Wants hearings over state’s Covid-19 response

Editor:

I’ll never forget receiving the briefing from NYS Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker in early March with fellow colleagues about the dangerous potential of the coronavirus and the immediate need for emergency funding for preparation and equipment.

It was clear to me from his presentation that this virus was severely impacting countries around the world and could pose a massive threat to our state—the likes of which we have not seen in decades.

Since then, the coronavirus has indeed shaken our economy, health system and small businesses, which will leave a lasting impact for years to come. Not to forget, of course, the incalculable cost of human lives lost across our great state. But we have made adjustments in how we communicate, interact with one another, and go about our daily lives.

Our businesses have become innovative and adaptable in order to survive during this unprecedented situation. We wear our masks, social distance and sanitize our environments in order to protect one another. During the past several months, we have learned how to deal with this by working together as a strong community.

Now that the majority of upstate New York has “reopened” and proper coronavirus protection measures are in effect, I believe the time has come to move forward to help rebuild our local economy and also restore governmental balance in Albany to address issues resulting from the coronavirus.

Since March, the governor has modified hundreds of laws and implemented over 40 executive orders. Now that even he acknowledges there is no longer a need for daily updates, I have joined my colleagues in calling for him to also relinquish the extra temporary powers that were granted to him.

Additionally, my colleagues and I have written to the legislative leaders in both houses to ask them to reconvene to vote to end these powers ourselves. We believe the time has come to resume allowing our government to be a representation of the state’s 19.5 million New Yorkers through their representatives, and through the checks and balances of separation of powers as intended in our constitution.

The Legislature has a key role here. Oversight and a full review through legislative hearings are needed. Changes to laws may be necessary, and I believe the governor has a responsibility to share with the public and its representatives in the Legislature some key aspects to the decisions that were made during this crisis period so that, working together, we can better prepare our state for the future of this pandemic and its recovery.

As such, I believe we should convene public hearings to address the following concerns:

1) Economy & Small Businesses: What criteria and logic were used to determine what was or was not an essential business? Why were big box stores open, but similar small businesses not? What process was in place for businesses and organizations to appeal closure status and have an opportunity to be heard in order to present protective plans and evidence?

2) Healthcare & Nursing Homes: What safety procedures were in effect in our nursing homes?  Did these facilities have proper PPE equipment? Were these facilities required to take back patients who tested positive for coronavirus? What changes in policies have occurred to ensure that these patients remain safe during this pandemic and future outbreaks?

3) Unemployment: Why was the unemployment system unable to handle the demand for claims? What upgrades have been made to ensure that the system is fully functional for constituents going forward?

4) State Budget and Finances: With extraordinary revenue shortfalls, our budget also needs a full examination of priorities and the Legislature should be involved now with these critical decisions.

These are the questions my constituents – and New Yorkers across our state – need and deserve answers to, and I will continue working to get those answers for them. Our state government was never intended to be ruled by one person and the time has come for either the governor to relinquish these powers or the Legislature to revoke them.

I am proud to represent 134,000 people from Erie, Niagara and Orleans counties, and you deserve to have your voice heard through the legislative branch of our state government.

As always, please call my office at (716) 839-4691 or email me at norrism@nyassembly.gov if I can be of any assistance to you.

Assemblyman Michael Norris

Lockport

(Norris is the Assembly member for the 144th District, which includes portions of Erie, Niagara and Orleans counties.)

Editor:

Recently a letter writer stated that there was no systemic racism and no white privilege. I would like to try and respond.

First of all white privilege is not something you have a choice of taking or not taking; it is something society gives you. It is hard to see for those of us born with this privilege. It just is, it is normal.

White privilege is granted to those of us who resemble people in dominant positions of society. For example, most of your teachers look like you. The history of the nation reflects white history; contributions by non-whites are less dominant.

Systemic racism is shown by the fact that given the exact financial history white people are more likely to get a loan than people of color. It also shows in employment statistics. People of color are less likely to hold corporate leadership or hierarchy of government.

Systemic racism exists in the criminal justice system with far more people of color locked up than white people. To say these things don’t exist, to close our eyes to them does not make them go away it will only make it fester and infect society.

