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BREAKING NEWS: VERBAL ANTISEMITIC ATTACK ON RTC TOWN COUNCIL CANDIDATE & CAMPAIGN MANAGER
Friday, August 15, 2025 - Today, one of the West Hartford RTC candidates for Town Council (Ben Lewis), and one of the West Hartford RTC candidate Campaign Managers (Ari Schaffer), were subjected to a verbal attack with rhetoric that has become far too common in West Hartford. Why anyone would think that this person's behavior and antisemitic ranting is acceptable, is beyond reason. Ben and Ari were just having a morning coffee together.
While as PROUD REPUBLICANS, we fully support a person's right to free speech, we would hope that our Democrat opponents and the West Hartford DTC would join us and also denounce this behavior. We would also hope that anyone who knows this person would pull him aside and have a strong conversation that convinces him that this behavior is the EXACT reason why support for Democrats nationwide is the lowest it's been in many decades and why Democrats are now leaving their party and joining us.
We hope that when West Hartford voters go to the polls this November, they think about how our candidates are working to change this toxic environment.
CANDIDATES SPEAK AT SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL MARCH
August 10, 2025
🚨 BREAKING: The West Hartford Republican Town Committee Proudly Endorses Our 2025 Slate of Candidates!
West Hartford deserves better — and this year, we’re delivering a bold, experienced, and energized team ready to restore balance, accountability, and common sense to our local government. 💪
✅ Town Council Candidates:
• Al Cortes – Incumbent and voice for fiscal sanity
• Dr. Gayle Harris – Tireless education advocate
• Kyle Zelazny – Attorney and principled policy thinker
• Ben Lewis – Local business leader and first-time candidate
• John Lyons – Civic leader, podcast host, and former Democrat
• Dr. Jason Wang – Physician, community advocate, and former Democrat
✅ Board of Education:
• Miriam Bleich – Respected child advocate and passionate parent leader
For too long, one-party rule has pushed West Hartford toward overdevelopment, rising costs, ignored infrastructure, and out-of-touch policies. This slate represents a clear alternative — grounded in real-world solutions, broad experience, and genuine community engagement.
🗣 “We’re not here for political theater — we’re here to improve schools, lower taxes, attract new businesses, and restore civil discourse,” said Chairman Shawn Daly. “The time for change is now.”
🔴 Two former Democrats. Six bold leaders. One mission: a stronger, more affordable, more responsive West Hartford.
👉 Join the movement. Learn more at www.whgop.com
📩 Questions? Reach out to: chair@whgop.com
📅 November is coming — and change starts at the local level. Let’s take West Hartford in a new direction together. 🇺🇸
#WeHaRTC #WestHartford #RealChange2025 #LocalLeadership #WHGOP #BalanceMatters #CommonSenseStartsHere
Pictured left to right: Dr. Jason Wang, Ben Lewis, Dr. Gayle Harris, Kyle Zelazny, Miriam Bleich [not shown - Al Cortes, John Lyons]
West Hartford RTC at “Celebrate West Hartford”
June 8, 2025 - The West Hartford Republican Town Committee participated with a tent at “Celebrate West Hartford” on Sunday, June 8, from 12pm - 6pm. The event was an incredible success as we handed out nearly 1,000 promotional items like bottles of cold water, red mini bottles of bubbles, patriotic slap wrist bands and hand held paper fans. We had numerous conversations with voters in West Hartford and added names to our subscriber list, interested in seeing our RTC e-newsletter. Below are some photos from the event.
In Memory of beloved West Hartford RTC Member, Town Councilor and State Representative, Bob Farr
We are saddened to share the passing of Bob Farr, a lifelong West Hartford resident and dedicated public servant. Bob passed away on May 27 at the age of 82. A true pillar of our community, he served on the West Hartford Town Council and spent over two decades in the Connecticut General Assembly representing the 19th District. Known for his integrity, tireless work ethic, and thoughtful approach to policymaking, Bob worked across the aisle to champion meaningful reforms in criminal justice, public safety, and social services. He was a long-time member of the West Hartford Republican Town Committee and remained deeply engaged in public service throughout his life. Our thoughts are with his beloved wife Diana, his children, grandchildren, and all who knew and admired him.
