Editor:

This Labor Day, as we gather with family, friends and neighbors, it is worth pausing to reflect on the state of working people in New York and across the nation. This year has brought challenges and progress, tested our resolve and proved once again that our greatest strength is unity.

Throughout 2025, public employees have faced renewed attacks from corporate-backed groups such as the Freedom Foundation. These groups have poured resources into spreading misinformation to divide and weaken the voices of workers. Yet, what they do not understand is that working people know what is at stake: fair pay, safe workplaces, affordable health care and secure retirements. These are not luxuries. They are rights that generations of workers have fought for, and we will not give them up.

CSEA continues to celebrate the diversity and strength of America’s labor movement as we face challenge. This year, our union honored Black labor leaders during Black History Month, celebrated Pride Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and Juneteenth and lifted the women whose contributions built the foundation of our unions. These are reminders that the labor movement is strong because it reflects the full diversity of working people, and it is strongest when every voice is valued.

That unity is needed now more than ever. The federal reconciliation bill includes massive cuts to funding that would devastate schools, hospitals, and community programs across New York. Those cuts will blow holes in state, local, and school district budgets in our state and across the nation.

This is not a Washington, D,C, problem. It is one that will directly harm working people and the communities we live in. For CSEA members, this is a major concern.  We work in every corner of New York, doing different jobs and living in different communities, but we come together in one powerful voice. That unity is what keeps New York moving ahead, and it will carry us through whatever comes next.

The state of labor in 2025 is one of resilience. Working people are being tested, but we are not shaken. We stand ready to protect one another, defend vital public services and fight for the future. CSEA also mourns the loss of former CSEA President Danny Donohue, a dear friend and fearless labor leader. Danny never backed down from a fight, and his example reminds us that the challenges ahead are great, but so is our collective strength. As history shows, when workers stand together, we win.

Mary E. Sullivan

State-wide President of CSEA

Editor:

The term “windfall profit” originated in old England when the public could not, by law, fell trees to collect the wood for sale.  Only when high winds brought trees down could they be cut up to sell, hence the reference.

Recently, a different type of windfall profit occurred when property tax assessments skyrocketed. Municipalities, schools and fire districts collect local revenue largely through property taxes which meant the dramatic rise in assessments of 40, 50, 60 percent or more within the last few years would hit property owners hard.

And that happened. Owners received 3, 4, or even 5 separate bills from taxing authorities in short succession based on those higher assessments.

Yet, each of those bills are from a taxing authority which lacks any mechanism to measure the most important data point: whether the taxpayer can afford to pay.  To better understand this question, local taxing authorities must first know the combined tax rates their property owners face.

The second need is to recognize the changing demographics within Orleans County.  This knowledge is a requirement before deciding to raise taxes and is particularly so for adding capital expenditures which incur long-term payments on significant debt.

An easy first step toward answering the first item is with a visit to the Orleans County Real Property website. There, all current tax rates are listed for the County, Towns, Villages, Schools and Fire Districts.

While several different combinations exist, some property owners are already paying as much as $35, $40, and almost $45 per thousand of assessed property value before exemptions.

Total taxes paid though are not the only consideration to budgeting for local taxing authorities. Every local official must also study who constitutes their tax base and where this population is trending.

The County is set to change significantly in the next 20 years with the youngest Baby Boomers now retiring and the older of this cohort reaching their 80s in 2026.  More property owners on fixed incomes means less flexibility to add spending.

Other metrics must also be reviewed such as housing occupancy, housing type/stock, employment rates, and median household income among other criteria.  All of these and more data are available on the American Community Survey from the US Census Bureau for the County, by towns, and even individual zip codes. This data stretches back several years so one may see how the local population is trending.

No longer is developing a yearly budget only determined by what department heads, commissioners, or boards want to spend, but equally by who is paying and what they can afford.

The data is there to indicate taxes post reassessments are already high and there are oncoming changes to the tax base. Now is the time to adapt and respond before the full force of demographic changes are realized in Orleans County.

