Editor:

“The Trump administration on Monday again asked the Supreme Court to block lower court decisions, requiring it to pay full food assistance benefits to about 42 million Americans, who rely on the nation’s largest anti-hunger program.“ (Washington Post, 11 Nov 2025, page 1)

According to figures published in the Hub, about 5,000 people in Orleans County receive SNAP benefits. Perhaps the Republican leadership in the county could comment on why so many Republican voters are being deprived of SNAP benefits by a Republican President. And, just before the holidays.

Jack Capurso

Ashburn, Va.

Albion High School, Class 1960

Editor:

To residents of Barre, please vote this election! I wanted to take this opportunity to respond to the “Republican endorsed candidates” stating that this election is not about Heritage Wind or renewable energy.

Did you know that the majority of the Barre Republican committee are lease holders or immediate family of lease holders? Did you know that when Dave Waters and I ran the first time, the Republican committee in Barre denied us an interview stating that they “always endorse the incumbent”?

Did you know that this time, when I reached out to seek their endorsement I was told that things have changed and they now required an interview and they went with the “new” candidates? I asked why, and was told that they were going in a “new direction.”

To me they are going in the same direction, endorsing candidates who support or are uninformed about large projects impacting our community, specifically the Heritage Wind project. This financially benefits the committee members and their immediate families’ own interest.

Now I ask you how your voice and opinion has been heard? Or is it a minority with their own financial interests directing this community? Steve Coville has a signed lease and has been and will continue to be paid by Heritage Wind as listed by Heritage Wind.

Wes Miller, as co-chair of the Planning Board, allowed lease holders to vote and discuss the proposed changes for the wind ordinance and at a public hearing. When concerns were brought up about the changes to the wind ordinance, he sat and listened and then read a pre-written note by the attorney that no changes would be made by the Planning Board and they would hand it off to the Town Board. (Did he actually care or listen or would he rather handoff the concerns?)

The endorsed candidates have disregarded the community’s voice. The current Town Board is stalling the new comprehensive plan, mainly trying to hide your comments and the results of the Town survey that shows a majority of the community being opposed to wind, solar, and battery in our community.

The Planning Board co-led by Wes Miller chose to bury the comments and survey results in the back of the “updated comprehensive plan,” going against the recommendation of the professional hired by the planning board from Labella, who shared that very few communities chose to do this of the many that she has worked with.

These individuals do not want your opinion, they have ignored your concerns, they have ignored or failed to investigate, or question the project. The candidates are being endorsed by the same people who endorsed candidates involved in a scam of our community by a University of Buffalo professor that supposedly worked for 16 weeks, 40 hours a week and was paid tens of thousands of dollars for a 7-page report that lacked substance to change our wind ordinance allowing this project to continue.

The endorsed candidates will tell you that this is not about turbines, or renewable energy. The reality is that it is, and their position or lack of position on the biggest thing facing our community actually shows the need for different leadership.

So yes this election is important for you. Please write in “No Turbines” for Supervisor, to make a statement. And please write in the names Iva McKenna and George McKenna for Town Councilmembers, so that we may serve you and protect all residents of our wonderful community.

I promise to continue my commitment to serve you in all Town matters, but to say that this election is not impacted significantly by the Heritage Wind project and renewable energy is deception.

As those candidates have done before them, if Iva and I do not win, these candidates will likely say that their being elected is the endorsement that says “yes, the Town of Barre is in favor of wind turbines.” We know that this is not the case,  please help show them by writing in George and Iva McKenna’s names for Town Councilmembers.

George McKenna

Barre

Editor:

If you are looking for people who truly have your best interests in mind when they serve this community we ask you to please write in George and Iva McKenna.

We have been serving this community volunteering and professionally for decades. We have and will continue to give of our time, energy and resource to serve without being paid by a company that would put 28 of the 625-foot-tall monster fans in our community to put money in their own pockets! I must add with extremely little financially coming back to our community.

The candidates state that this is not about wind turbines or Heritage Wind, but that is because (at least one candidate) is being paid by Heritage Wind. The Heritage Wind project, along with the Hemlock Ridge Solar projects, are probably the biggest changes that will impact all of Barre during the upcoming term.

