Editor:

Mr. Fine mentions the Russian stock market has benefited from the recent events in Iraq. What he failed to mention is the Russian GDP peaked in 2013 at 2,297 billion US dollars. The current level is less than 1,700 billion US dollars.

This compares to the US GDP which is over 21,000 billion. I don’t believe our current President was in office in 2013. Much of the Russian decline is caused by falling oil prices.

Technology and changes in regulatory requirements have made energy more affordable thus weakening countries that have commodity-driven economies. Middle East tension impacts energy but not to the level it was in the past.

Ed Urbanik

Lyndonville

Editor:

The purpose of this letter is to express my complete and utter dismay regarding the proposal of a solar farm (totaling 11,000 solar panels) with a large lithium battery storage unit at Swett Road. There are several factors that I hope would be considered in regards to this monstrosity!

Our property is on Swett Road and is by the property where the solar farm is being proposed. In fact, my husband’s family once owned the very land the current owner is offering to lease to this solar panel company. We have resided in our home for the last 12 years. Our home was built in 1870 and is considered to be a family homestead.

Many family heirs were born and raised in this house, including my mother-in-law. We are raising our children in this home, as well. We have put a lot of heart and soul into updating our home, yet keeping some of that old farmhouse character, including the cobblestone foundation known to our area.

We were present at the initial meeting where the idea was proposed, after finding out about this that very same day. My first and immediate surprise was the fact that they are asking for a variance, going from 500 feet to 250 feet. Towards the end of the meeting the Town Board went into a closed session, so the public was asked to leave.

Upon exiting the meeting, there were two representatives from the company. They asked if we had any questions. Several of us stayed and had a discussion with them in the foyer. In the discussion, I asked one of the representatives why there needs to be such a high barrier between the properties and her response was, “Well, it’s electric and it’s highly dangerous.” This clearly is not something that one’s children should be able to walk right up to! That alone is an example of why Ridgeway has put 500 feet into place as the law. Asking for that to be literally cut in half is ludicrous.

In addition, I asked one of the representatives to please share the long-term health effects this may cause, as I heard her at the meeting list positive things about the company, but not one negative effect. She refused to answer. Then, I asked her if these emit radiation. She said household appliances emit radiation. So, we are comparing a mass of 11,000 solar panels to a cell phone, which has already been linked as a cancer-causing agent?  I asked her if there has been research done showing such data. She had nothing to say in response to that.

There are several homes in close proximity to this land that would endure such negative effects. In the many solar farm photographs/maps I have seen, most have no residences in the immediate circumference.

Not only am I concerned about the long-term health effects of the families in these residences, but I am concerned about the farm and forest land, as well. There is a large farm adjoining to the west of my property and the property site of the proposed solar panels. This farm may be several hundred acres large. It is sure to reap the negative impacts I keep reading about in regards to mass solar panels. In fact, the land the solar panels would be located on has been very fertile farm land for the past decade.

Also, there is a forest on the northern part of the property of the proposed solar panels. In this forest there is a pond, which would be very near the solar panels. I pray the forest and pond would be left untouched. However, they are sure to reap the negative impacts of the proposed solar panels, too.

The loss of all these acres of land and such negative impacts on the pond, forest land and farm land would surely be detrimental to the wildlife in our area (deer, foxes, Canadian geese, turkey, pheasants, birds, insects, etc.). Other wildlife, including the Earth’s already diminishing number of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds would face adverse effects, too!

Every single animal I have mentioned are animals I can vouch for seeing on or around this property! In fact, when I told my sister, who lives in the south, about this she said, “You mean that land where we see that wonderful night show of fireflies during the summertime will be gone?” I have read several articles, including ones on government websites that express concerns to farm and forest land from mass solar panels.

Further, what transpires if and when this company decides to remove the solar farm. How would the land be decommissioned to a usable state again? What is the negative impact from its removal?

We have several other concerns, as well. These include the fire radius, explosion radius, the glare from the solar panels, the upkeep of the landscaping surrounding the perimeter, how this will affect our property value, the short trees not truly blocking any view especially as you stand and look out our upstairs windows, the possibility of buzzing sounds, drainage, just to name a few.