Sincerely,

Matt Passarell

Albion

Editor:

In reflecting on various recent Orleans Hub articles coupled with my own growing pains as a person, an Orleans County resident, and an employee within human services, I was hopeful that others might take the time to consider my recent thoughts on leadership.

Generally I believe most people conceptualize leaders as those who hold certain titles, those who may be of a specific socioeconomic status, or those who are elected officials. Leaders, however, can be both formal and informal.

Regardless of what your position within a specific community might be, a person holds tremendous power simply by the way that they present themselves and the values that they hold and stand by.

I think that too often formal leaders may lose sight of the fact that small interactions hold significant weight in others’ trust in them. Everyday interactions cascade into the community’s trust in larger, more weighty decision-making.

These interactions can include, for example: timely responses to communication efforts, consideration for alternative perspectives or circumstances, displays of investment in others’ interests.

I love people. I believe in the power of humans and human connection. I also trust other’s ability to have perception. I think leaders should never doubt the ability for community members to pick up on disingenuity.

Trust in a person starts small and snowballs; this takes consistency and authenticity. I do not by any means believe that faith in leaders means agreement in all decisions made.

However, I do believe that regardless of decisions, faith in leaders can be maintained if that leader has integrity on issues both large and small and is genuine regardless of setting or circumstance.

Alyssa Thomas

Medina

Editor:

With the Medina Summer Recreation program coming to an end today I would like to thank all the people involved.

We had a great staff at both the pool and the park (Miriam Fike, Cam Kenward, Will Roush, Maddy Mark, Lexoni Russo, Bailiegh McAdoo, Liliah Class, Allie Frentz, Maddy Farely, Andrea Benz, Caityn Mickey, Cole Herman, Cam Fike, Cassidy Janas, and Molly Cook). I especially appreciate my supervisors, Gabe Mark and Hayden Wodroe. I could have not done this program without these two gentlemen.

I would like to thank Mark’s for having our kids down to make pizzas.  They look forward to the trips each week.

Thank you to the Medina Fire Department for having us in to help wash the trucks and for bringing the sprinkler and lunch to the park (especially Steve Cooley for organizing our visits).

Thank you to Brush Strokes. Their pieces came out wonderful and they love them!

Thank you to Medina Bowling Lanes for welcoming us in for a fun time.

Thank you to Dubby’s Tailgate, the kids enjoyed all the games, many of them had never been before.

Thank you to Roy-Hart Central School (Jill Heck, Dotti Barr and Tim, especially). Many kids continued to gain swimming skills that we would not have been able to provide without you allowing us to use your pool again this summer.

Thank you to the Medina Central School (Mark Kruzynski, Mark Klotzbach, Eric LeVan, and  Kevin Czaja, especially) for allowing us to use the school grounds, buses, etc.

Thank you for the support from the Joint Recreation Commission – Mary Woodruff, Linda Limina, Jeff Toussaint, Jess Marciano, Steve Seitz, Jada Burgess, and Debbie Padoleski.  These individuals work with their respective municipalities to set aside the funds so that this program remains free for the kids and families.

Finally I would like to thank the families that trust us to teach your children swimming lessons and provide them with fun filled activities. If your children enjoyed Mark’s, Dubby’s, Brush Strokes and Medina Bowling, consider visiting them throughout the year.  I look forward to seeing you all again next summer!

Michelle Capstick

Director of the Joint Recreation Summer Recreation Program

Editor:

I am a Genesee County resident and I am writing to you in order to raise awareness about the STAMP project.

Specifically, how it will affect our local Fire and EMS services. Being rural, we rely on our valued volunteer fire departments. Those departments are staffed with very well trained and respected volunteers who are the cornerstone of our communities.

Those of us who live in the vicinity of the STAMP site find ourselves wondering how this very large addition to our area will affect our volunteer companies and their capabilities to respond to citizens in a safe and timely manner. I also wonder whether they have the correct equipment for a possible large chemical fire.

I have health barriers as do many of my neighbors both on and off the Tonawanda Seneca Nation. I am also concerned about the very large elderly population that resides in this corner of the county.

