Editor:

Wouldn’t it be a good idea for many of us to slow down?

Take driving as an example.  Do we really need to get to the store at 9:23 a.m.? Might it make more sense to get there at 9:26 and enjoy well-kept properties with flowers and flowering trees and shrubs that we pass along the way? We might even give nesting native birds a better chance to raise their hatchlings and get them on their way.

Of course lawyers, funeral home owners, car-makers and those who run collision shops might fret. But insurance companies would be better off if there were fewer collisions. And we might as well.

Engaging another person with whom we may have something in common can result in a happier day for more than just you. Or smile and say “hello” even if you cannot recall the person’s name but know for certain that you probably should.

This piece is along the same line as another I sent recently. Initially, thinking it through takes more time but saves us time over the long haul.

Recently I spoke with a Californian who was biking to Albany along the canal.  He turned out to be an architect interested in sandstone, brick and cobblestone buildings.  Our conversation provided me with some excellent insight into a matter our non-profit is investigating.

As my high-school students heard now and then, “Once it’s over, it’s over. We won’t get an opportunity to do it right.”

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent

Albion

Editor:

The Albion Betterment Committee’s founders got together with their wives on Tuesday, June 24th, to celebrate the 93rd birthday of their inspirational leader. Without his extraordinary guidance our 501 c-3 non-profit would not exist.

This short piece is an attempt to pay tribute to him. As he shuns the spotlight, we will not mention his last name. But he is not your average “Joe”.

Yes, he is involved in many worthwhile causes, including those he supports through the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is a lover of history and works to keep our awareness of the accomplishments of past generations alive. Being a Korean War veteran himself certainly has better enabled him to appreciate our country’s history.

Thanks, Joe, for your patriotism. You are an outstanding role model for our young people and the many generations to come. We are honored to have worked with you on a variety of projects.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Derwick and Gary Kent

Albion

Editor:

I am writing to raise awareness about the significant impact our community will face if the proposed elimination of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is enacted. CSBG serves as the foundational funding source for Community Action Agencies across the nation.

At Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, our mission is to partner with individuals and families to help them achieve self-sufficiency.  While we hope you never need our services, we are committed to being here if and when you do.

Our agency offers a wide range of programs designed to support individuals facing economic hardship, personal loss, or unforeseen challenges. These include Head Start, child care assistance, case management, high school graduation support, youth development programs, weatherization services, air conditioning assistance, a low-cost thrift store, nutrition programs, and social care services. We are not about handouts—we are about helping people build a path to success.

In Orleans County, the poverty rate stands at 13%, and in Genesee County, it is 10.6%. Both counties are experiencing population decline and a shortage of medical providers, making it even more critical to address health-related social needs. Our agency meets these challenges with compassion, care, and a deep understanding of our local needs and struggles.

Poverty exists in every corner of the United States, but the needs of our rural counties differ greatly from those of urban centers like New York City. Local control is essential. Through a comprehensive community needs assessment conducted every three years, we tailor our programs to meet the specific needs of our residents.

This is why CSBG is so vital. It is a locally driven initiative that leverages a modest federal investment to help more than 10 million Americans work toward economic independence. In the past year alone, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee supported nearly 5,000 individuals in their pursuit of financial stability. Every federal dollar we receive is matched by an additional 15.5% from state, local, and private sources—an exceptional return on investment.

In 2022, Congress reauthorized CSBG with strong bipartisan support. Our agency is held to rigorous standards, with funders requiring detailed reporting to ensure measurable outcomes. CSBG embodies core American values: local decision-making, fiscal responsibility, and economic opportunity.

Eliminating CSBG will not necessarily result in significant federal savings. On the contrary, it threatens to dismantle a proven, cost-effective support system that uplifts our most vulnerable neighbors. The loss of our agency—and the dedicated volunteers who make our work possible—would be devastating to our community.

I urge our community members and policymakers to recognize what is at stake and to advocate for the preservation of CSBG before it is too late.

Renee Hungerford, CEO

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee

Editor:

To the residents of Shelby who participated in voting this primary election, thank you for exercising your rights. To the candidates who participated in the election, it takes real courage to commit to a cause that affects an entire Town, you deserve to be commended for your participation.

I cannot begin to say how proud I felt as the results came in, it was life-changing. On Tuesday, a new wind came kicking around and it gives our neighbors hope that a new Shelby is on the horizon.

It has been abundantly clear that frustration loomed large in our Town for several years and now there’s a breath of fresh air, a light at the end of the tunnel. The people not only spoke on Tuesday but they made it a referendum on what direction they want our Town to move in. The time has come, the old style of leadership is behind us and a fresh perspective majority has emerged.

