Editor:

I should start by saying that I am Joseph Root, Dale and Helen Root’s son. Dale Root is running for town of Shelby highway supervisor. So yes, I have some bias in the topic, but I’m not here to talk about the highway superintendent election.

I’m here to simply say that I am proud of you, Dale Root, and also thank you and mother for being our parents. You two have raise three pretty respectable children. We have had some pretty amazing times and some downright tough times, but I challenge you to show me a family that has not.

Dale Root has owned two businesses longer than I have been alive. And I now know why and how you did what you had to. You would leave Sunday night with the semi-truck and return home Thursday morning maybe Friday, only to work countless hours on the farm while home.

You punished your body across million miles of roads and highways at night so you could work on the farm during the day light. With what time you had left for us kids, you taught us the value of a dollar, and hard work (my wife would probably argue too much time was spent on the hard working part). Also to never lie cheat or steal.

You showed us compassion when mother was digging out a sliver which seemed to be a mile deep in our hand, or when one of our animals would die. Responsibility was a later lesson with the phase ” feed before feeding” which meant you better feed the livestock before you yourself go home to eat. You would get us out of bed to go to work especially if we had been out late the night before (I believe you enjoyed that part).

With all that going on you still beat the odds that a small family apple farm would not make it in today world. Thank you for finding a way to keep it alive for your children and grandchildren. Many years having to harvest current year’s crop before being fully being paid for the past’s year crop.

To have the strength to look into your wife’s eyes some years and tell her that she couldn’t buy all the Christmas gifts that the children wanted because taxes had to be paid. For fitting an extra 20 hours into an already 70-hour week, only to look across the room at disappointment in a child’s eyes for you wouldn’t be able to make that games, dance recital, FFA meeting or 4H show.

I now know. Thank you Dale and Helen Root

Respectfully, your son,

Joseph Root

Shelby

Editor:

It would be unfair to Murray residents if I didn’t refute a few of the points made by Mr. Wood. He is correct in that there are 10 towns in Orleans County, and Murray does have a $4.83 tax rate for town taxes (for outside-village residents. It’s $3.06 for village property owners.).

The range of taxes is actually $2.76 to $9.18. (Click here to see the town tax rates in Orleans County.) Albion has the lowest at $2.76 and Barre the highest at $9.18. (Village residents in Yates pay a $2.60 rate.)

Murray would be No. 7 on the list out of the ten for highest tax rates with a $4.83 rate.

I would also like to point out that just because tax rates may of laid flat, tax bills did not. Through a series of reassessments in the last few years, including my 2019 reassessment that was over a 10 percent hike, will further entrench me and my family with brutal tax bills.

I would also like to point out that in the last few months our town has been hit with separation agreements from an improperly removed employee and also has a pending lawsuit of negligence on its hands which we the taxpayers are going to be accountable for. What will our taxes look like when this all comes out?

Mr. Wood, I thank you for your 25-plus years of service. It’s not an easy position to be in, but we shouldn’t try to sugar coat what is going on in our town.  We as a town are bleeding money and it’s coming out of the pockets of the residents.

Adam Moore

Holley

Editor:

Republicans voters on Tuesday will go to the polls to choose who will head the ticket. For sheriff you can vote for Christopher M. Bourke, a constitutional sheriff. He will work for the people. The other guy will accommodate the DA’s Office and the County Legislature. He promises in his ads to turn the Sheriff’s Department into ticket pushers. Will our deputies be reduced to hiding behind billboards and trolling parking lots for bad stickers on grandma’s truck? Nothing in his ads about lowering your taxes or saving and protecting our 2nd Amendment gun rights from an all intrusive State Government.

Do the voters want an aggressive, table-pounding superman fundraiser that’s worked his entire career in another county with murders every weekend and can’t stop the drugs from flowing over the border into our county from his own stomping grounds? He claims he’s in charge of that job. He’s going to keep us safe? No sir, we need a professional sheriff for the people like Christopher M. Bourke and one who doesn’t think it would be controversial to say who his under-sheriff will be.

In Murray you can vote for Joseph Sidonio for Town Supervisor and Dirk Lammes for Town Councilman. They will work for you, the people. Or you can vote for the incumbents who fight hard to maintain the old-guard status quo. Time to term limit these two incumbents.