Refusing to acknowledge white privilege and systemic racism will only perpetrate injustice. Acknowledging systemic racism and working to create equal justice benefits everyone.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

Over the past year there have been many letters to the editor sent by concerned citizens regarding everything from Gaines and Murray government to letters condemning the Democratic Party for its belief in ideals held sacred since our country was founded.

As the First Amendment states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press: or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

I applaud those that speak out. I applaud those who refuse to sit on the sidelines and do or say nothing. I applaud those willing to take a stand.

I do not applaud those that speak out using words of hate or those that tell lies in order to spin issues to their own narrow-minded agendas.

I am concerned that there has crept into our community the hateful rhetoric that seems to be consuming other parts of our country. I have always thought that the people of Orleans County were better than that.

Please remember that when you label a person, group of people or a political party using words of hate you are labeling your friends, co-workers, neighbors and family as well as giving others insight into your character or lack thereof.

Everyone I know, no matter their race, political party or beliefs all want the same things. They want their children to be safe, they want to be able to work to support their families, they want to live their lives in peace.

Sandra Walter

Albion

Editor:

Fox, the New York Times and Washington Post all report that Russia has put a bounty out to pay the Taliban for killing our soldiers in Afghanistan.

All know this is the exactly the sort of thing that can justifiably start major retaliation, including war. It is not something we can ignore or it invites more and worse.

The country needs to know the level of confidence our agencies have in this intelligence. It’s confirmed we warned the British who have soldiers there too in 2019!

These services played a critical role in the chess match which brought down Communism and, according to the GOP Senate Intelligence Committee Report, discovered Russia directly interfering with our 2016 election.

These services know their jobs and we, the public, need to know if Russia has become this bold. Actually killing our boys!

Every day there are new distractions – rabbit holes I have called them – but this is too important to lose sight of or ignore. When matters are grave, tweets are not acceptable.

On this one, don’t lose sight of the need for full disclosure.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

There is no systematic racism. There is no white supremacy. There is no white privilege. There is very little police brutality.

Most all of us, all colors get along fine. There is a big problem and it lays in the Democratic Party. It lays in the communities of color controlled by the Democratic politicians.

It lays in the teachings of grade schools, universities and the liberal media. The true problem is systematic liberalism and progressivism. That’s where the true racists and hate mongers hide in plain sight.

Stand up for America. It’s monuments – good or bad. Stand up for our police – they are the fine line between civilization and despotism.

Stop voting for Democrats. They are behind this and funding this destruction. Thank God NY-27 rejected “Radical Socialist” Nate McMurray. Do it again in November.

Paul Lauricella

Yates

Editor:

I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working with numerous individuals throughout my time as a state legislator, and I’m grateful for the time I’ve had with each of them. However, there is one man I want to take a moment to recognize for our unique working relationship, and congratulate him on his recent successes.

Following the selection of my colleague Sen. Robert Ortt as Senate Minority Leader, I’d like to share some words of congratulations and reminisce on my time working with him.

Sen. Ortt and I come from the same region of Western New York, and we both share Orleans County in our districts, which means we’ve had a lot of face time over the years. He’s a hardworking, dedicated individual, who truly understands what it means to be the voice of the people he’s representing. He knows how to fight for what he believes in, and he knows how to stay connected with constituents. In modern politics, it can be easy to feel disconnected from senators, but I’ve always been impressed with Sen. Ortt’s ability to never lose sight of where he comes from.

Being an Afghanistan War veteran, Sen. Ortt knows about hard work. It’s because of that work ethic that he’s been so successful for his region of Orleans County and all of New York. It’s why I’m equally as excited to see him in such a position of leadership, as with it comes the knowledge that Orleans County, and by extension Western New York, will benefit from the continued and combined momentum from his work and my own.

I know that, with Sen. Ortt at the helm, policy can be strongly redirected toward initiatives that are so pressing, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, such as business relief and small town support. I am pleased to continue working with you, Senator!

Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Batavia

(Hawley represents the 139th District, which consists of Genesee, Orleans and parts of Monroe County.)

Editor:

Recently at the Barre Town Board meeting, the town supervisor said he was going to let Heritage Wind LLC/Apex Clean Energy change our town industrial wind turbine laws. The company will work with our town attorney, Labella Associates and Apex attorney Knauf.

