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Allport engages in partisan fearmongering, stirs anti-government cynicism
Editor:
After reading some recent letters to the editor, I have to agree – these are trying times.
As a resident of Orleans County, I believe our community deserves leadership grounded in truth, rather than partisan fearmongering and unverified talking points.
In a recent letter, County Legislator Don Allport presented several claims that do not hold up under the simplest scrutiny. Rather than respond to the recitation of those familiar alarmist points about Socialism, I’ll keep this focused on the truth as relates to our election.
No one in Orleans County can vote for someone who is endorsed by the Democratic Socialist Party or who is running a campaign to advance items from their platform.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk about what we can vote for. We should expect that a candidate taking the time to assert historical claims in the local news source would fact check them prior to writing. I have heard Don speak about history, particularly the revolutionary war, with the accuracy and reverence it is due. This leaves me particularly confused regarding the following assertions:
Allport: One vote decided our national language.
Truth: Unless we’re considering the 2025 executive order by the current president, the US does not actually have an officially designated language, and there was never a risk of this occurring were it not for a singular vote.
It’s likely that Mr. Allport refers to the persistent myth stemming from a group of new citizens in Virginia, German speakers, who requested that some of the laws be copied over into German so that they could be readily followed by that populace. The “one vote” difference was not even whether to copy over the laws in German for the residents, rather it was a vote resolving to table the issue and take it up another time. It was defeated 42-41, and the actual measure did not come to the floor.
Allport: The ’60 presidential election was lost by Nixon due to one vote in each election district in Illinois.
Truth: Back in 1960, the path to 270 was actually the path to 269, the number of electoral votes needed then to secure the office of President-elect. Even if the 27 electoral votes from Illinois had gone to Nixon rather than JFK, Kennedy still would have prevailed with 276 votes.
Allport: An earlier Nixon presidency would have prevented so much of the upheaval of the ’60s, including Vietnam, the JFK assassination, and Kent State.
Truth: If we are going to judge Nixon by his fruit, we may find it hard to believe that the man who delayed peace talks through Anna Chenault (something well documented in US historical documents including Haldeman’s own declassified notes) and then carpet bombed Cambodia while hiding it by falsifying military records – resulting directly in the Kent State massacre, would somehow have been the peace president he claimed in word but never deed.
As for the JFK assassination, I don’t think that he would have been shot in November of 1963 if he was not the sitting US president, so perhaps that one could have been averted if the election outcome was reversed.
Back in the local arena, attacking federal safety net programs ignores the reality that low-income residents in Orleans County rely on these services. Would the county choose not to offer them if they were not mandated or supported by federal and state support? An average house assessed at $200,000 paid around $1,600 in county taxes last January. Of that, nearly half of it (roughly $700) paid into Medicaid. This money solely funds healthcare to residents of our county.
Because the most recent census shows that the median household income in Orleans County is $65,969, the median taxpayer spends 1.06% of their annual gross income on healthcare for their neighbors. Maybe there’s a better plan. Maybe there’s a better method of implementing the current plan. But I bet it doesn’t involve calling homes in the county where we all live a cesspool – literally household sewage.
Elected officials should welcome community observation and transparency rather than promoting anti-government cynicism or attacking media credibility. I have met most of the elected officials in this county and, regardless of party affiliation, do not believe that a single person running for or holding office here did so for any motivation but one: to make their community a better place the best way that they know how.
It’s disingenuous to attempt to distinguish local office holders from “politicians.” Government is the system, politics is the method. We should expect all of our elected officials to work methodically to advance good government for the residents they serve.
Therefore, it’s alarming to hear a local politician, writing in his personal capacity, to both misrepresent facts in history and to describe a fear of being watched.
A truth that we do agree on, and the most important truth being advanced in each letter, is that each vote does in fact count and not nearly enough of our neighbors are exercising that right.
Because our elections are how we choose who represents our interests best, I hope that the truth weighs heavily in your decision-making process this year.
See you at the polls,
Jess Marciano
Medina
Marciano is a trustee on the Medina Village Board.
Barker boys place third at X-C sectionals
Barker placed third in the Section VI Class D boys cross-country race today at Elma Meadows.
Barker had six runners among the top 20 finishers including Peyton Wagner (7th), Grayson Prynn (10th), Logan Wagner (12th), Ethan Gancasz (16th), Anthony Taliaferro (18th) and Chace Atwater (19th).
CSP won the race as Maple Grove was second.
In the girls Class D race, Wilson’s Hayden Barlow was 6th and Barker’s Hannah Monaco 7th as Marissa Bryant was Roy-Hart’s top finisher in 15th.
