“Conservative Chat” – Tonight, Thursday, February 22nd, 2018, at 7PM, an interview brought to you by the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee, features Republican Candidate for Governor, Peter Lumaj and BRTC Chair and host, Juliana Simone. In this new episode, Peter explains why he is the best choice to be the nominee for the Connecticut Republican Party in election 2018, his conservative policies and detailed plans that will give a fresh start to our state.
This show, seen on Charter/Spectrum cable channel 191 in its viewing area, will repeat on Sunday, February 25th at 7:30PM.
For those who are not Charter/Spectrum subscribers, or who are outside of the viewing area, on www.ctv191.com under tab What’s On/Watch Programs – search Conservative if not on the home page – #126. This show can be seen on YouTube on the Conservative Chat channel using the direct link: https://youtu.be/YbPazaaVdHE
(l) Peter Lumaj Republican Candidate for Governor (r) Juliana Simone Barkhamsted RTC Chair and Conservative Chat host
“Conservative Chat” – Tonight, January 28th, 2018, at 7:30PM on Charter Cable Channel 191, State Representative William Simanski (R-63) and Barkhamsted RTC Chair and host, Juliana Simone, discuss the state budget process and why it took so long this year to pass one.
This program is airing for the last time tonight but can be seen online using the links below. For those not in the viewing area or who are not Charter/Spectrum subscribers this episode will be online at www.ctv191.com and YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZhdYLPAF6lQ
“I came here as a refugee. The first job I held was flipping burgers. I started with nothing — not a penny when I came to the United States, but I went to night school and eventually became a lawyer.
Anyone can realize his dream if he is willing to work.”
— PETER LUMAJ, CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR
KATHRYN BOUGHTON REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN Gubernatorial candidate Peter Lumaj addresses the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee on Monday night.
Barkhamsted GOP backs Lumaj for governor
BY KATHRYN BOUGHTON REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN BARKHAMSTED — The Republican Town Committee has thrown its support behind gubernatorial candidate Peter Lumaj.
Lumaj, who ran for secretary of state in 2014 and U.S. Senate in 2012, appeared before the committee on Monday night to explain his campaign positions.
Barkhamsted Town Committee Chairwoman Juliana Simone, who is Lumaj’s director of communications, said the local committee has strongly supported the candidate for years. “I have always admired his deep love for this country and the individual freedoms it offers to its citizens,” she wrote on the committee’s website.
In his presentation, Lumaj encouraged Republicans to be proud and to own their allegiance to President Donald Trump.
“We have no reason to be ashamed of being Republicans,” he said. “I think it’s the reason we lost in 2014 — gubernatorial candidate Tom Foley was ashamed to be a rich, white guy. Isn’t that the entire reason to live in a free country — to do better? We had the same problem with Mitt Romney. If we do it again, the Democrats will smell weakness.”
He said Republicans have “done a poor job in defining ourselves. We have been defined by the media. We cower in the corner and defend ourselves. We’re not bad at all. If we were a racist party, I wouldn’t be here tonight.”
He contends that President Trump won because, despite his wealth, he connected with the common people.
“The Trump base in our state, a large percentage didn’t vote Republican before. He identified with them,” Lumaj said. “His character is to fight for what he believes in. I stick by those principals of Trump voters. There is no reason to run away from that.”
RTC MEMBER DAVID MOULTON asked how Lumaj, an attorney from the Bronx, N.Y., with a home in Fairfield, would connect with voters.
“I work with a lot of bluecollar guys and hardly any voted for Foley or Romney,” Moulton said. “They said, ‘He’s the rich guy; he doesn’t care about me.’ How do you convince those guys on the shop floor to vote for you?”
Lumaj referred to his own history, which includes escaping from Communist Albania nearly 30 years ago and making his way to the U.S. He worked as a porter and doorman to help support his family, and to pay for his education at the City University of New York, where he earned a degree in political science.
“I came here as a refugee,” he said. “The first job I held was flipping burgers. I started with nothing — not a penny when I came to the United States, but I went to night school and eventually became a lawyer. Anyone can realize his dream if he is willing to work.”
Lumaj said he can identify with the middle class.
“Most Republicans can identify with the middle class if properly approached,” he added. “Wealth doesn’t define you.”
