Editor:

With it time for local elections, I contemplate the state of politics within our own town of Murray. What many residents may not realize is that at least half of our present councilmen in office are there by appointment, which has become commonplace.

When later they run for election, it’s harder to remove an incumbent and so they stay. In other words, when a position becomes vacant, the list of pals gets pulled out, they close their eyes, spin around and play pin the tail on the donkey, or so it seems.

Why do this?  You might ask. Choosing a pal is more likely to ensure a “yes” vote. This group may be doing a good job at the helm, but who is to know? When surrounded by yes men, who’s to know if things could be done a little better? Or even a lot better? It’s like a recipe. It looks edible and it tastes okay but add a little of this and a touch of that and voila, so much better. You don’t know what you’re missing.

As you may know, my husband, Dirk Lammes, is involved in our local politics and presently has a seat on the Republican committee. Two years ago he and three others were able to fly under the radar of the establishment to force an inconvenient primary. It was then that Dirk received and angry phone call from an individual of the establishment who said, “What do you guys think you’re doing forcing a primary? These positions have been filled by appointment for 30 years!” Whoa.

And although Dirk and I have been bombarded with family distractions lately, and family always comes first, Dirk continues to have the same free thinking passionate pride in his community as always.  We’d both like to see some changes in leadership. Break the cycle of appointments. Bob Miller lost in the primary election when Joe Sidonio won under the Republican ticket. Joe also holds the Conservative and Independent lines. Be a humble and gracious man, Bob. Vote Joe Sidonio for Town Supervisor.

Sincerely,

Kathryn Lammes

Murray

Editor:

In canvasing the area to discuss the opportunities our neighbors have for elections, we have found an underlying theme. For those over 65 there is a huge concern for taxes and how to pay them on a fixed income.

However, more than a year ago, in September of 2018, Dawn Allen, the Real Property Tax Director for Orleans County, gave a presentation informing the Barre Town Board that Barre is the only town in Orleans County that is not giving the lower-income senior citizens a tax break that could amount to 20 to 50% off their town tax bill.

To me it seemed like a no brainer. Of course, we would want to help out our senior citizens that are on a fixed income with this tax break. A year later, I called the tax director Dawn Allen to see if indeed our Town Board had followed her advice. Dawn’s reply was that we remained the only town in Orleans County that was not offering a tax break to these seniors.

The idea that the tax break proposed by Ms. Allen may have been overlooked in order to make the less palatable tax break from the possibility of industrial wind turbines seem more attractive regardless of the inherent evils and to further the interest of members of the town board seems reproachable. One certainly does wonder though, why didn’t they pass it then?

Iva Mckenna

Barre

Editor:

This is written for Barre residents.

Fact- The Town Board has been negotiating the Host Community Agreement with Heritage Wind and is close to finalizing it.

Fact- The payment per megawatt is very close to $8,900 per megawatt. Multiply that times a turbine that produces 5.6 megawatts per turbine. Multiply that times the 31 to 33 wind turbines for the project. hat results in a $1,545,040 to $1,644,720 the first year for the HCA and PILOT.

Fact- The town is looking at a 25-year renewable contract with the developer.

Fact- The amount of money increases each and every year by at least 2 percent.

Fact- Does the Town of Barre get all of that money? No. The PILOT takes some of it. Who is in the PILOT? The county, Albion Central School, the Library, the Fire District and the smallest portion goes to the town.

Fact- The town gets the majority of the money through the HCA. We feel the town should get 80% of the package and the PILOT gets 20%. That is the maximum we can get. The town is still negotiating how much will go to the PILOT.

Fact- The Town Board is fully in support of giving a property tax break to all property owners in Barre. How much, we don’t know yet. It comes down to: 1- number of wind turbines and 2- how much the county and school district require in the PILOT.

Fact- The town would benefit how? Lower taxes, new and improved roads, expansion and upgrades (electric, walking and exercise trails, soccer/lacrosse fields, handicap accessibility) of existing facilities in the Town Park, new fire hall, new town garage, jobs during the construction phase, any other projects that may come up in town.

