Editor:

As the November 3 election approaches, the residents of the Town of Shelby face a critical decision regarding two local referendums that seek to abolish our elected Town Clerk’s and Highway Superintendent’s elected positions and turn them into appointed offices.

We strongly urge my fellow neighbors to vote against these measures and preserve our right to vote. Changing these positions from elected to appointed reduces vital public accountability.

Currently, our town clerk and highway superintendent answer directly to us, the taxpayers every few years at the ballot box. If these referendums pass, control shifts entirely to the Town Board.

The highway superintendent manages the largest expense in our town budget, overseeing infrastructure, road safety and winter storm responses. With so much taxpayer money involved, residents deserve a direct say in who handles these resources rather than letting a few board officials dictate who serves.

Furthermore, data shows that the vast majority of towns in New York prefer elected officials. Out of 933 townships in the state, roughly 90% choose to elect their town clerk and highway superintendent.

The few towns that use appointed systems are typically large, urban or suburban areas requiring highly specialized administrative skills. Shelby is a rural community where direct accountability works best.

Consolidating power within the Town Board takes away the individual voter’s influence. We must protect our voting rights and keep local government accountable to the people.

Please vote “NO” on the Shelby town clerk and Highway Superintendent referendums on the back of the ballot this November.

Respectfully submitted,

James Rogenmoser, Marlene Rogenmoser, Thomas Winans, Becky Winans, David Bracey, Nancy Bracey, Timothy, Wickham, Gary Watts, Robin Watts, Helen Root, Stephen Rosenberg, Cathy Rosenberg, Karl Haist, Amy Haist, Rusty Hofmeister,  C.J. Woodruff, Lynn Woodruff, Melinda Kenward and Chad Kenward

Shelby

Editor:

Orleans County has an important choice to make for Orleans County Legislature. If, like me, you think we can do better, you finally have a real choice in Marlene Seielstad. I’ve known Marlene for nearly 30 years, through multiple programs at Cornell Cooperative Extension, the school board, and the BOCES Board.

She is one of the hardest working women I know. She’s smart, honest, and engaged in the community. Her drive and work ethic are second to none.

Marlene is a graduate of Leadership Orleans. She’ll use the knowledge gained there to ask the difficult questions and not shy away from challenging the status quo; something that is sorely lacking in our current Legislature.

Marlene is a thoughtful decision maker, and she truly listens in conversation. When is the last time you can say the legislature actually listened and considered comments from the community before making a decision?

Marlene has given a lifetime of volunteer service to our community through the Albion School Board, the Orleans Niagara BOCES Board, and the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension. Marlene Seielstad is the right choice for Orleans County Legislature. Please vote this Tuesday. The future of your community depends on it.

Sincerely,

Wendi Pencille

Town of Shelby

Editor:

Lots of hate is being whipped up to turn out the vote. Some are using the excuse to claim the results are fixed – assuming  several pollsters are right about how fed up people are.

But when you are at the polls really look at the kind and selfless people helping you. Remember they do not know your party and you do not know theirs.

Democrats are not immoral and Republicans are not ignorant. We simply need to elect those without hidden agenda and motives who are willing to talk to each other without rancor.

That’s the type who can articulate real solutions rather than shop worn epithets. Our job is to spot them and demand the right to live quiet, decent lives without fear of economic or personal hardship.

Regardless of the results  remember your poll worker and don’t get worked up by conspiracy from the fringes. Keep in mind that people no different from them are helping people at every precinct in the country. They will get the job done fairly and well.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion