Many newspapers have written about our small town Independence Day Parade each year hosted by the Lions Club, and always only held on the Fourth of July. They also always write how it is a Norman Rockwell occasion, back to the days of peaceful times. This year is different, however, with coronavirus restrictions in some states that still require face masks, social distancing, restaurant closings and work-from-home mandates.
Town leaders decided they were concerned about parade viewers not social distancing enough and chose not to hold the annual popular venue. The Barkhamsted Lions Club said to contact the town hall for any information.
Barkhamsted RTC Chair, Juliana Simone, contacted the town hall, and was told the Lions Club was going to have a caravan that drove through the vast area of the town, split across the Barkhamsted Reservoir, and the drive was going to last about an hour and twenty minutes. She was told the Lions Club decided they wanted no political floats or participants this year.
The discussion inferred that only regular annual participants could partake, and when Simone noted their Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee’s regular presence, was told the Democrat TC could not either, as politics (paraphrasing) were not a feel good thing at this time. Boy and Girl Scouts, Historical Society, local churches – all good.
Understandable, with statues of amazing Generals, Presidents, Founders, Priests, Emancipators and even symbolic icons on commercial items which have been or are being removed. It is these people all the citizens of the United States of America, or who are awaiting citizenship, owe their life of freedom to today and should celebrate on July 4th.
Thank you to our Vice Chair, Dave Moulton, for calling Barkhamsted’s First Selectman Don Stein (D) and debating with him the eligibility issue of who could partake – i.e. if the three Board of Selectman elected officials could have a car in the caravan, then any elected official could – State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8), and sitting State Representative William Simanski (R-62).
He also further argued any running candidate regardless of party affiliation could also have a car in the caravan. Stein eventually agreed, but to my knowledge at this post, the RTC’s cannot participate. Our RTC wanted a car to proudly show our support of President Donald J. Trump who wants to Make America Great Again.
For those who want to see the caravan, here is the route and the times applied to destinations. God Bless America.
The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee recently endorsed during a video conference call (following Coronavirus restrictions) the following candidates: Mark Anderson for State Representative (62-R), (due to the retirement of State Representative William Simanski) and Susan Day, as our long serving Registrar of Voters (R). BRTC treasurer and Steven Blackburn has been appointed to the BAA full seat, after serving as an alternate for years. Fine patriot and BRTC member, Tom Palmer, left a vacancy on the BAA after recently moving out of town. He kept a close watch on the Regional 7 budget for years, but was unable to make any needed changes in transparency. Mike Stewart, our newly appointed BRTC Secretary who is a retired businessman but now owns a local specialty food business, will replace Blackburn as the BAA alternate. Congratulations to all.
June 18, 2020 – In Canton, Connecticut, at the home of State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8), many district town chairs, vice chairs, state central members, supporters and staff showed up to give their support to the the eighth district Senator who has held this seat since 2008. He served two terms in the House before joining the Senate, and was a member of his town’s BOE in Canton, before running for state office. Barkhamsted RTC Chair, Juliana Simone, worked as a volunteer for nine months to help transition Witkos from the State House to State Senate.
Outside of his political career, he was a police sergeant for 28 years, and has been working for Eversource, a Connecticut electric utility company, since 2012. The State Senator also owned and operated a restaurant in the Collinsville section of Canton called “Wilson’s” for around five years. He is married to his wife Esther. They have two adult children.
With a Democrat challenger running against him for a third consecutive time, despite previous losses, Witkos told those assembled at the gathering that federal money was being funded into his opponent’s campaign. This has become more and more common in our state and others for federal money to be funneled into the smallest of local elections for an overall gain in their favor.
For those who want to contribute to the Witkos Campaign, please click here:
House Republican researcher, John Vamos, who has a long history of Witkos support, and was assigned to BRTC’s Chair Juliana Simone’s State Representative campaign in 2006, was at the gathering for donations and discussion. Jason Stark, Kevin’s campaign manager, and a long time employee of the House and Senate Republicans, gave the opening address to attendees.