In order for this to possibly happen you need to get to the polls and vote please.

Please do not be persuaded by rhetoric based on old technology from 20-30 years ago.

Sean P. Pogue, Town Supervisor

Margaret Swan, candidate for Councilwoman

LuAnn Tierney, candidate for Councilwoman

Barre

Editor:

Barre residents, we, the Citizens for Change candidates, want to serve all residents of Barre. We are excited to share some details and information with you to explain how we will make positive changes.

#1- Better Communication with Residents of Barre. The Town Board’s current forms of communication are the Batavia Daily, the Town Website, and Town Hall. We believe that these three methods leave many of our community unaware and uninformed. We would like to look at options that would not cost any more money, but that would improve communication with Barre residents.

For example, there are free text messaging services that could notify residents of special meetings or public hearings that are scheduled, if residents opted in to receive these notifications. Additionally, we will offer those updates through email at no additional cost. We will also look at sharing information on the Orleans Hub, or other sources, that would help keep the residents better informed.

An example of why communication needs to be improved: On the evening of Sunday, June 23, 2019, a post was made to the Town website that there would be a Special Town Board Meeting on Monday June 24 at 11 a.m. (the Town Hall opens at 10 a.m.) As written on the website, “There will be a special town board meeting on June 24th at 11 am to pass resolutions for the reimbursement agreement and water district #10. All are welcome.”

Providing less than 24 hours’ notice for a Town Board meeting on the Town website, and posting the notice in the Town Hall on Friday afternoon after the Town office was closed, is poor communication. In addition, when I attended this meeting, the Heritage Wind project developer and attorney were sitting at the table. Both live out of town, and I am confident that they did not set this meeting up with the same short notice as the public received. Citizens for Change would communicate better. There are other options, and Citizens for Change would like to implement them for you.

#2- Will Listen to All Residents of our Community. Sean Pogue stated, “I would like to know when we as a Town Board have not listened to the residents. Whether in meetings, face to face, phone calls or emails. We have listened and replied.” This is simply not true. A resident at our last Town Board meeting explained that he had emailed the Town in March and received no response. If you watch the Town Board meetings online, or had the opportunity to attend a meeting in person, you have seen that Town Board members, including our Supervisor, Sean Pogue, have leaned over and had brief conversations with the people sitting next to them while residents of our community are speaking. He has not given his full attention or followed up with residents about the concerns that have been brought up.

#3- Opposition to the Proposed Wind Turbine Project. Sean Pogue said, “We as a Town Board have been studying research for many years and have avoided being pushed into a fast decision. We have been bashed but believe me we are doing our due diligence.” Sean Pogue has a conflict of interest with the Heritage Wind project and he should be recusing himself from any and all actions associated with this project, including discussions and voting. He has failed to do so. Residents of Barre have requested that he recuse himself and he has not. Heritage Wind lists people who have a conflict of interest on their website.

#4- Transparency of Actions as We Work To Serve the Barre Community. Once again, having meetings behind closed doors, calling meetings last minute, and not recusing yourself when you have a conflict of interest are all reasons that many residents believe that there has not been transparency.

Article 6 of the New York State Public Officers Law is known as the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). FOIL requests have been submitted, including asking for text messages between the Town Supervisor and the Heritage Wind developer, along with information from other municipal officers, but information has not been shared or information has been omitted. This is not transparency.

#5- Alternative Tax Abatement. Citizens for Change will look into many ways to reduce our town taxes. One group of residents that could really benefit from a tax reduction are our low-income elderly. The Town of Barre is the only town in Orleans County that does not provide a tax credit to these individuals. This was brought up to the current Town Board about a year ago, but nothing has been done about it. Dawn Allen with Real Property sent the board a follow-up email about this concern, but that email was also not responded to.

