Editor:

Governor Cuomo’s disdain for upstate/western NYers has never been so evident as in his coronavirus update of 4/20/2020.

He calls for the federal government to provide a “50% bonus” to essential workers – 50% of what, Mr. Cuomo? Since the majority of these essential workers are state employees, does the state not hold that obligation? Maybe New York could have used the millions of dollars you have wasted in ill thought-out programs that never bore fruit.

The rest of his proposals are targeted specifically to downstate.

Coronavirus testing for NYC public housing residents. None for upstate. Upstate first responders, doctors, nurses, and hospital/nursing home staff apparently don’t matter to “our” governor. They are having an extremely hard getting tested. In reality the same goes for cloth masks and hand sanitizer. He says for public housing in general, but the number of items available for distribution will not allow for that. There will be 400,000 masks made available. There are more than 400,000 residents in NYC Housing Authority’s 326 public housing developments.

The creation of a task force to “improve systems in downstate NY once the state is no longer on PAUSE.” Again, we lose out. But as always, we will pay for it.

And upstate Democrats continue to vote for him. I honestly do not understand that.

Bob Harker

Clarendon

Editor:

In just a little over a month, I have seen great strides made in fighting the COVID-19 outbreak in this state and country. From volunteers giving their time and spare resources to those in need to community leaders and members rallying to support our counties, I can’t be more proud of the work that has been done and the selflessness that has been shown during this pandemic. That being said, with news of declining cases in the state of New York and the reality of our economic crisis becoming more and more prevalent, we need to start preparing for what comes next.

As Deputy Minority Leader, and in concert with the Assembly Republican Conference, I am advocating for a regional re-opening of the state to allow our workers to get their lives back, one step at a time. The proposal I am making is that starting April 30th, the state government should begin to allow more leniency in its lockdown rules where it can be allowed, particularly in districts and counties where the number of cases is not as high.

The goal is to slowly reopen society, beginning with 25 percent of employees returning to what was determined as non-essential work, and gradually increasing that number over the course of two-week periods. This strategy aims to follow social distancing guidelines and public health guidelines while at the same time getting ahead of helping people to return to work and jump-start the economy.

Some of the initiatives I am hoping to implement to get us going again include requiring face coverings for newly reopening businesses, ensuring businesses maintain 6-foot buffer zones, prioritizing online payments over cashiers when feasible, and making hand sanitization/hand washing stations available to employees and customers. These steps are far from simple, and the key to making this work will be in the combined collaboration of local communities with each other. That being said, I believe these steps, among others, will go a long way toward helping individual districts begin to economically recover.

I recognize that this is a very delicate time. Our leaders in state and federal governments are correct in saying that this period, on the downswing of cases counted, is where things can either go well or poorly. And while I can appreciate that caution and careful nature that larger bodies want to abide by, I also have to recognize that the need to get people back to work so they can support themselves and their families is a priority. I encourage you to read the full proposal attached, drafted by the Assembly Minority Conference, and to reach out to me with any comments or questions you may have.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Batavia

Hawley represents the 139^thAssembly District which includes most of Orleans, all of Genesee and part of western Monroe counties.

Editor:

There is no rational reason for closing Glenwood Lake Park in Medina. People need a quiet, peaceful place to help settle their minds.

Strange that hundreds of people can go in and out of Walmart daily, but a few dozen people can’t go sit alone in an open air park. The pandemic is horrific, but I am confident our healthcare professionals will get it under control, hopefully soon.

However, the “Infodemic” may cause more lasting damage and there will never be vaccine. Open Glenwood Lake Park!

Paul J. Hartigan

Medina

Editor:

Provided photo: This is one of the “Evan Strong” signs made for Evan Valentine.

My husband and I stood on the side of Route 31 today waiting for Evan Valentine and his Mom and Dad on their way to Strong Hospital. Evan is on his way to Strong for another bone marrow transplant in his fight with cancer.

All along the route from his home to the hospital were people with orange T-shirts, saying “Evan Strong,” holding signs and waving to him. Cars carried good luck messages for him.

We could hear the sirens coming and then around the curve, with lights flashing and sirens blaring, came fire trucks, ambulances, sheriff’s cars, from Holley, Clarendon, Hulberton and Brockport. All escorting Evan from his home to the hospital. Evan had a huge smile on his face, waving from the car window.

How amazing. In this day of hatred, sickness, fear, being polarized and poisoned 24/7 from the media, to find in a small town, such support for a sick teenager.