The Heritage Wind Project would destroy the landscape and beautiful birds we all enjoy, and the hard-earned investments we have put in our homes. Many of us Barre residents would have 6 wind turbines within 1 mile of their home, and they will have to be curtailed for many homes because the project is so poorly sited that homes are predicted to have over the state threshold of 30 hours of flicker (mainly in the morning and in the evening during the summer months when you may be trying to enjoy your home (ours is not one of them) but we have and continue to advocate for those of you who will be impacted)!

Additionally, the acres and acres of trees that are planned to be cleared for this project that help to keep our air clean and provide the oxygen that we need does not benefit anyone.

Yes, the wind turbines would be huge, but they are just the tip of the massive 500-foot blades of concern for our community. Issues of financial concern need to be considered and with the background both George and I have in owning our own business helps us to be financially alert and because of the way that previous boards agreed to the host community agreement, it is solely at the discretion of the Town Board how any funds (although only a fraction of what Heritage Wind had promised when they started pushing this project) are used.

By the way, do you know that for years we have been trying unsuccessfully to get the cost benefit analysis of the bottom line of how much the wind turbines would cost and how much they would earn? Seemingly, they would not save any money or make good amounts of power or the developer would be proud and make it well known!

Even our congressman cannot get the bottom line for us! Who do you think would pay for the cost of the industrial wind turbines….we would! In our power bills and our taxes!

When we started our business and needed a loan, we had to be able to justify the amount we needed to borrow to get the loan which is reasonable, but our government does not feel this is necessary. If you would like any documentation supporting what I have shared above please contact me at 716-474-1865.

Please write in George McKenna and Iva McKenna for the Town Councilmember positions.

Barre matters!  You matter in this situation! You obviously do not have to vote for us. Thank God we live in a free country, but at least vote! Let your opinion matter. No matter how you vote we can still be good friends and neighbors.

Take care and God bless you and yours and this nation …..and Go Bills!

Iva McKenna

Barre

Editor:

Having served a 4-year term on the Shelby Town Board (2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023), I would be honored to be elected to work with the new board on the issues involving our town and to help move our town forward, keeping our spending and taxes down.

I am the endorsed Republican candidate for councilman in the Town of Shelby where I have been a resident for 37 years. I have attended board meetings and workshops for the last 10 years and have always had a great interest in our town.

I would like to thank everyone for the talks we had as I canvassed the town over the last few weeks. To those of you I didn’t get a chance to speak with, I am always open to your questions.

So Town of Shelby voters, as it comes to Election Day on Nov. 4, please exercise your right to vote and make things right in Shelby!!

Please vote Line B, the Republican Line, and choose Jim Heminway – Supervisor, Larry Waters – Councilman, Ed Zelazny – Councilman, and John Pratt – Councilman.

Thank you.

Your support would be greatly appreciated.

John Pratt

Shelby

Editor:

As a proud Clarendon resident and mother of four, I care deeply about the future of our community. Over the past several months, I’ve spoken with many residents, and one message comes through clearly: people want a town government that listens, communicates openly, and keeps residents informed.

If elected, I’ll work to make local government more transparent and accessible. I’ll promote clear communication about town decisions, encourage public participation, and ensure that every resident’s voice is valued.

As the wife of a veteran and a working mom, I believe in practical, respectful leadership that puts people above politics. Clarendon deserves representatives who listen, act with integrity, and serve with accountability.

I would be honored to earn your trust and your vote. On Tuesday, November 4th between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m., don’t forget to cast your ballot at the Town Hall at 16385 Church St, Clarendon, NY 14429.

Respectfully,

Cecelia Pacheco Stevens

Democratic Candidate for Clarendon Town Council

Editor:

Shelby voters, I would like to tell you a few things about my friend and fellow committeeman Mark Wambach.

First off, Mark is not a politician. When the former councilman abandoned his seat and made the seat available to the three parties in Orleans County, Mark stepped up without hesitating. He felt it was his duty to help his town out of a bad situation.