#6- Work to Maintain and Preserve Home Rule in New York State. In January, the current Barre Town Board handed off their decision-making power about our town laws to state officials. Under the leadership of Sean Pogue, our Town Board made a resolution that would allow the New York State Siting Board to decide what our town laws should be regarding industrial wind turbines and the Heritage Wind project.

Please read the January 2019 Meeting Minutes and resolution that can be found on the Town of Barre website. We elected our Town Board to make the best decisions for our community and they gave that job to someone else who doesn’t live in our community.

Jerry Solazzo, Cindy Burnside and I are running for Town office because we want to serve all residents of Barre. We are running on this platform because many residents do not believe that these topics are being dealt with in the best interest of our Town. We hear you and want to represent you.

Kerri (McKenna) Richardson

Barre

Editor:

About a week ago, Oct. 29, Joe Sidonio sat as the only citizen of the more than 3,000 residents of our town to attend the annual Town of Murray budget hearing. Customarily he asked well researched questions about projected expenditures, and how newly generated revenues are to be accounted for, and where funds would be resourced to cover shortfalls in town income.  Equally as customarily Town of Murray board members were unable to answer his questions.

Joe has attended every town of Murray board meeting, and every town of Murray planning board meeting that he can possibly attend for over 15 years. This interest, and this dedication, is extraordinary. Joe does this singularly because he believes in the possibility of a bright future for our community – and he bothers to become knowledgeable and educated about where we are now, and what steps need to be taken, and what questions need to be asked – to make that bright future become a reality.

Joe Sidonio is running for the position of supervisor of the Town of Murray as a public servant in order to make our community a better place to live.

Sadly detractors have slyly whispered suggestions – in gossip or on social media – that Joe does not wave enough, or that our dog traveled through a neighbor’s yard years ago, or that he questions trespassers on our property (in New York State the landowner is liable for all that happens on his or her property) or that Joe’s interest in becoming the supervisor of the town of Murray is self interested.

In fact, Joe is very friendly and cares about everyone. Joe is not interested in a NYS pension package or taxpayer funded health care or in getting something for nothing.  Since arriving in New York State he has worked for himself and has paid his own way and will continue to pay his own way every day for everything.

He gets nothing for free and does not expect to – yet he quietly contributes generously to organizations that he feels are deserving. If only all knew that his interest is in growing a community that is really wholesome – where government and citizens work to support one another – inclusive of new residents and old, youth and age, countryside and village.

There are real issues and tough challenges before us as a community.  Joe is a strong person who stands on principle, and has the strength of character to ask the questions, to do the homework – and the courage to improve government. We should all thank Joe for his many years’ worth of effort. Our very best thanks will be the votes we cast for him as Town of Murray supervisor on Tuesday.

Amy Machamer

Holley

(Machamer is married to Mr. Sidonio.)

5Editor:

I wanted to let the people of Murray know that they do have a choice for Town Supervisor this year. I am running a Write-In campaign to keep my job. Many feel they lost their voice because they could not vote in the Primary Election.55

The Primary election in June was unusual, as it was a first for New York. Elections in Murray have been historically close lately, and in this instance, I did not secure a spot on the ballot. Many supporters expressed their regrets to me that they did not make it to the polls that day. That just presents me with a challenge to overcome. Do a successful Write-In campaign!

In going door-to-door, I am hearing a repeating theme from those who express support for my opponent. Good-Old-Boys club, change, and high taxes. It is difficult to change minds, when that is all they know, so I will offer some information on the truth behind these issues.

I retired a little over three years ago. I did not work in Murray, but commuted from here to Canandaigua daily, because I love living out here. Yet, I remain involved in my community in Rotary, Sons of the American Foreign Legion, VFW Auxiliary, and am a past Commissioner of the Fancher-Hulberton-Murray Fire District.

