Month: June 2018

Our Letters Policy

Posted 24 October 2023 at 3:00 pm

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.

Sect. VI football schedule has Medina opening at Roy-Hart/Barker and Albion at Olean

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 26 March 2024 at 10:01 am

The just released Section VI 2024 high school football schedule will have Medina visiting neighboring Roy-Hart/Barker and Albion making the long trip to the Southern Tier to face Olean to open the season on Friday September 6.

It is a season schedule filled with a sizeable number of Thursday night and Saturday afternoon contests.

The Mustangs and Purple Eagles will then both have their home openers the following Friday, Sept. 13, as Albion hosts Depew and Medina entertains Newfane.

Albion will also host Maryvale on Friday Sept. 20, Dunkirk on Thursday October 3 and Medina on Friday Oct. 25.

The Purple Eagles will visit Lackawanna on Saturday Sept. 28, Springville on Friday Oct. 11 and Lew-Port on Thursday Oct. 17.

Medina will also host Tonawanda on Friday Sept. 27, Akron on Thursday Oct. 3 and Alden on Friday Oct. 11.

The Mustangs will also visit Cleveland Hill on Saturday Sept. 21 and Maritime on Saturday Oct. 19.

Roy-Hart/Barker will also host Newfane on Thursday Sept. 19, Maritime on Friday, Oct. 11 and Franklinville on Oct. 25.

The road games for Roy-Hart/Barker will include Friday Sept. 13 at Akron, Thursday Sept. 26 at Alden, Saturday Oct. 5 at Cleveland Hill and Friday Oct. 18 at Tonawanda.

Albion’s Schedule
Fri. Sept. 6 at Olean
Fri. Sept 13 Depew
Fri. Sept. 20 Maryvale
Sat. Sept. 28 at Lackawanna
Thurs. Oct. 3 Dunkirk
Fri. Oct. 11 at Springville
Thurs. Oct. 17 at Lew-Port
Fri. Oct. 25 Medina

Medina’s Schedule
Fri. Sept. 6 at Roy-Hart/Barker
Fri. Sept. 13 Newfane
Sat. Sept. 21 at Cleve Hill
Fri. Sept. 27 Tonawanda
Thurs. Oct. 3 Akron
Fri, Oct. 11 Alden
Sat. Oct. 19 at Maritime
Fri. Oct. 25 at Albion

Roy-Hart/Barker’s Schedule
Fri. Sept. 6 Medina
Fri. Sept. 13 at Akron
Thur. Sept. 19 – Newfane
Thurs. Sept. 26 at Alden
Sat. Oct. 5 at Cleve Hill
Fri. Oct. 11 Maritime
Fri. Oct. 18 at Tonawanda
Fri. Oct. 25 Franklinville

Hawley says answers needed on state’s Covid responses

Posted 26 March 2024 at 9:08 am

‘New Yorkers have suffered through unconstitutional lockdowns, mandates and unscientific guidelines’

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) joined his colleagues in the State Assembly on Monday to call for an independent and public review of the state’s Covid response.

Steve Hawley

On March 7, 2020, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency, shutting New York down for over a year, and exactly four years ago on March 25, 2020, Cuomo made the unthinkable decision to force Covid-positive patients into nursing homes.

During the pandemic, roughly 80,000 New Yorkers died while families and local businesses struggled to make ends meet and keep the lights on.

In May of 2022, Gov. Hochul called for a multimillion-dollar study of the state’s pandemic response. Nearly two years later, no due date has been announced and New Yorkers are still left to wonder why their government failed them. This proposed independent study will bring clarity and closure to those who suffered and lost loved ones in the pandemic while holding officials accountable for their actions.

“New Yorkers have suffered through unconstitutional lockdowns, mandates and unscientific guidelines. Now is the time for answers,” Hawley said. “Gov. Cuomo’s reckless policies put countless people in harm’s way and in many cases led to the tragic loss of lives.

“Nursing homes were forced to take in Covid-positive patients and hard-working communities were given curfews and told to stay home while their kids lost valuable time in the classroom. No number of independent reviews can reverse the pain and suffering New Yorkers experienced during that time, but it is our duty to be open and transparent with the public. It’s time for New Yorkers to learn the truth so we will not repeat the mistakes of the past.”

