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}

Committee Events

State Senator Lisa Seminara and State Representative Mark Anderson attend March Meeting with 2023 Session reports

Written by Juliana Simone

April 2, 2023

Barkhamsted – The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee welcomed our new Senate District 8 Senator Lisa Seminara and District State Representative Mark Anderson (R-62) during our March meeting, so they could inform attending committee members and town residents about important legislation being proposed this 2023 session. Both legislators delivered very thorough reports.

Senator Seminara discussed the most relative bills in the four committees she has been appointed to serve her first term: Aging, Childrens, Education and Human Services. Giving her views on each, she gave insight into how these bills would be positive or negative for Connecticut citizens.

Representative Anderson addressed the primary topics of the committees he serves on: Commerce, Environmental and Veterans. Anderson also detailed the three different gun bills being proposed by Republicans, Democrats and the Governor, and the language that differed in terms of Second Amendment rights.

He also spoke about MDC (Metropolitan District Commission) and DEEP (Department of Energy and Environmental Program) in re water and land issues, including our neighboring town of Colebrook. He offered insight and solutions into how these problems could be effectively resolved. 

Seminara and Anderson worked together during their presentations and showed they were an effective knowledgeable team for all people in their districts.

During the question and answer period after their reports, Barkhamsted Selectman, Nick Lukiwsky, inquired about the Public and Safety Committee’s House Raised Bill 6863, which addresses the need for recruitment of police officers. BRTC Vice Chair, David Moulton, and BOF Chair, Richard Winn, both gave suggestions on how to keep the Greenwoods 350 acres protected from MDC through DEEP.

The Barkhamsted RTC welcomes our new member, Dan, and sends thanks to our State Senator and Representative for engaging our committee with their Connecticut General Assembly update.

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…

News, Press

GOP U.S. Senate Candidate Primary Debate Tonight July 26th 8:00PM

How you can watch it

(Photo: U.S. Senate Candidate Peter Lumaj (l) and State Rep. Mark Anderson)

Tune in this evening to watch the Connecticut Republican U.S. Senate Primary Candidate Debate with hosts Dennis House and Jodi Latina. The show begins at 8:00PM and is being brought to you by WTNH Channel 8 New Haven and its sister station WCTX.

All three candidates who made the ballot at the Connecticut GOP Convention in May will be participating. Barkhamsted RTC endorsed Peter Lumaj, State Party endorsed Themis Klarides and RNC member Leory Levy.

Many of our town and area residents have met Peter over the years as he’s come to our events and many of you voted for him in 2014 as the party nominee for Secretary of the State. Peter received almost a half million votes in that statewide race which included crossover and inner city votes along with Republicans. If you’ve missed any of Peter’s many recent radio appearances, or television appearances, go to his campaign website to check some out. Peter has been a contributor to Fox News Network, Newsmax and Sky News for six years. Peter also marched in our Independence Day Parade this July.

Peter Lumaj for U.S. Senate

How you can watch the debate tonight since it is not airing on WTNH Channel 8, but on its sister station WCTX. If you’re a Charter Cable subscriber, Channel 9. If you’re a Comcast Cable subscriber, channel 59. If you have satellite TV, Dish or DirecTV, or do not have cable, you can watch it livestreamed on WTNH.com or on the WTNH News 8 Facebook page.

Uncategorized

Probate Judge Convention Unanimously Votes for James Steck

May 18, 2022

At the Torrington City Hall on May 18th, district delegates voted unanimously to elect Attorney James Steck to be their next Judge of Probate. Steck would replace retiring Michael Magistrali, Esq.

The Convention was chaired by Torrington RTC Chair Chris Beyus.

Steck was nominated by former Torrington Mayor Ryan Bingham, and seconded by Tim Waldron, legislative aide to State Senator Kevin Witkos, who both described James years of legal work, memberships on city boards, and community service as to why he is receiving their strong endorsement.

After the convention, delegates gathered at Sasso’s Pizza for a large variety of pizza, salads and sausage with broccoli rabe.

James and Michelle Steck after the Judge of Probate Convention 2022 Torrington
Former Torrington Mayor Ryan Bingham nominating Probate Judge Candidate James Steck
Tim Waldron, seconding the nomination of James Steck for Judge of Probate May 2022 Torrington City Hall
Attorney James Steck accepting the nomination for Judge of Probate at Torrington City Hall
Barkhamsted RTC and veteran retired State Central member Rich Tutunjian
Mr. and Mrs. David LaPointe at Torrington Convention for Judge of Probate

Committee Events, News

State Rep. Mark Anderson (R-62) Receives Convention Endorsement for Second Term

May 17, 2022

In the town of Barkhamsted this evening, one of four that State Representative Mark Anderson represents in the Connecticut General Assembly 62nd District along with New Hartford, Hartland and Granby, Mark was endorsed by State House Convention delegates to run for a second term.

The former State Representative for this district, William Simanski, who served five terms before retiring, was the Convention Chairman. Michael Stewart, Secretary of the Barkhamsted Republican Committee, was the Convention Secretary.

State Representative Anderson was nominated by the New Hartford RTC Chairman, Greg O’Brien, and seconded by Hartland’s delegate and former Chairman, Heather Gust Penman. Both speeches lauded the many achievements of Mark Anderson, including his distinguished military service to this country and his work as an officer with the Defense Intelligence Agency. The State Representative lives with his wife, Carole, in Granby. Mark has two sons and Carole has three daughters.

Former State Representative Bill Simanski (R-62) as State House Convention Chairman for Rep. Mark Anderson in Barkhamsted
Nominating State Rep. Mark Anderson, Greg O’Brien, New Hartford RTC Chairman
Seconding State Rep. Mark Anderson, Heather Gust-Penman, Hartland
State House Convention 62nd district for State Rep. Mark Anderson in Barkhamsted (photos BRTC Chair Juliana Simone)
State Representative Mark Anderson (R-62) after being nominated and addressing the convention delegation
News

CT Senate District 08 Nominates Lisa Seminara

May 16, 2022

Delegates from the Eighth Senate District of Connecticut voted tonight to nominate Lisa Seminara from Avon as their candidate to run for this office in November. Well attended by the eight towns and the three partial parts of Granby, Torrington and Harwinton, delegates drove through thunderstorm warnings to join this convention in New Hartford. A generous buffet of food was available to all attendees at this local brewery.

The winner of this open seat election will replace long-serving, State Senator Kevin Witkos, who was first elected in November 2007. Prior to serving in the Senate, Witkos (R-17) served in the State House representing Canton and Avon elected in November 2003, and before this was a member of his Board of Education in Canton. A police officer before retiring and becoming an employee of Eversource, Witkos chose to retire after so many years of public service.

Lisa was elected to her home town of Avon’s Board of Education in 2019. A licensed social worker with a Columbia University Master’s Degree, she is happily married to her husband and has been a resident of Connecticut for 28 years. They have three children. Seminara also founded the Avon Special Education Parent Teacher Association and started a non-profit to develop a parcel of land into a fully accessible playground and park with other community members which they donated to the town of Avon.

The New Hartford RTC Chairman, Greg O’Brien, nominated the candidate and the Colebrook RTC Chairman and First Selectman, Chris Johnstone, seconded. State Central member Brian Werstler put together the meeting. Barkhamsted RTC Chairman Juliana Simone is on the vacancy committee, and was joined by her fellow two delegates, BOF member Dave Moulton and Selectman Nick Lukiwsky.

The Republican Candidate for Attorney General, Jessica Kordas, also attended the convention.

State Senate Candidate Lisa Seminara (R-08) addresses the Barkhamsted RTC in April
Avon RTC members Stephen and Laura Hunt join the April BRTC meeting to support Senate candidate Lisa Seminara

Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee and CT GOP news