Mark pays attention to the smallest details. Mark is a problem solver and will bring that with him to be an asset to the three candidates that won the primary in June of this year. Mark’s insight will bring fresh ideas to Shelby’s town government.

Mark understands that with an aging and tax stressed population in your town that keeping taxes flat or reducing them is paramount to a thriving community. Mark also understands that allowing new business and reducing the government stresses on existing ones will only make for a better vibrant community.

Mark will work with other towns and their leaders to get the best deal for you. It’s constituents first and foremost. Mark has a great respect for the farming community that is the backbone of the town.

Mark has attended workshops and meetings and is well versed on what is going on in the town. He will come in if elected with a good understanding of the problems that need to be addressed. Mark is a very approachable person and willing to listen. Mark is not afraid to admit if he is wrong and will make a concerted effort to change course.

Mark above all is honest and hard working. His word is his bond. He will be very frugal with your tax dollars and only spend what is absolutely necessary to keep government working. Only needs over wants. Living within the means of the money collected.

He knows what a burden it has become for a good majority of you coming up with the money for that tax bill. I truly believe he will work hard to make the town of Shelby a better place to live for all of its residents.

Folks it’s time to elect people who have true conservative principles when it comes to your money and quite frankly the party that has been in control has violated that trust. Please vote for Mark on Row C the Conservative Party line and vote for all the conservative party-endorsed candidates right across the line.

The team of James Heminway for Supervisor, Lawrence Waters, Edward Zelazny and Mark Wambach as your town councilmen are a dream team for all the taxpayers in your town. They will work for you. No agendas. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Don’t sit this one out. Go vote.

 Paul Lauricella

Orleans County Conservative Party Chairman

Editor:

Congratulations to the Tonawanda Seneca Nation for their second massive legal victory against STAMP and the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC).

Through their ligation they forced the US Fish and Wildlife Service to retract a key right-of-way permit that would have allowed STAMP to run a waterline through the swamps into Orleans County. It would have dumped up to 6 million gallons of phosphorous-laden waste water into the already endangered Oak Orchard Creek.

While many Orleans County residents only learned about it recently, the Nation had been fighting it for years. The hydrogen globes stand idle with no ability to channel waste water. Their desperate attempt to divert the waste water through Oakfield will likely fail.

Having failed here, GCEDC attempted to push through a massive data center using an outdated and insufficient State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) like they have done in the past.

But this time, in a masterly move, the Nation joined forces with the Sierra Club and challenged the dubious SEQR in court. Knowing they didn’t have a leg to stand on, GCEDC voluntarily retracted project approval requests. They tried to spin it that the reason was because they intend to build an even larger data center.

But the reality is that all environmental reviews of future projects won’t sneak through behind closed doors and will be thoroughly reviewed and a larger data center would have an even bigger influence on the environment. To date the Stream U.S. data center has not completed a purchase and sale agreement for the land and it remains in doubt.

The Nation and the Sierra Club have dismissed their litigation with prejudice which allows them to return to court with the same issues in any further projects. Victory!

STAMP’s placement of the 1,263 acres in agricultural land, surrounded by a network of protected land that encompasses ecologically rich wetlands and forests that provide critical habitat for a diversity for birds, plants and animals borders on criminal.

It is plausible that STAMP would have no footprint there at all if they had followed legal guidelines like consulting with an adjoining sovereign nation as required by law. But they have chosen to conceal their actions from the public from day one until the present with the hopes of progressing without public knowledge or challenge.

The terrain of the STAMP land and its water runoff leads directly to the Tonawanda Creek where any harmful drainage or spills will affect the people of the Tonawanda Rez directly. They have wells not city water. The ancient Big Woods located between the Rez and STAMP has long been a source of medicinal plants and a valued hunting ground is at risk. They are fighting for their way of life over land that was once part of the reservation and stolen from them.

After 20 years and more than $410 million in subsidies paid by us, the taxpayers, GCDEC has struggled to get viable tenants. Currently, only Edwards Vacuum is under construction. It’s time to cut our losses and stop using tax payers’ money to keep it propped up.