While the results weren’t favorable to everyone, it doesn’t mean we can’t use the next chapter before new leaders take office as a collaboration to exert the people’s voice. Our current Board has the opportunity to jumpstart a renaissance and it starts at our special meeting.

Showing a united front will strengthen our Town, not only for the immediate but for generations going forward. Shifting our focus to restoring financial security, solving problems like our water district, and governing for all of Shelby, can be the first pillar of making Shelby great again!

It is my hope that the current Board Majority can come together with Councilwoman Limina and myself to usher in a new growth for Shelby. Instead of waiting until January 1, we can have five productive months of cutting red tape, eliminating fiscal waste, and getting our house in order.

Then on January 1, 2026 when the new Board takes office, we are already hitting the ground running! Shelby can’t afford to continue down the same path or be subject to a lame duck session. All hands are on deck, that’s what the people want and that’s what they deserve. If we cannot govern for the people then step aside and let a new group of leaders grab the bull by the horns.

Thank you again neighbors for your current support! To those who won on Tuesday, congratulations and for those who continue to serve, let’s work together serving this great Town!

Respectfully,

Eddie Zelazny

Councilman

Shelby

Editor:

You, the residents and taxpayers of Shelby, have made your desires known in the June 24th Republican Primary election. By a more than 2-to -1 margin you have made a choice for a new path forward for Shelby.

While we still have a November election to go through, the Primary is when democracy really works. In this case, the people you elected did not get the endorsement of a divided Republican Committee.

The results will place me, Eddie Zelazny, and Larry Waters on both the Republican and Conservative lines, virtually assuring that we will be sworn in on January 1, 2026.  In the meantime, unless there are some resignations, Eddie and Councilwoman Linda Limina will have to hold the fort against the actions of the current 3-to-2 majority.

Thank you to all, from those early supporters who pushed me to run, to those that helped with the campaign, to the Conservative Committee who put some wind in our sails with their endorsement, to those that attended board meetings, to everyone who said they have had enough and wanted a different voice in their local government.

The campaign was draining and of course it did not help that my door-to-door activity was during those 90+ degree days. After spending another hot day taking down the signs, cooler temperatures are a relief.

But the support I have received has made it all worthwhile. Now I am going to take some time to relax, reflect on the path forward, which will include continuing to attend meetings and take any opportunity I can to better educate myself on the upcoming role of your Town of Shelby Supervisor.

Jim Heminway

Candidate for town supervisor

Shelby

Editor:

I would like to congratulate the four Conservative Party-endorsed candidates on their powerful message sending wins to the establishment and the status quo.

In Shelby, Jim Heminway for Supervisor, Larry Waters and Ed Zelazny for councilman. In Yates, Bill Jurinich – all were overwhelmingly chosen. The people have had enough. These candidates worked their tails off during the campaign. The Conservative Party played a small role, it was the quality of these candidates that the people voted for.

 #1. They all were for many years attendees of town board meetings and workshops. When you do that it’s like being a fly on the wall. When you attend you may see some good, but you also see the absolute worst in the people that represent you. They do not see it because it’s usually a circle of people with their nose in each other’s back sides playing out an episode of the twilight zone with your money and without your say. You come away in disbelief, disgusted and feeling helpless.

#2. None of these candidates ran for election because they wanted to. They would have never been picked or slid in the back door. They saw what was going on with their own eyes and knew that no matter what they said, what they did, they had no voice, no recourse, no one that was representing them or the common man. They had to step up, and if they are the type of men I think they are they will hate every minute of it not wanting to be there forever.

#3. My advice to the candidates-elect. You have not been given power or control. You are now beneath those that elected you. You are a servant. You have been given a responsibly to the people of your town. Not to the government body to which you have been elected. Not to a committee to bow to if you want their endorsement. You have the free will given to you by God almighty and to God almighty and the residents, all of them, are the only people you are accountable to.

If you are going to go along to get along you do not belong in a public office. You are now a public servant, you serve, and you work for us. We the people. Never forget that. Always take the time to look in the mirror. The reflection you see should always be you, not the monster you replaced. So, on the lighter side always carry with you at all times wolfsbane and a crucifix to ward of the werewolf changes (the controlling monster within) and to not become a blood sucker (“a vampire” raising taxes).

To our Conservative-endorsed candidates. On to November 4th, with both lines. Then on January 1st, 2026. Show them how it’s done. Others just may step up and follow. Lord knows Orleans County needs it at all levels.

Paul Lauricella

Orleans County Conservative Party Chairman

Editor:

Barre residents: First of all, thank you for your support and I encourage you to read the entire length of my letter.

