January 2025

The Chairman of the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee, Juliana Simone, has announced her retirement after 15 years. 

Since 2005, Simone has worked in every capacity for the CT GOP, working for the House and Senate Republicans at the Capitol, running for State Representative in 2006, being only one of two Republican races that election year covered by the Hartford Courant, in addition to being endorsed by the Republican American newspaper.

Working on U.S. Senate, Congress and statewide campaigns since 2009, commenting to the press on state issues, she also took the state convention stage twice – once as a State Representative candidate for what was then the 63rd district, when sitting House Minority Leader Bob Ward chose her out of six contenders to showcase on stage, and twice to second the nomination for a conservative naturalized citizen, U.S. Senate candidate, Peter Lumaj.

Juliana Simone came to statewide and national attention under what the press called “LOB Gate” when Democrat staffers raided her desk after she left work to pick up her child at daycare. It was all recorded by ceiling security cameras. A Democrat aide under former New Britain Mayor and State Senator, Donald Defronzo, Rick Lopes, now sits as a State Senator today despite harassing a House Republican committee appointee and being put on leave without pay for his actions for a brief time.

Statewide press which leans left in Connecticut supported Simone. She was interviewed by then popular local radio host’s show, Dan Lovallo, was the breaking news story on all network affiliates, and even mentioned on Bill O’Reilly’s popular program on the Fox News Channel.

Simone taped a half hour political interview cable show on public access for 14 years which included guests such as former U.S. Congressman Rob Simmons and Chris Shays, finance expert and Fox Business commentatorPeter Schiff, a guest who was an early advocate who warned about border issues, and so many State Senators, State Representatives, town Mayors/First Selectmen, candidates at every level of the political tier and political commentators.  

As Chair for 7 terms, Simone had an excellent attendance record, missing only a few meetings in her tenure. Prior to this she was the committee’s Vice Chair, and Secretary after becoming a member in January 2005.

In personal remarks she said, a much appreciated comment from someone she has great respect for said, “Thank you for 20 years of excellence.”

Chairman Simone remarks: “I would also like to remember the many former committee members who have passed on during my years of service. They were many things. Veterans, engineers, patriots, politicians in different capacities, and good people. They all gave me their support and guidance. I always remember them.”

“It is my hope that whoever the new Chairman becomes for the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee, the Chair will still put on their monthly agenda members rise and state the Pledge of Allegiance for all of our fine veterans, retired or in active duty.”

{Photo: Spectrum/Charter Studio Winsted, CT “Conservative Chat” set with Juliana Simone; Former U.S. Congressman Robert R. Simmons, Retired Colonel, U.S. Army Reserve, Retired; Martin Gregor, creator of “Conservative Chat” and long-serving BRTC member/patriot, and young volunteer.}