DayState Rep. Prasad Srinivasan with young attendees Barkhamsted Independence Day paradeState Reo. Prasad Srinivasan, M.D. and wife, Kala, at the Barkhamsted Independence Day parade 2017
Barkhamsted RTC F/R (l-r) State Rep. Tim LeGeyt, U.S. Senate candidate Dan Carter, State Senator Kevin Witkos, BRTC Chair Juliana Simone, State Rep. William Simanski
The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee held its biannual fundraiser on October 11th. The event was held at the home of the committee Chair, Juliana Simone. Committee members brought food and beverages for guests to enjoy. Candidates for state and federal office were on hand to talk to and later address the guests giving campaign speeches.
District candidates, Barkhamsted State Representative, William Simanski (R-62), who is running unopposed to serve his fourth term, and State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8), whose district includes the town of Barkhamsted as well as ten other towns, is running for reelection to serve his fifth term in the Senate, after serving in the State House. He is currently the Deputy Minority Leader, second to State Senator Len Fasano, in senate leadership.
Simanksi and Witkos both used their time as speakers to acknowledge the failures of the Malloy administration, and how under two terms of this democrat Governor, things have only worsened.
First Congressional candidate Matthew Corey (CT-1), challenging entrenched democrat Congressman John Larson for a third time, is a small businessman who owns and operates two companies in Hartford and is a Navy veteran. {To see his recent interview on our RTC committee cable show click this link}
U.S. Senate candidate, Dan Carter, who is presently a State Representative in Connecticut’s second district after being elected to office in 2010, is an Air Force veteran, and has a background in the health care industry. {To see his recent interview on our RTC committee cable show click this link} https://communityaccesstv.viebit.com/#bWb5oh5gZAGn
Corey and Carter used their time as speakers to acknowledge both the failures to Connecticut residents and taxpayers under the Democrat majority in our state legislature, and how the federal delegation that represents the Constitution State in Washington, D.C., that consists of five members of the House of Representatives, and two U.S. Senators, all members of the democrat party, have voted consistently with their caucus leadership, and fail Connecticut’s needs overall.
Corey is challenging U.S. Rep. John Larson (D), who exemplifies why term limits need to be imposed, after making a career in Washington for seventeen years. Carter is challenging one-term incumbent, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, who has also made a lifetime profession working for the government, as Connecticut’s Attorney General for twenty years, before moving on to a federal seat.
Peter Lumaj, also gave a moving speech to the crowd. The 2014 Secretary of the State candidate, who doubled the amount of votes the prior nominee received four years earlier, currently has an exploratory committee for a statewide office race in 2018. Lumaj also sought the nomination to be the Republican U.S. Senate candidate in 2012. Barkhamsted RTC Chair, Juliana Simone, seconded his nomination at the state convention that year.
Lumaj reminded everyone “If you can’t vote for Trump, vote for Republican Party,” he said. “We must support any and every office we can. We cannot keep fighting each other. If you do not vote for Trump, it is a vote for Hillary.”
He also reminded people that he grew up in a communist country, and how he escaped to America to live a life of liberty and opportunity. Like others with his background, he fears the country he came to embrace for its freedoms, he now sees becoming more like the country he and his brothers fled, with the liberal democrat agenda of making America a socialist nation.
State Representative Tim LeGeyt (R-17), who took over the Witkos seat when he moved forward to the Senate, also came to the event. Harwinton First Selectman Mike Criss, and Barkhamsted Selectman, Mark Hemenway (R), was another elected official present as well as Rich Tutunjian, who is a State Central Committee member for the senate district eight, in addition to BRTC treasurer, Rev. Steven Blackburn, Ph.D., along with former RTC Chair, Robert Brainard III, who serve on the Board of Assessment Appeals in addition to being RTC members.
