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Editor:

On the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion (June 6), when American military personnel stepped up to defend our republic, it seems appropriate to reflect on what we are called upon to do in 2024. Our republican form of government as outlined by the Founders in the Constitution is in genuine jeopardy.

What would we be communicating to the civilized world should we get it wrong in November? What would we be saying to our children and grandchildren should we say criminality affirmed by a jury doesn’t matter when choosing presidents?

We attempt to teach the difference between right and wrong. We chastise our young people for dishonesty but say, in effect, that it is okay to elect a serial liar who believes laws apply only to others and womanizing is a badge of honor.

We have a candidate who believes accountability is for others.

There are at least a dozen Republicans in Orleans County who would be better presidents for this nation than the GOP’s presumptive nominee.

Should we get it wrong this time our republican form of government that was bequeathed to us by the Founding Fathers in the Constitution may well come to an end. Biden may not be the best the Democrats have to offer, but he isn’t a dictator-in-waiting who has expressed his admiration for Vladimir Putin (Hitler in red).

The frustration I see in voters is understandable, but opting out this November does a disservice to the World War II generation and may get us something far worse than what we have now.

Sincerely,

Gary Kent

Albion

Editor:

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I would like to take this opportunity to present some facts to Orleans County residents with respect to the 2024 race for the office of District Attorney.

If you are a supporter of the Susan Howard campaign for District Attorney, I respect your right to support your candidate, to state your position and freely vote for your candidate without fear of reprisal or personal attacks.

It is a shame that this philosophy is lost on some involved with the Howard campaign. Some have chosen a path of disinformation, false allegations and verbal attacks on people exercising their absolute right to support John Sansone.

Earlier in the year, Republican Committee members from across Orleans County met to caucus and endorse candidates. After a full committee vote, John Sansone received the endorsement of the Republican Committee.

 Soon thereafter, surrogates of the Howard campaign began a campaign of false information in a weak attempt to discredit Republican Committee members. The Republican delegates from every town in Orleans County simply exercised their rights under the bylaws of the Orleans County Republican Committee to support a candidate based on their own personal beliefs. The voting process was conducted in a professional manner pursuant to rules. Demonizing committee members that took part in the process because you didn’t like the outcome is concerning to say the least.

John Sansone then received an endorsement from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Employees Association which represents the majority of Sheriff’s Office employees. Shortly thereafter, the disinformation machine fires up and the attacks on decent hard-working men and women at the Sheriff’s Office.

The nasty attacks are on Sheriff’s employees who have a constitutional right to free speech and to the right to voice their opinion. I submit to you that this is beyond political banter. Referring to the Sheriff’s employees as, a small group, the good old boys’ club, union bosses, corrupt sheriff’s office, along with disparaging remarks is quite frankly disgusting.

Sheriff’s Office employees are dedicated hard-working people doing some of the most dangerous and important work that exists in our society today. Every day, Sheriff’s employees come to work to serve the citizens of Orleans County. I stand with and will defend the Sheriff’s employees’ right to engage in the process and reject these baseless attacks on decent people.

If you choose to support John Sansone, I request that you so in a respectful and professional manner. I would also ask that you not engage in nasty personal attacks on Ms. Howard or her supporters.

I am asking my friends and supporters to join me in endorsing John Sansone, the Republican-endorsed candidate for the office of Orleans County District Attorney. Please exercise your right to vote beginning on June 15th for early voting up to and including election day June 25th.

Thank you for your time.

Christopher Bourke

Orleans County Sheriff

Editor:

Susan Howard is the best candidate for Orleans County District Attorney. I know her to be hard-working, on days, nights and weekends; honest, intelligent and well-versed in the law; and always well-prepared. She is thoughtful and fair in her decision-making. And, critically important as District Attorney, unwilling to resolve a matter short of trial, if justice demands that result.