Thanks to Your Efforts - It’s a Beautiful National and State Map
November 5, 2024 - We made phone calls, we posted on social media, we participated in rallies, we canvassed neighborhoods and we spoke to friends and family about the importance of this election. We kept people focused on the real issues for our country, the economy, the consequences of illegal immigration, and the importance of safety for our citizens. We made big inroads with areas traditionally assumed as Democrat strongholds. We brought new and younger voters forward, we added voters in communities of color, we added blue collar-working class voters and women voters understood the true threat to them were from groups trying to eliminate them.
Trump gained ground in nearly every Connecticut town.
While the state and federal elections did not produce the optimal results we wanted in West Hartford, there were many positive takeaways. Matt Corey did surprisingly well getting over 40% of the vote in his race against incumbent Senator Chris Murphy. Jim Griffen and Kyla Zimmerman each earned over 30% of the vote in Griffen’s race against incumbent US Congressman in the First District, John Larsen and against incumbent Derek Slap in the State Senate respectively. Even in West Hartford, Trump gained 0.5% over his 2020 results.
We now need to take this red wave into the 2025 municipal elections for West Hartford. The work begins now.
West Hartford Republican Town Committee Supports Trump Rally
On Sunday, October 13, 2024 the West Hartford Republican Town Committee helped to communicate and support a rally in support of the President Trump campaign. The rally was held at 1:00pm on the West Hartford Memorial Green, located at the corner of Farmington Avenue and North Main Street in West Hartford. Judging by the amount of beeping horns from passing cars, there was much support for the rally. It was clear that the Town of West Hartford has much support from the the campaign of the former President.
See below for some photos of the day’s event!
West Hartford Republican Town Committee Participates in the Final Park Road Parade
On Saturday, October 5, 2024 members of the West Hartford Republican Town Committee (RTC) participated in the final edition of the West Hartford Park Road Parade. The parade began in 1998 when Patrissi Nursery owner, Robert Patrissi, along with Angelo Faenza, owner of the Prospect Cafe and West Hartford Director of Community Services, Rob Rowlson spearheaded the idea to celebrate the completion of infrastructure improvements along Park Road. Since then, it has become one of the Town’s most loved fall events.
During the event, under their big red tent, the West Hartford RTC handed out balloons to hundreds of children attending the parade and it was a wonderful site to see the sea of red balloons floating proudly along the parade route. In addition, the West Hartford RTC provided complimentary beverages of coffee, hot chocolate, orange juice and bottled water, as well as over 5 dozen doughnuts from Dunkin’ Donuts!
The RTC tent also featured a couple of Republican candidates running for office including Matt Corey, running for U.S. Senate and Kyla Zimmerman, running for the Connecticut State Senate - 5th District. The candidates had several great conversations with attendees about significant issues facing West Hartford voters.
The West Hartford RTC would like to thank the official West Hartford Park Road Parade Organizer, Tony Landino. In addition to being the Town’s Park Road Parade Organizer, Tony serves on the West Hartford RTC as its Deputy Treasurer.
See below for a series of pictures from the event!
West Hartford RTC Holds 2024 Lincoln Reagan Dinner
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Our Treasurer Ted Mancini with his daughter Angela, checking in guests.
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Lincoln Reagan Dinner Co-Chairs, Sally Calcaterra and Paula Mercier with our Chairman, Shawn Daly
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A tribute to our Bob Farr award winner, Herb Shepardson
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Director of Risk Management, Kyle Zelazny with guest Courtney Scruggs and RTC member/TPZ Commissioner, Liz Gillette
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Herb Shepardson provides sage advice to our Chairman
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An early scene from the VIP Cocktail Reception
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Janet and Al Turco enjoy a cocktail and conversation with RTC member Carl Donatelli and wife Debra.
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A power trio conversation between RNC Committeewoman, Annalisa Stravato, former State GOP Chairman, Chris Healy and current State GOP Chairman, Ben Proto.
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Strategic political dialogue with RTC Vice-Chairman and State Central rep,, Dennis Swanton, guest Matt Connelly and Keynote Speaker, Justin Clark.
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Former RTC Chairman Al Turco points out guests with RTC member Trish Hamilton.
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A brief break from food with friends are future RTC member Joseph Landino with Dad and RTC Deputy Treasurer, Tony Landino, West Hartford Town Councilman, Al Cortes and wife Jessica.
