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…
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
Connecticut State House of Representatives, Rep. Mark Anderson (R-62), addressed the Barkhamsted RTC on Monday, February 21, 2022. Mark gave a concise report on what is happening within the Connecticut General Assembly this short session, including his thoughts on the Public Health Committee’s Assisted Suicide Bill, Raised S.B. No. 88, and the Judiciary Committee’s new bill on assault weapons and public transportation, H.B. No. 5415, now S.B. No. 16 – “An Act Addressing Gun Violence and Juvenile Crime.” If you’d like to add your comments, there is a PUBLIC HEARING, Monday, 3/14 for written or public testimony. He also updated members on the Transportation Committee and the legislature’s agenda after COVID.
Many newspapers have written about our small town Independence Day Parade each year hosted by the Lions Club, and always only held on the Fourth of July. They also always write how it is a Norman Rockwell occasion, back to the days of peaceful times. This year is different, however, with coronavirus restrictions in some states that still require face masks, social distancing, restaurant closings and work-from-home mandates.
Town leaders decided they were concerned about parade viewers not social distancing enough and chose not to hold the annual popular venue. The Barkhamsted Lions Club said to contact the town hall for any information.
Barkhamsted RTC Chair, Juliana Simone, contacted the town hall, and was told the Lions Club was going to have a caravan that drove through the vast area of the town, split across the Barkhamsted Reservoir, and the drive was going to last about an hour and twenty minutes. She was told the Lions Club decided they wanted no political floats or participants this year.
The discussion inferred that only regular annual participants could partake, and when Simone noted their Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee’s regular presence, was told the Democrat TC could not either, as politics (paraphrasing) were not a feel good thing at this time. Boy and Girl Scouts, Historical Society, local churches – all good.
Understandable, with statues of amazing Generals, Presidents, Founders, Priests, Emancipators and even symbolic icons on commercial items which have been or are being removed. It is these people all the citizens of the United States of America, or who are awaiting citizenship, owe their life of freedom to today and should celebrate on July 4th.
Thank you to our Vice Chair, Dave Moulton, for calling Barkhamsted’s First Selectman Don Stein (D) and debating with him the eligibility issue of who could partake – i.e. if the three Board of Selectman elected officials could have a car in the caravan, then any elected official could – State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8), and sitting State Representative William Simanski (R-62).
He also further argued any running candidate regardless of party affiliation could also have a car in the caravan. Stein eventually agreed, but to my knowledge at this post, the RTC’s cannot participate. Our RTC wanted a car to proudly show our support of President Donald J. Trump who wants to Make America Great Again.
For those who want to see the caravan, here is the route and the times applied to destinations. God Bless America.
Connecticut’s State Senator and Republican Senate Minority Leader Pro Tempore, Kevin Witkos (R-8), was nominated to serve another term by the Senate’s Eighth District delegation during a convention conference call. Witkos is unopposed. The convention Chair was Avon’s RTC Chair Jeffrey Fleischman. Barkhamsted Chair, Juliana Simone, and Board of Finance Chair, Richard Winn, participated in the convention. Simone was asked to be a member of the Rules Committee.
Witkos, first elected to the State Senate in 2009, served as a State Representative in the Connecticut General Assembly for six years prior. Kevin is the Ranking Member of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee and the General Law Committee. He is also a member of the Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee.
A retired Canton police Sergeant after 28 years of service, former restaurant owner and current employee of Eversource since 2012, Kevin is married with two adult children. Witkos has appeared on the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee’s cable show “Conservative Chat” multiple times during his tenure. YouTube Channel “Conservative Chat” has his most recent interview from 2019 available for viewers.
Congratulations to Senator Witkos for his years of work in the Connecticut legislature.
March 30, 2020 – The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee
held their biannual officer elections this evening and reelected Chair Juliana
Simone and Treasurer Rev. Steven Blackburn, Ph.D. for their sixth term. Both
Simone and Blackburn were first elected in
2010. Also elected were Dave Moulton for Vice Chair, who preceded Simone as the
BRTC Chair for five terms, and Michael Stewart for Secretary. Upcoming
convention delegates were also selected.