The Tonawanda Nation has not won the war. But they have won some key victories and will continue to fight until their land and way of life is secure. The People of the Longhouse have a belief that they should look seven generations ahead when making decisions and that is what they are doing.

I celebrate their victories and you can too. There is a Victory Rally at Batavia City Hall on November 8th at noon to celebrate No Data Centers at STAMP. Everyone is welcome.  You can also follow them on Facebook on their Allies of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation.

Arthur Barnes

Shelby

Editor:

To all Barre residents, we humbly request your vote on Tuesday, November 4th. The three of us have been volunteering for various boards in the town now for many years. We have also been endorsed by the Republican Party and would greatly appreciate your vote to continue serving the town as Councilmen and Supervisor.

This upcoming election is not about green energy or wind turbines. It is however about electing three new people to the town board who bring passion, dedication and open mindedness. Our goal is to serve the town of Barre and you the residents in the best way possible.

We thank you in advance for your support.

Please use this email to contact us with any concerns we may address as your future town board members: Barreny2025elc@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

Stephen Coville, running for Supervisor

Wes Miller, running for town councilman

Dave Allen, running for town councilman

Editor:

I am seeking re-election as Town Council member and humbly ask for your vote once again. My first term has been a great experience; I am blessed to serve on a Town Board that cares deeply about our town. The board does not always agree, but we are always respectful of each other’s ideas and opinions.

For those residents who may not know me, I am 47 and have lived in Clarendon for over 36 years of my life. I grew up here, got my first job in town, and my wife and I are currently raising our two children here.

I am currently employed as the Jail Superintendent for Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and at one time, served as Union President of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Employees Association.

In these positions I’ve been tasked to create, examine and implement policies. I train, counsel and manage employees, while also being charged with the care, custody and control of the incarcerated population.

I have taken part in contract negotiations, mutual agreements and grievances. These experiences have allowed me to develop the skills, knowledge and awareness to serve in the role of town councilman.

I will continue to be a dedicated servant, represent our town with pride and will be available to hear the concerns of Clarendon residents. I have an appreciation for this community and most importantly, I care.

I would be honored to earn your support when you fill out your ballot this election cycle. You can find me on the Republican line.

Respectfully,

Chris Caufield

Clarendon

Editor:

In the darkness of night on Sept. 30, 2025, approximately 300 federal agents, in full tactical gear and face coverings to prevent accountability, some even rappelling from Black Hawk helicopters, attacked a Chicago apartment building with 130 units.

Carrying fully automatic weapons, they threw flash bang grenades and chemical agents, breaking down doors, zip-tying residents, separating children from their parents, and detained residents, including some U.S. citizens, for hours.

They kicked down doors, emptied bookshelves and overturned mattresses. The operation was filmed for propaganda purposes showing residents terror-stricken and humiliated. They arrested 37 people.

Aid groups, lawyers and journalists are having a difficult time identifying and locating those taken by federal agents. Federal officials have not identified those arrested nor stated where they are, making it impossible to verify claims that those taken were immigrants with criminal records.

The New York Times reported that at least three people identified as being arrested in the raid had no criminal record. The Associated Press reported that “only two of the 37 immigrants arrested were gang members.” The Trump administration claims that they are arresting criminals including rapists, murderers and child predators.

But the government’s own evidence and the data demonstrate that isn’t the case. ICE’s own statistics show that 71.7% of those detained had no criminal records. The only logical explanation I can come up with is to terrorize citizens.

Thomas Jefferson stated: “When government fears the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.” This administration wants us to fear the government. Furthermore, these actions violate the Constitution of the Unted States in several ways.

One of the ways these actions violate the Constitution is the Fourth Amendment. At no time did these agents present a warrant for their searches, seizures or arrest in clear violation of the Constitution’s Fourth Amendment.

“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, homes, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated.” The Constitution is clear about this; even those in the country illegally have protection of the Fourth Amendment.

The Fourth Amendment grew out of resistance to King George III’s use of general warrants, called Writs of Assistance which allowed customs officials to search homes and shops for contraband and smuggled goods. General warrants were used by the King to go after his enemies, real or perceived.