At a second meeting, we were told that the company withdrew the variance request, and is simply tweaking their design. In asking what the law states, we were told that both the New York state law and local law are very new and vague.

My concerns are now two-fold: 1.) Why are the laws not clear and written succinctly before even entertaining these proposals and 2.) Why are there not laws indicating that these “farms” should not be built on top of residences?

I feel that residents in Ridgeway need to be apprised of this situation. There are several other proposals popping up. How many of these solar farms are there going to be?

If we don’t do something to stop the floodgate, it’s going to be too late! Our town will be surrounded by solar panels! What will this do to the agricultural economy? What about the ecology? We need to band together!

We need to demand the lawmakers make clear-cut laws! There is a public meeting Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall, 410 West Avenue. Please attend this meeting and let our voices be heard.

Sincerely,

Heidi Marciniak

Ridgeway

Editor:

The Iranian General, Qasem Soleimani, we just killed had posed a danger to the US for decades. No American laments his death. Now they have responded.

I simply write about the carefully crafted procedures that are being debated as part of everyone thinking on what happened and how the Country proceeds.

Under our Constitution only Congress can declare war and has the power of the purse. The President is the Commander in Chief, constrained only by law, treaty, and international laws to which we have agreed.

After that everything involving the military gets muddled with overlapping laws and procedures. For example, President Regan signed Executive Order 12333 which prohibits assassinating a leader of a foreign government – inter alia  President Nixon was caught assassinating the elected President of Chile.

Another example came up when President Johnson staged the partly fictitious Gulf of Tonkin naval battle so be sure we became involved in Vietnam. In response Congress was concerned about being drawn into wars through the back door and enacted the War Powers Act requiring that it be consulted immediately if military force was used except in the event of emergency self defense.  (Nixon vetoed it but 70 percent of each house overrode the veto.)

More recently in 2002 the President was given the power to deal with 9/11-related terrorism. Presidents have relied on “related” terrorism to justify their actions ever since. Both sides of the aisle from time to time debate if Presidents have gone too far in relying on that authorization.  (That clearly is going to come up again now.) (When President Obama asked for permission to go into Syria after chemical weapons were used – when Syria crossed the “red line” he had set –  that was not related to terrorism and Congress refused a Declaration of War.)

Since the Constitution, laws and executive orders overlap as a practical matter, the President and Congress consult all the time about how to best protect the Country.

As far as you and me are concerned everyone has their opinion but none of us is fully informed.  A few things are clear though. First, Iran is a sophisticated and powerful country with many surrogates. It does not want our small contingencies of troops and planes in its way as it attempts to dominate the Mideast.

Second, you and me may never learn all the facts – unless there are lies involved. Third, as a legal and practical matter, Congress will need to be briefed and involved. It may need to fund new military or defense capabilities. It may need to reinstate conscription. It may decide that the Administration needs entirely new Agencies or Departments to address a changed threat.

It is part of Congress’s job to sure that the Administration is up to the task now required and has the capability it needs in place to actually prevail. It has had to step in before and may or may not now.

I hope this letter helps clarify who does what and why to keep us safe as well as limit mistakes, lies, and political games.  We are a superpower economically; we are a superpower militarily; we still have most of our superpower resources diplomatically.

Our democracy is well developed and as long as everyone honors it, we have managed and will continue to whether the storms that come no matter how much we argue to find optimal solutions.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

Town of Yates property taxpayers last week property tax notices were mailed out. Did yours go up or down? Consider this – a year ago we underwent a town-wide reassessment to bring equal rates to all (being told this could bring lower taxes to many).

When grant money runs out who is going to pay for maintenance, already at $10,000 per year, of the Yates Town Park, given the electricity, increased liability insurance (to cover the jetties, kayak launch, cost of vandalism, and plugged toilets), and Morrison Road repairs the Town Park REDI project will entail?

One last point, why is it only the Town Board has the say, yes or no, to a $2.5 million park enhancement? As a taxpayer, I feel I have no say.