Without any input from residents that have to live with these 700-foot-tall 33 industrial wind turbine monsters. I am now seeking a full buyout option from the Town of Barre and Heritage Wind LLC/Apex Clean for any resident who does not want to participate in the turbine project.

I am asking any attorney to put this in a letter to the Town of Barre. I am doing this on behalf of every resident in the Town of Barre who will be directly impacted by this project.

Please  feel free to get a hold of me and I will add you to our list of residents.

Thank you.

William Nacca

Barre

Editor:

“Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set,” is an admonition from God’s precious Bible. Before we topple more statues and tear down more fences that our fathers erected, we might consider more carefully why they were put up in the first place.

As we witness cheering crowds tearing down our ancient landmarks, it is a vivid reminder of how the leaders of our major institutions have systematically removed God from the public as many stood idly by. The hope our community and nation so desperately needs will not be found in a political uprising, progressive revolution, new president or the tearing down of monuments.

Our nation is in turmoil not because of our president or one’s political bent. Our greatest problem is spiritual, and no amount of political activism or social pressure can fix it. Our nation is in turmoil because sin is now widely embraced, and Jesus Christ is widely marginalized. We should not wonder where God is in our present chaos. He was asked to leave our institutions long ago and graciously consented. But in repentance and faith we can invite Him back!

We need not elevate one skin color above another. We all come from one common ancestor: Adam. We need not bow a knee to political activism or social pressure. Our knee must bow to the Lord Jesus Christ. More laws are not the answer. Just look at the recent foolishness from our highest court that now endangers females under the guise of a civil right! God has given us over to our own foolishness.

I urge our community, its leaders, and the neighbors I love and proudly serve, to please consider the monument God erected 2000 years ago. A wooden cross where the greatest act of injustice and justice is memorialized for all to visit. God became a man, entered our fallen and hurting humanity, knowing He would be violently rejected, crucified, and left for dead. But, in God’s great love, Jesus Christ paid the penalty for the sins of all mankind, was buried, and rose again.

That monument memorializes for all, regardless of skin color, gender, social status, or stigma, where true hope is found, and where injustice of every kind is remedied. Calvary’s cross points to the solution to the great upheavals of our day and their root cause: Sin – yours and mine. May we repent and believe the gospel of our glorious God and Saviour Jesus Christ.

While we discover the meanings behind the monuments that have been toppled, I pray each of you will also reconsider, and then visit, the monument that should never be removed: The old rugged cross. That monument alone points us to the person of Jesus Christ where forgiveness for and freedom from sin is found. His gospel is the answer to what threatens our civility and society. Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near. May God bless you.

Pastor Steven Pawley

Antioch Anabaptist Church

Medina

Editor:

Over the course of the last three weeks, several groups of protestors have gathered across the country in the wake of George Floyd’s horrific murder, calling for justice and tranquility not only for him, but for people all across America.

Having been to some of these protests myself, I can tell you that the majority of those who have been looking to make their voices heard are doing everything that can be asked of them, from wearing masks to remaining peaceful in their protests. It’s what makes me proud to call them my neighbors, my fellow citizens. It’s made me proud to be an American.

Unfortunately, there are some fringe groups looking to take advantage of a legitimate movement for justice in the interest of sowing chaos and destruction. From mom-and-pop shops being among the victims of the looting and rioting to historical monuments and public spaces being destroyed and vandalized, law and order is falling to the wayside in many areas around the country.

I completely support any group of citizens’ right to assembly and protest, but these outliers and anarchists are certainly making it difficult for governments and people to listen to the protests and the cries that need to be heard.

I’ve always tried my best to make this country and this state the best it can be, as the Founding Fathers envisioned for us all, but I am also conscious that our history is blemished, to say the very least.

For our people to have statues dedicated to Confederate generals, to turncoats and traitors, or to symbols that represent harmful parts of history for vast demographics of people is certainly a worthwhile discussion to bring to the public forum. Voting and even boycotting institutions to see the change you want in the country can even be a positive use of civil disobedience.