In 1761 Boston merchants filed a lawsuit against these general warrants in a case called Paxton v Gray. James Otis, a prominent lawyer, was hired to represent the merchants.  In attendance at the trial was John Adams, who took copious notes and recalls Mr. Otis’s fiery defense using the impossible to verify claims that those taken were immigrants with criminal records.

The new phase “A man’s home is his castle,” and “Taxation without representation is tyranny.” Years later, Mr. Adams recalled “American Independence was then and there born.”

While he lost the case, the freedoms he fought for were enshrined in the Constitution’s Fourth Amendment rights. The Trump administration with Republican enablers, are intentionally, deliberately and knowing violating our Constitutional rights.  That is why we protest at no-kings rallies.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

In today’s world, local government is the most important. While the Federal Government is “shut down,” locally, our government is producing!

We at the County level manage not only NY State-mandated services and programs that are typically unfunded, resulting in higher taxes to our residents, but we also balance quality-of-life desires that are funded through our sales tax revenues, various grants, and other creative funding streams.

To suggest that Orleans County is a “business as usual” organization is misleading. While I have been a County Legislator, primarily representing the residents of the 4th District of Carlton, Kendall, Murray, the Village of Holley, as well as the rest of the County, I have entrenched myself into being a quite vocal voice to see my home county prosper.

As a retired Correction Officer, while simultaneously operating a successful business and developing a new tourist destination on the banks of the Erie Canal, I believe in leading by example. I believe that community growth starts with economic growth. That is why I not only sit on the Orleans County EDA Board of Directors as the Treasurer, I am also the current Vice-Chairman of the Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council, so that I can bring back to this County, ideas and insights that may help us prosper.

In the past four years, I have also represented my district by regularly attending monthly board meetings, providing input to County activities, and also receiving feedback to help with more local concerns.

I’ve participated in the Lake Ontario State Parkway Study, the Kendall, Yates, Carlton Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan (LWRP), the Orleans County Erie Canal LWRP, and am currently on the Carlton Master Plan Steering Committee.

In order to maintain meaningful dialogue with the other leaders of the county, I am also the Co-Chairman of the Orleans County Association of Municipalities. As the current Chairman of the Administration and Finance Committee for the Legislature, which not only details internal department operations, we are also responsible for developing the County Budget.

Again, due to the unfunded state mandates that are placed upon us, our ability to generate the necessary revenue through property taxes, which are capped at 2% annually without penalty, and sales taxes that are not a set figure, we have transformed from an organization that “was used to doing things because that’s the way it’s always been done” to one that does things because it’s in the best interest of the community.

While I’m sure that there are things that may not appear that way, I, along with the other six Legislators, have always been approachable to explain our decisions. Thank you to the voters of my District and to the rest of the County residents for the faith you have placed in me, and I hope to continue to earn your vote this election cycle.

Respectfully,

John M. Fitzak

Carlton

Editor:

“They have no money. They have nothing,” Trump said this week. “They’re fighting so hard to survive.”

And for a second I thought he was describing Americans—either the million federal employees furloughed or working without pay, or the soybean farmers and cattle ranchers whose industries have been decimated by tariffs, or the millions whose health insurance will become so unaffordable next year they’ll lose coverage—but he wasn’t talking about Americans.

“They are dying,” Trump said of Argentina. “We’re going to help them survive in a free world.”

Nearly 6.6 million New Yorkers rely on marketplace insurance, with almost a third of them enrolled in the Essential Plan or a subsidized ACA plan. Republicans and Democrats knew in January that ACA subsidies would run out this year, but in March, when they passed a continuing resolution on the budget, they did nothing.

Then, the “Big Beautiful Bill” passage in July not only again ignored ACA subsidies, but enacted cuts that would strip millions more Americans of their health insurance. Democrats were right to realize that what shred of respect their voters still had for them would be lost if they didn’t stand up for underinsured Americans just trying to survive, so they said no, Mike Johnson: fix this problem, or we’re not voting for your budget.