Hard-working reporter, Kathryn Boughton, came to cover the occasion for The Republican American, a respected state newspaper in circulation for over 150 years, known for its conservative investigative reporting*. Ms. Boughton spoke at length to all the candidates and published a fine report that accurately described the candidates’ positions in the October 13th edition. {Editor’s note: see attached scan}
Party members and unaffiliated voters came from both native Barkhamsted and towns around the state. A good time was had by all. Thank you to the many committee members who came out in support of our RTC, and to our candidates and guests who made the evening memorable and informative.
Vote November 8th, for all of our Republican candidates, everyone! The difference in how the future of America will proceed is monumental.
(l-r) Barkhamsted selectman Mark Hemenway (R); State Rep. Wm. Simanski (R-62); U.S. Senate candidate State Rep. Dan Carter (R); Congressional candidate Matthew Corey (CT-1)
Riverton, CT – On October 7th, 8th and 9th the Riverton Fair held its annual event on the Riverton fairgrounds. 2016 marks the 107th anniversary of what is known as the last county fair of the season in the state. The fair was established in 1909. Located in the southeastern portion of Litchfield County on the Farmington River, the fair brings people from near and far to take in the tractor pulls, wood chopping and judges of oxen and steers, in addition to the traditional animal exhibits, amusement rides and music. Area craftsmen exhibit their goods, as do local farmers who sell their home grown honey, maple syrup and garlic.
The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee, set up it’s booth to showcase Republican state and federal candidates who will be on the ballot this November 8th, including our party’s nominee for President of the United States, Donald Trump.
Popular State Senator Kevin Witkos spent time at our booth Friday night, which is known to town and area residents as “local’s night.” Serving in the state house before becoming a State Senator, he is currently the Deputy Minority Leader in the Republican Senate caucus. Witkos also works for Northeast Utilities and owns a local eatery in his home town of Canton.
Barkhamsted State Representative, William Simanski, joined Witkos Friday night and returned on Saturday to spend time with his fellow colleague, Dan Carter, who became a member of the House Republicans the same year he did in 2010. Simanski, respected by the majority of constituents in the four towns he represents, is running unopposed again this year.
Carter, who still holds the title of State Representative, is now the Republican U.S. Senate candidate for the CT GOP who is taking on one-term Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal. A link to his interview on our RTC cable show is on this website home page.
Matthew Corey, also joined the candidates on Saturday. Corey, is a small business owner of two businesses: a tavern in downtown Hartford, and high-rise window cleaning service. He is also a navy veteran. Corey is taking on long-serving democrat Congressman John Larson, who is a true example of a career politician and why term limits are needed. Larson is up for his ninth term in Washington, D.C., and supports all of his democrat caucus leadership and agenda.
This is Corey’s third attempt to try and replace Larson. His first run was as an Independent as the CT GOP chose financial advisor John Henry Decker as their nominee. Corey was the CT GOP nominee in 2014 and is again in 2016. Routinely, Larson has agreed to one debate amongst any challenger, to be held in its usual place in West Hartford by the League of Women Voters.
All candidates spent many hours talking to voters and introducing themselves to attendees, who all were anxious for change. The biggest request we received all weekend was for anything Trump. Bumper stickers which joked about being a ‘Trump Deplorable’ disappeared as fast as we could put them out.
A nice nonpartisan story, is about a husband and wife who came up to inquire about a destination t-shirt hanging from our booth. They told us they were married in the Barkhamsted town hall, in the midst of a bad snow storm, twenty-three years ago, I believe, if memory serves me correctly, and because of this they return to the fair every year out of respect for their marriage. Because of this, the wife wanted the shirt as a sentimental keepsake.
With the weather perfect both Friday night and Saturday, it was only Sunday that was a literal wash out with pouring rain. As Chair, six and a half hours was tough duty in these conditions. Coveted Trump signs were given to those who endured this same day in the chilly rain.
The sun finally did break through around 4PM, a couple of hours before the fair came to a close this important election year. As fair goers showed up to grab one last smoked turkey leg or bag of apple fritters, our committee was proud to have informed voters about both state and federal politics, produced the candidates whose names they will see on their ballots, and either serve them in our general assembly, or who would like to serve them in Washington.