In Ridgeway you can vote David M. Stalker. He will end the cronyism, back room deals, meeting law violations and foolish spending. Or vote for the long-time incumbent that has consistently presided over the second highest taxes in the region. Term limits are long overdue here.

In Shelby you can vote for Dale S. Root for change and private sector, money-saving common sense application of ideas or you can vote for the comfortable incumbent and it shows by all the bright red shiny new equipment. Term limits are needed badly.

In Clarendon you can vote for Tracy B. Chalker for Highway Superintendent. He is the clear choice, highly qualified to do the job. A fresh race with new challengers.

Keep in mind in the main election on Nov. 6 the Conservative-endorsed candidates: Mark L. Wambach for Shelby Town Justice, Kerri A. Richardson for Barre Town Councilwoman and Dr. Mary R. Neilans for Gaines Town Councilwoman

These are the candidates that the Orleans County Conservative Party Committee interviewed and we feel will keep in check the political shenanigans and be mindful of your tax dollars. We are the party of term limits. Twelve years in any one position and no or no more endorsements. So Republicans you have a choice. Elect people who will work for you or elect bureaucrats that will serve themselves and government. It’s your money at stake here. Do you want to keep more of it or do you enjoy having less of it. Get up. Get out. Go Vote.

Thank you,

Paul Lauricella

Lyndonville

Orleans County Conservative Party Chairman

Editor:

I’m writing this letter in support of re-electing Brian Napoli for Town Supervisor in Ridgeway. Having worked for the Town of Ridgeway Highway Department for over 33 years and under six  different town supervisors, Brian Napoli has been one of the most open, honest and available supervisors that I’ve worked with.

He’s been instrumental in helping us keep our highway equipment updated, moving forward with town-wide water, and other projects that benefit the town, while still being fiscally responsible.

The town is fortunate to have such an honest, hard-working and knowledgeable person as Brian as its current supervisor. Hopefully when the taxpayers of Ridgeway vote on Tuesday, they will vote for a proven successful supervisor.

Tim Feldman

Town of Ridgeway

Editor:

Soon Orleans County residents will be given the opportunity to select their next sheriff. I write this letter to encourage voters to take the time to learn about candidate Brett Sobieraski.

Brett is a long-time Orleans County resident living in Kent. He has lived in Orleans County for more than 27 years. He raised his sons in Kendall where they graduated from high school and have each become very good men.

Brett’s character, integrity, passion and commitment to his/our community is so evident thought his involvement with organizations such as the Special Olympics, the Veterans Outreach Center Huntington’s disease fundraising, Huther Doyle – a substance abuse counseling clinic, All In All The Time Foundation (provides immediate response to the needs of Naval Special Warfare families). He also is the founder and president of the not-for profit organization, Limitless Racing Inc. (a racing event for children with disabilities).

Brett spent many years as an assistant wrestling coach for Kendall Youth Wrestling. Being a wrestling coach for kids from age 4 all the way through high school is quite a commitment.

Coaching kids at practices during the week and coaching at wrestling tournaments on the weekends throughout the county provided Brett a great opportunity to mentor children and get to know the towns and schools throughout Orleans County. An added benefit that I know Brett is extremely proud of was the opportunity to mentor young people and watch them become young successful adults.

Orleans Hub recognized Brett as an Outstanding Citizen at an annual awards program in 2018. This recognition is for those people who have made a big impact in the community.

Brett has been and is such a strong advocate for his/our community.

He truly loves his home, this county. He is a highly skilled law enforcement professional, a leader, as well as an engaging and compassionate man, everything we should expect from our sheriff. He will be a great servant for his/our community.

Dan Wiler

Albion

Editor:

I am the proud daughter of Mike Fuller, the Shelby highway superintendent. There was a mailer received Saturday by many Shelby residents from my dad’s opponent. While my dad has continually kept his campaign clean and focused on himself, I feel the need to clear up some untruths printed by the opposition.

1. Root states no politician should be in office for more than 40 years. If he had done his homework, or had his funders do it, they would see that Mike Fuller has been in office for 14 years, not 40.

2. Mike Fuller doesn’t see himself as the “politician” Root tries to make him seem. My dad will always say that he works for the people. He is not a “yes man” to the Town Board.

