Editor:

As many of us are aware, the virus known as COVID-19, or coronavirus, has required us to make many changes in our day-to-day lives. From limiting social interactions to setting up curfews in the evenings, these changes are most definitely out of the ordinary. But, I have a feeling we will all be grateful such care is being taken to prevent the spread of the disease when we look back at this event.

However, during this public health crisis, it is becoming clear that some attempts to push forward policy that has not been properly debated or discussed are becoming commonplace. My stance is what it has always been: the government’s role is not to avoid transparency, and I will fight to make sure New Yorkers know what their government is doing.

We are not here to tie the bow on the governor’s bad policy in the middle of a crisis. It’s wrong and it’s dishonest. It’s disappointing to think that the governor would take advantage of the situation by trying to jam his political wish-list into what is supposed to be a policy-free budget. We need to pass a budget that responsibly keeps the state operating, one that allows the state to be financially stable, so we can return at a safer, later date to debate and determine the merits of any and all proposals that do not have a financial impact on everyday New Yorkers.

Additionally, we need to lead by example. While I agree that state legislators should be working day and night to support New Yorkers in this time of crisis, I am equally mindful of keeping legislators as healthy as possible. We are needed in our districts now more than ever, which leads me to believe that pushing back a voting deadline for the budget is more important than ever.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Batavia

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

Editor:

I entered the political world in part inspired by Ronald Reagan. “Government’s first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.”

As we face this challenge let’s appreciate all who are working tirelessly, selflessly and exposed in order to protect us and not run our lives.

I’m glad I live in rural America. I’m glad I live in Orleans County. I enjoy the freedom to roam and appreciate America and yes this is serious and inconvenient. But we will come through with a deeper appreciation for humanity and the world around us.

I am confident in our local government and our team of dedicated professionals who protect us. Men and women behind the scenes like Paul Pettit at Department of Health, Dale Banker at Emergency Management, our veteran Sheriff Chris Bourke, our respected firefighters, Chairwoman Lynne Johnson and so many others too many to name. We are in the best of hands. We are safe thanks to our local government.

Let the government do their job and protect us. Listen to them. Be cooperative and help one another through this difficult time.

Joe Sidonio

Murray Town Supervisor

Editor:

As we all struggle with COVID-19, there is one segment of our communities that are feeling the effects even harder, that is our locally owned small businesses.

They need our help more now than ever during these uncharted times. Now is the time to show them our support. If you have a special occasion coming up this year, such as a birthday, anniversary, wedding, baby shower, etc, please consider purchasing gift cards and/or gift certificates now.

I am challenging everyone who is reading this or have been told about this letter to go out this week and purchase a $10 or $20 gift card or gift certificate at your favorite locally owned restaurant or store for yourself or someone else to use throughout the year.

Stay healthy,

Mike Sidari

Mayor

Village of Medina

Editor:

In the wake of large-scale developments throughout the country, I want to take the time to go through the facts as we have them available to us today, and I want to reassure my friends and neighbors that we are working diligently on the situation. Our goal is to work these new facts into our daily routines and alleviate the public health crisis.

One of the steps that the New York Legislature has taken is passed a $40 million emergency fund that can be used to increase the state’s ability to respond to COVID-19, otherwise known as the coronavirus. As the situation has continued to change and grow, and as public health officials have learned more, important steps have been taken and additional measures will come in the future as the situation continues to develop.

Additionally, President Trump has declared a national state of emergency relating to the pandemic; this not only means all federal initiatives are shifting toward the better health and welfare of citizens, but also that forgiveness programs are being implemented to ensure all citizens are protected, both economically and related to their healthcare.

We are currently in uncharted territory: international travel has been restricted, professional sports leagues have been suspended and Wall Street’s reactions all demonstrate the gravity of the situation. It can be overwhelming to see the constant news coverage paired with social media commentary, wild predictions and increased anxiety about what the future holds. While concern is a natural response, I am calling for citizens to remain calm and follow the guidelines set forth by public policy and health experts.