Ortt, Republicans in Legislature want review of state’s ‘disastrous’ Covid response

Posted 26 March 2024 at 9:00 am

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

ALBANY – New York State Senate and Assembly Republicans, U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro, Voices for Seniors Co-Founder Vivian Zayas and Director Tracey Alvino and colleagues from their conferences gathered at the Capitol on Monday, marking the fourth anniversary of the Department of Health directive that forced nursing homes to accept Covid-positive patients.

Rob Ortt

The infamous order was a public health catastrophe that had devastating effects on nursing home populations and directly contributed to the almost 15,000 Covid deaths in long-term care facilities during the pandemic.

The group renewed its calls for the long-awaited independent review of the state’s disastrous Covid response. Despite commitments from the Hochul Administration to conduct an investigation, little to no progress has been made.

As thousands of families continue to wait for answers, the investigation process has only recently identified an outside consultant – Virginia-based The Olson Group, Ltd.. In addition lawmakers on Monday urged the governor to finally convene the “Reimagining Long-Term Care Task Force,” which has also been delayed.

“The best way to ensure New York is better prepared in the future, is to openly and honestly assess the mistakes of the past,” said New York Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “Thousands of families continue to mourn the loss of their loved ones in nursing homes due to the disastrous March 25th directive from former Governor Cuomo. They deserve the thorough, transparent investigation that was promised, not more inaction from their state government.”

Senate and Assembly Republicans have repeatedly requested legislative hearings equipped with subpoena power to seek answers and provide accountability for the families who lost loved ones due to the previous administration’s mishandling of the pandemic. The now publicly disclosed intentional omission of information by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his staff, and the damaging reports from Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Attorney General Letitia James support the need for further examination of the state’s Covid pandemic response by an independent entity.

“Four years of unanswered questions, four years of families grieving, four years of zero transparency,” said Will Barclay, leader of the Assembly Republican Conference. “Under no circumstance should the 2020 nursing home directive ever have been tolerated. Last year, Gov. Kathy Hochul promised families an independent review of the state’s policies during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic; New York families are still awaiting that review.”

Medina car show will move to senior center parking lot

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Cars are on display at Medina’s Canal Basin during a car show last year. The show is moving to the Senior Center parking lot on West Avenue.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 March 2024 at 9:47 pm

MEDINA – The Village Board approved allowing use of the parking lot at the Medina Senior Center at 615 West Ave. as the new home for a car show.

The vote came after several people spoke in favor of keeping the car show at the Canal basin where there is plenty of shade and room for car owners to relax in chairs by the Erie Canal.

The car show in the Canal Basin for nearly 30 years was organized by former Orleans County Sheriff David Green. He retired from the role of car show organizer after last year. The events often drew 80 to 100 cars.

Rollin Hellner and Tom Snyder have offered to organize the shows this year, but Hellner said the costs would be less at the senior center. He owns The Walsh, a bar and restaurant across from the parking lot. He said he can extend his insurance to include the car shows, and also car enthusiasts could also use the bathrooms at The Walsh or nearby Poler’s Pub so port-a-potties wouldn’t need to be rented.

“I want to blow this out of the water,” Hellner said about drawing big crowds for the car show. “I want people to come see our village and beautiful Main Street. It’s going to take the community to make this great.”

Hellner said there are about 80 parking spaces for classic cars when the show moves to the senior center.

Staying at the Canal Basin likely won’t be an option in the near future anyway because Hellner said the state is planning to reconfigure the lot, taking away some parking to add more green space. The state hasn’t announced if and when the project will occur. It is among the proposals for the village’s $4.5 million NY Forward grant.

John Pratt, one of the classic car owners, was among the speakers who said he would prefer the Canal Basin.

“We’ve got a park-like setting,” he said about the Canal Basin. “Everybody likes it down there. It’s user-friendly with the shade and the water. There are a lot of other places they can go and sit in a land old parking lot.”

With the change to the senior center approved, Pratt asked the board to consider closing part of Park Avenue. That would make more space to park classic cars, and provide spots for the owners and their guests to sit in grass with some shade. That suggestion will be considered before the new car show season starts on May 31.

