Category Archives: News

News

2024 Year End Summary

January 5, 2025

Written by Juliana Simone

Happy New Year to all of our committee members, town residents who support our efforts, and all viewers of this website.

The end of 2024 brought in a variety of highs and lows throughout the nation and statewide. Mostly highs, fortunately. We saw President-elect Donald J. Trump became the first former President to ever win a second term since Grover Cleveland as our Country’s 22nd and 24th leader of the free world. Rightfully so, but I don’t care to go into the weeds here with so many details on 2020. Trump also won with an impressive mandate by winning the popular vote and the Electoral College with a large lead as totals showed, Trump: 312 Harris: 226. The former President of the United States also won all seven swing states, flipping six that he allegedly did not in 2020. He is clearly what the American people wanted after four years of a President Biden administration.

Other highs, along with Trump’s big win, was winning the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. The lead in the House would have been larger if the President-elect didn’t tap three House members to serve in higher posts going forward, and some blue government led states were not allowed to continue counting votes for weeks after Election Day. Election Laws need serious overview and change to make them lawful and honest again.

A low for us here in our region of Connecticut, was losing our State Senate seat in Senate District 08, which has been held by a Republican since 1967. Newcomer Lisa Seminara of Avon, won by a short amount of votes in 2022 against democrat challenger, Paul Honig, a minority member of the Harwinton Board of Selectmen, only to lose to him in this rematch by a similar amount of votes, but this time in his favor.

Despite her being the incumbent and deserving a second term as an enthusiastic and hard-working State Senator, enough voters from the larger towns in the district like Simsbury, chose to vote Democrat giving Honig the win. We’ll see how he does. I have suggested she challenges him again in 2026 when he has an actual record, though his party always allows their weaker candidates to vote with the other side of the aisle traditionally to help keep them in their seats, given their large majority.

Another low was our state’s U.S. Senator candidate, Matthew Corey (R), a navy veteran and small businessman who took on sitting U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D) a second time only to lose once again. There is little comparison between these two men and it has come to national attention as to why Connecticut voters still keep Murphy in office, as well as U.S. Senator Dick Blumenthal, in addition to all five congressional districts being held solely by democrats.

In addition to Corey losing, CT-5 Congressional candidate, George Logan, lost his second run against Johanna Hayes, who barely won in their first challenge in 2022. The win came from another well past Election Day recount, that ended up in her favor by lost votes being found. With this information, it looked like Logan had a good chance of winning this time, but to much surprise, lost by more percentage points than were expected. He deserved better, as a very hard campaign worker with a good background and positive vision for our state and country.

Congratulations to our own town’s State Representative, Mark Anderson (R-62) for winning a third term. He is a fair and diligent representative who serves all of his four towns well.

(l-r) BOS Selectman Mark Mahoney, BRTC Vice Chair David Moulton, Bob Cassotto
U.S. Senate Candidate Matthew Corey with supporters at the Riverton Fair BRTC Booth October 2024
Honorary BRTC member John Lavieri with daughter and granddaughter Riverton Fair
Jim and Mark, VFD Barkhamsted Riverton Fair 2024
Barkhamsted RTC Chair Juliana Simone & U.S. Senate Candidate Matthew Corey (CT-R) Riverton Fair October 2024

In addition to Election Day news, the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee had a successful biannual fundraiser on October 3rd. Many continued thanks to our fine Treasurer, Steve Blackburn, and to our Vice Chair, Dave Moulton who hosted guests in his home.

A special thank you to the Riverton Inn and former owner Adam Towers, who contributed a meat lasagna and salad for attendees, and to the Brass Horse Cafe for their chicken wings contributed by Selectman Mark Mahoney. Much appreciation, as well, to so many people who brought homemade food.

Riverton Inn catered meat lasagna
Riverton Inn catered salad
The Brass Horse Cafe wings

Congressional candidate Jim Griffin, (CT-1) gave a knowledgeable speech as a former D.C. insider and veteran. Also on hand were State Senator Lisa Seminara (08) and State Representative Mark Anderson (62). Former Mayor of Meridan, U.S. Marine, and CT-5 candidate, Manny Santos were also present.

(l-r) Jim Griffin CT-01 Candidate 2024 with Manny Santos, former CT-05 Candidate 2018 and Meridan Mayor.