3. This leads to the statement of Root implying there is a fractured relationship between my dad and the board. Anyone who has met my dad knows he is an easygoing person and gives people multiple chances. With this being said, he knows how to do his job and will not be bullied, by the board, or anyone.

4. Root’s slogan has been “We need change.” Okay, but he never can give us a good example of the change he would implement. I have been door to door with my dad a lot this election season. I’ve only seen people applauding his work.

5. Root keeps saying he is this great businessman, but is he?

Election season is always very hard when your family member is on the hot seat. I know that I see my dad working 24/7/365 for the Town of Shelby. He loves this community where he was born and raised. He is not a yes man, he is a get down in the trenches and work with his guys man. He plows, he mows the cemeteries, he weed eats, he paves, he drives truck, he uses a shovel. He also works with the Town Board, does the budget, pays the bills and God knows what else.

One thing that sticks out for me about my dad’s character and work ethic is this: One summer Sunday I went to my parent’s house and my dad wasn’t home. My mom said he went to mow the cemeteries his guys didn’t get to during the week. Now, instead of saving it for Monday when his guys got there, he was doing it. He was saving your money. Remember, it doesn’t matter how many hours my dad works, he is salaried. I truly believe the Town of Shelby is more than getting their monies worth out of Mike Fuller.

Please remember to vote this Tuesday. Ask yourself: will Dale Root mow your loved one’s cemetery plot on a Sunday? Will Dale Root pitch in and plow roads to keep your family safe?

I know Mike Fuller will!

Sincerely,

Amy S. Herman

Shelby

Editor:

This is an open letter to the Shelby Republican voters. As we enter into the final days before the primary I would like to give thanks to those of you that let me put a sign on your property and I’d like to thank the ones who came to their door when I knocked. It was nice to see so many faces around town.

Your vote is critical this year because change is so badly needed in the leadership of the Shelby Highway Department.

We need to save taxpayer’s money – current leadership has failed to do that! We need to be more resourceful with the annual budget – current leadership has failed to do that!

Our roads are in need of repair, sealing and basic maintenance – current leadership has failed to do that! We need to implement the GPS system for the water districts the board budgeted for and you paid for over 3 years ago – current leadership has failed to do that

We need to manage overtime costs – current leadership has failed to do that! A strong and cooperative relationship must exist between the Highway Superintendent and the Town Board. The Town Board has tried to create this numerous times – current leadership has failed to do that!

As a business owner for over 35 years I have learned how important it is to be well organized and how important it is to work with others. It only saves you money! It is also important to provide your employees with the tools they need to do their job and allow them the freedom to be creative and explore new ideas to solve problems.

On the farm there is an old saying: “You have to make hay when the sun shines” (which has been hard this year). Planting, spraying, fertilizing, trimming, tilling, harvesting, trucking, cost tracking & analysis, and labor management all come at a price. Sometimes you only get one chance to get the job done.

Over the years I have been able to make mutual alliances with my peers and skilled trade workers. I also understand change can be scary. But in this case change will be good, change is desperately needed, and change will be for the betterment of our town.

Thank you,

Dale S. Root

Republican-endorsed candidate for Shelby Highway Superintendent

Editor:

Bob Lonsberry is an amazingly talented broadcaster. He can think quickly and articulate himself perfectly and in ways the rest of us wish we could. Bob is unquestionably one of the most successful and popular radio personalities in the United States and I am proud to call him my friend.

But Bob is dead wrong regarding who should be the next sheriff of Orleans County, where I live!

I am sure the man running against Undersheriff Chris Bourke for sheriff of Orleans County is a fine person with an impeccable record in law enforcement, but that career was spent mostly in Rochester and Monroe County, where money is no object.

Chris Bourke is the better cop to run the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department.

Chris Bourke knows Orleans County from top to bottom and from side to side. He knows the people and more importantly he knows what the people of Orleans County need and want.

Sheriff Bower and Under Sheriff Chris Bourke have figured out how to survive with what we have available by conducting business in the best interest of the citizens of Orleans County.

In Monroe County, where Chris Bourke’s opponent works, money is no object. We can’t afford to elect a sheriff who doesn’t understand the needs of the people of our county.