As of today, there are currently 729 positive cases in New York, with 329 of the confirmed cases found in New York City, New Rochelle and Long Island. As the state government continues to assess and manage the total impacts of this disease, it is critical that we all work together to manage the issue.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a wealth of information about what the virus is, how people can protect their health and what to do if you think you may be a victim of the disease. I urge everyone to review the CDC’s recommendations and do your part to help prevent the disease from spreading further. As part of its response and to ensure residents stay informed, New York state has established the New York State Coronavirus Hotline at: 1-888-364-3065.

Some of these ideas and recommendations might seem silly and obvious, but a healthy reminder is as important now as it has ever been. What we are learning as we study and combat this virus is that the most effective ways to beat it are the simplest. It is important that, as the situation continues to change rapidly, we keep up-to-date with accurate information, and be considerate of others.

As of right now, it is clear that our homes are not susceptible to the coronavirus. Only two positive infections have been confirmed in Monroe County. But, as I said before, the situation is likely to change, so it is imperative that citizens practice healthy habits of washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes and limiting prolonged close contact with others. Do this, and we will push through this incident together.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Batavia

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

Editor:

When Obama was President we faced a pandemic – H1N1, also called the “Swine Flu.” (We had H1N1, H3N2 and H5N1  a triple assortment of bird, swine and human flu viruses further combined with a Eurasian pig flu virus, leading to the term “swine flu”.)

With COVID, now the danger is like slowly drowning from the fluid, scars, and lesions in your own lungs. A person is carrier before symptoms hit. We have few tests available months despite being months into it. It’s a pandemic closing countries.

You have heard otherwise (you know from whom) but look it up. The fact is we are 2 to 3 months behind 2009 when President Obama declared a National Emergency with swine flu. If we had made an emergency declaration at that early stage now we would have been able to purchase WHO test kits from Germany immediately.  (The Congo of all places had theirs in early January.)

The fact is that back in ’09 pigs and poultry around the world were destroyed the moment the virus appeared. Hospital waivers like those announced Friday were issued immediately. Despite all that, there were 12,000 dead from it just here in the US! It was so sad.

Unlike ’09 this time we find store empty shelves as we need to fend for ourselves! It took a stock market free fall and the financial community to force the Government to listen to science. We lag the world in testing and only now are ramping up our response(s).

Hate and despise President Obama all you want, but face fact. He was elected to lead and he made the hard calls. It was a lesson in leadership that was under appreciated at the time.  Perhaps it was simply what we knew to expect from a President.

In light of all the turmoil I think it’s appropriate to take the time to think back and publicly thank him.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

On Feb. 21, Governor Cuomo proposed the most significant and dangerous overhaul of renewable energy project permitting/siting since the enactment of Public Service Law Article 10.

The governor has proposed the “Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act” (ie: Article 23) via a 2020 budget amendment, as a replacement of the State’s Article 10 process. Article 10 requires electricity generation projects of 25 megawatts (MWs) and larger to make their way through a multi-staged and multi-year permitting process before the New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment (Siting Board).

Governor Cuomo, developers and wind/solar lobbying groups (re:  ACE-NY) have concluded Article 10 is ill-fitted to help the state reach the “70 by 30” renewable energy and climate targets set forth in the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) and would like to completely dismantle Article 10 in favor of completely new Article 23 siting process.

In reality, the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act has much to do with Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and nothing to do with Community Benefit or Home Rule.

A few of the dangerous and frightening tenets of Article 23:

1. Reduction of project sizes from 25 MW (Article 10) to 10 MW (Article 23). If passed, industrial wind and solar project siting will be expanded into suburban areas. As a result, every town in New York State, without exception, would be a possible target for projects.

2. Article 23 ostensibly initiates a state-wide eminent domain process in order to develop “shovel ready” sites anywhere in the state. This process, if approved as part of the 2020 state budget, will allow for forcible appropriation of private land and then provision of shovel-ready sites to developers for build-out of industrial sized wind and solar energy projects.

3. Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) and Host Community Agreements (HCA) will no longer be negotiated between the local municipality and the developer. The state will excise the municipality and become the lead negotiator.

4. Local municipalities and opposition groups are eliminated from presenting locally sourced data and questioning state experts regarding specific siting issues. This new ruling effectively freezes both groups out of the new Article 23 siting process.

5. Mandated Project Approval. Article 23 mandates project approval within 12 months of application. If no decision is rendered by the state within 12 months, the project will be considered approved.

