Editor:

Countries which can not get their facts straight fail.

As I run into old, died in the wool, Republican friends, I constantly hear concerns over the litmus tests now required to be considered a bona fide Republican. Vaccination is just a start.

There are the claims the 1/6/21 siege of the Capital was a block party. This makes light of 5 deaths and people coordinating in advance what weapons to bring and who to kill.

Opposition to painless jabs ignores a history of vaccination and good health which contributed to our economic achievements.

The money counters among fiscally conservative Republicans choke on the last administration giving out a trillion dollars in tax cuts rather than invest a trillion dollars in infrastructure to create jobs. (If you recall both were on the table to choose between.)

Recently I was shocked when someone did not want to see the complete tape of one in the claims that resulted in Giuliani having his law license suspended. He went around the country showing how boxes with votes were pulled out from under tables the next day for counting. He edited out the night before when the counters carefully packed these same bankers boxes with uncounted votes, locked the boxes and guards were posted overnight to watch the votes for safety.

Similarly other lawyers are losing their licenses for claiming what was said during conversations the witnesses did not hear – they “assumed” what was said. Lawyers know this is not evidence; truth was not the objective; marketing lies was.

Dozens, hundreds, of these claims have been dissected by the courts but today’s new true Republicans do not care. I have sent links with hundreds of pages of descriptions, quotations, and evidence to Republicans who pass the Litmus test. They pass on reading what court hearing disclose because truth is an inconvenience. It’s about power, not democracy. (One response was simply “whatever” I do not care.)

Facebook rates hate and distrust at a 5. It assigns a 1 to the truth. 5s get posted more often and what Facebook, Fox (with industry standards setting Covid protocols), YouTube and others report must be accepted as true and accurate to be part stay in the club. (Yes YouTube blogs are now a news source.)

This situation with lack of intellectual inquiry, litmus tests, and acceptance/condonation of prospects of violence is very worrisome. If you note the new voter laws being passed by many states are all directed at large black districts. Claiming that post offices and drop boxes do not work safely in black districts but do in white districts is simple racism.

If you note that these new laws let individuals or legislatures set aside carefully counted votes – without any court review for malfeasance – there is only one conclusion. Power.

A fair, free, and intelligent solutions to include all of us immigrants who prosper is besides the point. (I say “immigrant” despite tracing back to the Mayflower and Speedwell)

The answer is we are in the midst of a power grab by a dangerous minority. 30% opposed the Revolution. About 30% now oppose democracy. We have to watch out for a tyranny of a minority.

It’s that minority that is so single minded they don’t care CRT is graduate level work, not taught in high schools that properly teach the 3/5 provision in the Constitution, the Civil War, and Selma – not 300 level college courses on theory. (Lies that it is taught is high school get a Facebook 5.)

Facts based on hate, distrust, and intentional lies is a sure path to ruin.

(Special thanks to long time, died in the wool, Republican friend, Sharon, who help me realize there was something that must be said directly to the old guard about putting facts and traditional principles first.)

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

My name is Arthur E. Knab. I moved to the town of Murray in 2001. I started attending our town meetings because I was wrongfully accused of not having a permit for an outside boiler when I did, in fact, have a permit.

That is when I knew I needed to become more involved with my town’s government. I was surprised to find that I was the only taxpayer attending these meetings. I talked to my neighbors about the town meetings, and I  encouraged them to attend the meetings.

From the start I have seen so much dysfunction within our town’s government. I have seen property issues go unaddressed or totally ignored. I have seen turnover of six code officers, three town supervisors and numerous board members with people that never attended a town meeting before.

I had wondered, if someone cared so much about the town to be in an official position, why didn’t they care enough to come to town meetings when they were a regular taxpayer? I have seen taxpayers being verbally attacked during town meetings for voicing their concerns. I have even seen town officials attack each other solely because they don’t like each other.

Town officials are supposed to work together for the best interests of the taxpayers – not engage in petty political squabbles at the expense of the taxpayer. As it turns out, the board members of the town seem to only work in the best interest of themselves and their relatives. The town officials seem to be more focused on “sticking it” to someone they don’t like, even if the solution proposed would be beneficial to the town.