And yes, the ACA is broken. Even at its current prices, I still spend well over 10% of my income on a premium for coverage and can’t use. But even though I won’t lose the subsidy because I don’t qualify for it, my insurance premium will rise next year by 14%. If the ACA subsidies are not revived, every one of the 6.6 million citizens living in NY will see record high increases in their premiums next year.

The only good thing Republicans have done this year was stop telling the American people the lie that this budget fight was about “giving illegal aliens healthcare,” but their new talking point makes no more sense. Paying for ACA subsidies is too expensive? Americans’ lives are too expensive?

If Trump took Argentina’s $20 billion (which offers zero benefit for Americans, for no reason other than to prop up the craven and dying philosophy of libertarianism) and added one year of new spending on his private militia (ICE – $18.7 billion), he’d have more than enough to pay for a year of ACA subsidies. At least that would get him through the midterms.

But Mike Johnson and the other weasels propping up the dying philosophy of “America First” don’t need popular support for the midterms. All they need to do to keep power is redraw states’ district lines, strip out the Civil Rights Act, and terrorize poor and working class Americans into silence with these military occupation “practice” runs.

To Mike Johnson, John Thune, and Claudia Tenney—what is your answer on our broken healthcare system? You whine that the ACA should have never been passed, because the only salience you ever have with your low-information base is playing the victim.

You control every branch of government. You have all the power you need to deliver solutions on Americans’ access to quality, affordable healthcare. You have no ideas, except that the poor should die because they didn’t work hard enough. When that begins to happen, you won’t even hear Trump admit, “They are dying.” He’ll say, just like he did when asked about Charlie Kirk’s death, “Have you seen my new ballroom?”

Sincerely,

Tyler Barton

Hamlin

Editor:

The Orleans County Democrats are proud this year to be able to give you some choices for the November elections.

We have Fred Miller, Legislator for District 3, towns of Albion and Gaines; Cecelia Pacheco Stevens who will represent the Clarendon Town Council well; Marlene Seielstad who will be an outstanding member on the Carlton Town Board; and a well motivated Jeremy Ross who is a write-in candidate for Legislator District 4, towns of Carlton, Kendall, and Murrary (all but District 5).

Check out their resumes. They are all well qualified and ready to make some needed improvements in Orleans County.

Please exercise your right to Vote.

Jeanne Crane

Carlton

Editor:

Orleans County voter, do you want an end to “business as usual” on the Orleans County Legislature?

Jeremy Ross is a Town of Murray resident with a job, a wife and two young children—as well as a sound mind—who would be up to the challenge of serving as county legislator for District 4 (Carlton, Kendall and Murray). He and his family have a home just east of the Village of Holley.

A George Bower/Rich Bennett-type candidate doesn’t come around that often. Want a legislator who thinks for himself and bucks the party line when conscience dictates?

Perhaps it’s time for an infusion of fresh ideas on our Legislature. We believe giving Jeremy Ross serious consideration for District 4 county legislator when you vote in November would be a good idea.

Sincerely yours,

Aggie Recco of Lyndonville

Gary Kent of Albion

Richard Della Costa of Kendall

Editor:

My name is Ryan Woolston, and I am proud to be running for the Carlton Town Board. Carlton has always been my home—I was born and raised here, built my home here, and now my wife and I are raising our family in this community that means so much to us.

I believe Carlton has incredible potential, and I want to help guide us toward a stronger future. That means:

Supporting Local Business – Our small businesses are the backbone of Carlton. From Point Breeze to Oak Orchard Creek, we have unique assets that bring in visitors. Let’s make sure those tourism dollars stay here and strengthen our economy.

Enhancing Our Town Park – The park is the heart of our community. Coaches, families, and kids already spend countless hours there. With the right improvements, it can become an even greater place for recreation, connection, and pride.

Creating a Future Where Families Can Thrive – By investing in our infrastructure, supporting growth, and keeping Carlton safe and welcoming, we can ensure that future generations will be proud to call this town home.

I would be honored to earn your support this November. Please follow my campaign on Facebook to stay connected!

Together, we can build a Carlton that works for all of us.

God Bless, go Bills!

Ryan Woolston

Carlton