There is such good in this world. It is not all bad. I wish everyone could have seen what I saw today. Such caring and support being shared.

We love you, Evan. You and your family. We wish you the best. We are your church family, your school family, and your community family and you are in our prayers, our thoughts and our hearts.

We applaud your strength and your courage. We are here for you. God bless you all and all those who took time out of their day to encourage this family in their struggle to get well.

Dorothy Morgan

Holley

Editor:

Greetings to Sean Pogue, Town of Barre Supervisor, the Town Board of Barre and residents of Barre. I’m asking that you please put an agenda on the Town of Barre website for the phone meetings as per Pages 36 & 37 in the Town Law Manual (The Association of Towns of the State of New York).

The residents need an agenda to be properly advised of what the board will be discussing. As usual, the Town of Barre Meeting was taped and will be placed on The Town of Barre’s website.

I felt that Lance Mark, the town attorney, did a good job explaining the law on the moratorium during the April 8 meeting.

Why the phones were not open for questions, leaving no choice but email or text you? Texting and email are not an option for some people. Texting often runs up fees, and some people, particularly the elderly, do not use computers.

I feel it necessary to bring something to your attention. The Better Barre Committee (of which I am a member) does nice things for the community, but so does many other communities within the Town of Barre that you rarely mention. Are you pushing the Better Barre Committee, so the members stay in the limelight for a political office in the future? Many residents feel you did this with the bicentennial event.

Most of the members of the Better Barre Committee are landowners with wind turbine leases, including the president and vice president. We have church groups, Vet group, Clear Skies Over Barre, Barre Rural Home Owner, Citizens for a Better Barre within The Town of Barre. These organizations do excellent work and deserve recognition. Please review some of the great things these committees do for the town and give credit where it is do.

Furthermore, you fought to allow the town to permit the Better Barre Committee to have an insurance rider on the town’s insurance policy. There should be a written statement that all committees have the same right in the referendum.

If the town is going to allow the rider to committees on a per committee request, then guidelines must be created and made public that allows the rider and so state what is disallowed.

Kerri Richardson, a member of the Town Board, is a true credit to our community who thinks out the pros and cons of situations. I must say Mrs. Swan, Mr. Hill, and Mr. McCabe you did right by standing with Kerri and taking a look at the bigger picture and not being bullied into doing something that may not be in the best interest for all the community.

The Town Supervisor is planning to conduct a workshop meeting on April 22 at 6 p.m. This meeting is to discuss the UB report on Wind turbines and the Barre Wind Laws.

There is a call out to the Attorney General’s Office to see if this is considered a necessary meeting to run the Town of Barre.

Respectfully,

Robin Nacca

Barre

Editor:

Recycling and the environment have been forgotten in the current virus crisis. Plastics are polluting our waters, littering our shores and contaminating our food.

Why is this happening? Because most plastics are not recyclable. The manufacturers are deceiving the public.

Only those plastic items that are marked 1 and 2 are recyclable but many are rejected due to their size and shape.  All the others are not: 3, 4, 5 and 6 – a marketing ploy by the plastics industry.

Plastics are promoted by the oil industry in response to lower gasoline sales.

Do what you can: Use less, recycle what you can and let your government representatives know that you do not like being deceived by plastic manufacturers.

David Drake

Medina

Editor:

The Trump administration is leaving to the states much of the response to the coronavirus pandemic – from obtaining ventilators for patients in critical conditions to personal protective equipment (PPE) for essential workers.

Not only is the Federal government not helping provide supplies, they are also not providing financial support. Kaiser Health News reported, (4/10/20 writers Jay Hancock, Phil Galewitz and Elizabeth Lucas), “HHS confirmed Friday it would give hospitals and doctors money according to their historical share of revenue from the Medicare program for seniors — not according to their coronavirus burden.”

The report further states that: “States such as Minnesota, Nebraska and Montana, which the pandemic has touched relatively lightly, are getting more than $300,000 per reported COVID-19 case in the $30 billion, according to a Kaiser Health News analysis. On the other hand, New York, the worst-hit state, would receive only $12,000 per case. Florida is getting $132,000 per case. KHN relied on a state breakdown provided to the House Ways and Means Committee by HHS along with COVID-19 cases tabulated by The New York Times.”

Western New York needs a voice, a representative, in Washington that will provide equitable distribution of funds and stop the waste of this administration. Billie Owens in The Batavian wrote (4/4/20) “The false tweet about 30 ventilators being confiscated from a Buffalo area hospital comes on the heels of Jacobs voting against paid leave for workers that lost their job due to the coronavirus crisis. The Jacobs family business, Delaware North, also placed almost 2,000 employees on temporary leave.”