My only relatives here were on my wife’s side, until my son started raising his family here, with my grandchildren attending Holley Schools. Some of the complaints about a good-old-boys-club I hear are from some people who have lived in this community much longer than I have. Our current Board has three of five new members in just the past two years, all by open elections. No good-old-boys club here. Perhaps when someone actually gets involved in their community, rather than watching from the sidelines, this perception might change.

Speaking of change, since when did change for the sake of change actually fix anything, particularly if it is not broken? Take a moment and think about that. If you do not like the way things are, or, if you think you have an idea to make it even better without throwing the baby out with the bath water, get involved!

On to taxes. My opponent, in his last race for this job, had previously cited on numerous occasions, that the Town of Murray had a 15 percent tax increase! That was true, if you counted two very tough economic years together from years ago. Now, however, we have had a flat tax rate for two years running, and our budget for 2020 projects a tax cut. Yes, flat taxes followed by a tax cut.

Now, my opponent complains we are using money from our fund balances. We are. We have fund balances due to conservative estimates of revenue, and realistic appropriations. The resultant fund balance was allocated to return the money to the taxpayer in a tax cut. We just figured you would like your money back in lower taxes.

The State Comptroller’s office agrees. Our Municipal Fiscal Stress Score is excellent, at 3.3 out of 100 (the lower the number, the better). My opponent has proposed we have up to one and a half times our operating budget in reserves. I would hate to get the tax bill to stockpile that kind of money, and I am pretty sure you would hate it too!5

I love my job. I have the opportunity to work with great people, who strive every day to do the best job possible for the people of Murray. Write-In campaigns are tough. But I ask for your support in this effort to keep Murray on the right track.

On Tuesday under “Supervisor” at the bottom of the ballot, in the row for Write-In, please write-in “Bob Miller.”

Respectfully,

Robert G. Miller

Supervisor for Town of Murray

Editor:

I am saddened by the political atmosphere in our town these days. When I was a young man I said I’d never get involved in politics. The bickering, mud-slinging, the non-truths and the lengths that people would go to were disgusting to me. Unfortunately this has never been more true than now on both national and local levels.

The political environment has changed, worsened.  Good strong moral character is found in fewer and far between.

It was three years ago that I met Joe Sidonio. He came over one day, introduced himself and taught me about the election process. This sparked an unexpected interest in my town of Murray politics. In all of my 25 years of living in Murray, Joe has been the only political figure to show up at my front door for a chat. He spent time explaining his vision and his concerns.  He showed a genuine interest in the future of our town.

Over the years I have gotten to see Joe’s work ethic and the endless hours spent on town policies. Joe is impressive. As an observer, having had 30-plus years experience in self employment, I have dealt with a lot of people and have a good understanding and foundation in which to base my opinion.

We’re all human beings and not without flaws. None of us is perfect. There are, however, some values that I will not stray from. I feel that Joe Sidonio best meets those.

I struggle with the fact that Bob Miller did not concede to Joe Sidonio in this spring’s primary election. He doesn’t honor the votes of Joe’s constituents. It is likely to cause and even deeper divide. Murray has already spoken. To be humble in victory and gracious in defeat displays a strength of character and a level of honor.

As in national politics, in the Town of Murray there is a divide. Each side has their supporters. We need to stop carrying around such animosity. Be kinder.

As for me, my name is still on the ballot under the conservative and independent lines. I have not been out campaigning or putting out signs, for fear of being persecuted for party disloyalty, which I recently found out is not an issue after all – after reading recent emails that have circulated from the county republican chairman.

So when you set out to vote, look for Joe Sidonio and Dirk Lammes on the ballot. Thank You.

Yours truly,

Dirk Lammes

Murray

Editor:

I am writing this letter to encourage voters to be mindful of their vote Tuesday for Shelby highway superintendent. My father, Mike Fuller, is running for re-election. He is not a born politician, just your average Joe with an unmatched work ethic.

He refuses to run his campaign with anything but his qualifications. This election season has been by far the most disheartening. Politics is a tough business, a lot of elbow grease is needed. But my father’s passion for his job and commitment to his community makes it all worth it.