This cloudiness in judgment only hurts the taxpayers in the long run. It is sad that this right and left type of behavior is the same thing we see in Washington today. I am tired of the divide between our town officials and the taxpayers. As a taxpayer, I expect the town officials to work in the best interest of all the taxpayers – not just for the benefit of a select and favorable few.

That is why I intend to run as a write-in candidate for Republican councilmen against Paul Hendel. By no means am I a politician but  I’m tired of our voices going unheard. If you want to vote for someone who will put the good of the taxpayers before personal politics, write my name, Arthur E. Knab, under Paul Hendel’s line on the voting form.

Respectfully,

Arthur E. Knab

Murray

Editor:

As I am going door to door talking with residents I am finding that the main concern of many revolves around the proposed Heritage Wind Project. I have researched the use of wind turbines in the town of Barre, my hometown, and I want to share my findings.

I would also like to share that I am informed and involved in all of the topics that are currently being discussed by the Barre Town Board like cannabis sales,  tiny homes, water districts/new water tower, and many others. (I currently serve on the Town Planning Board as an alternate, and have attended most of the Town Board meetings the last few years).

I first contacted the Niagara Power Authority to determine the need for an additional power supply in our area. I spoke to a representative, who told me that we have plenty of power to balance the power on the grid. To get the wind turbines running, the Niagara Power Authority would need to slow down power production to allow the wind turbine project to come on line, and the grid would cover the power when the wind isn’t turning the turbines.

Next I checked with the National Weather Service to see how turbines would affect the weather predictions in our area. The representative said he was not allowed to talk about it.

When I contacted Penn State to discuss the production numbers that Heritage Wind released to the Town of Barre and how to interpret them, I was told the wind turbines are a low production value. When I asked the expert from Penn State what the setbacks should be from homes, she  quickly said, “I would want to see them at least a mile from resident’s homes.” When I asked if we could get something in writing she just as  quickly said, no, that she was not allowed to.

Speaking with the representative from Penn State got me thinking about residential safety and setback distances from the wind turbines during the winter months. I found a formula for determining setbacks for ice throw, a method for defining wind turbine setback standards and I contacted the professor at the University of Buffalo to apply the numbers and calculate ice throw distances. Although Heritage Winds paid the professor $50,000 to coach the Barre Town Board on changing the wind ordinance, I received no response. I called at least five times for assistance in determining ice throw for a 700-foot wind turbine with a 500-foot sweep, but I received no call back. I also reached out to the  professors that wrote the paper with no response.

With no answers from the professor, I decided to research other areas in the United States with wind turbines like the ones proposed in Barre. I found that the Texas Wind Research Institute is the only place in the United  States with a working  700-foot wind turbine. I contacted the Research Institute and asked how our Town Board should evaluate setbacks for the 700-foot turbines. The director transferred me to a Texas A & M professor who was also a wind advocate and lawyer.

The Texas A & M professor advised me to look at safety protocols for the turbine manufacturer and repair crews. Her logic is to evaluate the distance the crews are required to wear personal protective gear for their safety and apply that distance to safe setback estimates. At her suggestion, I reached out to the turbine company that Heritage Wind plans to use with both phone calls and emails, but I got no response. When  the Barre Planning Board asked our Town Board to look into this matter, the request was ignored. They also ignored the Research Institute director’s written statement that he felt the setbacks should be at least 2,500 feet from homeowner property lines.

Next I decided to investigate how Barre citizens feel about the wind turbines. When I looked at the latest public survey for the comprehensive plan in Barre, wind turbines were mentioned in the opening statements as a concern, however, there were zero questions on the survey that related to wind turbines. The Town Board has totally ignored the fact that no survey of Barre citizens has a majority of its citizens in favor of wind turbines. With little public support, the town board is blatantly disregarding the needs or desires of its citizens.

Next I calculated the project’s cost. I used information from Heritage Wind’s open house where I was told that each turbine was rated to produce enough power for 250 homes. If we calculate that there are 33 projected turbines times 250 homes, we get a total of 8,250 homes. If you assume that each home has an average electric bill of 100 dollars times 8,250 times 12 months =$9,900,000. If you multiply that amount times 20 years, you get 198 million dollars.

