Editor:

I would agree with Gary Kent. Time to oust the present federal administration if you enjoy the following:

No economic growth.

Raising local taxes to fund public pensions caused by market declines.

Gun confiscations.

Open borders.

Brownouts and black outs as fossil fuel is eliminated.

Forget seeing your family if they live beyond 162 miles.

Free inferior health care and college.

Middle class tax hikes.

US corporate headquarters moving to Ireland.

Government regulations.

Not certain where your next meal will come from as US agriculture is fossil fuel based.

Look at the bright side, we are not in a coastal area where the rising seas will flood the county. Plan 2014 developed by the last federal administration already accomplished that.

Ed Urbanik

Lyndonville

Editor:

At some point there may be no other option, but impeachment of “the chosen one” would, in my opinion, be of no benefit to the United States of America today. While the House of Representatives has the basis to charge him, removal from office requires more than simple majority cooperation from the Senate. Without that, impeachment is futile.

In essence, impeachment (the equivalent of a grand jury indictment) would rile up the president’s ardent supporters. It would allow him to play the role of victim (a part he milks for all it is worth) while letting the citizens of our republic off the hook.

The 2020 election should decide whether the president of the United States stays in office. In other words, people who care enough about this exceptional country and all the good it stands for need to examine his record and their consciences and decide whether he deserves a second term.

Until then, we have democracy and ourselves to thank for the situation we are in. That is to say that whatever short-term gain may result from the self-proclaimed “chosen one’s” tenure will likely come at the cost of considerable long-term pain.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent

Albion

Editor:

I just read the article about noise from wind turbines and wasn’t surprised by what I read. Since the noise from the wind turbines causes problems with 10 percent of the human population, what does it do to the domesticated animal and wildlife populations? Have any studies been done?

I think this should be a concern since these wind turbines are being located in rural areas with pets, farm animals and wildlife sharing the same space.

Pam Turner

Lyndonville

Editor:

Wind power, the burning question in our little corner of the world. Wind turbines are big and ugly, but so are high-voltage transmission lines, silos, manure lagoons, skyscrapers, industrial-size milking parlors and billboards, just to name a few. We got used to seeing them.

The argument, “not in my back yard,” begs the answer in whose back yard should we build them? Not every place is suited for wind turbines. Wrong climate patterns, wrong geography, poor political climate all make some places unsuitable for wind farms.

Push back, if strong enough, will force the developers down the road to more favorable locations. They will take potential jobs, income, and tax revenue with them.

The locals will lose out with possibly lower taxes, higher land values with lower tax rates. Lower electric rates, maybe not because the developer sells electricity to the power authority which then sells it back to local utilities that set the rates.

This has become a political football. Follow the money, who benefits the most from the turbine debate? Is the developer helping politicians? It’s hard to be critical of someone who gives you money.

Paul Tiffany

Yates

Editor:

I would just like to inform readers about people serving on the committees for political parties.

I was surprised that when I knock on doors that a good number of people do not know what I do.

I volunteer my time and gas to help potential candidates get on the voting ballot.

I go door to door of members of the party I belong to. I do it because potential candidates need a certain number of registered party members to qualify for a name to go on the party line on the ballot.

I would like voters to understand when they pick a party that the party needs them at petition time and ballot time.

Also committee people are voted in, so I need them to sign only if they want me. I also will listen and see if there are any issues that need to be addressed at committee meetings.

An American voter has liberty to help choose America’s government. Because this affects the voter’s life and his family and friends it is something to cherish and be proud of. At the right level of elections it could affect the world. That is why I volunteer.

So in closing please sign and  help us committee members keep America great.

Best regards,

Steve Colon

Lyndonville

Editor:

This is in response to Andrea Rebeck’s letter from August 28. I don’t know how she can speak knowledgably about the conduct of Clear Skies when she hasn’t been at most of the town meetings and doesn’t live in Barre anymore.