While this treatise may read to some as an industrial, renewable energy opposition piece, the information presented is just one example of a much more insidious issue.

That issue is the continuing, unchecked over-reach by this governor and both houses of the state legislative branch into our private lives. The governor was unhappy with the speed of Article 10 project siting, so he has taken the step of implementing a thinly veiled eminent domain process. He alone will determine what is good and fair for the people of New York State.

Article 23 has proven a bridge-too-far for the people of our once-great state. Towns across the state, regardless of opposition or support of industrial renewable energy projects resent and reject the complete evisceration of home rule (as bestowed via Article 9 of the New York State Constitution).

These same towns, once on opposite sides of the Article 10 siting issue, are now fighting as one against Article 23 via passage of Article 23 Sanctuary Town Resolutions. Sanctuary towns will not implement nor with will they support any tenets of the Article 23 Budget Amendment on siting of industrial, renewable energy projects.

The 2020 Budget is to be voted on by the end of March. In the meantime, State Senate and Assembly members on both sides of the aisle are working to ensure removal of Article 23 prior to the budget vote. Please write your representatives to let them know you are supporting their work to keep New York State a Home Rule State.

What’s next on the governor’s agenda to control The People?

No home rule … No peace.

John Riggi

Yates town councilman

Editor:

In Jeopardy, 1^stor 2^nd Amendment?

Word on the street is that no matter what the community thinks or feels about the $2.5 million waste of taxpayers’ money on the Town of Yates Park, it is a done deal.

We, the community have been concerned about the threat to the 2^nd Amendment, the right to bear arms – gun control – not even aware of the dissolving of the 1^st Amendment.

We the people of the United States in order to form a more perfect union, etc. Now the town leaders can do as we see fit no matter what the taxpayers think.

We are a democracy not a dictatorship. Maybe the town leaders should re-read the Constitution and also review their own oath of office they took when they were elected by guess who, taxpayers. They were elected to represent the community not themselves.

Bill Jurinich

Yates

Editor:

Thank you Ginny Kropf and Catherine Cooper for the excellent article on Dorothy Cox. Also, for mentioning my parents, Tony and Rose Napoli. I must point out some corrections.

While stationed in Australia, my father stayed at the home of John and Mary McCormick, not Vera Colley. I do not know her. I am named after the McCormick’s son, Brian Edward McCormick. Unfortunately, he was killed in an accident while serving in the Australian army in North Africa.

Catherine was very nice to research him and gave me the article in the local Australian newspaper reporting his death.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Brian Napoli

Ridgeway

Editor:

I am dismayed by the closing of the Somerset Power Plant. When it was built it was told to be a plant that could burn coal or switch to natural gas if coal became unprofitable.

Now it is closing and no mention of natural gas conversion is made. Was this a faulty memory or is the current owner unaware of this capacity?

Thank you,

Dayton Hausman

Medina

Editor:

Panic is setting in Governor Cuomo’s Office and the higher echelons of New York State Government as the realization sets in that the self-imposed and ill-conceived goals of the Climate Leadership and  Community Protection Act (CLCPA) cannot be met through the Article 10 process.

Those goals being 70 percent of State electricity to come from zero carbon sources (industrial wind and solar) by the year 2030 and 100 percent by 2040. The Article 10 process is “taking too long” because those of us who will be forced to live among those installations and endure the consequences, realize the dangers and are in adamant opposition.

Witness the resistance to Heritage Wind, Lighthouse Wind, Bear Ridge Solar and Ridge View Solar, in the Towns of Barre, Yates, Somerset, Cambria, Pendleton, Hartland and Newfane. A minority of New York State residents are being forced to bear the consequences of this disastrous act. Extremism is the order of the day.

Governor Cuomo is now doubling down and making an end run around Article 10  by proposing legislation in conjunction with the budget process that strips local communities of any voice in the siting of Industrial Wind and Solar projects. A bad law is being replaced by one that is worse.

This is an unprecedented abuse of the legislative process and a striking disregard for the rural and semi-rural residents of Upstate New York. We do not need another ill-conceived and ineptly executed law, rushed through with the budget process. Think of the Bail Reform and the Green Light laws. This legislation should be stopped in its tracks and a reassessment of the role of Industrial Wind and Solar in the New York State energy mix must take place.

