We appreciate input from our readers, and we publish letters to the editor without charge. The letters should be written by the person who submits the letter and not be “ghost written” by someone else. While open speech and responsibility are encouraged, comments may be rejected if they are purely a personal attack, offensive or repetitive. Comments are the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Orleans Hub. Although care is taken to moderate comments, we have no control over how they are interpreted and we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of comments and the rationality of the opinions expressed. We reserve the right to edit letters for content and brevity. Please limit the length of your letter (we suggest no more than 500 words) and provide your name, telephone number, mailing address and a verifiable email address for verification purposes. Letters should be emailed to news@orleanshub.com.

Editor:

We Americans are running out of time to “wake up and smell the coffee.” Wishful thinking and dwelling on our fantasies while ignoring the realities of the early twenty-first century risk the loss of something we have enjoyed since 1789.

John Adams, Jefferson, Washington, Madison, John Jay, et.al. don’t need to be betrayed by the loss of the republic they worked so hard – and risked so much – to create.

What is a republican form of government? Why did the Founders describe the legislative branch of our Constitutional republic in the First Article of the document that describes our ingenious and revolutionary system rather than the Second or Third Article?

Why has one of our likely major party nominees for the office of President this year described Vladimir Putin as a “great leader”? Why has Russia’s “elected dictator” (Hitler in red) shown a preference for one of our likely candidates for President?

As someone who attempted to teach the Constitution accurately for about thirty years, I am convinced that one of our 2024 candidates for President has little appreciation for what the Founders were trying to establish when the historic document was written in the late 18^th century.

Should we continue to ignore the heavy-duty responsibility of the citizens of a republic this time, it could be “game over.” If we get it wrong in 2024, our Constitutional republic may be “history.”

Sincerely yours,

Gary F. Kent

Albion

Editor:

To the taxpayers of Medina and fellow keyboard warriors, now is the time to request items from the village board, as it is budget time.

They have the ability to set aside funds for needed projects and upgrades. Normally a request that is not budgeted for is denied. However now is the key planning time so it can be budgeted for.

Budget time is tedious and there are a lot of wants vs needs considered by your elected officials. Overall, the tax rate will drop due to assessments going up. That doesn’t mean your bill will go down, so might as well make your request known for this upcoming budget year.

If possible attend the upcoming board meetings, or reach out to the elected officials, so your voice can be heard. Medina residents are what make Medina amazing.

We are a small village. Your voice matters. Let it be heard.

Tim Elliott

Medina

Editor:

We read with interest the recent article celebrating the 60th anniversary of the United Way of Orleans County and was bothered by a glaring omission. Our mom, Marian Goheen was an integral part of the beginnings of the United Fund of Orleans County.

Van Hungerford may have been the idea man but our mom was the hands and feet of the organization from the beginning, having the title of Executive Director from 1966 to the time of her death in 1982.

The  Fund was originally designed to eliminate canvassing for funds from all different groups and worthy causes. At first those organizations were nationally recognized – Red Cross, Cancer Society, Boy Scouts of America, to name a few.

The United Fund provided a single campaign soliciting funds for all of these other groups that used to individually knock at your door.  We think our mom would be extremely proud of how the United Way has progressed to a point where they are now supporting so many  smaller, local groups and organizations to the benefit of the whole county.

Thank you for indulging us in remembering our mother and, as the Hungerford boys mentioned, she was to us what their father was to them, an incredible role model and inspiration.

Mary Goheen Zangerle

Michael Goheen

Mark Goheen

Medina

Editor:

Happy Birthday to the Orleans Hub. (11 on April 1.) The Orleans Hub plays a vital role in promoting civic engagement, by informing readers of charity events, street closures or the opening of new businesses.

The Hub also connects citizens with their government and elected leaders at all levels. Informing the public allows citizens to make informed decisions and hold our government accountable.

The Orleans Hub provides a diversity of voices and opinions that are not available elsewhere. Happy Birthday to the Orleans Hub, a vital source of connections for our community.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

I checked and the character Elmer Gantry did not hawk bibles. Neither did the person whose life story was portrayed, religious grifter Billy Sunday.

The commission being paid Trump for his bibles – with secular material included – is not being used for his political fund raising. It is part of his current fund raising to pay his legal bills which this month includes defending alleged hush money, money actually paid to a porn star he slept with.