In the boys Class C1 race, Albion’s top three finishers were Stryker Sanders (20th), Rowe Bouchy (21st) and Matt Bloom (25th).
In the boys Class C2 race for Medina Cole Hughes was 5th and Jonathan Dix 9th. Akron’s Quinn O’Malley was 2nd and Newfane’s John Murphy 7th.
In the team competition Albion finished fourth in the C1 race while Akron was second and Medina third in the C2 race.
In the girls Class C2 race, Newfane’s Eden Hillman was 2nd and Akron’s Abigail Bower 4th.
New manufacturing site for semiconductor industry opens at STAMP
Edwards Vacuum builds $319 million facility which will have 600 employees at full capacity
Photos courtesy of Genesee County Economic Development Center: U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer joins Edwards Vacuum leaders and local officials in cutting the ribbon on Thursday for the new manufacturing site at 6685 Crosby Rd., Basom.
Press Release, Genesee County Economic Development Center
BASOM – Edwards Vacuum, a global leader in vacuum and abatement solutions and part of Atlas Copco Group, has celebrated the official opening of its new manufacturing facility in Genesee County.
The facility represents Atlas Copco Group’s continued investment in US manufacturing and semiconductor supply chain infrastructure, helping strengthen America’s ability to produce critical technologies domestically while supporting the continued growth of the semiconductor industry.
Purpose-built to produce the advanced dry vacuum pumps used in semiconductor manufacturing, the Genesee facility expands Edwards’ North American production capabilities and will cater for the demand driven by investments in semiconductor manufacturing across the US.
Powered by renewable hydroelectric energy generated from nearby Niagara Falls, the facility combines advanced manufacturing capabilities with Edwards’ commitment to sustainability, innovation and long-term regional investment.
The Genesee site will support customers across North America and around the world while creating high-quality manufacturing, engineering, and technical career opportunities in Western New York. The investment further strengthens the region’s growing position within the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.
“This facility reflects our confidence in both the future of the semiconductor industry and the strength of the Western New York community,” said Dan Papsidero, General Manager of Edwards’ Product Company Genesee. “As someone who grew up in this region, it is especially rewarding to help lead an investment that creates opportunities for local talent, supports advanced manufacturing, and contributes to the continued growth of our community. We are proud to be building world-class products here, while creating long-term partnerships that will help strengthen the region for generations to come.”
The project is the result of strong collaboration between industry, government, economic development organizations, educational institutions, and community stakeholders. Edwards also recognizes the contributions of regional partners whose support helped advance the project and reinforce Western New York’s growing role in the semiconductor industry.
“The opening of Genesee marks an important milestone in Edwards’ commitment to serving the global semiconductor industry,” said Martin Tollner, President of Atlas Copco Group’s Semiconductor division. “As chip manufacturers continue to invest in next-generation technologies and expanded production in the United States, Edwards is proud to invest alongside them. This facility strengthens domestic manufacturing capabilities, supports a more resilient semiconductor supply chain, and demonstrates our commitment to providing world-class vacuum technology built in the United States.”
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer secured an $18 million federal CHIPS grant award for the Edwards Vacuum project.
“Edwards Vacuum, America’s first semiconductor dry pump manufacturing facility, is open for business right here in Genesee County!” said U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer. “Today, major semiconductor companies look to Genesee County as home to the advanced vacuum technology they need for their chip fabs that only Edwards Vacuum will make in the USA.”
“When I wrote and passed into law the CHIPS & Science Act, it was with bringing to the U.S. and New York cutting-edge facilities like this in mind,” Schumer said. “Four years ago, I personally called on Edwards to locate their new factory along Upstate New York’s emerging semiconductor superhighway. Thankfully, Edwards agreed Genesee County was the best place for their business, bringing up to 600 new, good-paying jobs to Western New York and boosting the region’s growing semiconductor Tech Hub. I’m proud to have delivered $18 million in federal CHIPS funding to Edwards Vacuum to bring this state-of-the-art facility to life. America’s next era of chip manufacturing is underway here in Upstate, and I can confidently say New York’s best days are ahead.”
Edwards Vacuum plans to produce 10,000 dry pumps per year in phase one at its Genesee County facility, with plans to scale up to 20,000 units annually.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Edwards Vacuum’s newly completed state-of-the-art facility represents hundreds of good-paying jobs and millions of dollars invested in Upstate New York. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York is building a strong semiconductor ecosystem statewide, furthering its global reputation as the preeminent hub for advanced manufacturing.”