I am an attorney, a Kendall alumna, who spent 40 years practicing law in the criminal justice system before retiring last year. I was Joe Cardone’s First Assistant for two years when he took office. I have also prosecuted in Genesee and Onondaga counties. I know what it takes to be a good prosecutor. Susan Howard has those skills, and Susan also has the experience needed to lead the office as District Attorney.

Only Susan has spent her career in the Orleans County DA’s Office, devoted exclusively to her job as a prosecutor of both adults and juveniles. She has experience in every facet of prosecuting, from handling the Traffic Diversion Program to regularly appearing in multiple, and often the busiest, Town Courts, as well as in County Court.

She has represented the People in appeals filed with the Appellate Division in Rochester. Hundreds of Orleans County residents by now (a new 23 every 3 months) have seen her work in grand jury. All those people should be voting to ensure that Susan becomes the next District Attorney.

Significantly, only Susan has actually lived in Orleans County throughout her employment in Orleans County, easily accessible to police and courts. As a former prosecutor who was on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, I know how important it is for police to have a prosecutor who can be there when needed. Susan has already played that role.

While a defense attorney, I represented many clients being prosecuted by both Susan and her opponent. I know that the citizens of Orleans County will be best served with Susan as the next District Attorney. The registered Republicans of the County should make her their candidate through their vote in the upcoming primary.

Shirley A. Gorman, Esq.

Spencerport

Editor:

I have worked with coroners in Orleans County for the past 44 years. In that time, I have cross examined them, called and heard them as witnesses, reviewed coroner’s inquests, among many other types of proceedings.

Without reservation, I can state that Scott Schmidt is the most professional, well prepared, articulate and reliable of them all. He has a remarkable grasp of all aspects of his subject matter, and has the integrity to give his findings and opinions without fear or favor.

In addition, Scott is a valued and active member of the local community. He is also a leader in the larger community of coroners in the State of New York, and is held in high regard and respect throughout the state.

As many of you know, he has heroically contributed his time and expertise in dealing with the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks on our country. He had a leadership role in the complicated, devastating process of identifying the thousands of victims of that attack. I was very proud to be from the same county as Scott when he gave freely of his energy, spirit and time.

I am honored to recommend Scott for re-election. Any community in the country would do well to seek out a person of Scott’s talents for this job, and we are enormously lucky to have him serving in Orleans County.

Sincerely,

James Punch

Medina

Punch is retired as Orleans County Court judge, and also served as the county’s district attorney.

Editor:

When I was first elected coroner, the other coroners rarely spoke with each other. Our county’s state, county and village law enforcement agencies in general were not properly educated on the duties and authority of a coroner during the investigation of a death.

Our current sheriff was a road deputy and on my first case which happened to be a suicide, the law enforcement investigators on scene were asking me for direction as to what should be happening. Since then, I have worked diligently to not only educate many officers and work with all law enforcement agencies to investigate together, whatever type of death we had responded to.

Together we all have forged a relationship of understanding, knowledge and one which puts the needs of the family in the forefront while still doing what we need to do. I take great pride in my professional relationship as well as my friendship with now Sheriff Christopher Bourke. He in turn, has confidence in me as well. I’m proud to share this letter of endorsement with you and ask you to consider casting your first vote to keep Scott Schmidt as Chief Coroner on Republican Primary Election Day, June 25th. Thank you in advance for your vote and confidence in me.

Scott Schmidt

Medina

Chief Coroner-Orleans County

To Whom It May Concern:

It is my pleasure to endorse Mr. Scott Schmidt for the position of county coroner. The job of coroner is very important and needs the most qualified people in the position.

I have worked with Mr. Schmidt on a professional level for over thirty years. He has always been courteous, professional, and compassionate during what is some of the most difficult times people have to deal with on their lives. Mr. Schmidt has always been available and responsive to the needs of the Sheriff’s Office. Beyond a doubt, he is the right person to continue in this position.

