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

Editor:

Hello friends and neighbors in Murray. My name is Adam Moore and I am running for Republican Committee for District 6. I would love to earn your support and have the chance to be your voice for our district.

I have lived in Murray for nearly 7 years now raising a wonderful family and developing a small farm. I am a business analyst for a science education company and have worked with that company for 15 yrs. I believe in core Republican values of small government, keeping taxes low and free enterprise.

Murray government has seen some major changes in the last few years and I believe that we are on the right track for making our town better than it was before. New people and fresh ideas help bring accountability and trust. Selecting the right candidates for our town is essential and a responsibility that I will not take lightly.

I believe the town of Murray is a great place to live and I want to help ensure that we keep it that way, not only for ourselves but for our children and the future generations to come.

Please vote for Adam Moore and Kellie Gregoire for District 6.

Sincerely,

Adam Moore

Holley

Editor:

I am getting pretty sick and tired hearing there are “cultural and historical reasons” to keep Confederate statutes with more being said to justify the statute. Here’s why.

There were 12 states that seceded. When Congress said in the early 20th century that some monuments could be erected as a sign of reconciliation with those 12 states, statutes were not only erected in those 12 states but in 22 other states as well. Those statutes have no historical significance in those states and have nothing to do with reconciling with those communities. They were erected as symbols of white supremacy!

So when you come across a person arguing for Confederate statutes – and that is their right – ask them “in which state” and “what is the significance to that location.” If the statute is outside of the old confederacy or the person you are talking to does not know the statue’s relevancy, you are probably face to face with a supremacist or at the very least with an imbecile who does not understand they are venerating traitors. Either way the person is no history buff who may have some serious reasons to consider supporting keeping any particular statute up.

If you can hear it and repeat it, that does not make it smart. The statute debate is one of those things. Thirty-four states with statutes proves just the opposite.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

Although the title “Honorable” preceded my name, in all honesty it was my honor to have served the good people of Orleans County for 14 years as your County Clerk. It was truly humbling to have earned the trust of the voters each time I was elected to office. In light of my recent retirement it is now with great pleasure that I officially endorse Acting County Clerk Diane Shampine to be my successor to the position.

I first met Diane when I worked as an Index Clerk. She would regularly visit the Clerk’s office to file documents as part of her duties working for various attorneys in the county. She impressed me with how dedicated and how hard-working she was for her employers and their clients, always with a kind word and a smile.

When I decided to run for County Clerk, my first decision was to ask Diane to serve beside me as my deputy. Her legal experience, work ethic and loyalty combined with a genuinely kind, friendly demeanor made her the perfect choice. I am truly grateful she accepted my offer at that time. We made a great team, assembled an excellent staff, of which ensured the success of my time in office.

Together we initiated and continue to support the “Thank a Vet” program, (providing official ID to obtain discounts from participating local merchants), introduced online access to land records and provided an on-site Pistol Permit Office. We provided kind, personal service to anyone in need, all while consistently maintaining a balanced budget.

The three offices the County Clerk oversees – the County Clerk’s Office, Department of Motor Vehicles, and Pistol Permit Office – are funded by revenue generated from fees for services the offices provide. I always treated the budgetary process as if it were my own personal budget for home, making certain the office runs efficiently while meeting all the needs of the county residents. I am certain Diane will continue in kind.

Diane deserves my endorsement because I know first-hand she can do the job. She started as an Index Clerk and then became Deputy. She has the necessary legal background as well as the confidence and ability to oversee every aspect of the office.

Diane has the experience and the knowledge which is needed to be the Orleans County Clerk.  Her hard work and dedication will provide a smooth transition. I believed in Diane and trusted her when I appointed her to be my deputy and when she became acting County Clerk.

That same trust and belief applies now that she is running for the position. You need someone with hands-on experience to be the County Clerk and Diane Shampine is the person for the job!

My sincere hope and aspiration for the Clerk’s offices is Diane Shampine be given the opportunity to be the County Clerk.

Diane will continue to move the office forward with fresh ideas and services that will provide additional resources for all who come into contact with the offices.

Sincerely,

Karen Lake-Maynard

Irondequoit

Editor:

Congratulations to Jerod Thurber. He will represent the voters well on the Lyndonville Board of Education.

This will be a difficult year with all the Covid-19 regulations. And thank you for voting for me.

Jeanne Crane

Waterport

Editor:

Hey! Orleans County Legislature. Town Supervisors. Mayors. It’s time to tell “King Cuomo” to go pound sand and allow the business in this county to open up in any capacity that they feel is necessary to make a living.

Allow events and concerts to convene and don’t harass them. This dictator will keep us shut down forever. Let’s get on with our life. Send him a message loud and clear he is not going to push us around anymore and stick up for law enforcement and tell him his executive order will be shredded and flushed down the toilet.

Stick up for us. Stick up for the police. It’s time to push back against this evil. Not a word from any of you. It’s time to take back our county, state and our country.

Paul Lauricella

Yates

Editor:

Photo by Tom Rivers: About 75 attended a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Albion on June 6.

I was so proud of my community on Saturday, June 6, when I drove through town and witnessed a diverse group of people standing for Black Lives Matter on Main Street.

I just happened to be in town and was lucky enough to witness this diverse group of people standing up for what is right. I honked in support and got teary eyed. Thank you to all of you who participated.

I support Black Lives Matter, because we live in a society that acts as if they do not. This movement is not saying that other lives do not matter, or that black lives matter more. The movement is asking us to see that black lives matter. They matter.

I tracked down someone in the protest and participated with a group in Kendall on the corner of Route 18 and Kendall Road this past Saturday, June 13th. Just as the article about the previous week mentioned honks of support. It was heartwarming the number of honks and thumbs up we received.

I read a beautiful article in the Hub, with Holley and Kendall school superintendents joining Monroe County school leaders in denouncing racism. The superintendents signed a pledge, both Holley and Kendall School Districts are joining Monroe County school districts in a six-point pledge to address systemic racism in our schools. Thank you, Holley and Kendall school districts. Albion, Medina, Lyndonville Central School Districts, where are you? We need you; our children need you.

Many County Cooperative Extension offices are posting statements in line with the statewide Cooperative Extension office. I found solid statements of support from Genesee and Niagara County CCE offices, nothing on the Orleans County CCE website. Orleans County CCE, where are you? Our community needs you.

Racism robs all of us in so many ways. This is an incredible moment in our nation’s history. We all have the opportunity to engage in supporting meaningful change. The protests are step one. After years of community activism, there is a moment when protests bring about legislative change. Now comes the real work of change. Our schools, law enforcement, government, medical providers all need change. Systemic racism permeates all of our institutions.

I am filled with hope. Those of us who stand up, and those of us who honk are collectively so much more diverse than we were in the 1960’s. All dimensions of difference matter, and race is our root. The real work lies ahead. Moving from protest to actions is about committee work. Diverse members of our community sitting together in each of our different institutions identifying barriers and planning change.

I believe we can do it, and am asking that the leaders across our county stand up to this moment, and engage. It is time to create real committees/work groups to address the issues of disparity. There are so many tools at our disposal. There are amazing projects around the country that we can use to inform our efforts.

Thank you.

Betty García Mathewson

Albion