Charles Mathes’ letter stating that Clear Skies has been acting out and being rude at meetings was correct. All you need to do is watch the Town Board meetings that Robin Nacca so kindly provides for us to see for yourself. It seems that their mission at each meeting is to yell, hurl insults, and badger people with falsehoods about turbines, so they will eventually win out. That strategy has been used by other anti-wind groups around the country. It isn’t everyone from that group, but a small number turn each meeting into a three-ring circus.

It was totally inappropriate to go after the entire Mathes family! Leaseholder families have taken a lot of hits from Clear Skies, regularly being called greedy, their names being submitted to the Attorney General, and being harassed at meetings. This was just another shameful swipe at them!

It was also inappropriate to suggest that the town officials are taking kickbacks from Apex to support the project. She has no evidence of this and suggesting it only feeds into the paranoia that the group has been promoting.

The town officials have done a lot of research and are doing their best to ensure that Barre will get the best deal out of having such a large economic investment. To suggest that town officials have taken paybacks is further proof of their disrespectful behavior.

Apex is not employing a divide and conquer strategy. They cannot control how the community handles them simply doing business. As adults, we should all have control over our own behavior. The suggestion that they are making millions and not sharing it with the town is another paranoia tactic. Please give me the name of any company that is going to give you most of their profits!

However, the town will get a good amount that will help the town, taxpayers, and school. Regarding the laws on developing wind projects being weak and ineffective, Heritage Wind is in the Article 10 process which is one of the most strict and litigated permitting processes in the nation. Not only is it strict, but Apex was required to give Clear Skies $35,000 dollars to fund their fight against the project.

Many Barre residents and taxpayers are struggling, and the revenue from this project will help everyone. Aside from that, my support for this project is not just about monetary gains, but the fate of our planet. We need this project to give future generations the hope that they will have a planet to live on. If Clear Skies succeeds in destroying Heritage Wind, just know that the turbines will come at some point. In a few short years, the opinions of the anti-wind groups will be totally disproven.

Chris Loss

Barre

Editor:

This letter is in response to that of Charles Mathes posted August 23, 2019. It is a shame that family and community relationships have been so damaged by the proposed imposition of an industrial wind development in our town, but it shouldn’t surprise us.

For many years now this has been happening in town after town, state after state across our nation and in other countries, ever since such projects have been built in populated areas.  These developments permanently alter the physical environment of a community. Those who make money from them are happy; those who suffer from them are not.

I must admit that I am saddened to see a Mathes becoming such a vocal proponent for the wind developer, and claim that all the nastiness is coming from those who oppose the wind project.

Clear Skies Above Barre members have worked extremely hard to be civil and understanding of those who hold an opposing view, while pro-wind people are sometimes acting like bullies, stealing signs from our yards (this has happened to me at least twice – so such vandals are committing trespass and interfering with my right of free speech); telling groups with whom they have had good, long-term relationships that they are no longer welcome to hunt or ride snow machines across their land; defending improper and possibly illegal acts by town board members; and parroting the misinformation put out by the wind industry.

The reason I am especially sorry to see Mr. Mathes defame a group of people I have come to know and respect is that it was his grandparents who played a very large part in welcoming me to Barre and helping me undertake the restoration of my house here. Helen Mathes was Town Historian in 1998 and invited me to her house to spend the evening going over her materials, sharing with me the history of the property. She continued to give me information and encouragement, and one day after I’d been working on the house for a few years, she and her husband David pulled into my driveway and gave me a check for $500 to help with the restoration. I was amazed at their kindness and generosity.

Most of the benefit from an industrial wind project in Barre will be enjoyed by the out-of-state corporation that is promoting this project. It stands to make millions of dollars. The roughly 75 lease holders will make some money. The rest of the town’s residents and property owners will be inconvenienced during construction and quite likely impacted negatively for years to come.

The Payment in Lieu of Taxes that our town board is currently negotiating will actually provide property owners with LESS money than if we granted no PILOT at all. These are no longer conjectural statements. There is ample evidence to back them up, and the reality will speak for itself if the project is completed.