Hellner and Snyder said they are planning 12 car shows until Aug. 30. Two weeks ago they asked that the Super Cruise be on a Friday, with part of Main Street blocked off for about 200 cars. But they have relented from that and agreed to keep the Super Cruise on a Wednesday – Aug. 28.

Village officials don’t want to see Main Street closed on a Friday, which is a busy night for the restaurants.

Marguerite Sherman, the deputy mayor, cast the lone vote against the senior center parking lot for the car show. She wanted to do a walk-through of the parking lot to see how Hellner and Snyder planned to position the cars, to maximize the space. She wanted more time to consider the change, but the other board members agreed to allow use of the lot, with Hellner and Snyder to work out the particular details of how to best host the car shows.

Trustee Tim Elliott made the motion to allow use of the parking lot. He said Hellner and Snyder are eager to start promoting the event.

“The car show in the Canal Basin ended in August,” Elliott said. “This is a brand new car show. It’s their hard work going into this. It’s their money going into it.”

Expanded healthcare services now available for veterans

Posted 25 March 2024 at 1:45 pm

Press Release, Congressman Joe Morelle

ROCHESTER – Congressman Joe Morelle was joined by local leaders today to announce the full implementation of the Honoring Our PACT Act by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs.

All veterans exposed to toxins or other hazards while serving in the military are now eligible to enroll directly in VA healthcare, years ahead of schedule.

“We passed the Honoring Our PACT Act in Congress because our nation’s heroes shouldn’t have to jump through bureaucratic hoops to access the healthcare benefits they have rightfully earned from their courageous service,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I’m thrilled the provisions of our legislation have been implemented ahead of schedule, opening the door to life-saving care for millions of veterans. I am grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs for their swift action and look forward to our continued work together to ensure our veterans have the full benefits they deserve when they return home.”

The bipartisan Honoring our PACT Act, which Congressman Morelle voted to pass in 2022, expanded VA healthcare to veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service including burn pits and airborne hazards; created presumptions for 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers, shifting the burden of proof off our veterans; and streamlined internal processes so more veterans can receive the help and support they need in a timely manner.

As of March 5, 2024, the VA has fully implemented the provisions of the Honoring Our PACT Act by making all veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in our armed forces—whether at home or abroad—eligible to enroll directly in VA health care. While the Honoring Our PACT Act mandates veterans become eligible increments between 2022 and 2032, this decision waives the phase-in approach and makes every veteran eligible for care immediately.

To see if you, your family, or someone you know is eligible for care under the Honoring Our PACT Act, visit VA.gov/PACT. To learn more about how to register for healthcare through the VA, click here.

Medina trustees go to Albany seeking more state aid

Provided photos: Medina trustees Diana Baker, left, and Jess Marciano met with State Sen. Rob Ortt in Albany on Wednesday.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 March 2024 at 10:12 am

ALBANY – Two Village of Medina trustees traveled to the State Capital in Albany last week to seek more state funding for the village.

Jess Marciano and Diana Baker joined about 50 other municipal officials from around the state in Albany for a lobbying day. The event was organized by NYCOM (New York Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials) and the Association of Towns of the State of New York.

Marciano and Baker met with other officials from the state and then went to see the local state legislators, State Sen. Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

The village trustees had a list for the two state legislators. The trustees noted the village government has about 50 full-time employees serving a community with a high-poverty rate.

The employees are in the fire department (21 staff), police department (13 employees), Department of Public Works (12 workers), Clerk’s Office (4 staff) and one code enforcement officer.

The Medina trustees pressed the legislators to push for a sizable increase in AIM (Aid and Incentives to Municipalities) for Medina.

Marciano and Baker presented a chart showing Medina’s meager AIM amount of $45,523 for a village of 6,047 – for $7.53 a person. Smaller cities get more than $100 a person and this is unrestricted aid, to be spent at the discretion of the municipality. (The city of Salamanca, which is similar in size to both the villages of Medina and Albion, collects $928,131 in AIM funding or $156 per person for its 5,929 residents.)