From what I understand, the way we would estimate how this project will affect our local Fire and EMS services is by having a study done. The study would take all kinds of factors into consideration including population, infrastructure, weather, water availability, etc. But, after attending a Town of Alabama board meeting I learned that the last study was done all the way back in 2012!

This was surprising to me as I had just assumed that one was done for the STAMP project. A facility that is expected to have a footprint of 16 football fields! A lot has changed around this area in the last 13 years. I was even more astonished to find out that none of the recommendations in 2012 were ever implemented. It appears that there was a plan for a “Joint EMS Services Study” in 2024 by the Town of Alabama and the Village of Oakfield. But, so far that study is unfunded and has not been initiated.

The lack of a proper study is very troubling to me because according to GCEDC, Edwards Vacuum is aiming to be open and operational by the end of the year! Furthermore, GCEDC plans to build a 500,000-gallon Fire Suppression Tank in case of fire or explosion on site. Are they just guessing that this will be sufficient? Because local Departments do not have the right equipment for what is very likely to be a large chemical fire.

I am very worried about how the GCEDC is handling this entire project. I am worried about our local volunteers being overburdened and stretched too thin. Especially, as many of them reach retirement age.

And, God forbid, I am most of all worried about a catastrophic incident such as an explosion or fire! The closest residence is only 400 feet away!

Residents of Genesee County must demand that no tenants at STAMP be allowed to begin operations and that all construction be halted until a comprehensive study with updated data is done to assess EMS and Fire services and recommendations are implemented.

The more I read about this project the more it appears that CEO Mark Masse and the GCEDC are more than willing to do interviews and advertise their “development projects” but when it comes to resident safety and concerns there is no word from them. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Adrienne Yocina

Corfu

Editor:

Our President said recently that he knows more about tariffs and economic sanctions than anyone. He may have been just kidding!

Does he know that he is the head of the executive branch of the federal government and that his role is outlined primarily in article two of the Constitution? The President is the person who is expected to enforce the law.

Has he read the Constitution or had anyone explain it to him? Perhaps he started reading it, got bored, and decided to play some golf before he got to sections seven and eight in article one. Article one outlines the role to be played by Congress in our republican form of government.

Had the President stayed with it long enough to check out sections seven and eight, he may have noticed that the power to tax was assigned by the Constitution to the legislative branch (Congress), not the President.

But that’s no big deal. He’s not bound by what those pesky founding fathers had to say. After all, in his mind at least, he may be above the law.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent

Albion

Photo by Tom Rivers: Fireworks light up the sky near the midway of the Orleans County 4-H Fair on July 25.

Editor:

Dear friends of the Orleans County 4-H Fair, now that the fair has come to an end, we want to thank everyone who helped make it such a great success. It truly takes a whole community, and we’re so grateful for each of you.

To our volunteers – your time, energy, and heart are the backbone of this fair. From organizing barns, to helping with contests, setting up exhibits and booths, lending a hand amongst each other’s families, cleaning up at the end of long days, and so much more, you do it all. You step in wherever you’re needed, often behind the scenes, without hesitation. We appreciate you more than words can say. This fair simply couldn’t happen without your commitment, kindness, and hard work. You are the quiet heroes who keep everything moving forward.

To our fairgoers – thank you for coming out and enjoying the fair with us. Whether you came for the animals, the food, the shows, the midway rides, or just a fun day with your family, your support means everything to us.

To our sponsors – your support helps us keep this fair going strong. Because of you, we’re able to give our 4-H youth amazing opportunities to grow, learn, and shine. We can’t thank you enough.

To our vendors – thank you for filling the fairgrounds with tasty food, fun games, and unique items. You helped make the fair a place where there was something for everyone.

To our midway team – thank you for bringing the adventure! From the spinning rides to the glowing lights and carnival games, you gave our fair the fun and excitement we all look forward to.

And to our 4-H members and families – you are the heart of the fair. Your dedication, passion, and hard work are what make this event so special. We are proud of everything you’ve accomplished and thankful to be part of your journey.

Thank you all for being part of this year’s fair. Because of you, it was full of fun, learning, and community spirit. We’re already looking forward to next year!