Due to the Coronavirus public gathering restrictions, this meeting had to be held via conference call. The district conventions may have to be, as well, if the public safety mandates are continued after April 30th.
This past weekend brought another successful conclusion to the state’s last held town fair despite off and on weather.
All agreed change was desperately needed for residents to continue to live here, existing business to thrive and new business to move in, and a new Republican majority elected to take us out of our enormous four billion dollar debt, resolve union pension issues and cut taxes.
Outside of politics, attendees enjoyed fair food, ox pulls, music and games. Though it rained most of Saturday, the sun did eventually break through and make a couple of afternoon hours pleasant for those on the grounds. Friday night was a continued success for locals, and Sunday brought out the biggest crowd with classic autumn weather.
State Senator and Senate Minority Leader, Kevin Witkos (R-8) joined the fun Friday evening, and State Representative William Simanski (R-62) spent a few hours talking to voters on Saturday through rain and sunshine. Probate Judge Michael Magistrali, serving since 1999, was also on hand Sunday as he seeks reelection to represent his district which consists of seven towns, including Barkhamsted. Former State Representative and Agricultural Commissioner under Governor Jodi Rell, Phil Prelli, also dropped by to tell us his thoughts on the election.
(l-r) Jerry P. Padula Esq., BRTC Chair Juliana Simone, Rev. Steven Blackburn, Ph.D. at Riverton Fair RTC Booth
(l-r) BRTC members Tom Palmer and Dave Moulton at Riverton Fair RTC Booth
(l-r) Probate Judge Michael Magistrali and former Probate Judge candidate/Waterbury Alderman Jerry P. Padula, Esq. – Riverton Fair RTC Booth 2018
Riverton Fair Barkhamsted RTC Booth crew Sunday – (l-r) Probate Judge Michael Magistrali, RTC member Tom Palmer, Former Waterbury Alderman Jerry Padula, Mark Carotunti and RTC member Ernie Little.
Riverton Fair Barkhamsted RTC Booth 2018
(l-r) State Representative William Simanski (R-62), Barkhamsted RTC Chair Juliana Simone, Barkhamsted RTC Treasurer Rev. Steven Blackburn, Ph.D.
Averill and Steven Blackburn Riverton Fair RTC Booth 2018
Guest Former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson Enthralled All
September 24, 2018
Barkhamsted, CT
Written by Juliana Simone
Monday evening the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee held it’s biannual F/R and cocktail party at the home of member Alice Judd. Attendance was high and the slate of candidates long. Guests were treated to the special appearance of veteran former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson (CT-5).
Candidates speaking were Probate Judge Michael Magistrali, Congressional Candidate Jennifer Nye (CT-1), State Representative William Simanski (R-62), State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8), Lt. Governor Candidate State Senator, Joe Markley and U.S. Senate Candidate Matthew Corey (R). Nancy Johnson followed with an inspiring and knowledgeable speech, which illustrated how much she is still in touch with current politics and issues.
Keynote speaker, afternoon radio host on WTIC 1080 AM, Todd Feinburg, wrapped it up with his observations on politics today. Most guests attended to hear the popular Feinburg and have the opportunity to meet him in person.
An article published in the newspaper Republican American September 26th, by focusing on a comment made from a guest which hardly anyone heard after many inquiries have been made, skewed the article in a partisan and negative way against Republicans, which is simply bad journalism. Rather than reporting on what a successful event was held, her bias made it clear she was not there to cover what many fine candidates had to say.
Committee’s don’t know in advance what keynote speakers are going to say, nor do they or any group have control of what any one person in a crowd can say out loud, especially if it isn’t heard but by a few people who say nothing. Any gathering can have a Madonna type guest who chooses to say, tweet or post something irresponsible and/or offensive.
This quote of an attendee, not affiliated with any RTC, as Republicans from easily ten towns were guests, is being used by State Representative William Simanski’s opponent in multiple posts, to try and portray Bill Simanski in a bad and false light by association. Simanski is a hard working legislator, good husband and father and a highly respectable and regarded man.