Funnily enough, this is the same  amount NYSERDA is offering to give Heritage Wind from funds they took from us. These projections also assume that turbines are running 24/7, however, wind turbines typically run 30 percent of the time. I additionally assumed the whole electric  bill including the delivery charge, but I should have lowered the estimates to kilowatts of energy. When I contacted NYSERDA with this information, I was told that it was interesting but probably a coincidence. When I tried to get a response from Heritage Wind, I was  told they  would get back to me, but I have yet to receive a response.

I do believe in the science of global warming and the importance of reducing our carbon emissions. In order to do this, we must use our financial resources effectively. NYSERDA is supposed to invest our money into new ideas for clean energy that are cost effective. They should not be financing projects like wind turbines that are not going to produce any more energy than we already  have.

Although some will cite tax savings as a benefit of wind turbines, they do not offset the visual impact, and negative health impact to residents. Additionally, wind turbines cause property values to decline. I also wonder who will pay for inevitable well water damage with all the blasting  and construction of these massive  towers.

With the current numbers and what the Town Board has mentioned of a 50% Town (only) tax savings, the average Barre household would see a total reduction in Town taxes of less than $393 per year (under the assumption that the Town Budget does not increase, which it has every year in the many recent years).

One pro I can count on is when flying, the flashing lights at night from the wind turbines and the sheer height during the day will make  it easier to find our homes from 10,000 feet.

If you feel led to respond to this editorial, please include in your response if you have a financial interest in the wind project.

Dr. George  McKenna

Barre

Editor:

Congressman Chris Jacobs is still trying to destroy the rule of law and the basic fabrics of our democracy. This past January Congressman Chris Jacobs voted to disenfranchise millions of voters in Pennsylvania and Arizona even after those states certified their elections as fair and free.

The Buffalo News stated that Mr. Jacobs had joined the “sedition caucus” and that Mr. Jacobs is “cowardly, dishonest and unpatriotic” (1/7/21). This past Thursday Mr. Jacobs voted to allow Stephen K. Bannon to ignore Congressional subpoenas.

The Congressional committee is investigating the Jan 6th insurrection where 140 police officers were injured and there were 5 deaths. We need to know if it was organized and planned; that is the purpose of the congressional investigation that Mr. Jacobs is trying to thwart.

In voting to allow Mr. Bannon to ignore Congressional subpoenas, Mr. Jacobs weakened the system of checks and balances and the rule of law so vital to our democracy. Mr. Jacobs is still working with the “sedition caucus” to destroy our democracy. Mr. Jacobs is still “unpatriotic” as the Buffalo News stated in January.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

I want every taxpayer and citizen to know that I have and will continue to work very hard for each of you. I give this job, Supervisor of the Town of Murray, every ounce of my attention, every bit of my integrity, and hours and hours of my time endeavoring to properly run the business of government.

I take the fiscal management of the Town seriously.

Expenditures of the taxpayer’s money is a balancing act between providing the essential services needed and adding value to the community to improve the lives of every resident while at the same time being conservative and efficient with your tax dollars. By applying conservative spending practices, in 2021 we reduced Murray’s tax rate by 2.1% We just approved our 2022 Preliminary Budget which reflects a reduction in our tax rate of 1.4%. That’s 3.5% of direct tax rate relief plus 1.79% in total levy reduction in my 1^stterm.

To get our Town’s path forward we spent the past year and a half creating a new comprehensive master plan for our town. Purposefully taking our time to get it right because it matters for our future. This was done with professional guidance, a diverse volunteer committee and was inclusive of public opinion. It is nearing completion and adoption. Furthermore, we are reviewing our renewable energy laws to insure we are prepared as a community to address the ever-changing regulations.

We applied for a Farmland Protection Grant and were recently notified that we received the award. Murray’s Farmland Protection Plan will be the first of its kind in the County.

Water loss remains the most critical fiscal issue facing our Town. It’s a difficult and complex issue to correct. Over the last year we have analyzed the financials while the water department has mapped out a strategy to inspect every physical detail of the infrastructure. Together we have worked hard on this and have made significant progress. We are in a better position now, although the problem is not completely solved, but we will not give up. With renewed energy and ideas, we are resolved to find the failures and take corrective action, and to understand the whole.

Sustainable quality health care is the next most imperative financial issue. It is difficult and sensitive but must be addressed to ensure the ability to continue providing stability to our valued employee’s health care needs into their future.