Special thanks to Ed, Tom, Ernie, Mark C., Dave, Mark H., Stephen, Mat, Marie Gillen, all of our candidates plus any staff, and supporters who stopped by.
(l-r) State Rep. Wm. Simanski (R-62); Barkhamsted Selectman Mark Hemenway (R); Congressional candidate Matt Corey (CT-1) at Riverton Fair BRTC booth
State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8) and Congressional candidate Matthew Corey (CT-1) at the Barkhamsted Independence Day Parade
July 4th, 2016
Barkhamsted, CT – The Lion’s Club held its annual Independence Day parade today which was met with a large attendance that consisted of local residents and area enthusiasts who enjoy this Norman Rockwell style event, that is a throwback to true Americana. The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee float had State Senator Kevin Witkos and First Congressional candidate Matthew Corey on board. Witkos is serving his fourth term as the representing senator of district 8 and is also the Senate Minority Leader Pro Tempore in his caucus with the Connecticut General Assembly. The senator also owns a restaurant in Canton and holds a part-time position with Northeast Utilities.
(l) Matthew Corey (CT-1) congressional candidate and (r) State Senator Kevin Witkos on Barkhamsted RTC float
Matthew Corey, is a businessman who runs two companies, a bar in downtown Hartford, McKinnon’s, which Corey opened in 2002, and a skyscraper window washing firm, Advanced Services International which was created in 1990. He is challenging embedded democrat John Larson for a second time as the Republican nominee, but first faced Larson in 2012 as an Independent. Corey is also a navy veteran.
Matthew Corey (CT-1) candidate and Barkhamsted RTC Chair Juliana Simone
Fellow Republican and Lion’s Club member, Mark Mahoney, sells Barkhamsted t-shirts for proceeds to aid the Lions Club on Independence Day.
Barkhamsted RTC float in Independence Day parade 2016 {photo: Mark Mahoney}
The parade also had floats from the American Legion’s Riverton Post 159, local churches, the Barkhamsted Historical Society, of course, the Lions Club, and a variety of others, many who were new to the line. First Selectman Don Stein (D) also participated and made the rounds.
American Legion Riverton Post 159 Float with Ed Tibbets, George Washington and many other fine veterans.
Following the fire engines which traditionally close the parade and are driven by Barkhamsted’s finest, the event closes with music played by the star band, a group of volunteer musicians who only meet on this one occasion each year to play patriotic songs that include the “Star Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful.”
Barkhamsted CT Star Band
Tribute was given to the Barkhamsted Baseball Youth League and a prayer was recited by the Pleasant Valley Methodist Church minister.
Thanks to veteran RTC member Ernie Little, Mark Carotunti for the use of his Dodge Ram heavy duty truck, and former RTC Chair, Dave Moulton, for helping decorate the float today…as well as my son and his good friend for throwing candy to the crowd.
State House Convention for State Representative William Simanski (R-62) in Barkhamsted.
We in the sixty-second state house district feel so fortunate to have someone as knowledgeable, hard working, conservative and diligent as State Representative William Simanski to be running for re-election to his fourth term. Tonight’s convention in Barkhamsted was a breeze we all know each other so well and are always happy to see Bill in our presence. The convention was chaired by Republican Selectman Mark Hemenway and the Secretary was Mark Neumann, campaign treasurer for Rep. Simanski. Barkhamsted, Granby, Hartland and New Hartford were all present and proud to nominate our fine representative to represent us once more in Hartford. Special thanks to his wife Marie who is a wonderful supporter of Bill’s hard work at the Capitol and loving partner.
Barkhamsted delegation State Convention 2016 (l-r) former State Rep and Agricultural Commissioner Phil Prelli, Barkamsted RTC Chair Juliana Simone and BRTC treasurer Rev. Steven Blackburn, Ph.D.CNBC host and columnist Larry Kudlow addressing CT State delegation 2016
To read Juliana Simone’s article on the convention go to: https://inmyvue.com/2016/05/13/connecticut-state-convention-prelude-to-ohio/
Concerned Barkhamsted voters – please attend tomorrow evening’s town hearing being held by the Board of Finance at the Barkhamsted Elementary School, who will address itemized estimates of expenditures for the town’s fiscal year ending on June 30, 2017. All comments/questions will be heard by the Board for consideration, in regards to what they should ultimately confirm or reject.