Bill Jurinich

Lyndonville

Editor:

President Trump ordered the assassination of Gen. Qassim Suleimani without notifying members of Congress or apparent consideration of consequences.

Under the Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF), the President must inform Congress within 48 hours and the President’s actions must be intended to prevent acts of terrorism against the United States. This oversight is required by law. To date there has been no proof provided by this administration that this strike prevented an act of terrorism. This unilateral attack on Suleimani and Iran reveals an escalation of Mr. Trump’s refusal to answer either to Congress or to the American people.

If the attack on Gen. Suleimani was meant to save American life why did the administration deploy about 3,500 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the region? Many experts say this action destabilizes the region and provokes war rather than prevent war.

The timing of this assassination is another concern. With the Senate trial on his impeachment coming up and the general election eleven months away, this raises questions about Mr. Trump’s motives.

Mr. Trump’s record of lies and more lies undermine his credibility both at home and abroad. Mr. Trump’s unaccountable actions and lack of oversight makes him ill-suited to lead a democratic government like the U.S. into war.

Are we going to hear Republicans say they can not take up impeachment because of events in the Middle East? Another concern is Russia. Like Mr. Trump’s ill-timed pull out of Syria, Russia benefited from the assassination, this time economically as the Russian stock market set record highs on increase oil prices.

To me, this appears to be another impulsively ill-conceived action by this administration that will have dire consequences for the U.S. but will benefit Russia. Thank you.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

Why does the Town of Yates need $2.5 million in proposed upgrades to the park?  The file picture is from 2014 – 5 years ago!

I am all for taking advantage of the REDI Grants, but this money could be better spent in other more populated areas in Orleans County that are lacking and could benefit from these proposed improvements. This area is not well populated, and this park has never been utilized to the fullest due to its location.

Who will use all the proposed amenities? How will it be promoted? What will the cost be for advertising it? And once the money has been spent, can Yates afford to maintain it and keep taxes down?

Jeanne Crane

Waterport

Editor:

Soleimani and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Quds Force has long been a terrorist organization. They are directly responsible for hundreds of U.S. servicemember deaths in Iraq.

Iran’s goal has always been to destabilize Iraq and exert its influence in the Middle East. This strike eliminates one of the masterminds of those efforts.

State Sen. Robert Ortt

North Tonawanda

Editor:

The US has just made a terrible mistake by killing Suliemani. Don’t misunderstand me. Suliemani was a brutal thug who commanded a terrorist organization, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, and he deserved to die.

But not by the hands of the US. It is inconceivable that Iran will not strike back and they will strike at the softest American targets they can find – embassies, consulates, American NGO offices around the world, possibly cruise ships.

And this will be on the head of the presidential candidate who wanted to withdraw from the Middle East. Who just this last New Year’s Eve said he wanted peace with Iran. What I find to be most depressing about this killing is that I believe Trump has done this mostly just to fight his impeachment. He doesn’t care about the Iranian threat but he loves having an enemy he can point a finger at. It’s classic demagoguery.

The demagogue then accuses all who do not slavishly follow the party line  of being traitors. Trump will say he needs all his energies to fight the Iranian threat and that the impeachment efforts will drain his energies. And therefore the impeachment efforts are the work of traitors.

Just so you know, I’m not anti all wars. Most yes, particularly Vietnam and the second Gulf. First Gulf War likely was justified. Saddam Hussein was after the bomb and likely would have used it.

I’m 80 and served in the USAF from early 1959 to late 1962. I was stationed in Florida where I worked on the F102 fighter interceptor’s missile systems. Our planes played a major part in the Cuban missile crisis. My experience there was written up in the “Buffalo News” weekly series on vets. It was in Jan 2018, as I recall.

After that I worked for four years for the US Navy’s top research laboratory. Then 15 years for NASA in its heyday. Lastly for the US Weather Service where I helped them computerize. In retirement I have a used & rare book business. I read a lot about political and military history.

Dennis Seekins

Lyndonville

Editor:

As Sheriff Randy Bower’s retirement is here, many in our county would like to extend our sincere thanks and wishes for continues success.