Lumaj’s platform is decidedly aligned with Trump. He pronounces himself a “Second Amendment guy,” opposes amnesty for illegal aliens and condemns “sanctuary cities” that are sheltering them. He criticizes Connecticut’s welfare system, saying illegal aliens should be ineligible for benefits.
“IT PAYS TO BE ILLEGAL and come to our state,” he said. “People are moving into this state that are barely producing anything. If you join welfare today, you will make more than $40,000 a year without doing anything. The Democrats want government dependency. Look at the crime rate, the unemployment rate. … Republicans should point out that everything (Democrats) touched is broken. We are the party of solutions.”
Lumaj said he believes tax relief is the key to kick-starting the state’s recovery.
“I think we have to start with tax relief so people have more money,” he said, adding “you could feel the economy change right away” after Congress passed its tax reform.
“How do you defend against the charge that it is making the deficit worse?” Moulton asked.
“First thing you have to accept is that the Democrats will blame us,” Lumaj replied. “But we have to say, ‘We tried your methods and it got worse. Let’s try ours.’ As Republicans, we have to say we will uphold our agreements with the voters. We should be very forceful about these things.”
Lumaj said his greatest weakness — a lack of governmental experience — also can be seen as a strength.
“Professional politicians are thinking of getting elected and using that as a steppingstone,” he said. “I am not looking for a promotion. I could practice law and be happy with it.”
He said he has enjoyed a positive reception as he tours the state. Lumaj noted that three of the 10 Republican candidates — Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, former Trumbull First Selectman Timothy Herbst and himself — are polling in double digits.
“Conservative Chat” – Tonight, Thursday, December 10th, 2017, at 7:30PM on Charter cable channel 191, the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee presents a new interview with columnist/political commentator Don Pesci, and Barkhamsted RTC Chair and host Juliana Simone. Don and Juliana discuss current federal and statewide news stories in this half-hour show.
For those who are not Charter subscribers or who live outside the viewing area, this program is available on YouTube:
(l) columnist Don Pesci (r) “Conservative Chat” host Juliana Simone
“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.
Editor’s Note: Apologies as Charter Communications made the error tonight of showing Interview one at 7:00PM, even though a regularly scheduled show is usually shown at this time, and therefore will be showing Interview two at 7:30PM.
“Conservative Chat” – Tonight, Sunday, November 5th, 2017 at 7:30PM and 8:00PM on Charter Cable Channel 191, the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee presents the first and second interviews with Republican First Selectman and Selectman Candidates Mark Hemenway and Nick Lukiwsky with BRTC Chair and Host Juliana Simone.
Mark and Nick discuss their backgrounds, family lives and careers, their opinion on public safety for the town of Barkhamsted and the resident trooper issue, the problems with the debate when first organized, taxes and their goals as First Selectman and Selectman.
For those not in the viewing area or who are not Charter subscribers, interview I can be seen by clicking this link:
Editor’s Note: This press release was sent to the Republican American newspaper on the date written. Their reporter assigned to cover Barkhamsted, a friend of Mr. Stein’s, followed up on this and told First Selectman Candidate, Mark Hemenway, she had already spoke to Don Stein the previous day. This means a lot of time passed before she contacted both Hemenway and petitioning candidate Deborah Simon.
Statement: First Selectman Don Stein Tries to Influence Debate Questions by Soliciting Supporters Help
Barkhamsted – In the debate rules for the upcoming First Selectman race between three candidates, Democrat incumbent Don Stein, Republican Selectman, Mark Hemenway, and Petitioning Candidate Deborah Simon, the Barkhamsted Women’s Club, who was asked by Stein to moderate the debate, stated on their website in a message for all town residents and a call for questions, “We welcome questions from residents.” The deadline for submissions was by midnight, October 17, 2017.
They stipulated further, “All questions received will be grouped by topic and questions regarding the top topics will be asked as time allows. Therefore it is important you submit your question(s) of interest even if you know that another resident has already submitted a question on the topic. Submitting a question is your way to vote for the questions asked.” The club noted “All candidates will respond to the same questions.” A reminder of the deadline for questions followed to be received via email or U.S. Postal service.