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A women of power conversation with RTC member, Megan Freeman, Volunteer Committee member Lynda DelGross and TPZ Commissioner and RTC member Liz Gillette.
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Our Chairman, Shawn Daly, with Board of Ed rep., Ethan Goldman.
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At the Bob Farr honor table is RTC members, Megan Freeman and Nancy Grassilli, with guest Guy Beeman and Diana MacPherson, wife of Bob Farr and RTC advisor.
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A dinner conversation between RTC member, Getch Dires with James Griffen, candidate for US Congress, First District.
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Seated for dinner is RTC member, Sally Calcaterra; Volunteer Committee member, Lynda DelGross; RTC member Marsha McCracken, Board of Ed reps., Ethan Goldman and Gayle Harris; and guest, Beth Berinstein with her mom and RTC member, Sandra Berenstein.
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Guest Joe Landino, RTC Deputy Treasurer, Tony Landino and RTC Secretary, Kaye Straw share a moment to pose for a dinner photo.
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A table of friends with RTC member, Bruno Venero; RTC Dir. of Risk Mgmt., Kyle Zelazny and guest Courtney Scruggs, with Jessica Cortes and her husband, Town Councilman, Al Cortes and Stephanie Barnes with husband and former Town Councilman Chris Barnes.
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RNC Committeewoman, Annalisa Stravato, with former State GOP Chair, Chris Healy, seated with RTC Vice-Chair, Dennis Swanton, his wife and Assistant Registrar of Voters, Eileen with their friends, Laura and Brad Hendsey.
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Former West Hartford Mayor, Rob Bouvier with RTC Member and TPZ Commissioner, Liz Gillette with her husband Doug.
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Keynote Speaker Justin Clark, enjoys dinner with Bob Farr award recipient, Herb Shepardson with his son, Keegan and wife, Betty, along with State GOP Chair, Ben Proto.
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Guest Matt Connelly with guest Mike Trinh and his wife, Volunteer Committee member Joette Trinh.
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Guests Nalima Sarwar with husband Naseer enjoy a pre-dinner pose.
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State GOP Chair Ben Proto provides comments to guests about voter issues.
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Keynote Speaker and former Trump Administration advisor, Justin Clark, provides insight into the 2024 Presidential election.
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Diana MacPherson, the wife of Bob Farr, presents the RTC Bob Farr award to Herbert Shepardson.
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US Congress - First District candidate, Jim Griffen, provides guests with facts on important issues facing voters.
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RTC Chairman, Shawn Daly, thanks guests and closes the 2024 Lincoln Reagan Dinner.
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West Hartford RTC Chairman, Shawn Daly and his wife Eileen.
The West Hartford Republican Town Committee is dedicated to promoting core conservative principles and policies within our town. We work diligently to ensure that the views of our members are represented in both local and state government.
Through lobbying, community outreach, and fundraising efforts, we strive to make sure the voice of West Hartford Republicans is heard loud and clear. We believe that by advocating for responsible fiscal policies and limited government, our citizens can enjoy a better quality of life.
The Republican Town Committee is also committed to engaging members of the community in a meaningful dialogue and helping them understand how they can make a difference. We provide education and awareness on current issues, host events to get people involved, and work with civic organizations throughout the area.
Our goal is to create an informed and engaged electorate that will support candidates who represent our shared values. We believe that by working together, we can make a positive difference in West Hartford.
Guests are welcome and encouraged to attend our events. Please RSVP.
To donate to the West Hartford Republican Town Committee sending in a check by mail, please make the check payable to:
The West Hartford Republican Town Committee
You must include a completed and signed “Form-P” with your check (see button to the right) with your check. Mail the check and completed Form-P to:
West Hartford Republican Town Committee
ATTN: Ted Mancini - Treasurer
375 Ridgewood Road
West Hartford, CT 06107
Our community supports students, families, parents and seniors
Members of the West Hartford Republicans come from all walks of life and share a commitment to making their community and the world a better place for everyone. We therefore support the Republican Party's initiatives by endorsing candidates for public office and lending our time and expertise to those candidates' successful campaigns.
Town Hall: 50 S Main Street 4th floor West Hartford, Connecticut
Our monthly meetings are held at the Town Hall on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. The West Hartford Republican Town Committee is committed to serving all West Hartford residents. Attend a meeting. Get involved!