For decades, the public has been told of the evils of fossil fuels (oil, coal and natural gas) while ignoring the benefits. Worst-case scenarios predicting gloom and doom, disinformation and half-truths have dominated the discussion. Some history is in order.

Approximately 200 years ago a largely an agrarian society existed, and the majority of the population was engaged in subsistence farming. Then came the Industrial Revolution. Human ingenuity coupled with cheap, reliable, abundant energy – oil, coal and natural gas (fossil fuels) – facilitated huge changes in society. Today less than 5 percent of our population supplies food in surplus, and we have a vibrant expanding world-wide economy including a prosperous and growing middle class.

None of this could have taken place without fossil fuel based cheap, abundant and reliable energy.

Consider the “Population Explosion” fears of the 1960’s  when the “experts” made dire predictions of food shortages and riots and the eventual demise of civilization. World population in 1960 was approximately 3 billion and now it is in excess of 7.5 billion. Human ingenuity coupled with cheap, reliable, abundant energy (fossil fuels) brought us through this “crisis.”

Consider the peak oil scare of 1980’s where the “experts” predicted a decline in oil production and therefor a shortage of cheap, reliable, plentiful energy. One of the solutions was Industrial Wind and Solar installations to be foisted on rural New York communities. Human ingenuity again came to the rescue with advanced methods of fossil fuel extraction. We now have assurance of cheap, reliable, abundant energy well into the foreseeable future. Our grandchildren will thank us for this.

In the 2000 presidential election, we were told the earth was at a tipping point and unless drastic actions were taken to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, in 10 years food shortages would develop, rioting would occur, the oceans would rise by several feet,  and life would not be the same. No such thing has occurred.

None of the above is to deny that the earth is in a warming cycle. Setting aside arguments over the cause, it is environmentally sound and good public policy not to pollute. i.e. We must practice stewardship of the land. Practical solutions are at hand.

Conservation, efficiency, sustainability, reuse, repair, recycle preservation of wetlands woodlands and grasslands and acceptance of natural gas as bridge fuel are among them. Case in Point: The Nature Conservancy has estimated that “conserving and restoring carbon storing power houses like forests, grasslands and wetlands can deliver up to 37 percent of the emissions reductions needed to curb climate change by 2030.”

Further research by them indicates that an acre of mature forests can remove 100 tons of carbon each year from the atmosphere while releasing pure oxygen. Do the math! This approach is much more palatable to those of us who live in rural areas of our state.

Contrast this with the 242 megawatt Baron wind farm in northern Steuben County spread across 4 townships and consisting of 68 wind turbines (492 feet tall), requiring the construction of 16 miles of access roads, 31 miles of underground cabling, an electrical substation, 4 Met towers (328 feet high), two temporary staging areas and a 6,000 square foot  operations and maintenance building. This is just what the developer Innogy admits to. Industrial solar installations would experience similar carnage. Much more is to come as dozens of additional Industrial Wind  and Solar installations are planned for rural New York.

Industrial Wind and Solar Installations will not supply the cheap abundant, reliable energy our modern society needs to function. Industrial Wind and Solar are space-hungry, require huge subsidies, are expensive, are environmentally damaging and threaten the health and well-being of those who are forced to live among them. Our energy policies need serious redirection.

James C. Hoffman

Town of Somerset

Editor:

The coronavirus is causing major damage to our economy. Supply disruptions from China and Europe are slowing down manufacturing. The New York Times reported (3/2/20) “Dunn & Bradstreet, the Business research firm said about 51,000 companies had one or more suppliers in regions of China affected by the virus, almost certainly leading to a broader impact in the month ahead.”

The Trump administration, which Chris Jacobs supports, chases boogeymen, such as “criminal aliens” rather than real threats such as Russian aggression or climate change or global infections.

The administration’s last budget which, Chris Jacobs supports, wants to cut global health programs by $3 billion. In 2018 the Trump administration dismissed the National Security Council’s global health team and also dismantled the epidemic fighting infrastructure at the Department of Homeland Security.