BRTC Treasurer Rev. Steven Blackburn, Phd
(l-r) State Senator Lisa Seminara, BRTC Vice Chair David Moulton, former Avon RTC Vice Chair and army veteran Stephen Hunt
First Selectman Nick Lukiwsky and BOF Chairman Rich Winn
Manny Santos, Rick and Juliana BRTC FR Oct 2024

Election Day brought Republicans a win in every race on the ballot in Barkhamsted. Thank you to our town voters and to our hard working poll workers and volunteers.

(l-r) Selectman Mark Mahoney, Bob, Cindy and Sandy
News

Republicans Win in Barkhamsted

November 5, 2024

Barkhamsted voters chose Republican candidates on their ballots this important Presidential election year. They also voted no to the ballot question on amending the current absentee ballot election law. Thank you. Here are the results:

President: Trump 1239; Harris 1127

U.S. Senate: Corey 1194; Murphy 1122

CT-1: Griffin 1176; Larson 1136

State Senate: Seminara 1314; Honig 1031

State Representative: Anderson 1333; Becker 1009

Registrar of Voters: Blackburn (R) 1198; Martin (D) 1118

Ballot question on Amending Absentee Ballots: No 1033

News

U.S. Senate Candidate Matthew Corey wins Barkhamsted and the State

August 13, 2024

Even with a low turnout, as the Chairman of the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee, I am proud to see we still deliver a win to the candidates we support. Thank you to all of our fellow town Republicans and those party members across the state who voted for fine Navy veteran, small businessman, Trump supporter, and strong on policy candidate, Matthew Corey.

Update: With 77% reporting, Corey has been declared the winner.

Matthew Corey, candidate for U.S. Senate 2024, addressing the Northwest CT Sportsmen’s Association, July 29th.
Committee Events, News

Independence Day Parade 2024

July 4, 2024

First Selectman Nick Lukiwsky Praises Town Volunteers in Post Parade Speech

Barkhamsted, CT – The small town parade that attracts people from nearby and far away each year to celebrate Independence Day was met with the same crowds and enthusiasm. Newspapers have described this event for over a decade as a Norman Rockwell experience. The weather was perfect with no rain or hot temperatures under a blaring sun. The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee was happy to hand out free bottled water to parade attendees.

Participants naturally change each year, but regulars are always present such as our fine volunteer firemen, elected politicians and their challengers, veterans, scouts, etc. Here are some photos from this year’s parade. Many thanks to the Barkhamsted Lions for continuing this wonderful event.

Barkhamsted RTC Chairman Juliana Simone Independence Day Parade 2024
Adam Towers, former Riverton Inn owner, RTC member and parade truck driver
State Senator Lisa Seminara (08) and State Representative Mark Anderson (62)
State Senator Lisa Seminara with Connecticut State policeman and son
State Senator Lisa Seminar and State Representative Mark Anderson with the veteran float July 4 2024
Town Hall employees with flamingo theme on golf cart
Selectman Mark Mahoney in the Town Hall flamingo themed costume
State Senator Lisa Seminara (l), BRTC Secretary Mike Stewart with wife in BRTC free water bottle booth
Barkhamsted RTC Secretary Mike Stewart (l) and Barkhamsted First Selectman Nick Lukiwsky Independence Parade 2024
First Selectman Nick Lukiwsky addressing the crowd post Independence Day parade and thanking Barkhamsted’s many volunteers – July 4, 2024
Barkhamsted First Selectman Nick Lukiwsky and Lions Club President Judy Doyle
Former Barkhamsted Selectman and volunteer Fireman Bill Downes
Senator Lisa Seminara and husband Independence Day Parade Barkhamsted 2024
American Legion honoring the POW and MIA veterans at the Barkhamsted Independence Day parade 2024

News

Barkhamsted RTC Update 2024

June 16, 2024

This is a summary of so much that has happened since Election Day 2023.

Selectman Nick Lukiwsky was elected as the new First Selectman of Barkhamsted on November 7th. Nick, a member of the Board of Selectmen, had worked well with the former First Selectman, Don Stein, who had held the position since being elected in 2008. Stein retired after his long run and gave Lukiwsky his best moving forward. The local BDTC could not find a challenging candidate, so it was an unopposed seat. Mark Mahoney will hold the second seat on the BOS along with Nick.

