Tag Archives: Connecticut State Representative Mark Anderson

News

2024 Year End Summary

January 5, 2025 julianahsimone@gmail.com

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.

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

Committee Events

Legislators and Supporters Turn Out for First Selectman Candidate Nick Lukiwsky in Riverton

October 13, 2023 julianahsimone@gmail.com

September 21, 2023

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.

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

Committee Events

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

April 2, 2023 julianahsimone@gmail.com

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

GOTV for Tuesday November 8th, 2022

November 6, 2022 julianahsimone@gmail.com

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

State Representative Jay Case (R-63) at rally in Torrington for Gubernatorial candidate Bob Stefanowski 10/29/22

Committee Events, News

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

May 17, 2022 julianahsimone@gmail.com

May 17, 2022

In the town of Barkhamsted this evening, one of four that State Representative Mark Anderson represents in the Connecticut General Assembly 62^nd 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.

Barkhamsted CT RTC