Barkhamsted RTC endorsed Candidate for U.S. Congress (CT-1) Jim Griffin post Barkhamsted Independence Day Caravan.
Barkhamsted RTC Chair Seconds the Nomination for Candidate Jim Griffin (CT-1)
The State Republican Party held the Congressional First District Convention Monday evening via conference call due to the COVID19 restrictions state and nationwide. Two candidates were presented for the nomination. BRTC Chair Juliana Simone and her two fellow delegates all supported Jim Griffin. Here is the seconding speech Simone gave to the 173 delegates participating online:
Seconding Nomination for Jim Griffin for First Congressional:
“In the sixteen years I’ve been a member of the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee, we’ve seen a lot of First Congressional candidates come and go every two years trying to take out the incumbent John Larson. We’ve tried men, women, small business owners, investment brokers, engineers, office workers – all kinds of people we thought would have the right appeal to put a Republican in the First Congressional seat. Except one. A candidate who actually has worked in Washington, D.C. and has first hand experience working there. It’s one thing to want to work there, it’s another to actually have worked there. Jim Griffin has worked for U.S. Senator Richard Luger and in the Reagan administration working in the Office of Management and Budget and has been a member of both political parties, smartly switching to the Republican Party years ago as he saw the Democrat Party become nothing like he remembered it to be.
Born and raised in Bristol, an Eagle Scout, a graduate of West Point, a Lieutenant Colonel who served active duty for seven years and then a member of the National Guard, he went on to earn a Masters Degree from Georgetown and took some extra courses in economics at John Hopkins. He took up the cause to save the famed Hartford Colt Building from being turned into apartments and is now working on making it a national landmark and museum as another attraction for people to come visit our state of Connecticut. I’m proud to second the nomination of Jim Griffin.”
The State Central member who nominated Jim Griffin, Joe Hoxha, made important comments in his speech about Jim’s expertise in foreign policy due to his lengthy service in government work and in the military.
“Hello, everyone my name is Joe Hoxha. I am one of the state central members from the 31st. I am here today to nominate Bristol native James L. Griffin, or better known as Jim Griffin, for United States Congress in the First Congressional district. Jim has had a distinguished career, starting from his time as a West Point grad to his time in the United States Senate. Above all else what stood out the most to me about Jim was his very unique foreign policy experience, something that a Congressman must be well versed in. Jim traveled to the Balkans in the late 90’s on several peace keeping missions during a time when there was bitter conflict and devastation going on. His efforts culminated in him being a part of the Rambouillet Conference, that resulted in peace between the warring factions in the former Yugoslavia, that ultimately saw an end to Europe’s last dictator, Slobodan Milosevic. He received for his efforts various accolades by the United States government including the Department of State and Defense and from the governments of other NATO member countries. And for this, Jim is my choice and hopefully yours for Congress here in the First Congressional District.”
Challenger Mary Fay won the convention 59% to 43%. Though the math doesn’t quite add up, Fay won by a majority, but one not large enough to prevent a primary by Griffin.
Things that helped her win apparently were an eblast email
sent out by a former State Party Chair asking delegates to cast their votes for
Fay soon before the convention. For anyone not paying attention to details
about the candidates, or who just accept marching orders, this was enough. She
apparently made more calls to delegates than Griffin, but he said he was unable to get the
delegate list with phone numbers until just before the 7th.
Former State Senator Joe Markley nominated Fay. He basically said he liked her and she was someone with energy and intelligence who promised to do a lot of doors. The person who was supposed to second her couldn’t turn on his microphone or had some other glitch that kept his nomination out of the convention. The Chair asked if anyone else would second Fay, but no one volunteered. A female delegate was addressed but she said this was a mistake and she must have hit a wrong prompt, and had nothing prepared to say. Only one person said they would second her in a chat window, but that was either not seen or recognized as it was not acknowledged. A technical second of her nomination according to rules had to be made to proceed without a speech.