It has now been discovered that shortly before the deadline for resident questions, incumbent First Selectman Don Stein sent an email blast to dozens of fellow Barkhamsted Town Hall workers, Candidates and supporters, asking them to submit four specific questions he wanted moderators to ask at the scheduled debate. “The deadline for debate questions is tonight at midnight and I ask that you submit as many of these as you can to help improve the odds that they will get used: Thanks, Don.”
Petitioning candidate Deborah Simon’s reaction to this information in a shared correspondence was, “Do you think that it is ethical for Don Stein to be loading the questions for the debate? He sent this to his supporters. I was asked by one of my supporters what they should ask and I answered that I couldn’t suggest questions because it would be unethical.”
Republican challenger Selectman Mark Hemenway, had this to say about Stein’s interference, “I am shocked and disappointed to hear my challenger felt this insecure heading into our debate he believed he had to pad things in his favor with the unknown help of supporters to try and win.” Hemenway, says he is still willing to debate the sitting First Selectman but the rules would have to be changed in such a way no tampering could affect the questions for the candidates.
The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee made this statement:
“We feel it is unethical and dishonest for any candidate to control the submissions of topics for selection and to try to shape the direction of the debate. It’s a clear attempt to stack the deck in the favor of Mr. Stein by corrupting the pool of residential questions. We feel Mr. Stein should be disqualified from participating in this event, as it violates the intent of an impartial and fair debate. These actions made by the First Selectman should be very disturbing to voters.”
# # # # #
Email sent to Barkhamsted Town Hall workers, Democrat candidates and supporters from First Selectman Don Stein (D). Recipients have been blacked out as a courtesy, however, if needed they will be disclosed in the future.
“Conservative Chat” – Tonight, October 12th, 2017, at 7PM on Charter Cable channel 191, the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee presents an interview with municipal candidates Board of Selectman Mark Hemenway and his running mate, Nick Lukiwsky. This half-hour interview with BRTC Chair and host, Juliana Simone, introduces the First Selectman and Board of Selectman candidate to the voters of Barkhamsted who do not already know them, shows why they are the fresh new team to lead the town and why residents should vote for them on November 7th.
This program will repeat on Sunday, October 15th, 2015 at 7:30PM on Charter Cable channel 191 and is available online on www.ctv191.com
(l) First Selectman Candidate Mark Hemenway and (r) Board of Selectman Candidate Nick Lukiwsky
“Conservative Chat” – Tonight, Sunday, October 1st, 2017 at 7:30 PM, the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee presents an interview with Waterbury Alderman and candidate for Probate Judge, Jerry Padula, and BRTC Chair and host, Juliana Simone.
Jerry and Juliana discuss his campaign to become the next Probate Judge for Waterbury and Wolcott, his years of work as an attorney on the Department of Consumer Protections, the many regulations he’s written during this time and much more.
This program will repeat on Sunday, October 1st, at 7:30 PM. For those outside the viewing area or who are not Charter cable subscribers, this show is now available online at www.ctv191.com – click tab What’s on/Watch Programs – type Conservative in search bar – Episode #120. This episode is one hour in length but was broadcast in our viewing area showing the first 30 minutes. The full hour can be seen online.
BARKHAMSTED — A global issue collided with this little town on Thursday night.
After 90 minutes of vigorous discussion, residents voted 37-27 to reject a resolution that called for Barkhamsted, a town of about 3,700, to “adhere to the spirit and purpose” of the Paris Climate Accord.
The accord was signed by President Barack Obama in April 2016, but President Donald Trump, who said that in withdrawing from the 195-nation pact he fulfilled a campaign promise, revoked the decision in June of this year.
It was clear that many in Barkhamsted, which voted for Trump by a wide margin, strongly support his action. So strong was the feeling that some attending did not even want to discuss
the topic. Told they must first accept the resolution’s inclusion on the meeting’s call, several residents suggested that it be rejected.
But the petition had been properly circulated and the signatures on it had been verified.
Former Republican State Rep. Philip Prelli questioned its legality.
Phil Prelli, Former State Rep. (R-63)
Climate: Residents Reject Obama Accord
“Did anyone check with the town attorney to see if it is a legal question to come before the people?” he asked. “This is a waste of time.”
Former first selectman Michael Fox, who initiated the petition, said town meetings have been held in the past to discuss global and environmental issues.