I am writing to clarify some mis-truths that have come to my attention. I would first like to address the opponents’ mailer that recently went out. It states that “It is common sense: there is no politician that should ever be in office for 44 years!”

If Mr. Root or his funders had taken the time and effort to get the facts, they would know that Mike Fuller has only been in office for 14 years with 44 years of experience. Saying 44 years is too long to be doing something you love is like saying Mr. Root is unqualified to run his farm.

The next point to address that the opponent is running on is “Repairing a fractured relationship with the town board.” What has been left unsaid, for the voters to figure out on their own is why are they calling it a fractured relationship? While my father continues to work with the town board, he refuses to be a “yes man.”

He will not be bullied. He continues to put the taxpayers and highway department’s interests first whether it is the popular opinion or not. Being community oriented, standing your ground and doing the right thing is called being a leader. I think we all can agree the last thing this community needs is another yes man.

Mike Fuller is still the right man for the job. I’ve seen first hand, his commitment to this position and the taxpayers. He consistently goes above and beyond, often going in on Sundays to catch up on mowing cemeteries or to do paperwork because he has been out in the trenches with the guys all week. During the winter you will often see his truck there in the early hours loading the sanders to get the guys out on the roads quicker, all of which save overtime costs that come out of the taxpayer’s pocket.

“A good leader leads the people from above them. A great leader leads the people from within them.” – M.D. Arnold

I am asking you to be an informed voter. Please don’t be blinded by flashy signs and thousands of dollars’ worth of ads.

I think we all can agree how lucky we are to live in a country where we have the right to vote. If you ever thought your vote doesn’t matter, trust me it does. It matters to me. It matters to my dad. It matters to my family. It will matter at 3 a.m. in the middle of a snow storm. I encourage you to vote for what separates Mike Fuller from his opponent.

Sincerely,

Katie Crooks

Medina

Editor:

In September 2019, over 60 lawsuits were filed in Northern Chautauqua County with the State Supreme Court by residents against a wind turbine company with various complaints (from people suffering from nuisances, health effects or loss of property values because of the placement of the turbines).

Recently, members of the Chautauqua County Board of Health are considering stepping up Health Department regulation of industrial wind turbines saying there seems to be evidence that wind turbines can cause significant health damage and that more study is needed.

The Health Board members discussed a moratorium on construction of industrial wind turbines until there have been further studies on the topic that would provide local officials with more guidance (for instance in setback guidelines). Unfortunately for Chautauqua County, this is being done after the fact, because turbines have already gone up in that area. Let’s not make the same mistake here in the Town of Barre.

It is easy for people to sign leases who don’t live here and it is easy for ones to sign leases that will make thousands of dollars from them. No company trying to sell their product is going to tell you about the negative impacts of their product or no one would buy it. Remember when we were told that smoking cigarettes had no impact on our health, and who would have thought that baby powder could cause cancer?

We need to look at the potential harm that can be caused by these massive turbines, not only for our health, but the realization of harm to our existing properties and the values of our homes. It is only common sense which tells us that if a person can buy a comparable home in an area without turbines that block the beautiful views and that they don’t have to deal with the constant noise, vibrations, a quiet country side lit up like a circus full of lights at night, along with flickering, effects to wildlife and ill health effects, that their choice would be to buy somewhere else.

How is this going to help the future of our town, when no one wants to relocate here or want to continue to stay here? What happens to the values of our properties after these massive, monster turbines are placed around us?

While some in the community are bound to make thousands of dollars, I do not believe for one minute that it will not greatly decrease the values of others. I have discussed these concerns with the board members in the Town of Barre, but feel like I am being met by deaf ears. With the number of persons affiliated with the Town of Barre boards, who have signed leases to place these wind turbines on their properties, how can this not be considered a conflict of interest?

That is why I believe people in the Town of Barre need to vote for change in Barre, and vote for Richardson, Burnside and Solazzo.