The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee held its biannual officer elections Monday evening and re-elected Chair Juliana Simone, who will start her fourth term as Chairman. She was first elected in 2010 while working as field director for candidate Mark Greenberg (CT-5).
(l-r) Juliana Simone, Mark Greenberg, Bill Evans 2010
Rev. Steve Blackburn, Ph. D., was also re-elected to his fourth term as Treasurer. Blackburn served as treasurer for 2014 Secretary of the State Republican candidate Peter Lumaj.
(l-r) Rob Brainard III, Steve Blackburn, Juliana Simone 2012 State Convention
Sitting vice chair Robert Brainard III, an engineer, declined re-election for another term due to his new membership on the Barkhamsted Elementary Board of Education and busy life as a husband and father of two young children. Barkhamsted Selectman Mark Hemenway (R), was elected as the committee’s new vice chair. Hemenway, who leads a software sales team, is involved in many local activities.
BOS (R) Mark Hemenway and BRTC Chair Juliana Simone on “Conservative Chat” October 2015
Simone, who worked for the House Republicans, has hosted the committee’s half-hour political interview cable show, “Conservative Chat” for eleven years, is the web administrator for the committee’s website and her own blog, “In My Vue.” She has also reported from national political conferences and commented on-line on state and federal politics for six years for Ameriborn News.
Juliana Simone and William Landers of Ameriborn News with LA Governor Bobby Jindal at 2011 SRLC in New Orleans.
Like Blackburn, she worked for the 2014 Lumaj SOTS campaign as Grassroots Outreach and Media Director.
l-r Peter Lumaj and Juliana Simone on set of cable show 2014
Simone ran for the State House in 2006 and was endorsed by former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson (CT-5) and the Republican American.
Barkhamsted voters – please go out and cast your vote today for many of our fine long-serving veteran Board members who have dedicated cumulatively decades of volunteer service to our town and have made it a special enough place to live, Connecticut Magazine in this month’s issue, just ranked Barkhamsted as the #2 town to live in its category statewide.
The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee held their biannual event with a long list of special guest speakers, including college conservative talk radio host and political advocate Jayson Veley, State Representative William Simanski (R-62), State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8), Congressional candidate Matthew Corey (CT-1), Connecticut political commentator Don Pesci, former U.S. Comptroller General and recent LG candidate Dave Walker, U.S. Senate candidate 2012 and SOTS candidate 2014 Peter Lumaj, and former Congressman (CT-2) retired Army Colonel Rob Simmons. Barkhamsted RTC Chair Juliana Simone emceed the event and member Salvatore Tartaglione, who serves on the town Board of Finance, hosted the event at his home which is also a bed and breakfast destination for fly fishermen.
Well attended by town and area supporters from Avon to New Hartford, fine food was served throughout the evening. The Republican American and local newspaper Independent News covered the occasion. Special thanks to Barbara Herrlich for her help in decorating, Steve Blackburn, Treasurer, and to all RTC members and guests.
(l-r) WMHJRESQ, Jenn, Dave Walker, Rob Simmons – Barkhamsted CT September 2014(l-r) Dan Jerram, Justin Bernier, William Landers – Barkhamsted, CT September 2014(l-r) Stephen Hunt, Angela Campetti, Greg Piecuch – Barkhamsted, CT September 2014(l-r) Sue Day, John Doyle – Barkhamsted, CT September 2014
Don Pesci – Barkhamsted, CT September 2014Jayson Veley – Barkhamsted, CT September 2014(l-r) Juliana Simone and Angela Campetti – Barkhamsted, CT September 2014
Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee and CT GOP news