In her acceptance address, Fay took some time to chime in noting technical issues, but mentioned her family, thanked those she spoke to and who voted for her, and that she has lived in other states but always maintained a home in West Hartford even while not in Connecticut. In regards to Washington D.C., she mentioned she was invited through her connections to take a bus down to meet President Trump and Larry Kudlow. Fay lost her stay-at-home job in January of this year as Executive Director and sole employee with the state’s Connecticut Retirement Security Authority program, due to lack of funds for her $175,000 a year salary. The quasi-public agency was not a popular idea with the majority of state legislators at the time of its creation in 2016, but the bill squeaked by. https://www.courant.com/politics/hc-pol-separation-agreement-retirement-authority-20200107-zs5wpq5ijbdabem6zwveqibuke-story.html
Fay has worked in the financial field for thirty years. She
is also a member of the West Hartford Town Council as was former First
Congressional candidate Joe Visconti who ran for this office in 2008. In 2018
she ran unsuccessfully for State Representative against Jillian Gilchrest
(D-18) receiving 28% of the vote to Gilchrest’s 72%. A graduate of Skidmore College and Rennsselaer Polytechnic
Institute, she lives with her wife and daughter and serves as an appointee on
the West Hartford Library Board.
The 43% won by candidate Jim Griffin last night is a considerable number, and certainly enough to primary. With his experience in Washington and foreign affairs, we are glad to be informed today by Griffin directly that he is planning to primary. Let the people decide.
A Fox News White House correspondent reported earlier today that long-time conservative talk radio host, Rush Limbaugh, will receive the Medal of Honor tonight during President Donald J. Trump’s State Of The Union Address. Limbaugh, a true patriot and proud American, revealed to listeners in the final minutes of his Monday show ( February 3rd, 2020) that he has been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. He notified his millions of fans he has the best team of doctors who will determine what his best treatment plan is for recovery.
During this time on and off air, he will have a variety of notable fellow talk radio hosts filling in for his show. Mark Steyn, a Canadian author and commentator often seen on the Fox News Network and perhaps most fans favorite substitute host, filled in today and will tomorrow, as well. He told listeners today he owed Rush everything. Many people feel this way about the conservative radio host who has contributed so much to countless charities, individuals and causes. We all pray for Rush Limbaugh’s return to good health and many more years on the airwaves.
Barkhamsted voters can cast their ballots at the Barkhamsted Elementary School between the hours of 6AM and 8PM. Please re-elect our fine incumbents, many who have volunteered and served for years to keep our town running smoothly and fiscally responsible: Selectman Nick Lukiwsky, Town Treasurer Sally Roy, Zoning Board of Appeals Bill LeGeyt, Planning and Zoning Commission’s Jim Hart, Greg Gordon and Robert Pulford, and Board of Education’s Robert Brainard.
Please also cast your votes for three new Republicans willing to serve: Board of Education candidates Jill Kidik, a newly retired Hartford and honored police officer, Marykate Terzini, an occupational therapist with experience in public schools, and Board of Assessment Appeals candidate, Tom Palmer, a 19-year resident, Barkhamsted Praise Elder, and Army veteran. Vote Row B on Tuesday!
Tonight, Thursday, March 21, 2019 on Charter Cable channel 192 at 7:00 P.M., the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee presents a new half hour interview with Columnist Don Pesci and BRTC Chair and Host Juliana Simone. Don and Juliana discuss Texas pride vs. Connecticut apathy, Senator John Kennedy’s campaign stop at the Alamo, the ongoing saga of the return of tolls and how it will cost residents, more taxes, Don’s recent keynote speech, the upcoming State Republican Party election and more!