So who is the better cop?

For my money it’s Chris Bourke.

While attending a fundraising rally for Chris Bourke in May I watched as many people came up to Chris and thanked him for his 35 years of service to our county.

One older gentleman came walking up and shook Chris Bourke’s hand and said, “you have my vote, even though you arrested me twice for DWI.”

Chris treats everyone fairly and with respect regardless of the circumstances. If a man Chris Bourke arrested two times wants to vote for him, then he must be the best cop for the job.

The best cop to be sheriff of Orleans County is the officer who puts his life on the line for his County.

On August 18, 1997 a call came in to the 911 center in Orleans County for a domestic dispute. It was a dark night and Deputy Bourke was working the midnight shift. Chris Bourke and two other state police troopers and the Albion Police Department responded to the call. The gunman pointed a long gun directly at Chris Bourke’s patrol car and then took off. A chase took place on route 104 to the town of Kendall where a standoff occurred! The gunman left his car and walked straight toward Deputy Bourke and the other officers firing his shot gun.

Deputy Bourke fired back striking the gunman once. Chris Bourke’s patrol car took several direct hits from the gunman.

Who is the best cop to be the next Orleans County Sheriff?

A sheriff who would put his life on the line for us!

In order for a sheriff to succeed, and do what’s best for the residents of his county, and to provide the sworn and unsworn personnel in his department with the tools they need to properly and safely do their jobs he must be part executive, part commander, part problem solver, part financial planner, part politician, part counselor, and part protector.

Chris Bourke is all of those things and more.

Jim Salmon

Barre

(Salmon is the host of the Home Repair Clinic on WHAM 1180.)

Editor:

I am Active Duty Navy currently serving in TN. I was born and raised in Orleans County, living there for 18.5 years before leaving for the Navy. It has been and always will be my home, and I visit 2-3 times a year if possible.

I have been following the run for Sheriff closely and would like to weigh in from an insider’s, outside point of view.

I grew up surrounded by law enforcement in Orleans County and elsewhere. My father, Herb, worked for the O.C. Sheriff’s Department and the Rochester Police Department. I had a second family growing up that was in the Sheriff’s Department. I grew up with four people who are currently serving at the Albion Police Department or the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. I played baseball on the same team as the former sheriff’s son. I know personally a countless number of current and former LEOs in Orleans County and elsewhere, to include the current sheriff, and both candidates running now.

In the last two years, I have come home roughly five times and I have seen a huge change in the county, and not a good one. I’ve participated in some ride-a-longs with a friend in those times. The opioid epidemic is frightening. Unfortunately, my home is not what I left 6 years ago.

Now I see the second run for sheriff since I left. I see one candidate, Brett Sobieraski, running on a list of accomplishments, his lifelong dedication to serving the public as a LEO, his off-duty involvement in the county, and laying out his policy on how to fix the problems facing Orleans County.

I see the other candidate running on politics, what the county is now, and about how he cares. But I have yet to see or hear any plans or policies. I have seen the idea of a debate between the two candidates thrown around. I think this would be an amazing opportunity for the people of Orleans County to hear directly from both candidates on what their plans are and how to accomplish it. Brett has been trying repeatedly to have a debate while his opponent refuses to have one.

Growing up so close to law enforcement, I know one thing for certain. Politics don’t belong there. They cause weakness, crime, and drug outbreaks like we see now.

What does belong is strong strategies, solid police work, and dedication to them.

When you look at those things, the obvious choice for Orleans County Sheriff is Brett Sobieraski.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Brett for 15 years. Brett is by far one of the most reliable, honest, caring, passionate and strong-minded people and police officers I have ever met. His drive for his job and his community is unrivaled. Don’t believe me? Look at his resume. Everything he has done on the job, and off.

Respectfully,

Zachary McClellan, PO1, USN

Carlton

Editor:

I have been fortunate enough to serve the residents of Shelby as Highway Superintendent, a job I truly love.

Although the Highway Superintendent is an elected position, I do not consider myself a politician. I do not make unsubstantiated statements nor do I showboat. I will always stand up for what I feel is best for Shelby residents.

I would very much like to continue the job I love – keeping Shelby highways safe for your family and mine.