BRTC members celebrating at the Brass Horse election night November 2023

In February, our State Senator Lisa Seminara, and State Representative, Mark Anderson, visited the Barkhamsted RTC to give us an update on the 2024 session underway at the Connecticut General Assembly. We all agreed how much Lisa has assumed the role of Senator, and is proud of the work she has done on her appointed committees. Mark is always diligent and tireless.

State Representative Mark Anderson (R-62) and State Senator Lisa Seminara (SD-08) addressing the Barkhamsted RTC with a 2024 session update

In April, First Selectman Nick Lukiwsky, State Senator Lisa Seminara and State Representative Mark Anderson attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the Riverton Shops in the Riverton section of Barkhamsted, which has focused on retail and destination growth for some time.

Riverton Shops ribbon cutting ceremony with State Senator Lisa Seminara, First Selectman Nick Lukiwsky and State Representative Mark Anderson

May brought all of the required conventions for the Secretary of the State Office. These included the State House convention, State Senate Convention, Congressional First District Convention and the State Convention. Many thanks to all of our committee’s fine delegates who attended each of these and to our candidates whether seeking reelection, running for the first time, or running again. BRTC Chairman Juliana Simone, seconded the nomination for the CT-1 Congressional candidate, Jim Griffin, who is a West Point graduate, retired military officer and CIA member, in addition to being a historian who is working on making the Hartford Colt East Armory building a national landmark. His acceptance speech at the convention brought him a standing ovation. BRTC Chairman Juliana Simone has endorsed Matthew Corey for the U.S. Senate as did our delegation at the convention, and Matt has had our continued support for ten years as an exceptional candidate to be seated in Washington, D.C.

State Representative Mark Anderson’s 2024 May convention with Barkhamsted RTC Vice Chair Dave Moulton, member Tom Andersen and First Selectman Nick Lukiwsky.
Hartland RTC Chair Connie Irwin and Barkhamsted RTC Chair Juliana Simone at the New Hartford State Senator Convention May 2024
First Selectman Dan Jerram nominating State Senator Lisa Seminara at the New Hartford Town Hall May 2024
State Senator Lisa Seminara at the party convention in New Hartford 2024

BRTC Chair Juliana Simone with member Tom Andersen at the State Convention 2024

Delegate tally for U.S. Senate nomination
BRTC Chair Juliana Simone with CT-1 nominee Jim Griffin in South Windsor 2024
Barkhamsted RTC with then CT-1 Candidate Matthew Corey (l-r: then State Central member Rich Tutunjian, Matt Corey, Juliana Simone, Steven Blackburn 2014)
U.S. Senate Candidate Matthew Corey in primary for nomination 2024 at State Convention

The State GOP’s annual Prescott Bush dinner was held on June 13th in Stamford. An out of state donor bought a table for RTC Chairs that were recognizable in their jobs. Juliana Simone, Barkhamsted RTC’s chairman, was selected to join. Attending with CT-1 candidate, Jim Griffin, many endorsed members of the BRTC were also there that night – Peter Lumaj, Matt Corey, Brock Weber, Bob MacGuffie (CT-4 candidate 2024) and George Logan in his toss up race for CT-5 2024 in his second attempt after losing by a very slim margin in 2022, and Manny Santos who ran in 2018 against Esty for CT-5.

Juliana SImone with CT-4 Congressional candidate Bob MacGuffie June 2024
State Senator Rob Sampson with CT-1 Congressional candidate Jim Griffin
Barkhamsted RTC Chairman Juliana Simone with former Meriden Mayor and CT-5 Congressional candidate, Manny Santos at the CT GOP annual dinner Stamford CT June 2024
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}

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. )

News

GOTV for Tuesday November 8th, 2022

November 6, 2022

Fellow Barkhamsted residents and voters throughout our state of Connecticut who follow or view this blog, if you haven’t voted already please get out and vote this Tuesday. It is so important that you cast your vote to take our state and nation in the right direction. Everyone wants to see lower inflation, fewer taxes, less crime, parental rights restored, zero mandates, Constitutional liberties maintained as originally written, American independence, a bright future for our young, a safe place for our seniors and as much global peace that can be sustained. 

