GOP committee makeup and endorsement process raises questions

Editor:

I am tired of the politics at the national level where nothing seems to be getting accomplished because of a few. The promises never seem to become reality.

I am tired of the politics at the state level where everything is determined by a few and promises are made to everybody.

Now I listen and watch what a few are doing in Orleans County.

The Republican Committee for Orleans County has spoken and they have made their endorsement for the upcoming 2024 District Attorney election. They have selected an out-of-county resident, John Sansone, for the position.

This was a weighted vote election. Each town committee member gets a certain number of votes/points, ranging from 45 to 184. The final tally of votes/points is made and the endorsement goes to the individual who has the highest number of votes/points. It is very possible that the endorsed candidate got fewer individual cast votes but just had a higher vote/point total. Does not sound fair, but that is the process.

The nominated attorney presently lives in Niagara County. He currently holds a limited part-time Assistant DA position for Orleans County and multiple part-time non-prosecutorial positions within local County towns and villages, with numerous promises made for future change upon election.

Susan Howard has dedicated 20 years to the DA’s office, 11 as 1st ADA, prosecuting 100s of criminal cases, including numerous felonies. Her accomplishments as an ADA go on and on. She is a lifelong county Republican and resident. She realizes changes are necessary after any administrative election.

As a lifelong Republican and resident of Orleans County I would hope that each town committee member did their due diligence on both candidates; in regards to their character, work ethic and track record prior to voting.

The voting public is not aware of the fact that Republican committee members do not have to live in the town they represent. Example: Individuals living in Medina could fill a committee vacancy on the Town of Albion committee. Would this opportunity possibly be misused to gain additional votes favorable to a specific candidate in the overall county-wide committee vote? Would Orleans County voters be quite upset to find out that some Republican committee votes were based on a “payback” due to a previous County election. The good old boys club stating “You didn’t support me then, so I won’t support you now.” Especially true if those members were part of the previously mentioned payback club.

FYI, all town committee names with corresponding addresses are indeed available to the public for viewing at the County Office Building, Elections Office and the facts speak for themselves.

Politics can be a dirty game. Some play the game, some do not, that’s why character is so important in an elected official. Those of us that believe in the U.S. Constitution realize that free speech and the ability to express one’s opinion is adamant to our survival in a democratic society. Thank you.

Jim Pratt

Albion