Western New York needs Nate McMurray in Congress to support our essential workers, provide equitable funding and stop the misinformation and fearmongering. Thank you.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

On Tuesday, April 7, a male American kestrel was seen 4 miles west of Albion. That afternoon, Mike Elam helped put up a kestrel box on a nearby pole. The next day, both a male and female were seen going to the box. It was—of course—a box meticulously handcrafted by out of “work” Albion Betterment Committee gas pumper, “Wink” Winkelmann!

“Wink” has made numerous wood duck, kestrel/screech owl, bluebird and chickadee boxes.  The bigger ones are often put up with the help of people such as Mike.

But there are no guarantees. A kestrel was spotted on the light pole at Hojack’s that same week. The box that went up on that pole was quickly taken over by invasive starlings. Most bluebird boxes are occupied by opportunistic, invasive house (English) sparrows. Of our six boxes, only one has a bluebird nest. Bluebirds are, by the way, identifiable by their flight pattern and their vocalizations.

One thing can be counted on. Speed kills. It kills people and innumerable animals, including birds. I can provide a long list of those I have found.

So . . . if you cannot uplift your spirits by providing cover, leaving things such as staghorn sumac standing, thoughtfully feeding the birds and erecting nest boxes for cavity nesters*, at least slow down and be considerate of things with wings that can uplift us in many ways.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent

Albion

*such as nuthatches, chickadees, wood ducks, American kestrels, woodpeckers, titmice, screech owls and Eastern bluebirds

Editor:

This letter is in response to Jim Hoffman’s letter published on April 13. I am writing in shock and disbelief that someone would oppose donations to community organizations during a time that is bringing so much uncertainty and tragedy to the world.

Hundreds of people are dying every day across our state while millions are out of work and don’t know how to pay their rent/mortgages or provide meals to their family. I am a supporter of Heritage Wind, but to be frank, I could care less where the money is coming from as long as the money is going to people in Orleans County that need it.

I am also perplexed as to why Jim is so concerned about Heritage Wind and the town of Barre. Barre residents, including members of the town board, have asked many times for SOS and other non-Barre residents to please stop involving themselves in this issue. I am once again asking the same thing.

There are a few other points from Jim’s letter that I would like to address.

Jim says that Apex “operates in secret with leases and easements and the associated gag orders and other multiple restrictions.” I don’t think anyone would want to sign a lease with a company that makes all the agreement details public.

I am a leaseholder for Heritage Wind that not only appreciates my privacy but also put a lot of time and review with attorneys into my decision to do business with Apex. If it was so restrictive as implied, I would not sign such an agreement in the first place.

Plenty of people sign lease agreements for cell towers or rent their land to other farmers. Do they need to make all of that information public as well? Two parties honoring confidentiality is not a gag order and the insinuation over the years from various groups that it is, is getting old. As far as I am concerned, the details only pertain to Apex and the landowner.

Jim also speaks against a PILOT agreement that would benefit the town of Barre. Is he suggesting that all other businesses in the area that rely on PILOTs should not get them? Jim’s town of Somerset reaped the benefits of a hefty PILOT from an industrial coal plant for many years. I don’t see why Heritage Wind should be treated any differently as other utility scale energy projects. It is Barre’s turn to receive a financial benefit.

I will not speak for Somerset and Yates since I am not a resident, but I will speak for the town of Barre as a long-time resident. Heritage Wind will bring millions of dollars to Barre and has already done plenty for our community over the last few years. I ask people from other towns to please not stand in our way.

Chris Loss

Barre

Editor:

In the middle of all the chaos, confusion and conflict surrounding the current health crisis in America and especially New York State, the only solution is found in the Bible in 2 Chronicles 7:13-14  (God speaking):  “If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Even though this was given to the nation of Israel living in disobedience to God, the admonition can readily be applied to America today. As a nation and  as individuals, we have turned away from God especially those who call themselves Christians. We worship other gods including money, pleasure, recreation and self.

We have stood by silently and allowed abortion and perversion to reign in our culture. We wink at wickedness in our government and other institutions, including the church.

Somehow, we rationalize, “God will understand.” Well, He doesn’t “understand,” nor does He approve. He probably has condoned more than enough. Now we are paying the price.