I am glad to answer any questions you may have. I can be reached by calling 585-798-3248 at work or 585-798-0042 at home. Or you can email me any questions at firedog657@yahoo.com.

Thank you,

Mike Fuller

Shelby Highway & Water Superintendent

Editor:

The Republican Primary is coming at us fast and there is only one responsible choice for Sheriff – Chris Bourke. Currently the Undersheriff, Bourke has spent his entire career in the Sheriff’s Office and has also served as a volunteer fireman, providing dedicated service to the residents of Orleans County for well over 35 years.

While he and his opponent may have comparable qualifications, Bourke has unique operational knowledge of the department, having experience in each of its divisions. With his level of proficiency there is no learning curve, and no need for “meet and greets,” as Bourke is already familiar with the residents of this county and is perceptive to their needs. Bourke has an excellent understanding of the budgetary process, how the county government functions, and has already established good working relationships with many county officials.

The rank and file of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Deputies Association and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Employees Association both endorsed Bourke for Sheriff, and were recently joined by the New York State Deputy Sheriff’s Association; the New York State Police Benevolent Association; and Council 82 – New York State Law Enforcement Officers Union, AFSCME, AFL-CIO. Those endorsements from both local and state law enforcement unions speak volumes for the confidence they have in Chris Bourke to provide top notch leadership and governance as Orleans County Sheriff.

These are current employees, who recognize what a great leader Bourke is – not ones who worked for the department 23 years and four administrations ago. While many of these employees would jump at the opportunity to submit public letters of support for Bourke individually, they are mindful of obeying a policy which prevents them from using their titles in such letters, a policy which the Rochester Police Department must lack or not enforce.

Fellow Republicans, if Republican principles matter to you, I urge you to vote for Chris Bourke.

Respectfully,

Chris Caufield

Holley

Editor:

There is no question that the 2019 Legislative Session has been the most challenging and offensive session in recent history. However, every day when I’ve walked into our State Capitol I think of the people who sent me here and, on your behalf, I have worked hard to make sure our voices have been heard.

I am proud to have delivered important successes that will improve the lives of people in our community:

• Expanding the Discover Niagara Shuttle into Lockport will further encourage tourism and economic development;

• Restoring library construction funding and the Extreme Winter Recovery program to improve roads and infrastructure;

• Increasing the reimbursement rate for local governments that maintain state-owned roadways;

• Delivering a $300 million package for flood-impacted communities along Lake Ontario; and

• Assisting veterans and our military families by restoring the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer-to-Peer Counseling program and creating a Gold Star Scholarship Program for the children of our fallen heroes.

Despite these successes, the overall session was dominated by downstate progressive interests resulting in a devastating and painful year for upstate taxpayers. I stood up and voiced our opposition and voted no on:

• The $175 billion budget was bloated with new taxes and fees, no mandate relief, and increased debt;

• Providing illegal immigrants driver’s licenses and free college tuition;

•  The Farmworkers Fair Labor Protection Act that will destroy our family farms and agricultural community; and

• Numerous bills to advance a “pro-criminal platform,” including measures to increase minimum wage for prisoners and giving prisoners an annual cost of living adjustment, among others.

Yes, this session imposed some very concerning and offensive policies, but I did everything possible to fight against them.

Representing the concerns and needs of Western New Yorkers remains my mission. That’s why I will continue fighting for real ethics reform, property tax and mandate relief, supporting measures to promote recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters and promoting critical job training programs for young adults. I look forward to continuing this challenge on your behalf.

Mike Norris

Lockport

(Norris represents the 144th Assembly District comprised of portions of Erie, Niagara and Orleans counties.)

Editor:

During this campaign for sheriff the only knock I have heard about candidate Brett Sobieraski is that he is an outsider or city guy. Neither of which are correct. He has lived in this community for 27 years. Raised his family here and was very much a part of his kids’ lives as a youth wrestling coach and little league coach.

For decades residents of Orleans County have commuted outside of the county to work at factories, hospitals, schools, stores and yes law enforcement agencies. If a doctor with 30 years of experience from Strong Hospital wanted to now practice at Medina Hospital would we shun them and their knowledge? If an engineer or machinist from Harrison’s wanted to work at a local job shop now would we say we are not interested in his experience?