With gratitude,

The Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension Fair Committee

Editor:

Another successful 4-H fair is on record. In the coverage of the fair one area was overlooked, the exhibits in the Trolley Building.

These  exhibits are an important part of the fair and should be showcased. These 4-Hers work hard all year long with their leaders and families.  Some of these kids only display exhibits in the Trolley Building and have no other showcase for their talents.

Instead of waiting for a press release from the office someone could stop in and take some pictures and ask some questions. This would be beneficial to all the kids exhibiting in the Trolley Building.

You will never be disappointed when you stop in the Trolley Building.  A huge shout out to all the kids who showcased their talents. Keep up the fantastic work.

Sincerely,

Louise Henderson

Barre

(Henderson has volunteered for more than 45 years with the 4-H program.)

Chart information compiled by Joseph Sidonio

Editor:

On April 1, 2025 Spectrum News reported on a fire district merger in Chautauqua County. Attorney Bradley Pinsky, of Pinsky Law Group in Syracuse, “with decades of fire service experience” stated, “The goal of consolidation is not usually to save money, it’s to be able to be more efficient, to have one set of polices, one chief, one training officer, one governing board……”

To that point, after consolidation, the Murray Joint Fire District budget recently increased 118% despite obtaining sizeable grants. Albion Fire District’s desire to purchase a new $2.2 million dollar truck will almost certainly increase taxes. Interestingly, the new Albion Joint Fire District and recently formed Murray Joint Fire District have the two largest budgets in Orleans County.

It’s noteworthy Orleans County is currently studying how to best provide EMS and fire protection countywide. Fire districts, like schools, towns and villages look at what is best for their jurisdictions. Do they ever consider the collective tax impacts to constituents or how you will afford to pay for their individual spending habits?

It is no secret I am concerned about the future of agriculture. In speaking with the farming community across our region, the financial hardship of increased fire district budgets levying full market value taxation on farmland is devastating.

In early spring I brought the issue to the Murray Joint Fire Commission requesting a resolution like fire districts in neighboring counties who apply agricultural values to farmland. County, town, school, and libraries all respect the hardships of being a farmer and utilize agricultural values in the calculation of their budgets.

Fire Districts are the only taxing jurisdiction that do not. The increasing cost of fire district land tax is unfairly burdensome to the farming community, the backbone of Orleans County.

In March I wrote of the impending threat to Orleans County agriculture from increased land taxes when fire districts purchase capital equipment. Click here to see that letter, “Fire districts need to give farmland a fair discount or else agriculture faces another threat.”

Apparently, the impending threat to agriculture is spreading sooner than expected. I strongly encourage all farmers and landowners engaged in agricultural pursuits across the county, especially those in Murray, Albion and Gaines to urge their Commissioners to respect Agricultural Land Values during their upcoming budgeting process. The future of agriculture in Orleans County is stressed. Disproportionately valuing farmland at retail value is completely unfair and threatens the livelihood of family farms and local jobs.

While I advocate for agriculture and will continue to do so, homeowners too are affected by huge budget increases. I looked at the Fire District Budget. There can be tax relief for you as well if the Commissioners wish.

I appreciate Attorney Pinsky speaking frankly: “The goal of consolidation is not about saving money…”

Thank you to our first responders. We appreciate you and what you do. But it does not exempt you from being fiscally responsible.

Joseph Sidonio

Murray

Editor:

Where does one begin? There is so much to choose from. As citizens of the republic bequeathed to us by our founders back in 1787 we do not have the option of throwing in the towel and giving up. Of course, everyone is entitled to her/his own opinion.

My purpose in putting this together is to get folks to pay more attention to foreign policy. Eastern Europe and the middle east, in my view, are not given enough attention by our leaders and the people of the United States.

What the Russians are doing in the Ukraine is inexcusable. Putin is Hitler in red as I see it. He will bludgeon his neighbors to the west into submission if allowed to do so. The Ukrainian people have shown a willingness to stand up to him if they have the support they need.