NYCOM also is making more AIM a legislative focus, saying the $715 million total for cities, towns and villages hasn’t been increased in 15 years. NYCOM is seeking a 43 percent increase or another $309 million in AIM.

Jess Marciano, left, and Diana Baker met with Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

Marciano and Baker also said Medina needs more state funding for water and sewer upgrades, and for road maintenance.

“We’re about to go into another incredibly difficult budget year,” Marciano said. “We have to figure out a way to get more money in the village.”

Marciano said Medina isn’t just looking for a state handout. The village has been trying to convince the County Legislature to share more of the local sales tax. The Legislature hasn’t increased the sales tax to towns and village since 2001. It’s been stuck at $1,366,671 for 10 towns and four villages. Medina gets $160,160 of that total.

The local sales tax for the county totalled $23.1 million in 2023. Medina gets less than 1 percent of the total.

The village also is trying to rein in expenses without putting off long overdue projects such as a ladder truck replacement and need to expand the fire hall.

Baker said the discussions with Hawley and Ortt were “very enlightening” as they shared about so many factions in a diverse state, all pushing their own agendas. The smaller towns in rural communities often are overwhelmed by the larger cities and their needs.

Ortt was asked specifically to push legislation that would help the village. Medina has tried for years to have state legislation pass that would allow for a 2 percent occupancy tax for room rentals in the village.

Medina first tried to have the tax imposed in 2018 but it has stalled in the State Legislature.

Hawley has agreed to introduce legislation in the Assembly. Ortt has sponsored the legislation before in the State Senate but now said he is reluctant to back bills that result in a tax increase.

He told Marciano and Baker the “the circumstances have to be right” for him to push the bill in the Senate. He would have to give up something to make a deal with the Democratic Party majority. Right now, he said the Medina legislation benefits so few. But he told Marciano and Baker he isn’t giving up on the legislation.

Baker and Marciano appreciated that both Hawley and Ortt met with the Medina representatives without an appointment. Baker and Marciano said they will schedule more appointments next year so they present Medina’s challenges to more state officials.

“We had very good luck that both were available,” Marciano said about Hawley and Ortt.

Gas prices up less than penny in Orleans, but jump 6 cents in NYS, US

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 March 2024 at 9:44 am

The average price for a gallon regular gasoline went up an average of 6 cents nationally and in New York State in the past week. The national price today is at $3.53, while the statewide average is $3.43.

However, in Orleans County, the average price went up less than a cent, from $3.370 a week ago to $3.376 today, AAA reported.

Here are the prices today among Western New York counties:

  • Orleans, $3.376
  • Genesee, $3.314
  • Wyoming, $3.393
  • Livingston, $3.397
  • Monroe, $3.357
  • Niagara, $3.298
  • Erie, $3.364
  • Chautauqua, $3.522
  • Cattaraugus, $3.431
  • Allegany, $3.432

“While domestic gas demand has been lackluster, rising oil prices helped to push pump prices higher,” AAA said in a statement. “Gas prices are a lot like seasonal temperatures, rising with the arrival of spring. The demand for gasoline increasing during spring break also pushes pump prices higher.

“The upward trend in gas prices is not unusual this time of year. Another critical factor is the arrival of more expensive summer blend gas, which tends to increase pump prices by 10 to 15 cents. That transition is underway in some parts of the country.”

AAA also reported diesel prices remain relatively steady. The national average price for diesel is $4.04, up a cent from last Monday, while the New York average is $4.40, also up a cent.

Veteran quintet leads Lady Tigers softball

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 25 March 2024 at 9:40 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Leading Lyndonville into the upcoming softball season are returnees, from left, Bella Groves, Brooke Robinson, Alexa Robinson, Kayli Miller and Addie Dillenbeck.

Five returnees anchor the lineup for the Lyndonville softball team which is prepping to defend its Genesee Region League Division 2 title.

The Lady Tigers veteran quintet includes senior Kayli Miller (Outfield), junior Addie Dillenbeck (Catcher/Outfield), sophomores Bella Groves (Infield) and Brooke Robinson (Pitcher/Infield) and eighth grader Alexa Robinson (Outfield). Dillenbeck earned G-R All-Star honors last spring.

