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
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.
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
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
On October 18th, residents on this side of town, including district State Representative Mark Anderson (R-62), showed up to support First Selectman Candidate Selectman Nick Lukiwsky, and his running mate for the BOS, Mark Mahoney, at the roadhouse bar and cafe “The Brass Horse.” Lukiwsky is unopposed. Owner Kim Hamel put out a delicious pot of New England Clam Chowder among some other appetizers for guests created by her cook. Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee’s Treasurer, Steven Blackburn, was on hand to make sure any proper papers were filled out for donations, along with Chairman, Juliana Simone. Thanks again to balloon artist, Shelley Thibault, for putting up some festive decorations for the occasion.
First Selectman Candidate Barkhamsted Selectman Nick Lukiwsky
Barkhamsted RTC Chairman Juliana Simone and Treasurer Steven Blackburn
Supporters for Nick Lukiwsky and Mark Mahoney
(L-R) State Representative Mark Anderson, The Brass Horse owner Kim Hamel, Selectman Candidate Mark Mahoney, First Selectman Candidate Selectman Nick Lukiwsky and Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee Chairman Juliana Simone
Legislators and supporters turn out for Lukiwsky and Mahoney
The Riverton Fair, traditionally the last fair held in the state, changed their dates to mid-October to remain so in terms of title. Friday, October 13th kicked off the event with great turnout from locals. State Senator, Lisa Seminara (R-08), and State Representative, Mark Anderson (R-62), came out to show their support for First Selectman candidate BOS member, Nick Lukiwsky, and BOS candidate Mark Mahoney.
Predicted rain held back throughout Saturday and Sunday, allowing fair goers a good time in autumn weather. The Barkhamsted RTC booth had many visitors over the weekend, from Governor Ned Lamont who attended the fair with his wife, to retiring long-serving FS Don Stein. Other notables were former State Representative Tim LeGeyt, former Barkhamsted BOS Bill Downes, retired businessman John Lavieri (Sterling Engineering), Winsted and Canton Republicans, along with area small business owners and town voters.
(l-r) State Senator Lisa Seminara (R-08), BOS Candidate Mark Mahoney, First Selectman Candidate Selectman Nick Lukiwsky, State Representative Mark Anderson (R-62)
(l-r) Retired Barkhamsted FS Don Stein, former State Rep. Tim LeGeyt (R-17) and First Selectman Candidate Barkhamsted Selectman Nick Lukiwsky
(l-r) Barkhamsted BOS candidate Mark Mahoney and First Selectman Candidate BOS member Nick Lukiwsky
(l-r) First Selectman Candidate BOS member Nick Lukiwsky and Barkhamsted Sterling Engineering founder John Lavieri
Former Barkhamsted BOS member Bill Downes with BOS candidate Mark Mahoney and supporter
(l-r) Susan Blackburn, Former Waterbury Alderman Jerry Padula, Esq. and Steven Blackburn
(l-r) Veteran BRTC member Alice Judd and BRTC Chairman Juliana Simone
First Selectman Candidate talking to voter
Canton RTC member with wife and their newborn baby
Former New Hartford Liquor and Beverage Store owner Jen and Barkhamsted Selectman candidate Mark Mahoney at the Riverton Fair
(l-r) Shelley Thibault, balloon artist and First Selectman candidate Selectman Nick Lukiwsky
Barkhamsted, CT – At The Royal Coachman Tavern, state legislators who represent Barkhamsted residents in Hartford at the Connecticut General Assembly attended the meet and greet in Riverton. State Senator, Lisa Seminara (R-08), and State Representative Mark Anderson (R-62), came out to endorse First Selectman candidate BOS member Nick Lukiwsky. Friends, family, locals, RTC and town board members also were there to meet or speak with Nick. Running mate, Mark Mahoney, introduced Nick to the crowd before he gave a campaign speech. Thanks to Riverton Inn owners Adam and Dana Towers for providing their main dining room for the event.
Banner over table
State Representative Mark Anderson (R-62) and First Selectman Candidate Selectman Nick Lukiwsky
State Senator Lisa Seminara (R-08) and First Selectman Candidate Selectman Nick Lukiwsky
(l-r) Selectman Candidate Mark Mahoney, First Selectman Candidate Selectman Nick Lukiwsky, Barkhamsted RTC Chairman Juliana Simone, State Senator Lisa Seminara (R-08) and State Representative Mark Anderson (R-62)
First Selectman Candidate Selectman Nick Lukiwsky and BOS Candidate Mark Mahoney
The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee endorsed Selectman Nick Lukiwsky to run for First Selectman in November. Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee
BARKHAMSTED — Members of the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee have endorsed Selectman Nick Lukiwsky for first selectman in the coming elections.
This is the first year the seat has been open since 2008. Longtime First Selectman Don Stein announced this summer that he would not seek another term.
“During his six years serving on the Board of Selectmen, Nicholas has demonstrated exceptional administrative skills, invaluable expertise, and a proven ability to navigate the challenges facing the town,” members said in a statement. “His vision for Barkhamsted is rooted in sustainable growth, fiscal responsibility, and a steadfast commitment to preserving Barkhamsted’s unique heritage.”
Lukiwsky is a captain of professional standards at the Waterbury Police Department. He is married and has four children.
Mark Mahoney, running for Board of Selectmen as Lukiwsky’s running mate, has lived in Barkhamsted since 2008, after being born and raised in Maryland and then residing in the Pacific Northwest.
Professionally, he works in management in the food service industry.
“Since moving to Barkhamsted, he has volunteered as a Lions Club member and sits on the Economic Development Committee. His focus as a selectman will be controlled growth with our environment and ‘small town’ appeal, and NW Regional 7 award winning educational opportunities,” according to the committee.
Republican Mark Mahoney is running for reelection* to the Barkhamsted Board of Selectmen in November. Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee
{* Editor’s note: Mark Mahoney is not running for reelection to the Barkhamsted BOS, but for a BOS first term 2023. Register Citizen caption error.}
Emily M. Olson is the community editor for the Torrington Register Citizen, the New Haven Register and the Middletown Press.
She is a 1997 graduate of Western Connecticut State University with a degree in English and a minor in journalism.
She started her career at the Patent Trader newspaper in Westchester County in 1998. After a brief period as a reporter with the Register Citizen in 1999, she joined the former Housatonic Publications group as a reporter. She was managing editor of the former Litchfield Enquirer and helped run the weekly newspapers at Housatonic and the Litchfield County Times. She returned to the Register Citizen in 2009.
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.
Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee and CT GOP news