Then there is the nightmare the Palestinians are dealing with in the Gaza Strip at the hands of Benjamin Netanyahu and the IDF. To me, what that bully is up to is also unacceptable. The international community is attempting to respond to famine among the people of an area the Israeli leader wants to annex. How is this situation much different from the one in Ukraine?

While it is encouraging that “Bibi” in not very popular with the Israeli people, they are still letting him wreak havoc in Gaza.

To me, the French under Macron have it right. As it looks from here, a two-state solution supported by the international community might well be a viable alternative to the destruction, famine and death occurring now.

We might do well to check out what the president of Doctors Without Borders has to say on the subject and reflect on her take on the deplorable situation.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent

Albion

Editor:

As a voting member of the Town of Shelby Republican Committee, I find it deeply concerning that I was not notified by Chairman Dale Root of the committee meeting held on July 23 at 6 p.m. at the Shelby Town Hall.

I have served on the Shelby Republican Committee since June 2019 and currently hold the position of treasurer. I am responsible for all financial reporting to the New York State Board of Elections, as well as oversight of the committee’s banking activities.

Despite my official position and voting status, I was neither contacted about the meeting nor given the opportunity to submit a proxy vote in advance – an option I am entitled to exercise under committee procedure.

I ultimately learned of the meeting through other means and arranged for my proxy vote to be submitted by another committee member. However, at no point did the chairman reach out to me before or after the meeting.

This lack of communication raises serious concerns. It gives the appearance of an attempt to exclude certain voices and manipulate outcomes within the committee. In my view, the current leadership has failed to operate with transparency and fairness.

It may be time for the Town of Shelby Republican Committee to consider new leadership.

Jim Zelazny

Shelby

Editor:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, in a pitiful attempt to show that her time in Congress is not wasteful, has proposed a series of legislative bills.

For example, in her press release she claims: “The Safeguarding Trust in our Politics Act which would amend the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit 501©(3) tax-exempt organizations from funding or administering election-related activities, putting an end to private funding schemes that undermine public confidence in our electoral process.”

According to the IRS website, all 501©(3) “organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office.”  Her legislation will not affect “private funding schemes” or dark money that is undermining confidence in our elections.

Ms. Tenney is also wasting her time and our tax dollars with a frivolous bill to end birthright citizenship. Birthright citizenship is enshrined in the Constitution and upheld by the Supreme Court. If the Constitution could be changed by legislative action, then the next Congress can do away with the 2nd Amendment. Instead of working for her constituents, Ms. Tenney’s time in office is characterized by her waste, fraud and abuse.

Willliam Fine

Brockport

Editor:

Regarding the Shelby resignations, Scott Wengewicz is a disabled veteran who served his country. He then became the head of the Air and Marine divisions of the Rochester Border Patrol – 30 years of service. This is a man of honor and integrity who loves his country and loves Shelby.

His integrity was constantly called into question by board members and newly nominated candidates through innuendo, behind-the-back activities, and flat-out falsehoods. He didn’t stand at meetings and scream and holler to defend himself because as a man of honor. He allowed his actions to speak for themselves. It’s too bad a lot of people drank the cool aid.

Steve Seitz is a man of honor and integrity. I have had years of personal and business dealings with this man and have never heard a disparaging word said about him until this Town Board came along.

He worked for the town until he retired and became a councilman because he loves Shelby. His integrity and honor were called into question constantly by the same people.

Jeff Schiffer is a close personal friend. I have never met a more honest and loyal person. If he senses a conflict or problem arising, he goes straight to that person to discuss it man to man or man to woman, whatever the case may be to straighten it out. He will listen and if he finds that he was wrong he will apologize or change his stance on a subject.

He always got the pulse of the citizens and voted that way even if his personal opinion differed. He is a man with 3 degrees and retired as the Head Counselor at Attica. His integrity was constantly called into question by the same people mentioned above.

These three men could not take the backhanded actions and lies used to run them down by people who lack the integrity that they possess. They did not resign to create turmoil as some suggest, they just couldn’t continue to be degraded by people with no honor.

Now there are rumors of several other town employees who are going to resign for the same reason. Maybe instead of finding fault with them, you should look at the real reasons for this exodus.