Now that the dust has settled, I believe I have the right to respond to Pogue’s outlandish 1,378-word letter. He, as the Barre Town Supervisor, chose to maliciously attack and try to defame my name with lies. And, he may very well have caused harm to my primary election.

His letter was almost 3 times the requested length and since it attacked me in part, I believe my letter should be allowed even though it is about 777 words.

Pogue Claimed: that I wrote a letter to the State in order to stop wind turbines.

False: I have not written any letters to the State telling them that I should be allowed to single handedly stop wind turbines.

Pogue Claimed: that I said I would sue the Town over wind turbines.

False: I addressed his ridiculous claim before. I have never threatened to sue anyone using your money, my money, or anyone else’s money to do so. That comment came from someone else, who I believe has moved away, and was during an election, years ago of which I was not even involved!

Pogue Claimed: “…you might get sued…” “…if these three get in…” “…be careful what you wish for…”.

False: These words were craftily placed in the letter, but there appears to be a threatening message which seems to have been meant to scare voters from voting for me, George McKenna and Iva McKenna.

Pogue Claimed: that I stuck signs up and may not have visited residents.

False: Rubbish. Some people actually picked up signs to place in their own yards. Of course I visited residents. I didn’t just go around sticking signs up without talking to people and listening to them. But now I am wondering if me or my wife have been followed around…otherwise, why in the world would Pogue make that claim?

Pogue Claimed: I am not involved with the town.

False: He must not have seen me all those months at the Comprehensive Plan Committee Meetings which I attended and was part of.

Pogue Claimed: I have not attended town meetings.

False: I used to attend the town board meetings quite regularly in-person. The truth is, even though I also addressed this before, I feel I can now write candidly as to the reason I, along with many other residents, stopped going “in-person” to town board meetings. I just could not stomach observing the public, verbal abuse by Pogue on one particular board member.

The clincher for me was this: Imagine sitting next to a family member who is visibly shaken-up due to the town supervisor’s appearance of being on the brink of losing self-control by yelling at a board member, shoving themselves away from the bench with fists clenched.

Imagine this family member asking the board to stop this out-of-control behavior because it is causing an amount of anxiety and panic. Imagine the town supervisor, who is supposed to be a leader, after just showing a bout of sheer rage, looking at her and out-right laugh at her! Imagine being a man of excellent self-control having to sit on your hands for the rest of the meeting. That is the truth of why I will not grace the town supervisor with my presence “in-person” at town board meetings.

I am not sure why Pogue turned the Barre Primary Election into a fight about the wind energy…again…he wasn’t even running. But, for the future, here are a few things that Pogue did not claim, so I will add them for you:

I am not in agreement with wind energy – The town supervisor’s Republican nominee is in agreement with wind energy.

I do not have a monetary interest in any wind companies – The town supervisor’s Republican nominee has a monetary interest in Heritage Wind, LLC.

I support the ideals of the not-for-profit group, Clear Skies Above Barre – The town supervisor’s Republican nominee supports the ideals of Heritage Wind, LLC.

My hope is that the next town supervisor, whomever it may be, refuses to follow in Pogue’s footsteps of malicious fashion. I also have to wonder what will happen now that I have written this letter.

I do know that there is one citizen who would like to write a letter to the editor, but is too afraid. Why? Because each time they have written their point of view in the past, retaliation has been bestowed upon them.

I neither support nor condone malicious behavior nor abusive behavior…by anyone…for any reason.

Respectfully submitted,

Scott Burnside

Town of Barre

Editor:

Isn’t it time we demand that our commander in chief exercise  some self-discipline, rein in this tongue, and set an example for our young people?

When I  heard that our chief executive  used  an “f” bomb in referring to Iranian and Israeli conduct, I  thought surely that could not be. But, then, what that he does—or says—should shock us at this point?

Yes, the original  Constitution stipulates that Congress shall have the power to decide when war is justified. And yes, the person we elect President could be impeached for ordering the United States military to strike Iran without the approval of Congress.

A case might be made that he could be charged by the House of Representatives—and if convicted in the United States  Senate—removed from office for crossing yet another point of no return.

Gary Kent

Albion

Editor:

We would like to thank all who voted in the Town of Barre primary. Every vote matters!

We look forward to hearing the concerns of our fellow citizens in the future as we work together to make Barre a more wonderful place to live.

Thank you.

Stephen Coville, Dave Allen and Wesley Miller

Barre

Editor:

A quick thought regarding Paul Lauricella’s very well written and informative letter endorsing his “friend” Bill Jurinich for Yates town councilman. As comprehensive as his letter is, one paramount vetting question that should be required answering for every single candidate was erroneously omitted.