Whether God sent or allowed this virus calamity to overtake doesn’t matter. What matters is “What are we going to do about it?” Will we ignore His warnings and hope everything will eventually work out? Will we repent of our sin and seek forgiveness from Him?

If and when this calamity goes away, there will be another one, probably even worse if we do not turn back to God. He has blessed us with the gift of a beautiful country – will we use it to glorify Him or for our own selfish pleasure, only watch it fall in disgrace and sorrow?

We should be supporting our President as he works diligently to make things right. No man is perfect, but he needs our cooperation and support. The President declared a National Day of Prayer on March 15, the same day a majority of churches in this area shut their doors.

Return to God, repent of sin, accept His forgiveness through the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and He will bring healing to you personally as well as to our land.

May God Bless you and Bless America!

Wayne Lemcke

Waterport, NY

Editor:

As we begin a new week of “different” during this historical time, it is important to remember we are all in this together. Many of you may be frustrated, a bit afraid or even feel a sense of being lost or lonely due to the “safer at home” and social distancing guidelines.

We understand this, and want to remind each Orleans County resident that we can control our reaction to COVID-19 and in some ways slow the spread of this virus.

Each of you can take action to provide defense to the spread of COVID-19 as you are the first line of defense to Stop the Spread!

Please adhere to the following Civic Responsibility Guidelines:

• If you are sick – Stay Home!  Call your primary care provider (doctor) and follow his/her advice. Do not show up at the hospital unannounced. Healthcare staff is already working hard on those who are sick.  Don’t add needless stress to our healthcare system. Think of others first.

• Follow the guidance from the authorities – if you are told to stay 6 feet apart – Stay Apart.

• If you need essential – Shop Solo! Don’t take your family on a shopping trip. You are putting others at risk, especially those working to ensure you have your essential items. Think of them first.

• If at all possible, use mail-order prescriptions. Drug stores are offering many options to enable you to receive your medications. Call and ask so you can “Stay Safer at Home.”

• Consider a grocery delivery service. Call your favorite grocery store to see if they provide store-to-door delivery. If your store doesn’t have a delivery service, check to see if they have curbside pick-up. Remember to wipe down items before bringing into your home or leave untouched (if no refrigeration is needed) in a secure area for a couple of days. Recipe for bleach solution: 1 gallon of water to 5-6 tablespoons of bleach.

• Cloth face coverings are now recommended when you go out in public. You still need to stay 6 feet apart even with your face covered. Online tutorials on face coverings are available (click here). Face coverings should not be used on small children under the age of 2, anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

• Remember this is not the time to have company, play dates for your children or date night to the local store. Stay apart so we can be together again!

• Remember that children crave routine. Continue to follow daily bedtimes, meal schedules, dressing for the day and routines they are familiar with.

• We encourage you to stay in touch with your loved ones and friends…virtually! Take 5 minutes each day to talk with a family member or friend to check on their needs, remind them you are thinking of them. Offer to assist if you are able, however do not engage in group activities.

• Take time to document these times for your family history. This will be talked about for years, so journal, take pictures and provide future generations with an inside look at how you, your family and our nation handled this temporary situation.

The Care + Crisis Helpline is available for anyone 24/7 who needs to talk with someone. Call 585-283-5200 or you can text ‘Got5’ to 741741. Trained listeners can take your call and provide encouragement, support and guidance to services.

We understand the desire to be in control and these suggestions will give you a sense of having control over COVID-19. Remember this time will end soon as long as everyone does their part.

We ask that you remember all those who working hard to provide services for our county. Remember the store clerks, mail personnel, sanitation workers, medical personnel, emergency services, government workers and so many others all want to be with their families, but they are working to keep you safe and supplied with the necessities.

Do your part now and for the next few weeks, stay apart so we can all be together again!

Together we are Orleans Strong!

Lynne Johnson, Chair of Orleans County Legislature, and District 2 Legislator

On behalf of the Orleans County Legislators:

William Eick – District 1, Vice-Chairman of the Legislature

Fred Miller – District 3

Kenneth DeRoller – District 4

Merle Draper – At Large – West

Donald Allport – At Large – Central

John DeFilipps – At Large – East

Editor:

Apex Clean Energy recently announced The Heritage Wind Community Grant Program. This is an attempt by Apex own admission to obtain favor and gain support for the proposed Heritage Wind Project in Barre.

This program comes at a curious time that coincides with Apex submittal of the formal application to the Article 10 Siting Board. This is a diversion from the real issue which is to review and respond to the formal application.