The Fancher Memorial Re-dedication on August 14^th, 2021 was joyous and brought the community together. The celebration honored that period of time; it honored the fallen soldiers; it honored the community that cared enough to build the memorial, and it honored the community now that did something special and meaningful thanks to the forward vision of the Fiorito Family. The event has renewed our commitment to history and our rededication to the principles on which America is founded and created a beautiful welcome to Murray.  https://townofmurray.org/world-war-ii-monument/

I have great hope for the Town of Murray. We started something big together. It takes time to see the results of the enormous effort we have put forth. Let’s continue working together for our future. There are so many opportunities for you to become involved in Murray. Please ask us how you can help!

I humbly ask for your vote.

Joe Sidonio

Town Supervisor

Murray

Editor:

The Yates Republican Committee wholeheartedly supports the Yates Town Board and the Republican endorsed incumbents: Supervisor Jim Simon and Councilmen Harold Suhr and Terry Chaffee, Jr.

The current Yates Town Board is a professional, hard-working and fiscally responsible team serving the town for the right reasons: to provide essential public services with the least impact on the taxpayers; to safeguard the rural agricultural character of our land and the precious resources of the Lyndonville and waterfront residents; and to celebrate our heritage as they look to the future with strategic foresight.

From the updated Comprehensive Plan and the renewable energy biodigester scoping study, to the $2.5 million upgrade of the Town Park and the upcoming celebration of the town’s bicentennial, this town board is to be commended for their noteworthy efforts and accomplishments.

We strongly recommend you vote for Republicans Jim Simon (Supervisor), Harold Suhr (Councilman) and Terry Chaffee, Jr. (Councilman) on November 2nd.  A vote for them is a vote for a bright future for the Town of Yates.

Thank you for your consideration,

The Yates Republican Committee

Lynne Johnson, Roger Wolfe, Russ Martino and Terry Chaffee, Jr.

Yates

Editor:

As we race towards election time I hope voters exercise their rights and get out and vote. That’s how changes are made, for better or worse, change is always imminent.

After the last few elections going horribly wrong and the common goals (in my opinion) being led astray, I’m definitely voting for a difference.

I encourage the voters to shake it up. Maybe the underdog is exactly what your community needs. I’m definitely tired of the “well known” crowds speaking for me. Heck I’ll step outside the “comfort zone” and throw my support to Mr. Lauricella for the Yates Town Board!

It’s time for common sense politics, not following the crowd and taking a bold step towards new leadership that benefits us all. Obviously the ones who currently serve us have forgotten who put them in their positions.

It’s time for dramatic change! However the chips may fall come November, get out and vote! Have a voice and send a message to those who forgot who they serve!

Respectfully,

Stephen Bane Jr.

Lyndonville

Editor:

By this point in election season, most of Ridgeway has seen my name in neighbors’ yards or in the paper, and while I have met many residents, there are still people that do not know me and know why I am running for Ridgeway Town Clerk.

I am Hannah Hill – wife, mom, Ridgeway resident and homeowner. I have lived in Orleans County my whole life and have been a registered Republican and active voter since I turned 18. A few years back, I had the pleasure of working for the Town of Ridgeway as the Second Deputy Clerk under Barb Klatt, as well as being the code enforcement clerk and water clerk. I was regularly required to perform the duties of the Town Clerk and became comfortable in the various offices at the Town Hall, how they work together and how the Clerk’s office supports all other aspects of the Town.

The knowledge I acquired in that position, combined with years in the banking industry and a bachelor’s degree in business management, I feel has prepared me to take on this role with confidence and competence. I am organized and hardworking, and will bring professionalism and initiative to the Town Clerk’s office.

This role is one that requires attention to detail, knowledge, accuracy, and a helpful attitude. I am committed to bringing those qualities to the people of Ridgeway and serving with joy. As the Town Clerk, I will make sure everyone who walks into the Town Hall will be taken care of with efficiency and kindness.

The town’s Republican Committee endorsement, support from many within the Town Hall, and the Primary Election results show that there are numerous others who believe I would be a great asset to the Town. I am so grateful for all the support and encouragement I have received so far, and I ask for your continued support and for your vote on Tuesday. I would be honored to be your next Town Clerk.