As follows please …

“Bill, in order to be effective, do you actually understand what ‘communism,’ ‘socialism’ and ‘fascism’ are and how they differ from one another as well as other forms of government?”

I include this question because it is agonizingly clear that some in conservative leadership seek to mislead the public by their ignorant and careless misappropriation of these words as though they’re peeing in the wind.

Again, thank you Mr. Lauricella for a thoughtful, well written, and meaningful letter.

Tom Graham

Rochester

Graham is a member of Albion High School’s Class of 1978.

Editor:

Jim Heminway is an ideal candidate for the Shelby Town Supervisor. I have known Jim since grade school and know him to be very bright, personable and hardworking.

He was hired by Monroe Electronics in 1998. In the early 2000’s he recognized an opportunity to enter the “Emergency Alert” (EAS) market. He successfully negotiated the acquisition of various products to enter the EAS market. The negotiations were very tricky and involved negotiating with and satisfying multiple parties with very limited resources to do so.

In his time at Monroe Electronics, Jim negotiated the sale of the Electrostatics product line to Trek and oversaw the change of our name to Digital Alert Systems. He further directed the market and product development which has made Digital Alert Systems the market leader for emergency alert systems nationally. None of this would have happened without Jim’s hard work and dedication.

Jim is ideally suited to work through the types of issues the Town of Shelby is encountering. He is excellent at identifying and defining areas of concern and weighing alternatives and setting priorities.

Jim has worked very well over the years with difficult situations and people.  I don’t know why Jim would want the thankless job of Shelby Town Supervisor, but he is an ideal candidate for the position and has my highest recommendation.

Robert Vosteen

President

Digital Alert Systems

Lyndonville

Editor:

I would like to tell you about my friend Bill Jurinich. He is running for a Yates town councilman seat. Bill along with myself are always in attendance at workshops and town board meetings so I can verify what I am telling you as an attendee and taxpayer.

Bill is a conservative. I know a lot of people say that who are going into politics then when they get elected their actions become self-serving and the voting record tells you a completely different story. The voting record does not lie.

Bill is very concerned about the taxes that go up every year and the foolish spending on un-necessary projects and events that have been going on in our town. Bill is concerned about the people in our town. The seniors on fixed incomes, the families that are just scraping by. He and I both know that it’s getting harder and harder to live here anymore and that our town government has grown too big and to controlling over the people of Lyndonville.

He also knows that the town finances are stressed and that legal expenses have emptied the A account once again. The town finances according to the New York State Comptroller are stressed, not something I’m pulling out of the air. Money from the highway budget has been used to fill the town budget to keep it under the 2% tax cap or as it should be called the 2% tax increase.

Bill also knows that our highway equipment is aging and needs replacing, but the current board has put nothing away for years. Had to bond out a new tractor five or so years ago and it is finally paid for this year. The new plow truck that was purchased was paid for by CHIPS money (Consolidated Highway Improvement Program).

That money is supposed to be used for the roads such as paving, oil and stone, ditching, culverts but was used for the truck (not illegal) because of the poor use of taxpayer money, and a failure to budget accordingly every year. Now the road work will take years to catch up. Don’t forget the drastic increase in your water bill.

Bill is running on cutting your taxes, reining in foolish spending and regulations. Bill knows how to use the word they all hate, “No!” (We are Lyndonville not Orchard Park like some would like it to be.) Have you heard anything from the incumbents what their plan is? Have they told you they have a record of lowering your taxes?

Have they told you they have attended all workshops and town board meetings? Have they justified all the money that they have voted on for legal expenses? Have they told you anything about what they have done to make your life better, easier to live here? Bill knows and I know they have said nothing.

They can’t because every tax and fee and regulation increase has happened on their watch. Town of Yates government has grown out of proportion because of their voting record or lack of because they were not there to defend you. Honestly, I do not think they would have voted any different even if they were there.

Bill with all his Conservative Republican qualifications and attendance record has been repeatedly passed over by the Yates Republican Committee. Why?

So, in a nutshell, Bill is Conservative Party endorsed. Bill is a lifelong resident and will be a full-time councilman. Bill Jurinich knows how to budget money. Bill knows how much to take out for each department so when the time come the money is there.

Bill knows that our township needs to live within its means, just like you do. Bill knows that government cannot just keep reaching into your pocket every time it wants to keep up with the “Jones” from other towns with a much larger tax base for pay raises, fees, vendors, junkets and rules.