The grand opening celebration brings together employees, customers, community leaders, educational partners, economic development organizations, and elected officials to recognize the collective effort that helped bring the facility from vision to reality.
The Genesee opening reflects Atlas Copco Group’s continued investment in North American manufacturing and innovation. Together with other recently announced investments across the US, the project underscores the Group’s long-term commitment to advancing technology leadership, supporting strategic industries, strengthening American manufacturing capabilities, and creating sustainable growth opportunities for the future. Atlas Copco Group’s US footprint includes 26 production, remanufacturing, and distribution centers, more than 160 locations, and approximately 7,500 employees, demonstrating the Group’s longstanding commitment to American industry and innovation.
About Edwards
For over 100 years, we’ve been a leading developer and manufacturer of sophisticated vacuum and exhaust management systems and innovative service solutions. Our technology is essential in industries ranging from semiconductors and renewable energy to pharmaceuticals and scientific research.
Part of Atlas Copco Group, we operate as part of a global family of brands. Over 8,000 Edwards employees work together to create, engineer and enable environments where innovation thrives.
Editor’s Note Gov. Kathy Hochul issued this statement about Edwards Vacuum’s new facility in Genesee County: “The completion of the state-of-the-art Edwards Vacuum manufacturing facility is proof positive that there is no place else for advanced manufacturing than New York State. Edwards’ decision to choose New York means hundreds of good-paying jobs and millions of dollars in investment in the Upstate economy while helping to strengthen our domestic semiconductor supply chain and ensuring that New York remains a global hub of innovation and the epicenter of semiconductor manufacturing nationwide.”
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley issued this statement: “This is an exciting milestone for Genesee County and all of Western New York. The opening of Edwards Vacuum represents a tremendous investment in our community, bringing hundreds of good-paying jobs, strengthening our local economy and positioning our region as a leader in advanced manufacturing. Projects like this demonstrate what is possible when we invest in American manufacturing and create opportunities for hardworking New Yorkers to build successful careers right here at home.”
“Western New York has a proud history of manufacturing, and investments like this are helping build its future. I am proud to celebrate this achievement alongside Edwards Vacuum and our local partners. This facility will not only create new opportunities for our workforce but also help ensure Genesee County remains a competitive destination for businesses looking to grow and innovate. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this investment will have on our community for generations to come.”
Part of Route 237 in Kendall to close for culvert replacement from Nov. 2 to Nov. 13
Press Release, NYS Department of Transportation
KENDALL – The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that Route 237 will be closed between Route 18 and Kendall Creek Road in the Town of Kendall, Orleans County, beginning at 7 a.m. on Monday, November 2, to accommodate a culvert replacement project.
The road is expected to be reopened by Friday, November 13.
Motorists should follow the posted detour using Route 104, Route 272 and Route 18.
Motorists should anticipate travel delays during this time and are advised to seek alternate routes if necessary. Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change based on conditions.
Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.
Green Orleans program on Nov. 4 focuses on proliferation of plastics in food
Dr. Jane van Dis
ALBION – Green Orleans, a grassroots organization committed to preserving the environment and an affiliate of the Community Coalition for Justice, is sponsoring a presentation Nov. 4 at Hoag Library on “How to Eat Less Plastic.”
At 6:30 p.m., Dr. Jane van Dis, a doctor at Strong Memorial Hospital, will lead a program on the simple ways to reduce exposure to microplastics.
“We ingest plastics through the food we eat and the water we drink,” van Dis said.
Van Dis has worked with the effects of microplastics on the body, particularly effecting mothers and their babies, said Sister Dolores, coordinator of Green Orleans.
She previously spoke in Albion on March 5, 2025 in a presentation called, “The Toxicity of Plastics.” She lectures nationally and internationally on the intersection of the climate and plastic crisis and women’s and maternal health.
Van Dis co-founded OBGYN’s for Sustainable Future, an interest group of Healthcare Without Harm. She has published in academic journals on the climate crisis and women’s health. She is on Tik Tok, where she addresses plastics, pollution and women’s/maternal health and creates short educational videos.
More than 400 million tons of plastic are produced annually, and environmentalists estimate 25 to 51 trillion plastic pieces currently float across marine environments. At best, only 9 percent of plastics get recycled, Sister Dolores said. Many plastics are not recyclable and even many of those that are wind up in landfills or in our waterways.
The microplastics break down under sunlight and waves into particles smaller than 5 mm, and absorb toxic chemicals. These enter the marine food web and eventually reach human seafood supplies.