I think people would embrace someone that wants to make a business here better. It should be the same for a person with a wealth of knowledge and experience in law enforcement that now wants to share that with all law enforcement within the county. The sheer volume of incidents, crime and community interaction in the urban setting along with the extensive number of investigations in the suburbs and rural communities throughout the county gives a law enforcement officer that much more knowledge and experience.

Fourteen years as a SWAT member and now team leader dealing with a hundred call-outs a year is experience that can never be matched in Orleans County. Taking command during a life or death situation and leading team members into dangers not typically seen in Orleans County is a skill set unmatched here. As a community we should be embracing a person such as Brett Sobieraski not turning up our nose because he didn’t work here for the past 30-plus years.

I have also been hearing comments from some people concerned that Brett will be double dipping with his retirement. First of all his opponent retired from the Sheriff’s Office in December 2015 prior to being sworn in as the Undersheriff and is collecting a retirement right now as undersheriff. Hence he has been double dipping.

Secondly, Brett Sobieraski earned his retirement at the Rochester Police Department which is a totally different retirement system. When he becomes the sheriff he will be paid by Orleans County to be the sheriff yet the county will not be contributing to his retirement and will not be covering his health insurance. So the county will be saving money.

I have known both candidates both personally and professionally for decades. I can tell you Brett Sobieraski is by far the more professional, experienced, motivational and inspirational leader in this sheriff’s race.

Please stop working so hard to find something not to like about Brett Sobieraski and take a few minutes to get to know him. You will not be disappointed!

Thomas Drennan

Kendall

Editor:

With another contentious Republican Primary for Orleans County Sheriff only days away, voters have two choices: an out of towner, or a life-long and committed Orleans County resident. Christopher Bourke is the life-long and committed Orleans County resident.

His opponent, Brett Sobieraski, has stated on many occasions, that he “chose” to build his home in Orleans County because he “loves” it. Yet, until the recent years, he has been largely absent from the Orleans County community, spending much of his time being involved with organizations and groups in Rochester and Monroe County. I will call it as I see it – Mr. Sobieraski is an opportunist, who seeks personal political gain by seeking the office of Sheriff.

Mr. Bourke is a life-long Orleans County resident and has not only chosen to continue to reside in the County, but to also serve Orleans County and its residents for over 35 years, as a member of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. It is no secret: Mr. Bourke could have made a lot more money working for another law enforcement agency, outside of Orleans County (for example; Rochester PD). However, he chose to stay where his heart is and where he has always called “home” – Orleans County.

Working his way through the ranks from Part-Time Corrections Officer, to Road Patrol Deputy, to Lieutenant for 18 years, prior to becoming Undersheriff, all with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, Mr. Bourke knows the department that he seeks to lead. When you combine Mr. Bourke’s knowledge of Orleans County, his experience and leadership, with that of his chosen Undersheriff, Michael Mele (who is also a life-long Orleans County resident and has chosen to serve Orleans County for over 20 years), you have a team that is ready to lead the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office on day one.

On June 25, voters have an important decision to make – do they want an outsider, with limited knowledge of our county and local criminal justice system? Or do they want an life-long resident, with over 35 years of experience in the department that he seeks to lead?

Mr. Bourke and Mr. Mele are well qualified, with command experience. They are both capable and effective leaders. I urge voters to make the right decision on June 25 and vote for Mr. Bourke, choosing him as the Republican nominee for Orleans County Sheriff.

Respectfully,

James C. White

Medina

Editor:

On Thursday a letter appeared on the Orleans Hub in support of Chris Bourke in the Republican Primary for Sheriff on June 25. The letter was authored by a Scott Smith of Churchville.

Since that posting I have been inundated with phone calls and text messages asking if my brother Scott wrote the letter. So, to put an end to the confusion, the answer is “No!” My brother lives in South Carolina.

I moved out of Orleans County shortly after the last election for Sheriff, and have been residing in Churchville ever since. Though it might be logical to assume that my brother (or some other relative) wrote the letter, it would just be another example of why one should never assume.

Finally, to eliminate any further confusion, if I were still a registered Republican residing in Orleans County, I would be voting for Brett Sobieraski on June 25, without reservation.

Steve Smith

Former Undersheriff of Orleans County

Churchville