We need go no farther than Arkwright to know that the assurances of wind developers are nothing but lies. Unfortunately, New York’s laws protecting its occupants from such damage are weak, nonexistent, or not enforced. Some of our elected and appointed officials are being compensated by the wind developer so that they will promote the project. It would be so much better for all of us here if these officials would genuinely represent all of us, instead of just their own interests and those of the wind developer.

Andrea Rebeck

Barre

Editor:

This letter is in response to Rev. Larry Eastlack. I, too, am proud to be a resident of the Town of Barre. I agree that the proposed Heritage Wind project has caused an uproar in the town, but not because of the leaseholders or supporters.

The truth is, the unrest in town has started from one side of this issue – those against the turbines. They have called me and fellow farmers unsophisticated, greedy, etc. They have attacked our Town Board time and time again, when they are working hard to get the best deal for the town.

We voted these men into office to lead our town, and it is a thankless job. They don’t deserve the insults and aggressive behavior they have endured. Just watch a video of one of the Town Board meetings posted from Know Your Facts USA  or the Town of Barre website, you will see that the opposition treats Apex staff, leaseholders, and the Town Board with absolute disrespect.

They yell and scream like children, and even stand on tables. They should have concrete proof to back up their allegations. With this behavior, we may need security at our meetings. This is not the Barre that I know and love.

I want to see this project happen because it has the potential to transform the Town of Barre into a leader in the future of green energy. The money this project will bring in will allow us to keep the agricultural landscape of Barre that we all know and love. This project will benefit all of us, which is why us supporters want to see it through. And yes, to lower taxes!

Charles Mathes

Barre

Editor:

I recently read how the needs of the handicapped and elderly were ignored when the new county building went up. I have written over the years about building outside of downtown as a death knell to downtown Albion.

And whoever heard of a Legislature meeting outside a County Seat. (It appears there needs to be an election to authorize moving legislator’s clerk’s office out of the village but I do not recall that being on the ballot. Do you recall this being put to a vote? Maybe I missed something there.)

Conrad Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

I respect the motorcycle riders and see many signs posted to watch out for them. My complaint is why do they have to take off going so fast at a stop sign.

I live on East Park in Albion and many times when the driver goes by, I feel they are doing more than 30 MPH. What if an animal or a child ran out in front of them? Someone would be injured.

Maybe the local police could keep an eye for these fast drivers in town.

Christine Sevor

Albion

Editor:

I am proud to be a resident of the Town of Barre. For those who enjoy rural life, Barre is second to none.

Our town is considering the allowance of the construction of at least 33 industrial-size wind turbines at up to 680 feet each. Wanting to be an informed citizen, I have attended a number of meetings, both pro and con. I have come away with a strong opinion on the compatibility of such huge towers with our rural values.

I recently attended a Barre Town Board meeting, where I learned even more information from well informed citizens who have taken the time to research the issue in depth and shared it with all those in attendance.

I also listened to heated exchanges between some Town Board members and some residents in attendance, with accusations of board members lying to the public and underhanded practices. It was during those comments that I got the impression that the fire of intensity surrounding this issue was being fueled by some high-octane emotions.

After the meeting, I talked with several people who told me that this issue was pitting neighbors against neighbors, church members against church members and family members against family members. It has gotten to the point where people are uprooting and stealing each other’s lawn signs and dumping trash in place of the signs.

I know, firsthand, how destructive such divisive behavior can be. This isn’t the first time Barre has dealt with the issue of industrial turbines. A few years back, the town entertained a similar proposal.

Then, as with now, emotions ran so high that it damaged a number of relationships, including my own personal relationship with some of my friends and neighbors. This time around, I don’t want to see that happen to me or anyone else.

I can’t help but think that the political chasm that is dividing our nation today is contributing to an emotionally charged atmosphere of “us vs. them” divisiveness on the local front. So, to my fellow residents of Barre, we can’t let that happen here – not in our town.

Rev. Larry Eastlack

Barre

Editor:

Dancing, wood working, painting, reading, dogs, the Orleans County 4-H Fair and so much more were all part of this year’s wonderful Summer Reading Program at the Hoag Library.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Teresa Gaylard, the volunteers and the entire Hoag Library team for a well developed and run program.

My children are 4 and under and they loved the all of the programs we were able to attend, especially “Morning Moves” with Miss Amy and making a trinket box with Mr. Babcock.

As we drive through town any time we pass the library they want to stop. I also appreciate all of the programs for different age youth in our community, and recognizing that this is a program that my children will enjoy for many years to come. What a wonderful resource our library is to this community.

If you were not able to participate in this year’s summer reading program, make note of it for next year, and watch the Hoag Library website for other engaging and educational opportunities for youth and adults alike all year round.

Kerri Richardson

Barre

Editor:

To everyone involved with the Albion Strong Benefit in support of our family held at the Gallagher on August 11th, you have truly touched our hearts with your love, friendship, offers of help and assistance, and/or the generous support you showed at the benefit.

Many hands made this event a success in various ways but none less important than the other. We deeply appreciate each and every contribution, and we wish especially to thank the Albion Strong planning committee and all the volunteers who stepped up last minute to lend a helping hand.

We are completely overwhelmed by the support and generosity you have shown to us in this very difficult time. It was a beautiful occasion and showed us clearly how joy can be found in even the darkest of situations. As we continue to work though “thank you” cards, we ask for patience and forgiveness for anyone overlooked. You are in our hearts, even if our fingers fail to remember.

We are proud and humbled to be part of “Albion Strong.” Our tragedy does not define what Albion Strong is. Albion Strong defines us, our community and our supporters and will continue to live on well beyond these recent events.

With our love and heartfelt gratitude,

Erin, Rhiannon, Jackson Moody and Angel Rushing

Albion

Editor:

To the residents of Gaines, I hereby endorse Kenneth Capurso for Town Board in Gains. I’ve known Kenneth and his family for some time now and in all honesty, he is one of the few people I know personally that puts the needs others before himself. When I’ve needed him most, he was there for me.

As for his qualifications, Mr. Capurso strives for excellence and has been fighting tooth and nail against the (highly opposed) Dollar General project in Gaines. Many in Gaines agree with his stance on this matter.

His constant dedication towards improving the Town of Gaines would have my immediate vote if I was a Gaines resident myself. Aside from being a NYS EMT-B, he proudly volunteers for the Cobblestone Museum Society.

He is a registered Democrat, but endorsed by the Libertarian party. I couldn’t think of a better person for the job.

Chase Tkach

Carlton

State Committee Member for the Libertarian Party of New York

Editor:

Nate McMurray has announced his candidacy for Congress in the 27th district. In his announcement he made clear four major themes of his candidacy.

Western New York’s need for infrastructure is obvious; bridges and roads are in need of repair. Businesses and the local economy suffers because of lack of infrastructure. Yet our present representative threatened to withhold federal highway funds to make businesses and the economy suffer for some perceived political gain.

Second, improve health care and lower drug prices. The current representative has done nothing for health care except threatened to remove pre-existing conditions from health care and force people to choose between medicine and food. He has threatened to cut Food Stamps, immunizations and other vital services needed in this district, while cutting taxes paid by himself.

Third, Mr. McMurray promised to bring back local government. The current representative refuses to have town hall-style meetings to discuss issues that affect citizens in the district. Mr. McMurray will bring back local government by holding town hall-style meetings and discussions with citizens to understand the issues that affect the citizens of the district.

Finally, Mr. McMurray rejects the politics of radicalization, the politics of fear and anger. Using a fact-based approach to problem solving, Mr. McMurray will bring back rational government. We deserve and need a representative who will listen and serve the citizens of the district. Thank you

William Fine

Brockport