But the outright destruction and vandalizing of property, like the statue of President Ulysses S. Grant, isn’t the right way to go about it. If you’re looking for change, it certainly discredits your movement. If you’re looking to cause destruction, it’s outright illegal and wrong. Our collective American history is not all positive, it’s true, and many of us will disagree on how good or bad it is overall, but our disagreements do not give us the right to cause devastation. History itself will show there are better ways to make your voice heard.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Batavia

(Assemblyman Hawley represents the 139th District, which consists of Genesee, Orleans and parts of Monroe County.)

Editor:

Four years ago I wrote in defense of our neighbors and the election officials of both parties who candidate Trump claimed were letting people vote from the grave and imposters vote.

Studies before and after show anyone claiming to have proof of that was making it up – and those that thought the sky was falling no different than Chicken Little.

This year it’s the absentee ballots that are fixed – even though the very conservative Heritage Foundation looked over a 19-year period and the worst state it looked at, Oregon, had average 1 vote per year.

It’s true that in one NC district a GOP candidate hired people to go out and collect the mail in ballots in blank at peoples’ houses. The Election Board caught this transparent crime and the election was held again – of course without the “winner,” who was by then wearing bracelets, on that second ballot.

The vote-by-mail system has layer-on-layer of checks and balances. They work as that situation showed.

The Republican Party traditionally wanted vote by mail. This year the Senate would not help expand it due to COVID.  But if candidate Trump is right and local election officials nationwide are dirty, it clearly means that all military personnel, all corporate and US employees living abroad and all ill or elderly shut-ins should be denied absentee ballots!

Candidate Trump should be asked if that is what he really wants or does he simply not want absentee ballots used in black and suburban districts or Democratic places like the Village of Albion.

Of course, the candidate could simply deny saying and tweeting it or accuse the reporter of being a hack, making up fake news. But it’s a good question. Who should be allowed to vote by mail if it’s so bad!

(My answer is obvious.)

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

We have Mr. Trump in the White House and it seems that many of  his appointees (which he says are top of the line) seem to get replaced or wind up in jail.

Strangely, it usually happens right after they disagree with him. When they disagree they are called liars or he doesn’t know them or they are just out to get him. He is the first one to point the finger at someone else but never admits wrongdoing  himself or the wrongdoings of the people who agree with him, no matter what.

He attacks our military leadership, gold star families, true heroes and now he is attacking  the judicial system at the highest level (the court he has appointed the 2 justices to).

He seems to think that he knows more than the top medical experts of the world, he calls people weak and dumb for not agreeing with him.

He does everything he can to stop people from speaking to the crooked things he has done. That is not a leader, that is a bully. The office of president is the first time he has ever served our country in any way, never in the military, never as an office holder in any government, he has served only himself his entire life.

Oh, and while I am at it, when did being anti-fascist become a bad thing? I seem to remember a war we fought against fascism, a war where we lost thousands of great men and women. To me being anti-fascist is being American.

I agree we need change in our country, but Mr. Trump is not proposing the change we need. His policies have caused severe unrest in our country and have cost us the respect we have had from the rest of the world.

It’s time to stop and think about it. Please get out and vote!

Harvey Campbell

Lyndonville

Editor:

This was certainly a campaign I did not expect. I was looking forward to going door to door, participating in parades and festivals to introduce myself to those I do not know and hug those that I do know.

Not being able to attend events has been extremely difficult for us all. This pandemic has really changed the way to get out and share what my vision is as the next Orleans County Clerk.

I envision new talents I can contribute in the Orleans County Clerk’s/DMV Office. I have had a lifetime of experiences working in various opportunities in Orleans County. Throughout my years, I have gained a lot of knowledge of my county.

My leadership training began in my life way back in my childhood in 4-H and has expanded continuously especially graduating from the 2018 inaugural class of Leadership Orleans.

In my 30-plus years of employment and life experiences, I am ready to take on a new opportunity to serve the residents of Orleans County. As the current Clerk of the Legislature, I know the administrative operations of Orleans County.

My education and legal background would also benefit me as the Orleans County Clerk. In serving seven years as the Kendall School Board President, I oversaw large capital project ventures and our board had to balance budgets that supported all of the stakeholders in our education system. This was all done for the best interest of providing quality education to our students.