Sincerely,

Christopher M. Bourke

Orleans County Sheriff

Editor:

I do not like it when people who are running for an elected position, enter someone’s property without obtaining permission from the property owner.  This is what happened recently to a friend of mine in Clarendon.  My friend has put up several signs in support of John Sansone because they believe he will be a wonderful district attorney.  I have placed a sign on my own property in support of John Sansone.  Our support was based on knowing his hard work and effectiveness.  Sometime in the night the other day, someone entered my friend’s property to put a Susan Howard lawn sign in front of the Sansone sign.  I find this to be both offensive, and honestly, criminal trespassing.

How can Susan Howard allow her supporters to break the law and violate people’s private property to make a case for her to be the chief law enforcement officer of Orleans County.  Truth is, she cannot!

I would like her to do two things.  Apologize publicly for this happening, and second, either manage her campaign volunteers, or realize that if she cannot manage them, she cannot manage the DA’s office.

Fred Seeman

Clarendon

Editor:

I felt compelled to write to let people know that Susan Howard for District Attorney’s campaign removes any content from its Facebook page that is not aligned with their views resulting in what is called “Viewpoint Discrimination” and my post was not the only one removed.

This occurred on Monday, June 3 – not even 24 hours after the Orleans Hub posted an article related to John Sansone’s press release opposing the creation of a district court in Orleans County.

Susan Howard’s campaign misrepresented facts on a Facebook post claiming that John Sansone was a “politician” denying the public from voting on the issue of district court.  In my response, I merely notified them that the Hub article, in quoting John Sansone, accurately pointed out he opposed district court, but that he was “happy the will of the voters will decide this issue.” His direct quote is clearly contrary to the spin on her Facebook page in a weak attempt to make John Sansone look bad to potential voters.

Instead of owning up to the intentional distortion of facts, my post was removed and I was blocked from her Facebook page. One of the most important rights that separates the U.S. from third world countries in the right to free speech. The fact I was right, and any person could confirm that by reading the June 2 Orleans Hub article on John Sansone opposing district court, my right to free speech was infringed and abolished.

In this crucial election on June 25 for a person who will be the leader of law enforcement as district attorney ask yourself this: Do you want a district attorney who hides from tough questions, runs from uncomfortable situations and infringes on the simplest of your rights or do you want someone who will firmly take a stand and fight head on to ensure what is right is ultimately done?

John Sansone took a firm position on the potential district court and didn’t waiver. His opponent however has done the opposite.

Tim McMurray

Albion

Editor:

Are New York residents aware of this? By the end of the June 6 session, some of our elected legislators in Albany are trying to push through legalization of prostitution in our state.

Why doesn’t our New York State radical-left governor, Hochel, stop such legislation to further demoralize NY?

I honestly do not understand!

Sandra Shingleton

Albion

Editor:

It seems there is a consensus that we need to have an immigration system that allows properly vetted, legal immigrants to work on our farms and industries. That was the reason why eight Senators worked to reform our immigration system in 2013, (the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013).

Again in 2024 a bipartisan group of Senators worked to resolve these issues: (the Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024). In both cases Republicans in the House refused to bring these bills to a vote. Republicans, like Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, could bring this legislation to the floor for a vote if they really wanted to have legally vetted immigrants, instead of using it as a campaign issue.

It is also important to correct the idea that non-citizens vote in federal elections. It is illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal elections in every state. The Bipartisan Policy Center reported: “The Heritage Foundation’s analysis of legal actions regarding election conduct found only 24 instances of noncitizens voting between 2003 and 2023. A study conducted by the Brennan Center for Justice analyzing 23.5 million votes across 42 jurisdictions in the 2016 general election concluded that there were approximately 30 instances of noncitizens casting votes.”

President Trump created a commission to root out illegal voting but it was disbanded when there was no evidence of non-citizens voting. Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson, (R-LA), admitted that there was no evidence of undocumented immigrants voting; he told reporters “We all know, intuitively, that a lot of illegals are voting in federal elections. But it’s not been something that is easily provable. We don’t have that number.”