Prelli said Connecticut already has a plan to reduce emissions.
“The whole move behind this is political gamesmanship,” he said. “If you want to do it right, the Senate should adopt a treaty. But we don’t need to do this. If you want to protest this, then write a letter.”
Even with the resolution’s acceptance, there were those who disparaged bringing it to the floor. David Moulton excoriated Fox for circulating the petition.
“I’m pretty disappointed this has been brought before us,” he said.
He referenced a “Nature Geoscience” article that concludes earlier computer models overstated global warming.
“Let’s say they were dead wrong. For each scientist who believes in global warming, you can name another who does not,” Moulton said. “So why should the U.S. — let alone little Barkhamsted — accept the burden?”
The scientists quoted in the article said earlier projections predicted warming at a higher rate than has been experienced, but still cautioned that the time before temperatures rise by the trigger point of 1.5 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels is only 20 years.
Moulton castigated Fox, a friend of Gov. Dannel Malloy, saying, “You could be on the phone lobbying Malloy instead of wasting our time with this ridiculous proposal when we’re facing a 4-mill tax increase.”
Riverton resident Tom Palmer worried that the resolution would force the town into costly modifications.
First Selectman Donald S. Stein said endorsing the resolution would not include legal obligations.
“If electric vehicles are more economic, then we would consider it,” Stein said. “But if we buy diesel trucks that have environmental controls, we are still adhering to the spirit of the accord.”
Thomas Boyle of Washington Hill said Barkhamsted is not an industrial town.
“We heat our houses, we drive our cars,” he said. “To adhere to the (accord’s) 28 percent (emissions-cut) directive, who cannot drive their car, who can’t heat their house? What are the plans to reduce emissions? Let’s outlaw barbecues — boom, we can do it.”
Fox said the resolution does not require anyone to cut back by 28 percent.
Tim Deschenes added that the three recent hurricanes are “shades of things to come.”
“You can argue we’re little Barkhamsted, but my friends, the world is bigger than Barkhamsted,” he said. “Here’s a chance to step outside Barkhamsted. We think about costs — what are the costs to rebuild Houston, to rebuild Florida and Puerto Rico?”
John Noelke contended, “We’re trying to send a message that we have common sense. No one is taking away your rights in adhering to the purpose — the purpose is to make the world better. If we can all do a little bit, that’s adhering to the purpose.”
Editor’s note: Though the Republican American does not include the full agenda of this town meeting in the article that appeared in Sunday’s newspaper, a second item was also presented to attending town residents, that asked for a vote on the sale of a small strip of land adjacent to the elementary school to Peter and Sarah Ferrereso. This property line intertwines with the town and the Ferrereso’s and involves large trees that does not allow a clear line for a needed fence. The majority in the room, after some left after item one failed to pass, voted yes to allow the Ferrereso’s to buy the land they have cleared that children now play on.
First Selectman Candidate, Board of Selectman member Mark Hemenway (R), also had his running mate Nick Lukiwsky in attendance with him this evening. Barkhamsted RTC Chair, Juliana Simone, told Republican American reporter Kathryn Boughton after the meeting adjourned, that with over 250 Barkhamsted voters choosing Donald Trump over his opponent, if this small number of people gathered tonight had voted by majority to not agree with President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Accord, it would have been a misrepresentation of the townspeople.
Photo’s taken by Barkhamsted RTC Chair Juliana Simone:
(l) Former Barkhamsted F/S Mike Fox at Barkhamsted Town Meeting(l-r) Sue Blackburn, BRTC Treasurer Steve Blackburn, and in green polo shirt, F/S candidate (R) Mark HemenwayDave Moulton, former BRTC and BOF Chair speaking to petitioning former F/S Mike Fox.First Selectman candidate (green polo shirt) BOS member Mark Hemenway expressing his views at the town meeting.Former State Rep. (R-63) and Agricultural Commissioner under Gov. RellFormer Barkhamsted F/S and veteran Planning and Zoning Commission member Jim HartIncumbent F/S Don Stein (D) explaining why he is voting yes on the petition to disagree with President Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Accord and climate control proposal.(center) NWReg7 BOE Chair Molly Read and (r) Sarah Ferrereso with husband Peter by her side waiting for their item to come up for a vote.
Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee and CT GOP news
