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.
Municipal Election Candidate Slate and Independence Parade
August 2025
Written by Juliana Simone
Barkhamsted, CT – The annual Barkhamsted Independence Day parade went smoothly, as usual. Our Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee had our representative float, which is really a pickup truck that includes a good sized handcrafted elephant in the bed with red, white, and blue flags and swag. This year, our Board of Education member and candidate, Amanda North, who filled the seat of retiring Suzie Larson – threw the candy to parade watchers along with her son and friends.
Many thanks to our State Representative, Mark Anderson (R-62), and Lt. Governor candidate, veteran Matthew Corey for attending.
First Selectman Nick Lukiwsky (R), announced after the parade in the address that follows the event, that he would not be seeking a second term. He thanked residents for giving him the opportunity to lead and told voters he still wished to serve the town but as a Selectman, not First Selectman. Lukiwsky stated his established career in Waterbury and family are his priorities now outside of this municipal position.
Selectman Mark Mahoney and Nick Lukiwsky will be switching their current elected positions, as a result.
Mahoney, as an elected First Selectman, will retire from his long term job as a successful representative and sales person of the food industry to serve Barkhamsted full time. It’s important to note that Mahoney will be a full time First Selectman since the democrats have already sent out an election meme stating falsely that only their candidate would be full time.
A dedicated volunteer to the town, he is an active member of the Lions Club and a volunteer fireman. In additon to being the second Selectman of Barkhamsted, he sits on the Board of Economic Development Commission.
First Selectman of Barkhamsted Nick Lukiwsky thanking voters for his first term announcing his retirement to become second selectman
First Selectman Nick Lukiwsky with Barkhamsted Lighthouse Descendants group Independence Day Parade July 4 2025
Board of Education member and candidate Amanda North and company Independence Day Parade July 4th 2025
Former Barkhamsted Selectman Bill Downes and parade candy thrower
First Selectman Nick Lukiwsky and Selectman Mark Mahoney. Mahoney will now be running for First Selectman of Barkhamsted in municipal election 2025 and Lukiwsky will now be running as Selectman.
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.
Riverton Inn catered meat lasagna
Riverton Inn catered salad
The Brass Horse Cafe wings
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
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
Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee and CT GOP news