Who is going to protect the investment of the average home owners who have invested years of hard work and money into their homes? Who is going to compensate them for the possibility that their home may sell at a loss, or may not even sell at all? Is the town going to lower their assessments which would be a loss of revenue for our area? But most importantly, what does it say about us as a community if we let just one family suffer financial devastation because these massive turbines surround their properties.  Everyone matters!

Apex and Heritage Wind your money means nothing! You have chosen our community, with the promise of the “green” and the almighty green dollar has worked its magic pitting a community of fine people against each other. Years from now our town will realize the mistake of its past by ever allowing these turbines in our area. Apex and Heritage Wind will be long gone, but our future generations will pay for all of its hot air.

Sincerely,

Susan Webster

Barre

Editor:

With Election Day on Tuesday, I would like to ask local residents to join myself and many others in voting for Chris Bourke for Orleans County Sheriff. Not only are we getting a great Sheriff, but a great undersheriff (Mike Mele) as well.

Both Chris and Mike are honest, dedicated, and professional with a great work ethic. With a combined service of over 56 years with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department it only makes sense that they continue to use their experience and knowledge to serve the people of Orleans County.

John & Sharlene Pratt

Shelby

Editor:

My name is Kim Brown and I am writing to inform voters why there is a need for change with the Shelby Highway Superintendent. I purchased my current home in the Town of Shelby in February of 2018.

I work hard to keep it looking good and not rundown. I also pay my taxes on time, but feel I have not been treated fairly. On or about August 6, 2018, my front window to my house was broken due to a rock being thrown from a street sweeper.

My husband was home and when he heard the noise he looked around but didn’t notice the window until he went outside to investigate more. By which time they were already down the road. I called the Highway Superintendent Mike Fuller that day and was advised to get an estimate to him and he would get it taken care.

I delivered the estimate to the Town of Shelby on Friday, Aug. 10. Since then I have not been successful any time that I have tried to make contact with him. I was always getting his voicemail and never getting any type of response. Then all of a sudden his voicemail was “full” and I was unable to leave any more messages.  I then went as far as to take time off of work to physically go to the Town of Shelby in hopes of catching him there. No matter the time he wasn’t there.

I left messages with the Town Clerk for him at which point I was advised that it was turned over to the insurance company and they were waiting on them to respond. I have recently discovered that he never sent my estimate to the insurance company.

I did not want to be a pain in the butt as I know how the government can sometimes drag its feet, but I feel I have been more than patient waiting for any type of response.

Kim Brown

Medina

Editor:

I am writing to you to recommend Dale S. Root for Town of Shelby Highway Superintendent and ask the citizen voters of the Town to vote for him. I’d like to tell you why.

My name is Ed Pillard. I am not a resident of Shelby. In fact, my wonderful wife, Jan, and I live in Vero Beach, FL. For the last 10 years, Jan and I have been friends of Dale and Helen Root.  I want to tell you how we became friends because I think those reasons are the same reasons that you should vote for Dale.

I’m assuming that all of you know that Dale has been a farmer and trucking company owner and operator for years. He has great experience for the job. I assume his opponent does also.  But, I want to tell you about Dale’s special character.

Jan and I live in a guarded community in Vero Beach. We rented our investment condominium to the Roots for a few weeks, for the first time, in 2009. They were actually working for a citrus packing company in town, not on vacation. Shortly after they moved in, the guards at our community entrance started referring to me as “the guy who rented to the Roots.” After only a few days of residence, Dale and Helen had befriended all of the guards in the community to the point that they had a better relationship with the guards than any of the permanent residents, including me. A lesson taught by the character of Dale and Helen.

Over the last several years, Jan and I have seen the Roots about once a year. Dale and I text or call probably about once a month. To call us best friends would be a misrepresentation. But, the reason for that is because of our physical separation. If we were a resident of Shelby, Dale and Helen would be our best friends. They have exhibited nothing more than the best of human character with the highest values and ethics I have seen in my 70 years of life.

