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Editor:

I am writing in response to Donald Allport’s October 27 letter to the editor, which reads like typical right-wing fearmongering disguised as a patriotic plea for Republican voter turnout.

Hanlon’s Razor tells us never to attribute to malice what can be adequately explained by ignorance, so I’ll extend Mr. Allport that courtesy. He claims voters face a choice between Rule of Law and Rule by Law. In his telling, the election is a contest between good, Constitution-loving Republicans and evil, America-hating Democratic Socialists, Marxists, Communists, Leninists, Anarchists and so on. The projection is baffling. The party he so ardently supports may be the best example of Rule by Law, where laws are applied selectively and certain classes of citizens are held to different standards. (I’m still waiting for the full release of the Epstein files, by the way.)

More concerning is that our nation is governed by a party that treats rule by executive decree as an effective way to govern. In January 2016, on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, Donald Trump criticized President Barack Obama’s use of executive orders: “We have a president that can’t get anything done so he just keeps signing executive orders all over the place.” Yet even with Republicans controlling both the House and the Senate, President Trump leans heavily on the executive order. He has signed 292 in his second term alone, a pace of roughly 173 a year, the highest of any president since at least 1981. His 512 executive orders across a term and a half already exceed Dwight Eisenhower’s two-term total, though he still has a long way to go to catch that evil socialist, Franklin Roosevelt.

Mr. Allport also appears to be an ardent supporter of free-market capitalism. One issue that unites New Yorkers, and Americans generally, is the cost of the services that meet our basic needs: water, electricity, natural gas and gasoline. Of these, water is the one most often run as a public, socialized utility, including in parts of Orleans County. Meanwhile, we complain about the rising cost of electricity, natural gas and gasoline and blame it on corrupt, out-of-control government officials, excessive taxes, or laws passed by left-leaning supermajorities. We never blame free-market capitalism, or the corporations answering to shareholders who expect maximum profits.

This election is not about individual freedom versus “big government’s ruling class.” It is about a party that is actively seeking to harm America’s most vulnerable people by stripping away basic protections and support to line the pockets of corporate shareholders and billionaires. It is about a government without accountability, and a party that is destabilizing the United States and the world to feed a petty, tinpot dictator’s ego. It is about a party that controls the White House and both chambers of Congress and has a majority on the Supreme Court, yet cannot seem to accomplish anything except prove its own incompetence. In doing so, it feeds its own story that the federal government is a bloated, ineffective bureaucracy.

Mr. Allport is right about one thing: we still have the freedom, for now, to decide which path our nation takes. Do we “kneel beneath the boot heels of tyrants,” or even lick those boots? Or do we “march into the future as free citizens” who show kindness and care for one another? Free citizens who understand that the success of the collective depends on the success of the individual. That success should not hinge on luck and good fortune despite Vice President Vance’s statements at a rally in Ohio, telling voters, “I want your kids to know that if they work hard and they get a little bit lucky, there is no dream too big.” Hard work should be enough. No child’s future should depend on getting lucky.

This is a call to younger voters who want to see positive change in our country and around the world. Individual rights do not mean putting yourself above everyone else. It’s time to give the “me, me, me” generation the boot and bring in leadership that can make the radical changes needed to preserve and grow this democratic republic.

Matthew Ballard

LeRoy, NY

Editor:

Hello, Clarendon!

I would like to explain why I am running and clarify my position on community issues.

I am running as a write-in candidate for town supervisor after concerns arose during the primary about my opponent and his wife Melissa Ierlan. I encourage voters to focus on facts, responsible use of public resources, and each candidate’s qualifications and character—not on personal favors or campaign rhetoric.

I also want to clarify statements about me circulating during the campaign.

Gun rights and community safety – I support the right to bear arms and am not seeking to take away residents’ rights to shoot firearms lawfully on their own property. I am a gun owner with a legal concealed-carry permit. I believe that exercising these rights also carries a responsibility to consider the safety and well-being of our neighbors.

Three years ago, I began working to help residents feel safe and at peace in their homes and community. This effort began during Dick Moy’s tenure as town supervisor. Mr. Moy arranged meetings with Sheriff Bourke and concerned community members, and our current town supervisor, Marc Major, has continued that work.

Because of my efforts to bring the community together I have become a lightning rod and now, my opponent, his family and friends new boogie man. Fred, it’s time to stand up and tell the community why you are running for our supervisor’s seat and what your plans are for our community. What are your plans to lower our property taxes.

I have already started looking into both. I know some in our community might not like what I propose, such as encouraging small businesses and new residents to join our community. I am also looking at hiring someone to look for state and federal grants that could take financial pressure off our community. That person will not be paid with our tax dollars. That person will be paid with my salary, paid for by the community.

At the board meetings I attended, I raised concerns about noise and unsafe conditions but did not initially raise firearm noise. That issue arose more recently when I learned of concerns about its impact on veterans living with PTSD. I believe those concerns deserve thoughtful consideration, and I support listening to the veterans who have served to protect our rights.

Personal character and respectful dialogue – I would like to address the characterization of me as an “angry lesbian.” My sexual orientation does not define my temperament or my qualifications to serve. I am not an angry or vindictive person by nature. Throughout my campaign, I have spoken with Democrats and Republicans, including longtime Republican voters who have told me they cannot support Fred Seeman. I believe our conversations should remain respectful and focused on the issues facing Clarendon.

My candidacy gives Clarendon residents a choice in this general election for town supervisor. I believe my actions demonstrate my commitment to our community. Voters deserve a campaign focused on constructive proposals rather than personal attacks.

During the primary, Fred Seeman spoke about transparency but did not attend a community question-and-answer session. He also discussed improving our infrastructure without explaining how those improvements would be funded. I believe residents deserve clear answers about these plans and their costs.

Your vote will affect everyone who calls Clarendon home. Please consider each candidate’s actions, qualifications, and plans, and make your voice heard.

Sincerely, your write-in candidate for town supervisor,

Kathy Harnischfeger

Clarendon