Sincerely,

Hannah Hill

Ridgeway

Editor:

To my friends, neighbors, and fellow residents of the Town of Barre. My wife Diane and I moved here in 1985. Our home was a wonderful place to raise our kids, build our business, and enjoy the wonderful country and farming environment.

Since we moved here there were two tries to build a landfill and one attempt at a giant professional go-cart track, all of which were fought to defeat by farmers and residents. Now we are faced with the installation of 33 skyscrapers in Barre.

The wind turbines proposed here are reported to be between 650 and 680 feet tall, although no one seems to know for sure how tall they will really be when they are installed. The Five Star Bank building where I broadcast from in Rochester is 284 feet tall, at 21 stories and you can see that building from 20 miles out.

I asked if any of the Barre Town Board members have actually seen one of these turbines up close and the answer was no. I asked where specifically they would be placed, which brand of turbine would be used, and what monthly or yearly maintenance would need to be performed on the turbines and no one could answer my questions specifically.

I do not have confidence in the Town Board to negotiate and pass on to the residents of Barre the benefits which would make this project a good thing for all of us. Most of us can’t envision a 680’ tall structure unless we see it, and unless I’m wrong, none of the board members has gone to Texas to see the only one reported to exist which is that tall in all of the United States.

For the landowners with leases, it’s all about the money, I get that, but for the rest of us it’s all about preserving the lives we have built here and protecting the land, the view, and the peaceful nature of our town and no amount of money is worth destroying that.

There is no turning back from this project. Once it’s up and running, and has ruined the town of Barre, and your property values have tanked, there will be nothing you can do. Ask yourself, as you enter the town hall to vote next Tuesday: are 33 of these 680-foot tall skyscrapers the best for all of the residents of the Town of Barre, New York?

Win, lose or draw, elections have consequences.

All my best,

Jim Salmon

Barre

Editor:

In 2014, voters made their opposition to gerrymandering clear when they voted to authorize the Independent Redistricting Commission to work in a bipartisan fashion to draw maps for our state’s elections, so they were fair and a better reflection of real communities.

This year, however, ballot proposals 1, 3, and 4 jeopardize the hard-fought wins New Yorkers have achieved in regard to redistricting and election integrity, and could help the Majority retain one-party rule for years to come using partisan maps.

Ballot proposal 1 is complex, perhaps by design, and removes a requirement that maps approved by the Independent Redistricting Commission receive an approval vote from a member appointed by each leader of the Legislature, both in the Majority and the Minority. This requirement was implemented intentionally to ensure each party would have meaningful input in the drafting of electoral maps in New York. If proposal 1 passes, there will be nothing stopping the Majority from passing maps through the commission that are designed to protect their own power, and unfairly disenfranchises their political adversaries.

Proposal 1 also removes a requirement that in the event the commission does not vote in favor of a map, that any map then approved by the Legislature be accepted by a two-third majority vote, as that threshold would be lowered to just 60%. This will make it even easier for the Majority to push through self-serving maps in the event they feel the commission’s maps, drafted and voted upon by their appointees, do not do enough to help them electorally. This is another step this proposal takes to weaken the commission and eradicate meaningful bipartisanship from the redistricting process, all to the benefit of the ruling legislative party.

While proponents of ballot proposals 3 and 4 argue they will bolster our democracy, I believe these measures open the door for the abuse of our electoral process and could reduce the faith people have in the integrity of our elections. We’ve seen how mail-in voting can throw elections into disarray last year, when thousands of votes were left uncounted during New York City’s primary elections and when the congressional election held in the 22nd District was left to be resolved in the courts months after voting day.

When combined with same-day voter registration, our local boards of election will be overwhelmed with documents to process and verify, and could have a lesser ability to properly scrutinize them for fraud and inaccuracy. Newly-registered voters will also be allowed to vote on machines rather than through affidavit, which would make it near impossible to disqualify the votes of those found to be ineligible to.

While some of these proposals may sound well-intentioned, I am greatly concerned about the effect they would have on our electoral process and our ability to maintain its integrity. Following a year in which many people have come to question their trust in our basic institutions, we should not be seeking to advance measures that open the door to gerrymandering and foul play.

Do your part to defend our elections by flipping over your ballots this November and voting no on ballot proposals 1, 3, and 4.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Batavia

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