Green Orleans began as part of the Community Coalition for Justice in 2020, with people interested in the earth’s sustainability. They meet at 11:30 a.m. the third Thursday of the month at Hoag Library.
The Nov. 4 presentation will include light snacks and refreshments. Those attending are asked to bring a refillable, non-plastic water bottle.
Hrovat will serve Yates well as town supervisor
Editor:
Allow me to add my voice in support of Susan Hrovat for Yates Town Supervisor.
Susan is an accomplished leader with years of experience in multiple public service realms.
She served over two decades as a NYS parole officer and over ten years as a Lyndonville school board member.
Susan became a councilwoman on the Yates town board in 2020. Of particular note, she will be finishing her second year in December as the town’s deputy supervisor.
Did I mention she is an active member of the Lyndonville Lions Club?!
I’ve seen Susan in action – she is smart, patient, thoughtful and articulate. She listens. She is willing to make the tough decisions required of a leader in public service.
Susan consistently tries to balance the common good with the God-given dignity of each person.
I whole-heartedly endorse Susan!
Jim Simon
Yates
Kendall Lions Club donates medical equipment to war victims in Ukraine
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – Members of the Kendall Lions Club have donated medical equipment that will be going to people harmed in the Russian war against Ukraine. Mike Albanese pushes the wheelchair in this photo.
The Lions Club has a Medical Loan Closet in the basement of the Kendall Medical Office at 16815 Roosevelt Hwy. There were many surplus items and the Lions Club donated six wheelchairs, about 70 walkers, and many crutches, rolling walkers with seats and IV poles.
The club still has many of the items to loan out to people who need them in the Kendall community and eastern Orleans County.
“We have way more stuff than we need,” said John Becker, a Lion Club member who runs the Medical Loan Closet with Mike Cusimano and Gary Crawford.
Mike Albanese, left, and Tom Cole, a Lions Club member and owner of the Hilton-Spencerport Express trucking company, put the donated items in one of Cole’s trucks. Cole would then deliver the equipment to a Xerox warehouse in Webster, joining other medical equipment items that will be transported by a shipping container to Ukraine. That shipment will be coordinated by RocMaidan, a humanitarian and medical aid organization affiliated with the Ukrainian Cultural Center of Rochester.
Maureen Lemke of Kendall volunteers with RocMaidan and helped load the medical equipment on Thursday. In addition to all the medical equipment from Kendall and other medical loan closets, she said RocMaidan also will be sending hospital beds, medications, surgical backpacks and energy bars.
Ukraine has suffered since it was invaded by Russia on February 24, 2022.
RocMaidan formed in 2014 to assist Ukraine after a Russian invasion of Crimea. RocMaidan has shipped over 500 tons of aid to Ukraine since then. The organization is packing its 33rd shipping container on Saturday and it will include the medical equipment from Kendall.
Dave Strasenburgh pushes a wheelchair that will be donated to war victims in Ukraine.
Kendall has had a medical loan closet since the 1970s. It was initially based at the Kendall Fire Hall but outgrew that space. It was then in Town Hall basement but needed more room. It is now in the basement of the Kendall Medical Center, where it has a walk-out basement making it easy to bring in items and get them out when they are needed by people in the community.
The group that loaded the medical equipment on Thursday includes, front row, from left: John Becker, Mike Cusimano, Dave Strasenburgh, Gary Crawford, and Maureen and John Lemke. In back: Mike Albanese and Tom Cole.
Green rebounds at Malaysia tourney
Contributed Photo – Melanie Green
Medina’s Melanie Green had a big bounce back round Friday (Malaysia time) at the LPGA Tour’s Maybank Championship being played at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Green, who opened the tourney with a 3 over pas 75, bounced back with a 3 under par 69 second round which included 5 birdies and only 2 bogeys.
Starting on the back nine, Green had birdies on 14 and 16 which offset a bogey on 10.
She then finished strong on the front nine with birdies on 5, 7 and 9 which again more than offset a lone bogey on 1 to improve to even for the tourney.
The tournament will conclude with championship deciding rounds on Saturday and Sunday (Malaysia time).
Kendall puts in new sidewalk near Dollar General store
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – The Town of Kendall Highway Department has installed a new sidewalk from the Dollar General to Kendall Road (Route 237), a project to make pedestrians safer near a busy corridor of the town.
Dollar General opened the 9,100-square-foot store on Dec. 18, 2017 and town officials say the store has been busy. It is located on the north side of Route 18, just west of the Route 237 intersection.
The Highway Department connected a sidewalk from the store to Kendall Road.
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