I can’t imagine that anyone would be more committed to do a great job for you as Highway Superintendent than Dale with Helen’s support.

I believe in Dale as a great person, with the character, values and ethics that you need from your elected officials. You can’t go wrong supporting him and voting for him. You can count on him.

Sincerely,

Ed Pillard

Vero Beach, Fla.

Editor:

There is no doubt that the Heritage Wind Farm is a big project. It will absolutely be visible around the Barre community. For some, the turbines may represent an unwelcome change to the current farm landscape, but to others, the turbines will look like the next generation of American agriculture – a better, cleaner, safer way to power our homes and businesses.

While it is natural for folks to disagree on the aesthetics of a project like this, it is unfortunate that there are many other factors influencing peoples’ opinions of the project, and many of them are rooted in inaccurate information. I believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but my goal is to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to form an informed opinion, based on accurate information about the project. With this in mind, I want to correct the record on a few critical elements of the project. I hope you will take the time to read this piece in full.

One of the most critical pieces of information the community must understand when considering this project is what benefit it will bring to the community at large. Wind energy facilities in New York provide two substantial streams of revenue to their local communities ¬¬– one through a Host Community Agreement (HCA) and one through a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement. The HCA is negotiated with the town alone, and in the case of Heritage Wind, the Town of Barre will receive and control the HCA funds. The PILOT is negotiated with the town, county, and school district, and for Heritage, we expect that the county and schools will receive the majority of PILOT funds and will have full control over how to spend them.

In addition to these two agreements, Heritage Wind will pay taxes directly to the Barre Fire District through a separate special fire district tax. Use of that money will be up to the Barre Fire District to determine.

While we do not yet know exactly how much money these payments will comprise, we know enough today to be able to guarantee that the amount of money coming to the Town of Barre from Heritage Wind each year will be nearly the same as the total property tax revenues the town collected in 2018, about $1.1-1.2 million per year, totaling about $50 million over the next 20-26 years.

What information is needed to calculate the exact value of the revenue Barre will receive from Heritage Wind? First, the final numbers will depend on the final project size, measured in megawatts (MW). We know that Heritage Wind will be between 150-185 MW, but the final project size will be determined by the State of New York’s Article 10 permit process and the availability of turbine technology at the time of permitting. To ensure that the taxing jurisdictions get a fair deal, no matter the final size of the project, our economic agreements are being negotiated in terms of dollars per MW. The bigger the project, the more money the town, county, and school district will receive.

The exact value of the revenue that local jurisdictions will receive from Heritage Wind will also be affected by the terms of the HCA and PILOT agreements themselves, which are still being negotiated. Terms under negotiation include the length of the agreements, the final dollar per MW value, and the rate of inflation escalation to be applied each year.

Where would this money go? That question will be entirely up to Orleans County, the Albion School District, and the Town of Barre to decide, and because the money is coming in through a PILOT and an HCA, these jurisdictions have full control over where they put that money. The current Barre Town Board has expressed interest in using the money to reduce taxes, make necessary infrastructure investments for a healthy and vibrant town, and ensure that future generations receive some benefit from these funds.

Of course the tax, PILOT, and HCA revenues Heritage Wind will bring to the area are not the only economic benefits it will provide. The project will help sustain the area’s local family farms by offering substantial lease payments to participants, preserving Barre’s local farm community. Barre’s local farms are one of the largest single-sector tax resources for the town and an economic engine for the area, providing employment and goods for export, while purchasing equipment, materials, and services from local suppliers. Furthermore, Barre’s farm families are the lifeblood of the local community, participating in local government, contributing to local causes, and helping to keep local schools vibrant. By helping Barre’s farmers thrive, Heritage Wind will help Barre thrive.