Has anyone noticed that Trump never pardons any one whose defense depends on his testimony? I wonder if he will testify about Stormy Daniels and the reasons behind the pay off.

Some commentors say it is a weak case as people who actually claim to be Christian would have voted for him anyway. The claim is they are still Christian even though they are willing to enable sin from someone who has not repented. It will be interesting to see how Bible sales go. No matter, repent or not, this is clearly grifting during a week many find holy.

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” – Matthew 24:24

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

“Go To The Max” – Come to Church Palm Sunday 10:30 Mass at Holy Family, Albion was simply beautiful.

Even if you are Christian, but not Catholic, there are reasons you should come to Holy Family the rest of Holy Week. First, and nearest to my “heart,” we have a wonderful half and half women and men choir. We have long-time choir director and organist, Harriette Greaser, who has perfectionist skills and an artist’s tastes.  The church’s acoustics are excellent.

On Palm Sunday, the well-rehearsed choir’s harmonies, rhythms and dynamics were dead on. And then there was Susan Walter on flute. The exquisite beauty of her low-register playing, coupled with Harriette on the organ brought tears to many eyes.

She, Harriette and then the choir with them, captured the underlying sadness of Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, to only 4 days later with his treacherous capture,  crucifixion and death. As we believe, He did that all for us.

These services from Palm Sunday through Easter, have always resonated with me, since probably the 4rd grade, when I became an altar server.

Pastor Mark Noonan encouraged us to “Go to the max,” this week.  He quoted the apostles to the newly risen Christ on the road to Emmaus, “Stay with us.”  Jesus will and always stay with us, Father said.

Then there’s the other side: on Palm Sunday the Bible says that “the Lord had need of a donkey and place to celebrate the Passover.” Father Mark pointed out that Jesus has need of us and our faithful following and participation.

Parishioner adds, He needs us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself,” “whatsoever you do unto the least of these, you do unto Me,” “Hunger and thirst for Justice,” be a “Peacemaker,” and so many more of Jesus’ great teachings and example. The rest of the “Tridium,” Holy Thursday at 7 p.m., Good Friday at 3 p.m. and the Easter Vigil at 8:30 p.m. at Holy Family are open to all, who believe in Christ and His teachings, or for those searching for more than themselves.

As Father says, “Go to the Max” – appreciate it all. These services tend to be long, but relax, take a break from the constant gaggle out there, and be moved by the experience of Christ’s sacrifice, the art in this marvelous church and by some wonderful music.

Update on March 30 at 10 a.m.: Correction and addition:  Service at Holy Family tonight is at 8:15 p.m. rather than 8:30. Also, the choir again will be in full force Sunday for 10:30 a.m. Mass. A highlight will be the “Hallelujah Chorus” from the Messiah.

Bob Golden

Waterport

Editor:

This time of year has been a busy one for schools, as talented individuals throughout the area graced their respective school stages in various musicals that showcase the impressive talent in our own backyards.

Not unlike the athletes who play more frequent games and receive plaudits for their accomplishments on the fields, courts, or diamonds, the students who work to put on shows have also devoted countless extra hours to something they are passionate about.

The community that develops within a musical theater production is quite unique, and one needed only be present for the final show of a 3-day run this past month to see the emotion on students’ faces.

The culmination of daily work starting approximately four months prior to each show was on full display for the public to see, and witnessing students pour their hearts and souls into their respective performances was truly a sight to behold from one’s seat in the audience.

Watching from the audience as a parent, though? No words can adequately describe the pride felt watching your own child do well on a stage in either a group or flying solo. Seeing them discover new talents or step out of their comfort zone and do so successfully is immensely satisfying.

Getting to know many of the students in several districts over the past few years has only added to this feeling, because the whole idea of “my kids” takes on a whole new meaning from inside a classroom and that pride is exponentially multiplied.

Along with all of this, the time and effort put in by the teachers who undertake such intensive projects needs to be applauded. They are effectively music/drama coaches who manage to take our children and push them to reach their potential in ways many of them never imagined possible.

Along with the students, I’ve gotten to know a few of these professionals through working at several local districts in the past couple of years, and through watching my own kids grow up with music instruction during the school year and through summer programs. They are extraordinary people!

Ultimately, I’m sure there are many people reading this who enjoyed the collaborations between these teachers and students that made its way to local stages during March. To all of the students who have participated, I hope you found the experience as rewarding as I’m sure your parents found it entertaining.