Sheriff Bower, those in your administration, and all members of the department have greatly improved citizens’ relationships with law enforcement overall. Your obvious caring for our community and dedication to providing the absolute best in protection is well worth special mention. Additionally, your involvement with youth in the county has been commendable. We are fortunate to have had you serve.

We are equally fortunate that incoming Sheriff Chris Bourke and Undersheriff Mike Mele have long proven the same dedication to Orleans County. You are leaving county citizens and the Sheriff’s Department in great hands.

Again, thank you.

Bob Harker

Clarendon

Editor:

The end of 2019 does not represent a time of closure but rather a time for new hope, new opportunity and the fulfillment of long-standing aspirations. It is a symbolic time to set new goals, raise your standards and put failures and disappointment behind you.

Although we must always look forward, it is important to reflect on what we have accomplished this year and all that we have to be thankful for. In doing so, we can evaluate what we have achieved and push ourselves even further professionally, personally and physically to even greater limits next year.

The division in our state and our nation is troubling. Politics shouldn’t be a perpetual competition as much as it should be about listening, collaboration and compromise. New York has taken on a stark progressive character the last year under one-party leadership and although I disagree with many of the current policies, I will continue to extend the olive branch in 2020 and forge a bond with elected officials as fellow New Yorkers first, not Republicans or Democrats.

Next year’s election cycle is sure to be contentious, but we will heal as a nation by always remembering to listen, respect and be kind to others.

If you are out celebrating the New Year with family and friends and choose to consume alcohol, please do so responsibly and always take advantage of the great ride-sharing and taxi services we have locally. We need to all do our part this time of year to keep our drivers and passengers safe.

On behalf of all the constituents of the 139th Assembly District and fellow New Yorkers alike, I wish everyone and their families a happy and safe New Year!

Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Batavia

Editor:

It was so pleasant to read Bob Confer’s editorial as well as The Daily News account of the first Christmas published on Christmas Day, that I wanted to add a similar reflection on the true meaning of Christmas, which is so often lost in today’s hectic world:

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Many today no longer believe in God or recognize his son Jesus Christ, but it is important to remember this truth. Ages ago, God the Father sent to earth his only son Jesus to this earth to be born and grow up to be a man and live among us so he would know us and understand our grief and sorrows and the difficulties  and temptations of life we so often face.

Despite this act of love, this son was despised and rejected by mankind. He often would be by himself all night as he prayed for us, then grow weary during the day as he healed, fed and gave of himself to the very ones who hated him. He owned nothing and often did not have a place to lie down and rest at night.

In the end, this son sacrificed his life as a ransom for the very people who were putting him to death. As he hung on a cruel cross, he even asked his father to forgive them for not realizing what they were doing. That sacrifice was for all mankind, even us today. It was designed to redeem all people from the curse of sin in our lives.

God the father looked down from Heaven with sorrow as he saw his infant son lying in that manger in Bethlehem, knowing he would soon grow up to die. How many of us would be willing to make that sacrifice of our own child or of our own life for someone else?

As we have busied ourselves with the preparation and celebrating of Christmas, do we really understand why we are even remembering this day? Let us try to understand the connection between the manger and the cross, and repent from our sins and accept the sacrifice of Jesus’ blood for each of us personally. Only then will we understand the true meaning of Christmas!

This is my prayer for all of you.

Wayne Lemcke

Waterport

Editor:

As the new year approaches, some people may have decided to turn unhealthy habits into healthy ones, including the decision to quit smoking!

Along with encouraging nicotine replacement therapy and counseling, how else can you help people stay smoke-free?

There are many symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, and even more habits associated with smoking. Luckily, there is one priceless technique that can curb the urge to smoke in just one minute.

Did you know that taking a couple of deep breaths can be one of the most effective ways to take the edge off a craving? Deep breathing actually helps you relax! Simply closing your eyes and taking ten slow, deep breaths may be all it takes. Delaying a cigarette for just one minute by utilizing deep breathing techniques can help that desire pass.