Finally, a note on property rights. If built, Heritage Wind will be located entirely on private land. Facilities will only be placed on those parcels for which a voluntary legal agreement has been signed by the landowner. There has never been, nor will there ever be, any placement of Heritage Wind facilities on private lands without landowner approvals. The project has no legal right to use eminent domain and has no intention to try and get it.

I ask you to consider these facts when determining your position on Heritage Wind, and I will continue to be honest with you. I will not try to argue that wind turbines are not tall. They are. I will not try to argue that they won’t be visible. They will. But I believe that these aesthetic impacts are well worth the benefits the project will bring.

There are nearly 60,000 wind turbines safely operating across the U.S. today. Across the country, cattle, sheep, and deer graze and sleep under these turbines, tens of thousands of American homes are located near these turbines, and over 1,000 rural American communities are healthy and thriving because of the economic vitality these turbines have delivered. The choice is up to you, residents of Barre. Will you join them?

Paul Williamson

Development Manager for Heritage Wind

Editor:

The proposed 2020 town budget in Gaines as presented to me on Oct. 28 takes into account a 6.07 percent average increase in our assessments by the county (which will bring more revenue to the town).

Even though the local tax rate is less, our taxes will increase by 2.22 percent because of the rise in property values.

The budget officer, who is paid $2,000 above his stipend as town supervisor, gave himself a 36.62 percent raise for being town supervisor. All employees received a 2 percent raise and I and all other council persons declined any raise.

Most land owners will pay much more in taxes if this budget is left the way it stands now.

If you would like to express your opinions (for or against) this budget and its impact on your pocketbook, please attend the 7 p.m. public hearing on Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Gaines Town Hall, 14087 Ridge Rd. The tentative budget is available by clicking here or by request from the town clerk.

Mary Neilans, DVM

Gaines town councilperson

Editor:

Barre residents – You have been deluged with a lot of misinformation lately from many groups.

“Citizens For Change” on their Facebook page have outlined what they will do for the Town of Barre.

#1- Better Communication with Residents of Barre. The primary source of communication is through our website and postings in the lobby and/or door. Any official notices are posted in the Batavia Daily News which is the official paper for the town. On our web site there is contact information for everyone working for the town. Increasing information would have to be by mass mailings, newspaper or Pennysaver. All of which cost taxpayer dollars.

#2- Will Listen to All Residents of our Community. I would like to know when we as a Town Board have not listened to the residents. Whether in meetings, face to face, phone calls or emails. We have listened and replied. Will we as elected officials always give you the answer you want?

#3- Opposition to the Proposed Wind Turbine Project. We as a Town Board have been studying research for many years and have avoided being pushed into a fast decision. We have been bashed but believe me we are doing our due diligence.

#4- Transparency of Actions as We Work To Serve the Barre Community. The town board has been criticized because the opposition believes we are hiding information. We are not. They have FOILed us several times and have found nothing. And the FOIL’s are only about Heritage/APEX not on any of the other operations of the town.

#5- Alternative Tax Abatement. I wish they would describe what they mean by this statement. We as a town board have worked very hard to keep the taxes as low as possible. As assessments go up so do taxes. We have recommended a 3.9% tax cut this year to keep us just under the 2% tax cap. Save money through shared services? We and this county have been doing just that for a very long time. We share equipment and manpower between the towns and villages consistently. In fact Orleans County is a leader in New York State for shared services.

#6- Work to Maintain and Preserve Home Rule in New York State. The Orleans County Legislature at their October 23rd meeting made it very clear that the towns and villages are under the Home Rule Policy. Please remember that we are elected by the majority but we do represent you all. Will we please everyone, no. For years I had a sign in my office that read, “The sure sign of failure is trying to please everyone!” Think about your own lives, have you always pleased everyone?

Everything that Citizens for Change is promising is not different, on 5 out of 6 points, than what we have been doing. The Town of Barre is filled with hardworking, ethical, church-going people that do deserve the best. That is what I feel I have provided this town and will continue if you re-elect me.

Sean P. Pogue, Ed.D.

Supervisor

Town of Barre