Our local races here in Barkhamsted are crucial in keeping our State Representative seat and State Senator seats Republican. Please re-elect Mark Anderson, (R-62) who as our representative along with New Hartford, Granby and Hartland has done an exceptional job following in the reigns of William Simanski, Richard Ferrari and Phil Prelli.  With no higher political ambitions, his goal is to keep it local and continue to do what is best for all four towns in this district. He is hands-on, accessible, knowledgeable and tireless. Mark Anderson deserves another term if not many more.

State Senator Candidate Lisa Seminara (SD8) currently serving on the Avon Board of Education, knows as a mother what is important to parents today in terms of classes and guidance. A Columbia College graduate, she will bring both hands-on daily life experience and wisdom to this seat now vacated by the popular and long-serving State Senator Kevin Witkos.

Congressman John Larson (CT-1) has certainly served long enough since being elected in 1999. Time for some new representation that is more in touch with today’s citizens. Vote for Larry Lazor, M.D. If you, friends or family live in the Fifth Congressional District, which Barkhamsted used to be part of until redistricting, please vote for George Logan. His race is the only Congressional toss up in Connecticut. An engineer, husband and father, a former State Senator and moderate Republican he will bring fresh air into the Fifth and our state as a whole, breaking up the monopoly of one party rule that has existed here since the former U.S. Representative Chris Shays lost his re-election in 2008.

Gubernatorial Bob Stefanowski is seeking his second run for Governor since 2018. He has continued to work hard to represent the people of Connecticut who are tired of being on the list of the highest taxed and regulated state denizens, and deserves your vote if you are seeking positive change. It is doable. Current Governor Ned Lamont won over Stefanowski by only 44K votes. (62K voters selected others on their ballots.) If Bob wins, he’ll need his Constitutional Officers so vote for this under ticket, as well.

Other states in the U.S. have better chances of electing a new Republican Senator to the White House. Although Connecticut is not in the top runners, if like with Congressman Larson, you feel Blumenthal has been in government long enough and don’t like his partisan votes, vote for his challenger.

Most importantly, get out and vote, as this is something sadly taken for granted by too many today in America. Be active. Participate in the freedoms you wake up to each day and want to keep in place. Every vote counts.

Riverton Fair BRTC Booth – State Rep. Mark Anderson and Barkhamsted Board of Selectman member Nick Lukiwsky (R)
State Representative Mark Anderson (R-62) at Barkhamsted RTC Meeting Oct 2022

Gubernatorial Candidate Bob Stefanowski with Canton supporter October 29, 2022 in Torrington on statewide bus tour
Bob Stefanowski for Governor 2022 lawn sign

2022 lawn signs Rte 44 Barkhamsted
State Representative Jay Case (R-63) at rally in Torrington for Gubernatorial candidate Bob Stefanowski 10/29/22
Committee Events, News

Barkhamsted RTC Update – Riverton Fair Booth this weekend 10/07 – 10/09/2022

Update:

It’s been awhile since I’ve updated this site as Chairman. Most of our viewers know I was an advisor on the U.S. Senate campaign for Peter Lumaj through primary day. Though Peter and former HML and State Rep. Themis Klarides lost the primary due to former President Donald J. Trump’s endorsement of Leora Levy days before Republicans voted, we still stand by our endorsement of Peter Lumaj. A true conservative and proud American who immigrated to the U.S. in his early twenties with great sacrifice, he is truly one of a kind in terms of his policies, patriotism and tenacity.

Peter Lumaj continues to be a commentator on Fox News, Newsmax, Sky News, etc. as he has been for many years. Look for him on these networks to hear more of his keen insight. He does plan to continue to be involved in politics.

We still would have liked to see Brock Weber be our SOTS candidate, but with the SEEC blocking the CEP funds he qualified for before his two challengers, he had to drop out. Brock, a young husband and father, has many years ahead of him to run again. We did agree to vote for Dominic Rapini after Brock was no longer a choice on the ballot.

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Riverton Fair: Who does not love this autumnal fair? Rides, ox pulls, blue ribbon chickens, huge pumpkins, smoked turkey legs, apple fritters and, yes, a little bit of politics pre-Election Day.

We have candidates coming Friday night, Saturday and Sunday to our Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee Booth if you’d like to meet them and ask a question or express your concerns, take home a lawn sign, donate or just pick up some literature. The weather is good this weekend. Please drop by…