Breathing is one of the most overlooked activities we do, but a lot of people take it’s calming potential for granted. If healthcare providers can encourage deep breathing practices their patients can experience less physical withdrawal symptoms, and can have a positive impact on behavioral triggers.

Practicing deep breathing after meals, while drinking morning coffee and in stressful situations can very well help keep people smoke-free.

Kimberly Bank, RN, MS

Darien

Editor:

At a time when our jobs are more demanding, our news cycles faster and our schedules more packed than ever, I’m encouraging you to do one thing this holiday season – less.

Unplug from your phone and connect with the people who mean the most to you. Relax. Remember old stories and make new memories. Keep family traditions alive.

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! I hope your upcoming year is filled with new opportunities and many blessings.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Batavia

Editor:

In response to Mr. William Fine’s critique of my letter dated December 19, I politely suggest he consider the following:

“I am not sure what he means by licenses in New York State are not recognized federally.” This is simply a reiteration of your own statement of December 16. “Licenses issued under the Green Light Law will say ‘Not for Federal Purposes.’ They can not be used to register to vote, for passports or for benefits.”

“I suggest Mr. Harker ask the DMV officials why they are not prepared.” I instead ask why democratically controlled Albany passed a law that the responsible State Department finds ambiguous. I recollect but one other example: the “SAFE” Act, also passed by Democrats. County clerks are trying to de-tangle that mess to this day.

“The New York Times reported (3/18/19): ‘It has long been an open secret in upstate New York that the dairy industry has been able to survive only by relying on undocumented immigrants for its work force.’ Mr. Mike MaMahon, a dairy farmer from central New York, told the Times, ‘There are people out there who just say, “Send them all back and build a wall.” But they would be facing empty shelves in the grocery store if that were to happen.’” This is correct. And our store shelves stayed stocked without illegal immigrants being granted the privilege to drive. Why would that change? Immigration laws may need to be changed, but certainly not ignored.

“Undocumented (in his words illegal) immigrants.” If someone is in our country without the proper legal documentation are they not, by definition, here illegally? I’m quite sure Mr. Conrad Cropsey will put forth his knowledgeable (albeit biased) opinion. That is not to insult Mr. Cropsey. I am biased as well – just in the opposite direction.

In closing, it is quite obvious that Mr. Fine’s and my views differ greatly. As no amount of debate will likely change the other’s mind, I will not be responding further.

I wish Mr. Fine, his loved ones, and all readers of the Hub a very Merry Christmas season.

Bob Harker

Clarendon

Editor:

I was recently accused of writing without laying out the law and ignoring a litany of alleged facts – he even relies on Russian President for his information and never read House rules to know they were the same rules the Republican House used for President Clinton….And so it went.

First, I have never written to defend Vice President Biden’s son as it’s not relevant. He survived the car crash that killed his mother and sisters but ended up being a black sheep. (But even if the kid was relevant, his father did his job. That is why there was no outcry at the time.)

In respect to basic fact and law few read 5 to 7 papers a day and have the advantage of basically a lifetime of further education. (Just don’t ask me to fix the plumbing – two left thumbs.)

Every person deserves the opportunity to see the world through eyes others than Fox’s or a big name news organization produced at the dining room table. (i.e. Breitbart). This is particularly important since we live in a Congressional District that embarrassed itself just last year. It ignored lip readers and conclusive documents and reelected a felon, ex Rep. Collins, to Congress. Therefore I think it’s a wonderful thing if people start reading more and asking questions.

Since space is limited this list is fairly good starting point.

For law:

1.  Trump’s Impeachable Conduct Strikes at the Heart of the Rule of Law: Part 1

2. “High Crimes and Misdemeanors,” explained

3. Trump Didn’t Bribe Ukraine. It’s Actually Worse Than That.

For an accurate chronology of relevant fact:

The ultimate guide to the Donald Trump impeachment saga

I hope every reader, including Mr. Harker, will find this interesting, if not eye opening, fact and law.

P.S. Mr. Harker can call me what he wants. He repeats Kremlin talking points that were first in Russia Today. The fact is I am a centrist.

Very truly yours,

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion