“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
Barkhamsted, Connecticut, Tuesday January 16th, 2018–
The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee is proud to announce its endorsement of Peter Lumaj for Governor of Connecticut in 2018. The Republican Town Committee held its monthly meeting Monday January 15th, 2018 where a motion for endorsement was made to all present voting members. The motion was discussed, voted on, and passed by the members in the room.
“We’ve been strong supporters of Peter Lumaj for many years. I have always admired his deep love for this country and the individual freedoms it offers to its citizens. The Barkhamsted Republicans appreciate Peter’s strong work ethic and staunch commitment to conservative principles. His ideas and policies encourage limited government and he has a strong belief in upholding the Constitution as our Forefather’s intended,” said Chairwoman Juliana Simone.
“Peter’s story personifies the American Dream.” Simone continued. “He is the ideal candidate for Governor because he is a political outsider who won’t continue the business as usual mentality in Hartford. His personal background, his conservative positions, his business acumen and his ability to win – make Peter stand out in an overly crowded field. Our committee members have always been impressed by Peter whenever they’ve heard him speak. We are confident that we’ve made the right choice.”
The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee is the second town committee to endorse Peter Lumaj for Governor in 2018. The Plymouth Republican Town Committee endorsed Lumaj in December of 2017.
To learn more about Peter or to get involved/donate to the campaign please visit peterlumaj.com
“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.
Peter Lumaj, CT Republican Candidate for Governor 2018
January 15, 2018
Barkhamsted, CT
The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee held its first meeting of the New Year, with guest Peter Lumaj, Republican Candidate for Governor. The committee has always been inspired by this conservative Republican who stands on strong principles and is a firm supporter of the Constitution. Barkhamsted’s three delegates at the State Convention have always cast their votes for Lumaj.
In 2014, Lumaj, ran for statewide office as the Republican Secretary of the State candidate. Lumaj’s opponent, an incumbent with a long history in the Connecticut General Assembly who was close to her party leadership, was tough to beat. However, for someone new to state voters, Peter appealed to people across the board, and gained almost a half million votes with his message for change in corrupt election law.
Now, as a candidate for Governor, in an open race since sitting Democrat Governor Malloy is not seeking a third term, as the most unliked Governor in the United States, Lumaj is one of many seeking the Party nomination.
In his view, he said in the second debate held in Hebron last week, “I am the only real Republican on this stage.” As a man of conviction, vision and who as an outsider can take office without any binding strings beholding him to the status quo in Hartford, Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee members endorsed him Monday night. A few members who also planned to cast their votes for Peter, were unable to attend but support the committee’s decision.
For more information on Peter and his plan for a fresh start in Connecticut, or to make a donation, visit: http://peterlumaj.com/
An upcoming interview on the Barkhamsted RTC’s Charter cable show, “Conservative Chat” hosted by Chair Juliana Simone, now in its fourteenth year, can be seen with Peter Lumaj. For those outside of the viewing area, this program can be seen on YouTube. Please check this post for links when available.
“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:
Barkhamsted – A third mailer sent to town residents by the Democrat Town Committee and First Selectman Incumbent Don Stein, tried to suggest to voters that State Representative William Simanski endorsed Don Stein for First Selectman this 2017 election by creating a window on the right inside of a fold out flyer with a scan of the legislator’s photo and a copy and pasted sentence from years ago, the legislator believes he sent Stein in an email, as he did to the other First Selectman in the four towns that make up his district. Rep. Simanski told BRTC Chair, Juliana Simone, over the phone, he sent this to Stein at the time to be professional and as a courtesy since he has to work with him.
Simanski was surprised to hear his communication to First Selectman Don Stein was being featured in a Democrat mailer and said this was the first he heard of it. He confirmed he is fully endorsing Republican Candidate Selectman Mark Hemenway for First Selectman of Barkhamsted this 2017 election. His very enthusiastic endorsement of Hemenway can be read in the second mailer sent out by the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee:
“With Mark Hemenway’s experience on the Board of Selectman, familiarity with the school system, and his creative problem solving skills, he is ideally suited to lead Barkhamsted into a better, more prosperous future as First Selectman.” – State Rep. Bill Simanski
Democrat Municipal Election Third Mailer 2017
This Democrat mailer also continued the false idea that if Mark Hemenway and running mate Nick Lukiwsky were elected, they would do away with the resident state trooper. Another untrue talking point from Don Stein and his campaign team, in that Mark and Nick, a Waterbury police lieutenant, have made it clear in two cable interviews, RTC mailers and interviews that they are just seeking a more affordable solution for taxpayers that will still keep public safety in our schools and for residents a priority.
The Democrat mailer also continues the tired and repetitive impression that if Candidate Mark Hemenway was elected, he would not be fulfilling his First Selectman duties full time. Stein, in his early seventies and retired, tells Barkhamsted voters he is able, as a result, to be at the town hall all the time and anyone with another job would not be able to do the same. Town hall workers have made note for years that Don is not always there and cumulatively spends weeks away throughout the year.
Hemenway, who noted in his recent public debate at the Barkhamsted Elementary School, and has said in other interviews, he works from home right around the corner from the town hall, so he can be there anytime with ease and easily as much as Stein. During the debate, he pointed out to attendees that the recent tax sale conducted by the town on foreclosed properties, something the incumbent made a positive in his answer time, that Stein wasn’t even there, and he and tax collector Terri Collins (D) proceeded over the event.
Barkhamsted – The Barkhamsted Historical Society tree dedication to long term resident Robert “Bob” Judd at the Squire’s Tavern on Saturday afternoon could not have been more perfect. Beautiful weather, autumn foliage, exceptional speeches by all speakers and a turnout of thirty plus people made this the impeccable commemorative event for Alice Judd who was the honorable guest as Robert’s widow.
Three speeches were made before the unveiling of the plaque before the Chestnut tree, planted in Judd’s honor, as a tree enthusiast and historian who documented all native trees to Barkhamsted as a volunteer for the Historical Society.
Noreen Watson, President of the Barkhamsted Historical Society, opened the commemoration with her remarks.
Kristina Napolitano, gave a lengthy and fascinating speech about the historic details of the chestnut tree, and its importance in its role in early America before the blight came in that destroyed a record amount of native trees on a monumental scale.
Paul Hart, Vice President of the BHS, focused on Bob’s early life and how he came to be a proud Barkhamsted resident and lover of trees after years of camping in People’s Forest as a boy.
Alice Judd has been a long time member of the BRTC and is a Deacon at the Barkhamsted Center Church. She has many friends. Thank you to the many who showed up yesterday to partake in this occasion. The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee is proud to have donated to Robert Judd’s tree who was a true patriot concerned about the future of America as well as its past.
Alice Judd about to unveil the plaque for her belated husband Robert Judd’s tree dedicationChestnut tree and plaque in memory of Robert Judd Squire’s TavernPaul Hart – Robert Judd tree dedication event Squire’s TavernKristina Napolitano speaking at Robert Judd tree dedication about chestnut tree historyRobert Judd tree dedication Squire’s Tavern(l) BRTC treasurer Steven Blackburn (r) BRTC Vice Chair Selectman Mark Hemenway(l) Registrar of Voters (R) Susan Day and (r) businessman and lifetime RTC member John LavieriBarkhamsted Historical Society tree dedication Squire’s Tavern (l) Steven Blackburn (r) Ed TibbetsBarkhamsted Historical Society tree dedication for Robert Judd – Alice Judd with family and friends
Fellow RTC members, town Republicans and all friends of Robert Judd –
If you are available tomorrow at 2PM please come to the Barkhamsted Historical Society’s tree dedication in memory of fine veteran RTC member Alice Judd’s belated husband, Bob. Our Republican Town Committee along with member Sue Day’s husband, Mike Day, thought a tree would be more special for Robert in his passing rather than flowers, as Bob researched historic trees for our town.
The notice put up on the town’s website recently makes no mention of the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee’s contribution or the implementation of the idea of the tree. The post makes it appear as if it was conceived by people that were not in the process.
Alice, you’re the best, and we will be there tomorrow to support you and give honor to Robert.
October 28th, 2PM at the Historical Society/Squire’s Tavern -100 East River Road
(l) Barkhamsted RTC member and tea party supporter Alice Judd and (r) belated WWII veteran and husband Robert Judd 2009Fine Veteran BRTC member Alice Judd – Hartford Rally – October 2010
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.”
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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.
Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee and CT GOP news