Besides serving ten years on the Kendall School Board, I have also volunteered countless hours to the Orleans County Republican Committee, Community Action and the 4-H program. My commitment to volunteerism is important, and I know that our county survives on what our residents do for others.

I ask for your support on Primary Day. I appreciate those that have already supported me in early voting or by sending in your absentee ballot. I promise to serve you honestly and respectfully.  That is what I have done in my current position as Clerk of the Legislature and I wish to continue in that regard as the next Orleans County Clerk.

Stay well!

Nadine P. Hanlon

Kendall

Republican candidate for Orleans County Clerk

Editor:

Chris Jacobs has served Western New York with honor and integrity, and he has been a steadfast defender of our conservative values in Albany.

Chris is unwavering in his fight for his constituents, our region, and our values – I can think of no one more suited to fight for Western New York and be the conservative leader we need in Congress. It is my distinct honor and pleasure to offer my full endorsement for Chris in both the Special Election and Primary Election on June 23rd.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Batavia

Editor:

On June 23rd in the primary election please vote for the Conservative Party-endorsed candidates. They are committee evaluated after a tough questioner to be sure they meet the standards both fiscally and socially of the Orleans County Conservative Party of the State of NY.

For County Clerk, vote Diane Shampine. Diane worked with and was trained by one of the best – Karen Lake-Maynard. Her experience in all aspects the Clerk’s office, the DMV and the Pistol Permit Office will provide a very smooth transition that is under way right now as acting clerk. Her understanding of the constitution and bill of rights, her understanding that the money that will be spent comes from us the tax payer and is not to be wasted. She is a moral woman. Her answers on our questioner were some of the most impressive I have ever seen. Diane is fully and totally qualified to do this job and we endorse her with the utmost confidence.

For Congress NY 27th District, please vote for Beth Parlato. She is fully endorsed by the State and Orleans County Conservative Party. Beth is the most conservative candidate to come along for that office in my lifetime. This is the candidate the Republicans and Conservatives have been waiting their whole life to have a chance to elect and have serving them in Washington. She comes with no baggage, no dirt in her background. A tax and regulation cutter, a problem solver. She fully supports the Trump agenda which is the American agenda. She is an unapologetic protector of life in the womb. She believes that almighty God and the Lord Jesus Christ are the only people she has to answer to besides the people of the 27th district. She is moral. A constitutional conservative. She will not be bought by the party leaders.

She will always protect our right to keep and bear arms. She will align herself with the Conservative Freedom Caucus. She will work with President Trump to get a bill passed for term limits. She understands the higher education institutes of this country are producing indoctrinated radicals and will work with the president to fix that.

She understands that without borders or a wall we have no country and a fractured culture. She will work with the President to finally bring the immigration reform that the do-nothing Democrats have been blocking for the last 2 years. She will never turn her back on law enforcement and our first respondents. She loves our country and the American family that we are.

This is a dream candidate for the 27th district for our farmers, businesses and our citizens. She will work for us. After you save the seat from “Radical Socialist Nate McMurray” in the special election, vote Beth Parlato for Congress in the primary. Get out and vote. The soul of our country is at stake. Vote Republican. Vote Conservative.

Thank you.

Paul Lauricella Jr.

Lyndonville

Orleans County Conservative Party Chairman

Editor:

The race for the 27th district seat in the House of Representatives pits Fulbright scholar, Nate McMurray, against businessman, Chris Jacobs.

McMurray has been touted as a progressive Democrat who would support legislation to deal with climate change, increase access to healthcare for the poor, make law enforcement more equitable and consistent with the Bill of Rights, stop further degradation of environmental protection and get our international relations turned around and back on a course established over decades by both Republican and Democratic administrations.

Chris Jacobs appears to believe that being a successful businessman ensures one’s ability to effectively represent the wide variety of constituents occupying our Congressional district. His ads strongly suggest that he will consistently support President Trump’s policies.

On election day (June 23) I plan to vote for someone who has the courage to think for himself and seek to serve the public in a district that has long been conceded to whatever candidate the Republican Party has chosen to fill the seat.

Sincerely yours,

Gary F. Kent

Albion