Numerous studies do have the numbers and the fact is undocumented immigrants do not vote. We can continue to be ruled by our fears and prejudice or we can solve issues with knowledge and intelligence.

Ms. Tenney is choosing demagoguery, victimization and fearmongering. Ms. Tenney does not represent the citizens of Western New York.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

I would like to personally thank Susan Howard for taking the time to introduce herself to my family and me. Her resume is very impressive.

She was appointed Assistant District Attorney in 2005 and promoted to 1st Assistant in 2011 by District Attorney Cardone. Currently she has 25 indictments pending and 64 felony cases. If you think she’s not tough on crime because she’s a woman think again.

She has incarcerated criminals for a cumulative 150-plus years She prosecutes all of the assault and contraband cases from Albion and Orleans Correctional Facilities. The list continues and includes every aspect of every imaginable issue including supervision, budgeting and human resources for the office.

I was unaware that her opponent was only part time, recently changing his address to meet the residency requirements for the position should he win. Susan on the other hand is a lifelong resident of Orleans County, raising her children here. Furthermore she’s passionate about hiring local and former Orleans County residents, encouraging them to return whenever she can.

Recently SCOPE met with both Susan Howard and her opponent. The SCOPE membership diligently applied standardized rating procedures and engaged in extensive deliberations to determine the following District Attorney candidate gradings: Susan Howard – B, John Sansone – C.

As you can see Susan was given a better rating and this is important if you are a gun owner who believes in the 2nd Amendment.

It is imperative that the integrity of the District Attorney’s Office remain independent and never used for political purpose.

In speaking with Ms. Howard she has impressed me with the knowledge, experience and values necessary to uphold the office. If you have any questions or concerns contact her as I did.

As a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Army’s 23rd Infantry Division, I encourage all Orleans County veterans and voters to vote for Susan Howard for District Attorney starting with the primary election on June 25th.

Jim Johnson

Murray

Editor:

I would like to announce my support for Susan Howard for Orleans County district attorney. I am a retired State Police investigator with 24 years of service and currently employed as a security contractor for the US Marshal Service at the Robert H. Jackson Courthouse in Buffalo, New York.

I have worked with Susan in my capacity as a State Police Investigator. I have worked with Susan on many serious criminal cases including homicide investigations. In each instance she provided the necessary guidance and was very instrumental in providing law enforcement all the tools needed to successfully prosecute these case.

I found Susan very knowledgeable and extremely supportive of law enforcement. Susan is hard working, and has the integrity and character needed to run the office of District Attorney.

Susan’s lengthy experience in her current position as assistant District Attorney has prepared her to assume charge of the District Attorney’s Office. I believe Susan is worthy to represent the citizens of Orleans County and deserves their vote.

Darryl O’Shei

Lancaster

Editor:

Union Boss Chris Caufield’s recent letter reminds me of NYC Democrat Union Bosses flexing their muscle and cutting backroom deals. While I respect rank and file members of correction officers and law enforcement, I do not appreciate Union Bosses meddling in politics to achieve their agenda.

Mr. Caufield is also the Clarendon Republican Party Boss and a Clarendon Town Councilman with obvious conflicting political aspirations. Who does he represent, when and why?

To support a political candidate is one thing, but to bully is another. Thankfully we have Primary elections to allow voters to choose their candidate, not the stacked, self-serving committees with its membership comprised of Union Bosses, elected and appointed officials manipulating jobs, endorsements, and power.

A troubling question to raise: Why is the Republican Party approving of the 2024 “Back the Blue Rally” at the very crime scene of a known felon? When I see the list of guest speakers to include Sheriff Bourke, Assistant District Attorney John Sansone and Murray Supervisor Gerry Rightmyer, I ask, of all the places to hold the event why at the residence of a convicted felon.