This show will repeat on Sunday, March 24, at 7:30 P.M., next Thursday, March 28, at 7:00 P.M and on the following Sunday, March 31 at 7:30 P.M.
For those outside of the viewing area or who are not Charter/Spectrum subscribers, this episode can be seen online next week on Charter Channel 192 under watch programs, or on YouTube channel “Conservative Chat.”
Columnist Don Pesci and BRTC Chair and “Conservative Chat” host Juliana Simone
The Barkhamsted Election Day results once again went in the Republican Party’s favor, winning every race on the ballot for their town.
Barkhamsted RTC Chair, Juliana Simone, said, “I am very pleased with the results, and respect our town voters who are obviously clear on policy and what direction our state needs to take to move forward. Our residents recognized the candidates who would bring them out of the dire fiscal situation we’ve been in for a long time here in Connecticut, and wanted to elect the people who would bring back business and jobs, as well as reduce taxes and spending.”
A cold rainy day did not reduce voter turnout. Long lines regardless of time maintained throughout the polling place hours.
As reported by our Registrar of Voters, here are the results:
State Representative:
Incumbent William Simanski – 1099
Challenger Amanda Webster – 867
State Senator:
Incumbent Kevin Witkos – 1233
Challenger Melissa Osborne – 730
Congressional (CT-1):
Challenger Jennifer Nye (R): 1015
Incumbent John Larson (D) – 907
U.S. Senate:
Challenger Matthew Corey (R): 1048
Incumbent Chris Murphy (D): 901
Governor:
Bob Stefanowski (R): 1138
Ned Lamont (D): 726
All Constitutional Seats were won , as well.
Susan Hatfield/AG, Thad Gray/Treaurer, Sue Chapman/SOTS, Kurt Miller/Comptroller
Probate Judge:
Magistrali (R): 1087
Dwyer: 820
Both Ballot Initiative questions: Yes.
In the town of Granby, where I joined our State Representative William Simanski to wait for results, their numbers after a long wait came in with on the Republican side, Bob Stefanowski, John Kissel and Bill Simanski winning their races. On the Democrat side, Chris Murphy and John Larson each had about 200 more votes than their challengers Matthew Corey and Jennifer Nye.
The town of Granby also voted yes on both ballot initiative questions.
In our town, interesting to note the two self-funders were the highest vote earners, placing first and second out of the five candidates. U.S. Senate Candidate and Party Nominee, Matthew Corey, was our highest vote earner as our voters know Matt from his prior runs in the First Congressional District. Attorney General Candidate and Party Nominee, Sue Hatfield, was second and not far behind, with 239 votes. Barkhamsted Republicans by majority, lean conservative and anti-income tax, explaining Stefanowski’s win, as well as Senator Joe Markley’s, who has a long history with fighting the state income tax since the date of its initiation through Governor Lowell Weicker in 1991.
Granby, CT – Republican Delegates for the 62nd district of the State House gathered in Granby this Wednesday evening to nominate State Representative William Simanski to return to the Connecticut General Assembly for a fifth term. The 62nd district consists of four towns: Barkhamsted, Granby, Hartland and New Hartford.
Temporary Convention Chair Juliana Simone presided to call the meeting to order, have the assembly recite the Pledge of Allegiance and announce the roll call for delegate attendance. Two alternate designations were on hand.
Motions were made to elect David Moulton from Barkhamsted, Permanent Chair, and Mark Neumann from Granby, Permanent Secretary. All on hand were in favor.
Nominating speech was delivered by Granby RTC Chair, Mark Neumann. Seconding speech was delivered by Barkhamsted RTC Chair, Juliana Simone. No other nominations were heard.
State Representative William Simanski gave his acceptance speech with appreciation, and to note how the state of Connecticut needed to elect Republicans at every level in November to ensure a positive fiscal future for our state.
Delegates were informed Granby RTC member, Mark Anderson, will be Rep. Simanski’s campaign manager for his campaign this year.
Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee and CT GOP news