And, if you’re an underclassman, I hope you continue on with this activity next year. As for the teachers who have made it their business to coax the best out of these students to put their vision on stage, I thank all of you as a parent, a spectator, and a fellow educator. You all deserve a curtain call and a standing ovation!

Howie Balaban

Medina

Editor:

Suicide rates are higher than they should be and not enough is being done to lower them. In the United States suicide is one of the leading causes of death in young adults.

Currently there are government funds that go toward suicide prevention, but there is more that can be done. The government should take more action in the efforts to lower suicide rates.

The average number of suicides went up from about 81 per day in 2001 to about 121 in 2020. More than 90% of people who die from suicide have experienced some sort of mental illness. Between 2021 and 2022 suicide deaths increased 2.6% in the United States alone. In 2021 there were over 48,000 deaths by suicide.

Local governments could get more involved by holding mental health meetings in public places, with trained professionals to help people with suicidal thoughts, and give them a place where they can speak freely with others who have similar thoughts. These could be held almost anywhere with a decent size room, like a town hall.

The government could also create offices or help centers that are open 24/7 so that people have a safe place to go when they need help. If someone needs urgent help and feels they need to see someone instead of calling the hotline, they can go to a help center.

These offices or centers can also help spread community awareness about what others can do to help. This information center could serve as a location for people who want or need more information on suicide prevention, to get advice from professionals. Professionals at these centers can help families find ways to help a person struggling to cope, until they feel up to going in to get help themselves. These centers would be government funded.

These are some actions that the different levels of government can take toward reducing the rate of suicide in the United States. Their ability to help is crucial to saving lives. If attention is not brought to this subject, then there might not be any meaningful change.

Ryleigh Weader

12th grade student

Holley

Editor:

I’d like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve as a trustee for the village of Albion. I’m deeply grateful for the efforts of everyone who supported my write-in candidacy, for the neighbors who took a few moments to speak with me, and for everyone who voted.

Running as a write-in, especially just a few days before the election, I expected my odds of being elected would be slim. My hope was to at least increase awareness of the fiscal challenges the village and the county as a whole face. These circumstances leave me all the more humbled and grateful for the opportunity.

I looked forward to being sworn in on April 1, and I’m excited to begin working for the good of our community.

William Gabalski

Albion

Editor:

To the voters of the Village of Lyndonville, I  would like to thank those who braved the weather and voted for me on March 19.

To the all the voters who read my letters I humbly apologize. I have written statements in the past suggesting that when you vote to only vote for those that have an opponent. I believe I was wrong.

I now encourage all voters to write in someone when there is no opponent, giving an opponent. When you are allowed to pick more than one, for an example a Trustee seat, make your pick and if you don’t like the choices on the ballot, write in yourself or a friend or family member make sure all choices possible are made leaving no space or chance for someone to manipulate your ballot.

People look out for more self-serving Republicans and Democrats. One must check to see who or what businesses they are connected to. Also if they mention promises of fixing this or that, ask yourself “How are they connected?”

Voting records are a good source of character. Village, Town and County minutes are good references. Are the public servants discussing how to help you and save your tax dollars or spending your tax dollars and helping non-Americans.

Look at the Republican and Democrat mission statements – both State and Nation. Are the candidates you voted for doing the missions? Yes, I have read the Democrat mission statements. Since Orleans County is, in my opinion, poor, I agree taxes should be affordable to everyone – key word affordable.

I am still a Christian man and one of the People of the United States, beneficiary of the Word of God and the Constitution of the United States. People, I have more petitions that I need signed. I will be stopping by.

People, I also want to know why you are registered to vote but don’t vote in all elections? Do you not know all elections are important? Please politely tell me. I close with a Bible quote. “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.”

Steve Colon

Lyndonville

Editor:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, who endorses a sexual predator for President, recently claimed, in a TV ad, that “The invasion at our Southern Border is an existential threat.” Despite this threat, Ms. Tenney refuses to push her colleagues to bring the $118 billion Senate bipartisan border bill to the floor for a debate, let alone a vote. This legislation addresses all of Ms. Tenney’s immigration concerns.

Conservative Senator James Langford, (R-Ok), stated that this bill, if passed, there would be “No more massive caravans of migrants flowing over the border,” and “allows law enforcement in America to control the border.” If the migrant issue at our Southern border is an “existential threat” as she claims, then she is actively working against our national security interest.