One thing is certain. Union Bosses and politicians alike want a payback.

I’d like to know what’s in it for the citizens.

Mark Taylor

Murray

Editor:

I got a hold of a recent email from Save Ontario Shores, the anti-windmill and anti-solar group regarding the NYSEG land purchase referendum that will be voted on by the town-registered voters on June 20 from noon to 8 p.m. at the Yates Town Hall.

I would like to know what does an anti-wind and anti-solar group have to do with trying to influence a vote in the towns favor over whether the taxpayers will approve a land purchase?

Why is this group trying to run interference in our town over the purchase of land to expand a town park? While I have this subject up, this is the same group that has run interference in our town board elections for the last 8 years encouraging people who own property on the lake that do not live here year round to switch their address so they can vote in our elections in favor of incumbent board members with an absentee ballot while they are out of state or living elsewhere.

Who encouraged these people to get involved in a land referendum? No wonder why people feel the fix is in and do not trust their government. Vote “No” on the referendum and no to interference from SOS.

Paul Lauricella

Yates

Editor:

The New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) recently approved application for 125 MW Somerset Solar project that is notably deficient.

No consideration is given to installation of solar panels on the numerous acres of closed landfill on the North side of NYS Route 18 on the site of the now shuttered Coal Fired Somerset Power Station.

New York State policy encourages the use of closed landfills and brownfields for the purpose of solar power generation. There is no reason Somerset Solar should be exempt from this policy. A number of closed landfills in New York State are being used for solar power generation.

Somerset Solar should not be an exception. Further, all solar development should take place north of New York State Route 18  and remain within the footprint of the now shuttered Power Station. This will reduce the use of farmland for the project and preserve the existing buffer zone around the site.

The Somerset Comprehensive Plan dating back to 1972 has as a goal  “Preservation of the Rural Character of our Community.” Restricting Somerset Solar in this manner is consistent with this goal.

247 acres of prime farmland will be taken out of agricultural use for the Somerset Solar Project. It stretches the imagination to believe these acres will ever be returned to agricultural production with the hundreds of support pilings, the  five miles of crushed stone access roads and cable trenches proposed for the project. In practical terms, farmland tainted by solar power generation will never be returned to agricultural use. Claims to the contrary are unfounded and ignore the facts.

The 2022 Agricultural Census of Niagara County Indicates the average yearly value of all agricultural products sold in the County to be $1,291 per acre. The proposed  Somerset project will remove from active agriculture 247 acres. This results in a loss of $318,891 per year in Somerset agricultural production. Over the projected life of 35 years the estimated total loss in agricultural production in Somerset will exceed $11 million. Farmland should not be used for solar projects. Secured landfills, roof tops, abandoned shopping center parking lots and brownfields are more environmentally acceptable sites. ORES has been made aware of these matters and a response is overdue.

James C. Hoffman

Town of Somerset

Editor:

Thank you to all who turned out and chose to vote in the Lyndonville School Board elections. Although the outcome was not as we had hoped, it was a very close election and shows your vote does count!

We especially thank those who supported us through allowing signage in their yards, those who sought the truth, reached out and allowed us to show and prove the facts we tried to bring to light. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve in this capacity.

Our commitment to this community and school remains strong, we will continue to support the work we completed, changes we made for the better and reflect on how we can do better in the future. We will continue to strive to communicate the truth, support transparency and remain in your service in whatever capacity we can be most effective.

We encourage each one of you to become actively involved and attend regular meetings and talk to the newly elected candidates before making decisions, speaking, or writing publicly. It may make a big difference in your actions and words.

The count was close but the battle is over for now, the winners have been named. Let us reflect on how to heal, move forward, and get about the business of being good citizens. Most importantly, let us put the focus back on the children of this community, as they are the purpose and future of this town.

In service,

Steve Vann, Ted Lewis and Susan Hrovat

Lyndonville