As the coronavirus starts to damage our economy, Mr. Trump urged the Fed to do something to mitigate the Stock Market loses. Maureen Dowd reported this as “socialism for the rich,” NYT (3/1/20) and she wrote that “The virus won’t respond to conspiracy theories from Rush Limbaugh or nasty diatribes from Sean Hannity or nicknames from Donald Trump.”

It is time for new leadership based on knowledge not fealty to Mr. Trump. It is time to replace power rooted in privilege with power rooted in reason. It is time to replace idolatrous and submission to a man with independent thinkers. That is why I am supporting Nate McMurray for Congress. Thank you.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

Nate McMurray failed to mention in his letter to the editor that Social Security benefits are capped. By eliminating the contribution level maximum and keeping the cap on benefits turns this retirement program into another disguised tax.

The maximum contribution level is raised every year. Social Security benefits are also taxed at 85% once a single filer earns above $34,000. What Trump proposed would be cutting back benefit levels for higher income individuals. I am not certain that would impact many residents of NY 27.

Ed Urbanik

Lyndonville

Editor:

To me, the Democrat “His Highness” fears the most this November is Amy Klobuchar. She is also one of two, or three, people the Russians would least like to see running against “His Majesty.” Trump is clearly their favorite for reasons obvious to me.

The fact that she is moderate, has few weird mannerisms, and is female are part of what makes me think the way I do. The President would have to be careful how he made fun of – and tweeted – about her.

But there is way more.

The 100th anniversary of the adoption of the 19th Amendment granting the vote to women is the perfect time for our first woman President. I believe this year is also the 200th anniversary of suffragette Susan B. Anthony’s birth. And voter turnout among women—and men—would be greater with an intelligent, well-spoken, level-headed candidate such as Senator Klobuchar.

Believe me, I could go on and on. Those of you who know me know that only too well.

My efforts and contributions are going to the Senator from Minnesota.

Sincerely yours,

Gary F. Kent

Albion

Editor:

Photo by Tom Rivers – Ed Salvatore serves up a plate of spaghetti during a dinner at the Exempts on Jan. 9, 2014. Salvatore volunteered as a manager and cook at the site. Salvatore died on Feb. 21 at age 89.

Edward Salvatore personifies pride in Albion heritage. His personal, political and professional contributions have made an everlasting impression in Albion history. Community members will always praise Mr. Ed Salvatore as our best mayor.

Ed Salvatore’s dedicated service began in 1948 aboard the U.S.S. Edisto, in the Netherlands. At just 18 years of age, he served on a Navy ship that conquered 30-foot waves and sliced through ice that was up to 8 feet thick. No doubt his service in the Navy was quite cool.

As a descendent of Italian immigrants, Ed Salvatore has worked hard to abolish racism in our community. As Chief of the local fire departments, he systematically combined four departments into one. Then, he forever impacted Albion history when he desegregated the fire department. He also oversaw the development and installation of the very first Firefighters’ Rec. Hall in New York State! Of course it is definitely worth mentioning that he raised four kids with his wife, Carol, and served “a ton of overtime” as manager of several buildings and departments at Kodak, as he put his life on the line and braved blazing fires to save local residents.

He is still considered the best mayor and is notorious for his no-holds barred tactics. His first week in office as mayor, he fired many local officials and spearheaded an investigation which brought down village corruption. Then he systematically slashed taxes by eliminating un-authorized spending from the village budget. He concurrently dedicated much of his time addressing the personal needs of Albion residents.

He worked tirelessly to combat the zombie-home crisis. He created the LDC corp. which works with local authorities to force banks to keep homes occupied. His goal has always been to maintain tax revenues within the village of Albion.

From caring for community members to tending to shut-ins, Mr. Salvatore remained vigilant in his service to the community. He set the standard for honorable and dedicated service to our community. Edward Salvatore is Albion’s Hometown Hero.

Desiree Snyder

Albion

Editor:

One must wonder why the Town of Barre is so fond of wind turbines. Parts of Barre do not have public sewers, water and access to cable. Electricity is also inconsistent with lines bowing down to head height. Why isn’t the town trying to make available services that people require to make their lives better?

Why does this project only benefit land owners of farming acres? Is all this effort being expended for a company that is acquiring energy and none of it is for Barre?

People live in Barre for the beauty. Wind turbines certainly ruin that.

Kris Welles

Barre