Perhaps Apex would like to “Build Healthy Communities, Promote Economic Development, and be Stewards of the Environment.” However many in the townships of Yates and Somerset have seen a different side of Apex, the one exposed in the six-year battle against proposed Lighthouse Wind.

We have seen a company which completely disregards the desires of the general public who have overwhelmingly rejected the proposed Lighthouse Wind, no less than three times in independently conducted surveys, and countless meetings and public hearings.

We have seen a company which disregards the long standing objectives of Town Comprehensive Plans, a key one of which is to “preserve the rural character of our towns.”

We have seen a company that disregards our local laws regarding the siting of Industrial wind turbines and associated equipment. To this day, a meteorological tower still stands in violation of the permitting conditions that Apex agreed to in the original siting decision.

We have seen a company that operates in secret with leases and easements and the associated gag orders and other multiple restrictions.

We have seen a company indifferent to the environment and wildlife as exemplified in the disregard of US Fish & Wildlife recommendations for siting of industrial wind turbines.

We have seen a company that touts their generosity via a proposed PILOT agreement while not acknowledging that a PILOT is a huge tax break that will allow them to get by on the cheap and avoid full local taxation for years to come.

Perhaps the Heritage Wind Community Grant Program will “contribute towards pressing community needs and make a meaningful impact.” One can only hope so. The record says otherwise!

James C. Hoffman

Town of Somerset

Editor:

The healthcare workers on the front lines are truly the heroes of the day today. Getting out of bed early in the morning, working through the nights, and braving the virus to ensure citizens get the help and support they need during this crisis is nothing short of extraordinary.

I, like many of you, have constantly been thinking about ways we can show our gratitude and support to these extraordinary individuals. I have some ideas I wanted to share with you today.

The simplest thing we can do is follow instructions to make their jobs easier. That is, stay home if possible, practice social distancing, and help to flatten the curve. I’ve seen that this habit is being practiced with seriousness and great regularity, and I want to encourage those who haven’t done so to try to implement it into their daily lives for the time being. The fewer cases these healthcare workers have to worry about, the better.

Another way to show support is through social media. Even if we can’t say our thanks to these heroes in person, the beauty of the modern world allows us to connect virtually, across entire continents. Find your local hospitals on social media, like that of Medina Memorial, United Memorial and Summit Medical Center, among others, and feel free to leave uplifting messages and videos for the staff who continue to work day and night throughout this crisis.

Lastly, continue this habit after the crisis ends. It’s true that with all this free time, many people have the opportunity to give thanks and give back to our healthcare workers. But these heroes continue to work even after health crises like the one we face now are resolved. Being able to show kindness and support to our health officials is a small way we can continue to support them. I will be taking these steps, and I invite you to do the same.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Batavia

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

Editor:

Town of Barre offices are still open and doing business. Unfortunately the doors are closed to the public.

Payments, letters, notices or applications may be placed in the drop box to the left of our front door. For any inquiries please leave a message at the appropriate extension and calls will be returned if no one is there.

We do have a copy of the application to the DPS submitted by Heritage/APEX in our foyer area. As posted on our website, anyone wishing to look over the five, 8-inch-thick binders and maps just need to call the Town Hall and make an appointment. Yes there is a bottle of hand sanitizer there as well.

Sean P. Pogue

Supervisor

Town of Barre

Editor:

Upstate New Yorkers are familiar with how downstaters think at this point. With this year’s state budget, it shows that things haven’t changed.

The only new element was that Gov. Cuomo was calling the shots because downstate liberals didn’t meet the budget deadline. Nevertheless, this budget was filled to the brim with bad policy and further restrictions on the liberties of New Yorkers.

I voted no on every single budget bill. Throughout this budget debating process, I pushed back against more unconstitutional gun control. I pushed for supporting local institutions like libraries during a time when children and teachers will rely on them more than ever. While I fought to support small businesses during this healthcare crisis, they decided to spend $100 million in taxpayer dollars on funding political campaigns.

The acceptance of Gov. Cuomo’s reign during this crisis greatly concerns me. It sets a dangerous precedent during this healthcare crisis. The legislators, elected by the people of New York, should be legislating on behalf of the citizens.

The last thing our state needs is to give more authority to its executive. No matter how well-intended the budget might have been in places, I couldn’t, in good conscience, vote on budget bills that were filled with policy and pushed by an overreaching executive.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Batavia

(Hawley represents the 139^th Assembly District which includes most of Orleans, all of Genesee and part of western Monroe County.)