Bill is a Conservative Republican and is very much needed to bring back the old Lyndonville we love and remember. Lower taxes, business and farmer friendly, Fire Department friendly, People and Property Rights friendly. Lyndonville, just like we used to be. It starts with one good man. Please vote for Bill on Tuesday, June 24th. Don’t sit this one out.

Paul Lauricella

Yates

Orleans County Conservative Party Chairman

Editor:

In light of recent letters and commentary, I feel it’s important to briefly share my perspective as a six-year member of the Shelby Republican Committee.

I joined the committee to serve my community and support a fair and functional process. While I’ve observed dynamics that others have raised concerns about, I’ve never been part of any questionable activity. Alongside two others, I’ve consistently voted in ways I believe are fair and in the best interest of the public – even when those votes are in the minority.

Unfortunately, we’re often outnumbered by individuals with close ties to the Town of Shelby through their roles as current or former officials or employees. That makes meaningful change difficult, but each year, I remain hopeful.

I encourage voters to stay involved. If you want things to be different, showing up to vote is the first step.

Jim Zelazny

Shelby

Editor:

I’m writing to endorse Jim Heminway as the next Town of Shelby Supervisor.

I’ve known Jim Heminway since 1989 when I started working with him at Sigma International in Medina. We worked together until he retired from Monroe Electronics/Digital Alert Systems just a few years ago.

Over the years I have not only worked with Jim but have also worked for him. In both scenarios he was always a guy that you could count on to be a straight shooter and a man of his word. If he says he will do something, you can count on it.

Jim has a way of working with a team that creates great results. He holds people accountable for the tasks that have been given. But he is always there to guide and teach along the way, pulling from his vast business and management experience. He is a true leader that gets results.

Jim Heminway would be a huge asset to the Town of Shelby.

Jon Rue

Medina

Editor:

One always knows that it is primary/election season in Orleans County when letters to The Hub become the best funny papers around! It’s gonna take a while to clean my morning coffee off my monitor and out of my keyboard after reading this doozy of a knee slapper:

“I thought being a Conservative or Republican meant core values of truth, honesty, respect.”

Really?

In perpetuity history will record that in 2024 America selected a twice impeached, morally bankrupt and already proven failed President as her leader. The very same ungodly man who indignantly lied about losing an election thereby inciting a riot on the U.S. Capitol; inspiring republicans to vandalize, attack police, steal property (loot), urinate and smear feces upon the desks and offices of our democratically elected leaders.

A reprehensible “Coward in Chief” (allegedly with disqualifying bone spurs)  who “likes soldiers that don’t get captured” implying he does not like those who have been captured and even subsequently tortured during their service to America as he so publicly scorned John McCain.

An implicitly vain, “p**** grabbing” (his words) confirmed sexual assaulter and defamer of women, a self-admitted stalker and sexual predator of young women, a 34-count convicted felon, a half a billion-dollar tax cheat, a Constitution defiling, democracy busting, porn star poking adulterer and blasphemer.  Just for starters.

“Truth”, “honesty”, “respect”?

What a freaking joke.

Oh, and before you start pointing fingers at Democrats (Republicans love to wallow in their “two wrongs make a right” hypocrisy), don’t even waste your time because that dog will never hunt. Republicans had every opportunity to select an ethical, moral, Christian-values candidate during the primary process but instead, you blew it.  Donald Trump makes Bill Clinton and Anthony Weiner look like they belong on jars of Gerber’s Baby Food – Special Angel’s Formula.

Well, at the very least, I suppose all Americans can find solace knowing that according to Republican leadership, Donald Trump possesses the ultimate “big d*** energy” (another republican core value?) needed to Make America Gigantic Again. Although … Stormy Daniels might beg to differ. Didn’t she say it was somewhere between page two and three of the Forbes Magazine she spanked him with during a tryst as Melania was giving birth to their son? I think I heard that on Fox so it must be true.

Finally, a while back an earlier writer stated in this forum that “Democrats need to stop hating Donald Trump.” I do not hate Donald Trump. I voted for Donald Trump in 2016.  Donald Trump is a deeply flawed and corrupt man deserving of my prayers and my pity.

However, for the multitudes of the naturally born daft, selectively uninformed, counterfeit Christian and the willfully ignorant who fallaciously unleashed Trump for a second time against this great nation … well, Jesus is still working with me on that one.

Matthew 7:16 “You shall know them by their fruits.”

(Yep, it’s even in Trump’s personally signed $1,000 “Gold Edition” bibles. Made in China for less than $3.00 each).

“Truth”, “honesty”, “respect.”

Republicans.  Funny, funny stuff.

Tom Graham

Rochester

Graham is a member of Albion High School’s Class of 1978.