I am and always will be proud to call these three men my friend. I could not ever be friends with the deceitful, conniving, self serving people who brought them to make this decision for their own piece of mind.

James Rogenmoser

Shelby

Editor:

What follows is intended to be a reminder. It is not meant to lay a guilt trip on anyone.

My wife and I just saw a report regarding the spotted lantern fly, an invasive insect that can devastate trees—one of our principal allies in the fight to reduce carbon pollution. The sweeter a tree’s sap, the more likely lantern flies are to attack it.

What we heard suggested that lantern flies haven’t become a big problem in Orleans County yet but could eventually ravage some of our more desirable trees and become a major headache for fruit farmers.

Among our natural allies in dealing with spotted lantern flies are native birds. Those mentioned in the piece we heard included birds as diverse as catbirds and cardinals! The preying mantis and yellow jacket were among the insects that evidently feed on them. Healthy environments typically have an abundance of such creatures.

Providing habitat for their enemies helps control lantern flies. Avian enemies of other harmful insects—as well as rodents—include kestrels and screech owls as well as many songbirds such as orioles and bluebirds (the hawks and owls include some insects in their diets, while songbirds generally do not go after rodents).

As cardinals are mainly seed eaters, we were surprised that they take lantern flies. Presumably seed-eaters would use these insects and others primarily to feed their young.

The report we listened to provides another example of how a bird-friendly environment can be beneficial to us.

Thanks to the many people here who work to provide such habitat.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent

Albion

Editor:

The July 3rd Independence Day Celebration, sponsored by the Village of Albion Recreation Department, drew thousands of people from all across the region for an afternoon and evening of family fun and relaxation.

People came to Bullard Park from the neighboring counties for the annual chicken barbecue, to hear the music from the three bands, to purchase food and beverages from the many vendors, to visit the artisans who set up their business, and of course for the fireworks which capped off the evening. We would like to see this celebration every July 3rd moving forward and in many years ahead. It took a supportive community to make all this come together.

I was asked by a reporter if I was shocked to see the park packed with people. I responded with NO. I knew it would be packed because Albion has been craving this for several years.

I should apologize before I start naming all those who contributed to this event. I am sure I will leave names or organizations out.

Special thanks to June Persia and Jeff Holler who chaired the food vendors and artisans. Thanks to Chief David Mogle and the Village of Albion Police Department, Jay Pahura and his Village Street Department, Village of Albion Office Staff, the Village Mayor and Board of Trustees, GACRE Committee, Village Recreation Committee, Albion Fire Department, Bernie Baldwin, Diana Grillo who assisted on a daily basis, Tom O’Hearn and his cookers consisting of Dusty DeCarlo, Gary VanWycke, David Vagg, Dean London, Andrew London, Mark Restivo, Ray Stefani, and Kevin Sheehan. They cooked the best chicken barbecue around.

To the servers consisting of Theresa O’Hearn, Nicole DeCarlo, Denise London, Annette Grillo Finch, Laurie Tully along with the members of the GACRE and Recreation Committee, Tom Brown and Mark Johnson for providing golf carts, John Bigley and Mike Beach for staying to the end, GO Art! for the grant, Terry Wilbert and Dick Remley with the Town of Albion, Village Recreation Park Staff, to all the businesses who allowed donations jars at their locations, to the fabulous donors who contributed to the cost of the fireworks, Young Explosives for a fine fireworks show, to the bands consisting of Ryan and Company, 104 Country and the Who Dats for the wonderful music, Brad London, Tom Rivers and Natalie Baron from the Orleans Hub, Ron Albertson and Keeler Construction for the lighting, and Dora and Partick from Save-A-Lot.

Once again, I apologize if I failed to remember others.

We are still collecting donations for next year, 2026. Send checks to the Village of Albion, 35 East Bank Street, Albion, NY 14411 and make checks payable to the Village of Albion with a memo of Fireworks.

This community should stand proud. Thank you for all the support.

Sincerely,

John J. Grillo

Village of Albion

Recreation Director