More importantly, why is Ms. Tenney using this scare tactic of an “invasion at our Southern border” which she has no interest in solving, for her re-election campaign. The obvious answer is that she has no other issue to run on.

She opposed the Pact Act which provides health care to our veterans who defended and served this country. She voted against capping medication, like insulin, at $35. She wants her constituents to pay exorbitant amounts for needed medication.

She voted against the infrastructure bill that provides jobs in Western New York. She voted against the Chips and Science legislation that moves micro-chip manufacturing from China to the U.S.

Ms. Tenney’s only hope is to scare people to vote for her. She even endorses a sexual predator and grifter for President. Her record shows she is opposed to the financial and security interests of her constituents.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

NYS is up to its old tricks – using the budget process to quickly pass legislation.

The Transportation, Economic Development and Environmental Conservation (TED) Bill found under FY2025 Budget Article VII Bills, specifically Parts O and P, include the RAPID Act (Renewable Action Through Project Interconnection and Deployment Act) and the Affordable Gas Transaction Act. These acts deserve individual debate and vote – not as part of an unrelated budget bill.

When the Governor and Legislature use the massive annual budget process with its looming deadline to pass non-budget legislation, the citizens of New York and democracy lose.

There are many topics and issues included in the budget and the timeline for debate and passage is short. Oversight, analysis, public debate and comments are limited. It is a terrible venue for making dramatic changes that impact municipal authority, private property rights and utility access.

The Climate Act became law in June 2019 in a regular legislative process where debate on the bill was extensive.  Since then, much of the legislation that implements the law has been quietly tucked into amendments to the budget and passed.

The Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) was established through a budget amendment in 2020 called the Accelerated Renewable Act (‘’94-c’’) to expedite the permitting of industrial renewable energy projects. Stringent timelines and removal of local government involvement tilted the process towards the State bureaucracy and the developers and it was done under the guise of the budget.

In next year’s budget, currently being debated, the governor has proposed the RAPID Act (Part O of the TED bill) to enable ORES to also expedite transmission projects. It will have the authority to “promulgate regulations on an emergency basis…absent any finding of an emergency.”

In a similar fashion to the 2020 budget amendment, municipalities have few options when projects do not comply with local laws and regulations. This act offers limited recourse for landowners who do not sign a right-of-way agreement with the developers.

The eminent domain procedure law is being amended to add electric transmission facilities. The bill specifically names “open spaces and scenic beauty” of the Adirondacks and Catskill parks to be considered for protection but fails to recognize and protect the natural beauty enjoyed by rural communities across the state.

Lastly, in terms of gas usage in the state, the governor proposes the Affordable Gas Transaction Act (Part P), where a commission of five people appointed by the governor will determine how and when to discontinue gas service.

Individual property rights are being trampled, precious agricultural land, open space and scenic rural beauty are being industrialized, municipalities are losing their ability to advance the needs of their citizens while New York energy policy is running into the brick wall of reliability.

The State Legislature must not abdicate its responsibility to look at the whole picture and long-term consequences of its implementation of the Climate Act.

Pamela Atwater

Barker

Editor:

Thank you to the Lyndonville residents that came out to vote on Tuesday. Thank you for re-electing me to the Village Board for another term.

I look forward to working with and for you for the next four years.

Danny Woodward Jr.

Lyndonville

Editor:

Something that has always been perplexing to me: the taxpayers in the Village of Albion lose out on tax revenue for all the properties of the Orleans County government and services and yet those offices handle all services for the residents of the entire county of Orleans.

As a result of this we continually lose property tax dollars that are not being collected for those properties. The Village of Albion has the same bills to pay that other villages have, but the others do not have to lose out on property tax revenue for the County Office Building, Treasurer’s Office, County Courthouse, County Clerk’s Office, County Highway, County Jail and County Mental Health.

How is it that the towns are not reimbursing the Village of Albion to at least recover that tax revenue that we lose out on.

Now with the purchase of the GCC college campus and the old Norstar Bank, again the village loses out on that property tax revenue. Albion taxpayers should not be covering losses of the tax dollars we are losing for these county-owned properties. These services are shared and therefore the tax loss should be shared.

It only makes sense to me and perhaps the Village of Albion government that we would fight to have the other towns reimburse us a percentage of what we lose in County Office spaces and those exemption dollars. Those towns should share the loss that we suffer and reimburse that loss on a percentage basis.

What’s fair is fair – every town should pay its share.

Maureen Bennett

Albion