Category Archives: Committee Events

Committee Events, News

Meet the Candidates Event October 25, 2025 7:30-9:00AM at the Log House

October 23, 2025

Written by Juliana Simone

Come out for a free cup of coffee this saturday morning with Barkhamsted’s Board of Selectmen and First Selectman Candidate, Mark Mahoney, in addition to many of our other candidates on this November’s ballot.

Under First Selectman Nick Lukiwsky, the first Republican to hold this office in decades, Barkhamsted residents saw their mill rate go down instead of up. This affects how much homeowners pay in property taxes. Renters are affected by this, too, in the amount they pay to their landlords in adjusted cost to compensate for any increase.

Putting democrats like the current nominees back into the old locked position of leadership here in Barkhamsted would only lead to the mill rate returning to a higher rate. Decisions made by their team would not reflect the goals and interests of the majority of town voters.

Vote for two experienced sitting members on November 4th, 2025, First Selectman and Board of Selectman candidate Nick Lukisky, and Mark Mahoney, Board of Selectman current member and candidate for First Selectman.

Polls are open from 6AM to 8PM at the Barkhamsted Elementary School. Early voting is available 10/20/2025 through 11/02/2025 10AM thru 6PM. Extended hours are offered on Tuesday, 10/28/2025 and Thursday, 10/30/2025 from 8AM thru 8PM.

Committee Events, News

Riverton Fair 2025

Written by Juliana Simone

October 17, 2025

The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee has a longstanding presence with the Riverton Fair which we continue to support by paying for the space our booth uses on the grounds. (Riverton is part of Barkhamsted.)

Many thanks to our State Representative, Mark Anderson (R-62), First Selectman Nick Lukiwsky, BOS member and candidate for First Selectman 2025, Mark Mahoney, and all other municipal candidates, as well as town Republicans who spent time working here over the weekend.

First Selectman Candidate and Board of Selectman Member Mark Mahoney 2025

Committee Events

BRTC Fundraiser Photos

Written by Juliana Simone

September 15, 2025

Barkhamsted, CT

The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee had a successful evening on Monday, September 15th in the town Community Center. Many thanks to all who attended. Guests included 2026 Lt. Governor Candidate, Matthew Corey, Former and hopefully future candidate State Senator Lisa Seminara (SD08), State Central Committee member Kevin Beal (SD08) a member of the Simsbury Board of Selectman and former SRTC Chairman, plus our many municipal candidates seeking election or reelection this November. (State Representative Mark Anderson (R-62) could not be with us as he was away on a well deserved vacation.)

First Selectman candidate BOS member Mark Mahoney addressed attendees, as did sitting First Selectman BOS candidate Nick Lukiwsky, who explained why Board of Education members Stacy Heath, Amanda North, should be reelected. Robert Brainard III, who is not up for reelection this year on the BOE, is on this November’s ballot for his veteran position on the Board of Assessment Appeals. He currently sits as the BAA Chairman with an excellent record.

Barkhamsted RTC Chair, Juliana Simone, introduced the first three speakers, and FS candidate Mark Mahoney introduced the municipal candidates on hand. Also attending were BRTC officers Vice Chair, David Moulton, Treasurer Steven Blackburn, and Secretary Michael Stewart.

Many thanks to Bill Bowles who made food any chef would be proud of, in addition to members and nonmembers who brought food, beverages or gift items for the evening raffle. Big thanks to the supporters who came who are not affiliated with the Republican Party, but plan on voting for Mark Mahoney on Election Day.

2025 Barkhamsted First Selectman Candidate Board of Selectman Mark Mahoney with 2026 Lt. Governor Candidate Matthew Corey
Center: First Selectman and 2025 candidate for Board of Selectman Nick Lukiwsky with RTC member Bill Bowles and Community Center kitchen manager Bonnie Reynolds
Lisa Seminara State Senator SD08 2022-24

Board of Assessment Appeals Chairman and Board of Education member Robert Brainard III
Barkhamsted RTC Chairman Juliana Simone and Peter Lumaj for SOTS 2026 Deputy Treasurer
(l) Thea Alfes Deputy Treasurer for Peter Lumaj 2026 and (r) BRTC Chairman Juliana Simone
Reverend Steven Blackburn PhD, Treasurer Barkhamsted RTC
Barkhamsted RTC Secretary Mike Stewart
Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee Event
State Central Committee member Kevin Beal (SD08) addressing BRTC guests
BRTC member and Marine Veteran Rick Anderson
The Cassotto’s
2026 Lt. Governor Candidate Matthew Corey with long serving campaign advisor and veteran
2026 Lt. Governor and former U.S. Senator/Congressional
candidate Matthew Corey
Board of Education veteran member Robert Brainard III (r) and sitting member and candidate Amanda North (l)
Chef quality salad with eggplant appetizer made by RTC member Bill Bowles
Chairman’s mother’s deviled eggs
Rosol’s kielbasa appetizer in BBQ sauce
Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee municipal election lawn signs West River Rd.

Committee Events

State Central Convention SD08

Barkhamsted, CT

April 21, 2025

At the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee meeting on March 17th, former State Senator Lisa Seminara (SD08) brought her two endorsed candidates, Harwinton First Selectman Mike Criss, and Simsbury Selectman, former Simsbury RTC Chairman, Kevin Beal to address our members. Both presented good reasons as to why they should be the new State Central Committee representatives for our district.

An alternative vote came from contender Avon’s Greg Wolfe, who would also like to be seated. He was given equal time to speak to the BRTC. After our allotted three delegates were nominated for the upcoming convention, all members agreed there was no block vote and each delegate could vote independently. Members were asked who they would vote for if they were a delegate to hear all voices.

The end result was our votes will go to whomever any of our three delegates prefer.

Committee Events, News

Independence Day Parade 2024

July 4, 2024

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

Committee Events

Second Meet and Greet Brings More Supporters Out for FS Candidate Nick Lukiwsky at The Brass Horse

Barkhamsted, CT

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

Committee Events

Riverton Fair BRTC Booth with First Selectman candidate Nick Lukiwsky

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

Committee Events

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

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.

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
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.