Lyndonville is also looking to freshman Hannah Fox and seventh grader Braelynn Dillenbeck to help out with the pitching duties.

“We’ve got a really young team,” said Coach Joe Moore. “It depends on our pitching. A big key is for us to gain confidence. Right now we just lack experience so it’s really important to get some games in and get some experience.”

The Lady Tigers main graduation losses included G-R All-Stars Haley Shaffer (Pitcher/Catcher), Lorelei Dillenbeck (Shortstop/Pitcher) and Brianna Krisher (Third base).

Lyndonville, which went 10-3 in the league and 15-4 overall, is scheduled to begin tuning up for the April 9 G-R opener at Elba by hosting Wilson at 5 p.m. Thursday in a non league contest.

Cub Scout Pack 28 stays busy in Medina, welcomes more members

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 March 2024 at 8:13 am

Provided photos

MEDINA – Three Cub Scouts in pack 28 in Medina on Saturday “crossed over” and became Boy Scouts. The new Boy Scouts include, from left: William Mojeski, Jace Campisano and Sidney Mack.

The trio is shown with other Boy Scouts after they earned their “Arrow of Light,” the highest award in Cub Scouts (under 11 years old). They “crossed over” on a ceremonial bridge into Boy Scouts (11 to 18 years old).

These Cub Scouts on Feb. 17 participated in the Pinewood Derby last month. Jace Campisano came in first place with William Mojeski in second.

“We’ve got many fun activities coming up like Buffalo Bisons Baseball Scout Night, Bowl-a-Rama, and summer camp,” said Todd Draper, one of the leaders.

Anyone interested in the program and leave a message with the Scout’s charter organization, The Grove United Methodist Church. A message can be left by contacting Pastor Paul Adell at (585) 798-2142 or by email at medinaumc1@gmail.com.

Petitions due April 5 to run for Hoag Library trustee

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 March 2024 at 8:09 pm

ALBION – Hoag Library has two trustee positions up for election on May 6.

People interested in serving as a trustee need to live in the library service area (central Orleans towns of Barre, Albion, Gaines and Carlton).

Petitions needs to be signed by at least 25 adults in the service area. Petitions have been available at the library service desk since March 14. They are due by 5 p.m. on April 5.

The election will be from noon to 7 p.m. with results announced that night during the library’s annual meeting.

Albion candidate who won on write-in thankful for chance to be trustee

Posted 24 March 2024 at 7:50 pm

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

Candidate who tried to get elected in Lyndonville thanks voters for support

Posted 24 March 2024 at 7:46 pm

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

Tenney uses scare tactics to try to get votes, rather than seeking solutions

Posted 24 March 2024 at 6:58 pm

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

Medina winterguard units compete in Liverpool

Posted 24 March 2024 at 4:34 pm

Press Release, Medina Mustang Band Boosters

Both Medina JV and Varsity Winterguards travelled to Liverpool, near Syracuse, to compete in a Mid-York Color Guard Circuit competition on Saturday.

The Mid-York Circuit is comprised of winterguard programs from Central and Eastern New York, while the North East Color Guard Circuit encompasses those in Western New York.  The trip gave the Medina guards the chance to experience other winterguard programs and thus expand their knowledge and awareness of the artform across the state.

There were 34 guards in a class structure that was somewhat different from those in the NECGC. Medina JV guard remained in the Cadet class and competed against Laurens JV, East Syracuse Minoa JV, Cicero North Syracuse JV2, the Black Knights JV (Rome, NY), and Central Square JV.  Scores ranged from 75.85 for Laurens to Medina’s 65.05.

The SA (Scholastic A) class was divided into three levels with the Medina Varsity competing in the SA2 class against the Laurens Jaguars, Baldwinsville Varsity, East Syracuse Minoa Varsity, and Cicero North Syracuse JV1. Scores ranged from a high of 88.20 for Laurens to 71.22 for Medina.

Medina is gearing up for the North East Color Guard Circuit championships on April 6 at Gates Chili High School.

NY shouldn’t use budget process to bypass public debate of important legislation

Posted 24 March 2024 at 4:14 pm

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