The Hartford Courant picked up the story today, September 27th, with a quote from State Senator Witkos (R-8) denouncing the comment made at the event. So does the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee. The media is promoting the story to continue to influence elections and disparage Republicans and conservatives. All of whom were in attendance are upstanding people and fine patriots who give to their communities consistently in many ways.
Todd Feinburg, Afternoon Talk Radio Host WTIC 1080AM
(l-r) BRTC Chair Juliana Simone; Former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson; Lt. Governor Candidate State Senator Joe Markley; Ted Johnson
(l) Former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson and Veteran BRTC Member, Patriot and Hostess, Alice Judd.
(l) Avon RTC’s Stephen Hunt and Barkhamsted RTC Chair Juliana Simone
Jerry Padula and friend Marwan Ayad (Harwinton RTC Chair Brooke Cheney in background)
(l-r) Lt. Governor Candidate Joe Markley; Goshen RTC Chair and SC Member John Morris; Former State Rep. and Agricultural Commissioner
(l-r) Probate Judge Michael Magistrali with Maureen and Phil Prelli
BRTC event
(l) Probate Judge Michael Magistrali (r) Former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson
(l) Jerry Padula and (r) Francis John Ayres
(l) Juliana Simone (r) New Hartford First Selectman Dan Jerram
(l-r) Lt. Governor Candidate Senator Joe Markley; BRTC Chair Juliana Simone; Jerry Padula, Esq.
Southington’s Rusty and Elaine Haigh
(l) JP guest Marwan and (r) BRTC Treasurer Steven Blackburn
Mark and Carole Anderson – Granby
(l-r) Frank Ayres; Former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson and husband Ted.
The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee held their caucus this evening at 6:00 P.M. to appoint delegates to conventions for Probate Judge, State Representative, and State Senator for their district, as well as for the State Convention where delegates will vote for Federal Candidates on Friday, May 11th, and Statewide Offices on Saturday, May 12th. Volunteer delegates were filled for each convention.
The Committee also elected Officers for their committee. Juliana Simone, was reelected as Chair, and will now serve her fifth term, as will Rev. Steve Blackburn, Ph.D, the committee’s Treasurer. Mark Hemenway, was reelected as Vice Chair and will serve his second term in this role. New RTC member, Andrew Nelson, was elected to be Secretary of the committee.
Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee Chair, Juliana Simone, held a Christmas party and campaign fundraiser for gubernatorial candidate Peter Lumaj in mid-December at her home. Some of the guests included Avon RTC Vice Chair Stephen Hunt, newly-elected Barkhamsted Board of Selectman Nick Lukiwsky, former veteran Waterbury Alderman Jerry Padula, Winsted’s Ray Robago and Rev. Steve Blackburn, Ph.D. who is the treasurer for the BRTC and also served in this capacity for Lumaj’s Secretary of the State campaign 2014 and Padula’s Judge of Probate campaign this past municipal cycle 2017.
Christmas carols were played and a variety of food was laid out for guests including a punch bowl of seasonal eggnog. Republican and conservative candidate, Peter Lumaj, was happy to have one-on-one conversations about the future of Connecticut. He discussed his plans as Governor on how to give Connecticut a fresh start by implementing business friendly legislation to keep or bring corporations and jobs here, in addition to relief for the heavily burdened taxpayers who for many years have paid some of the highest taxes in the country.
Lumaj, surprised both the Democrat Party and the media covering his race in 2014 against Secretary of the State, Denise Merrill, when he came close to winning the constitutional seat by four points, and on Election night was often ahead in returns until the large city results came in with their usual Democrat strongholds. Lumaj fought heavily against continued voter fraud, voter I.D. qualifications and cutting spending in the SOTS office, whereas incumbent Merrill ran on making all votes cast easier, sooner and with less interest into voter fraud complaints.
As a candidate for Governor, although Lumaj’s policies are much broader as the head of the state, the category and importance of election law is still important to him after learning firsthand how corrupt the system is when seeking this office.
Look for the next episode of the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee’s cable political interview show starting its fourteenth year, “Conservative Chat,” in January 2018 with Peter Lumaj. For those outside the viewing area, this show will be seen on Charter Communications and online on www.ctv191.com and YouTube.
For more information on Peter Lumaj and his candidacy for Governor:
