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

Editor:

It is that time of year again. We get inundated with yard signs, news advertisements, and glossy mailers, all in an attempt to sway voters one way or another.

This is our process. I support it, I even participate to a degree, I’m sorry if you don’t like it, but it is a necessary evil sometimes, especially when some of what is put out is false or misleading.

I am proud to have served as your Town of Murray Supervisor, and I look forward to continuing. Allow me to tell you what I am most proud of, and see if it is worth letting me continue.

The 2018 Town Budget held taxes flat, that is a zero percent increase. Tough act to follow, and the credit goes to outgoing Supervisor Morris for holding the line, and I was proud to be on the Town Board at the time to approve it.

Fast forward to the 2019 Budget; We raised the Town (Outside Village) taxes by 0.03 percent. That is three one hundredths of one percent, not three percent, or a third of a percent. So, for two years, that is all your taxes have gone up.

Even my opponent will not argue this fact. Instead, he makes a hollow argument about an increase in water rates. Let me take a moment to address this issue. A meter charge, not an administration charge, was added. Meters have always been supplied at no charge, but as they get older, they will need to be replaced at a cost of approximately $200 each.

We buy all of our water – whether from the Town of Gaines or Albion, Village of Holley, or from the Monroe County Water Authority. As the prices they charge us go up, we are forced to pass this increase on in the water rates.

Should we raise everyone’s taxes to pay for those increases or should we value the commodity accordingly, and cover the expense at the point of sale?

His plans would raise water rates only to those that are hooked up, while, as I’ve pointed out before, we all benefit from access to fresh water, be it for property value, or fire services. We qualified for competitive grants from the USDA, are audited regularly, and have over 97 percent water coverage in the Town of Murray. These price increases are only for those who use the water, and still, remain as low as possible to provide quality service.

Another issue has been the separation with our former Code Enforcement Officer. There was an analogy made by a citizen at a Town Board meeting about a school bully. If a bully demands that either you give him some of your lunch money or he will fight you and take all of it, you may have to compromise and only give him a portion. He never comes back to bother you again, and everyone in the schoolyard is happy.

My goal here in Murray is to create an environment where people feel they are served by their Town employees, not harassed by them. This decision was made to further that cause. Despite what you may have heard, it is the opinion of all those on the Town Board, including myself, that this was accomplished at a reasonable expense to the Town, considering the history of this individual, and seemed to be desired by many residents as well. Given the outcome, I do not regret our decision.

We have initiated outreach to the community in various ways, whether by a newsletter, or welcoming new residents to town. Town meetings are run in such a fashion that all who wish to speak are actively encouraged do so, and many do take part.

My only regret is that more citizens cannot attend the meetings on a regular basis. People are busy, and they trust us to do what is right. I will never abuse that trust. Nor will I ever do anything for my own personal gain, nor will I accept that from any employee. As always, I encourage residents who have concerns or questions about anything they have heard, to give me a call or stop at the Town Building. I am there often, and my door is always open!

Thank you for the time you have allowed me as your Supervisor. I humbly look forward to continuing to serve the residents of the Town of Murray in that capacity.

I said when I ran for Supervisor the first time, “I do not automatically expect your trust, but value the opportunity to earn it.” I hope that by my performance in office I have earned your trust. Thank you again for the opportunity.

Respectfully,

Robert G. Miller

Supervisor, Town of Murray

Editor:

I wanted to comment on a recent post by Bob Lonsberry endorsing Brett Sobieraski for Orleans County Sheriff.

Bob you just don’t get it.

If the OCSO was so important to him, why didn’t he work there? That’s the issue. He wants to be the boss of an institution he knows nothing about. He doesn’t know the culture, he doesn’t know the ethos and he has no command level experience.

I think this is what people really don’t understand. One of the reasons that crime is so terrible in the city of Rochester is that every few years there is a change in leadership. A new chief comes in, a new command staff and a new plan. It takes a couple years to put the brakes on the previous administrations initiatives and begin their “new” ones. Before they get to full speed, a new chief comes in and the cycle repeats. Nothing gets done, nothing changes and that’s the issue facing Orleans County voters.

Do you like your community now? Do you like what you see when you look out the window? Or, would you rather have it more like the city of Rochester?

Seems pretty clear to me. Choose a team who knows not just the community, but the agency. Someone who can continue to develop its initiatives to fruition. Someone with command level experience in the agency they wish to lead with knowledge of how to run, not just a police force, but a jail, civil bureau and court security. (I’m not actually sure if Orleans County had those last two bureaus, but I assume they do in some form.)

Just because Bob Lonsberry admires that a guy can run long distances and wears a gun to work, does not mean he’s qualified to be the chief law enforcement officer in the county.

I hope voters take a minute to think critically. To recognize just because Bob says so, doesn’t make it true. Most importantly, I hope they see what Orleans County might become when led by an outsider. When led by a person who only understands vision to the degree of a single chapter of a book and not the story itself.

I don’t know Brett, never worked with him but I’m retired from law enforcement with the same rank and I know of him. He is by no means universally loved by his subordinates but seems liked a competent first line supervisor. In my estimation, the Republican voters of Orleans County have a clear choice for sheriff.

And it ain’t from a police sergeant from a dysfunctional city 30 miles away. Elect a team that knows your county and your agency. A team that put their career where their mouth is, so to speak, and served the agency they wish to lead. Not someone in the Baxter politician mold who hopes to be an executive carpet bagger winning a popularity contest with the help of their friends in the corrupt and out of touch media.

Do the right thing Orleans County.

Regards,

Scott Smith

Churchville

Editor:

On May 21, I attended and spoke before the Orleans County Federation of Sportsmen. I forwarded my speech to the editor of the Orleans Hub about my concerns with the loss of woodlots, hedgerows and wildlife habitat.

The complete speech wasn’t included in the Letters to the Editor, including 16 fixes to the situation.

The last part of my speech said: What are all of us, that includes government agencies, farmers, sportsmen and women, rural landowners and local representatives going to do?

I suggest we meet with representatives from all government agencies and encourage them all collectively to work together to make Orleans County great again for all of us.

Tools to use:

1. Study laws regarding pesticide application.

2. Report to law enforcement of overspray incidents. Collect evidence such as witnesses, videos, photos, etc. Also check hedgerow removal or wooded lots and see if they are being legally removed.

3. Contact local representatives. Let them know how you feel and how you will vote in your upcoming elections if your concerns are not addressed.

4. Attend Orleans County Legislature meetings and share information.

5. Run for office (If you want change, put the rubber to the road).

6. Support only candidates who will help us save our homes and who will openly speak about it.

7. Copy and distribute “Trees against the Wind”

8. If you are a rural home/landowner you should not remove habitat that is vital to survival. This includes hedgerows, wooded lots and/or hardwoods which provide food and shelter for so many species who also live here.

9. Provide food plots and shelter for birds, deer, turkeys, etc. Be sure they are not Hybrid or GMO products, and protect it from over-farming and over-spray.

10. Enlist the help of others. Educate them and yourselves to be good stewards of the place we all call home.

11. Distribute information to landowners who rent their land. Make sure renters tell you what they spray on rented land and investigate before you let them spray, plant or remove habitat.

12. Before you plant, study the seed inoculants and how they affect habitat. Don’t rely of manufacturers labels or rhetoric from people planting.

13. When you shop purchase at least 1 or 2 USDA organic products. If more of us do this prices will decrease and you support an industry that is aware of the crisis we are facing nationwide.

14. Don’t listen to agribusiness, seed or pesticide sales rhetoric. Do your homework. You can visit the media and read the article from National Geographic titled “The Second Silent Spring” and ask your farm friends if they know.

15. Collectively purchase or long-term lease hunting properties to ensure we all have places to hunt, hike, or ride ATV’s without worries of encroachment of agribusinesses or urban sprawl.

16. Lobby our representatives to add money to the budget to bring moneys to Orleans/Genesee/Niagara counties for conservation reserve. Also lobby our legislators to adopt in our counties, New York State Department of Health Neighborhood Notification Laws, to add additional safety restraints to pesticide applicators.

John Metzler

Barre

Editor:

The Orleans County Deputy Sheriff’s Association feels that it is unfortunately compelled to clear up some of the disheartening false accusations that are being spread about its members. The OCDSA is comprised of 24 hardworking individuals, whose ultimate goals are to serve and protect the citizens of Orleans County.

It has been implied that the OCDSA members are untrained, do not make vehicle and traffic stops, do not work with other agencies, and most recently do not handle drug overdoses properly.

The OCDSA members receive required refresher trainings annually, along with opportunities to receive more specialized training. Despite having a small number of members and a tight training budget, the current administration strives to find creative ways to get our members into trainings that are free of charge.

Many essential training seminars are hosted by the Department of Homeland Security at no cost to the department (including lodging for multi-day programs). Other examples also include a week-long training that was put on by the New York State Office of Mental Health in which they traveled to our county to instruct our members on how to help people who are experiencing a mental health crisis and facilitate in getting them support. Additionally, our members have received training in basic first aid, CPR, and Stopping the Bleed (tourniquets). We’ve had specialized training in the civil process and the proper way to serve civil papers.

Due to the opioid epidemic members have also received more specialized training in handling drug overdoses and overdose deaths to include the proper way to administer Narcan and issue a Narcan kit. A critical tool in solving overdose deaths is the ability to access data in the deceased person’s cell phone. Undersheriff Christopher Bourke was able to work with the DEA and have Cellebrite, a $10,000 instrument, donated to the department. This piece of equipment is used in overdoses and numerous other types of investigations.

With a significant amount of waterways in our county, the current administration recognized a need to send our member that is in charge of the Marine Patrol to the NYS Marine Law Enforcement School and also send him and an investigator to the week-long NASBLA Comprehensive Boating Accident Investigation Course.

Since January 1, 2016 our members have increased traffic stops, civil paper service attempts, civil papers served, and assists to other agencies. During this time, Undersheriff Bourke and the rest of the current administration have worked diligently to provide the members of the OCDSA with the necessary tools to successfully complete their duties and keep us all safe. Items such as new body armor, new rifles for patrol vehicles, and new computers for patrol vehicles are just a few things they have been able to acquire.

Our members take pride in our jobs and the community we serve and protect.  We would ask that the residents of Orleans County continue to support the OCDSA and to please support Christopher Bourke for Sheriff on June 25.

Orleans County Deputy Sheriff’s Association

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Editor:

As the Republican Primary Election nears, I’d like to express my support for Brett Sobieraski, and do so from three different perspectives.

As a retired law enforcement officer from a Sheriff’s Office, I understand the need for strong leadership in any law enforcement agency. Sheriffs are more than administrators. They are coaches. They are trainers. They are mentors. They lead by example. They reward success and hard work. They train and guide those who need to improve. They inspire good officers to become great.

We need leadership like this in our Sheriff’s Office. He will help every member of that organization be better. It will make them more efficient. It will make us safer. His service to others outside law enforcement is top notch, raising money for charity and helping people everywhere he goes. His spirit of service and volunteerism will be contagious in our Sheriff’s Office, and that can only be good for our community.

My second point of view is that as chairman of the Gaines Republican Committee. We had the opportunity to hear the candidates speak when they asked for endorsements. Brett’s vision and plan for improving our safety is outstanding. He can communicate it very clearly to people who aren’t in law enforcement. He understands what needs to be done.

He wants to make Orleans County a better place for everyone. His passion and commitment show through in everything he does. While the County Republican Committee didn’t come to the threshold required to support one candidate over another, the majority of the members of the Gaines Committee support Brett Sobieraski as the best candidate.

My third point of view is that of town supervisor in Gaines. As town supervisor, I am responsible for the safety of the residents in the town. In small towns without police agencies, we rely on the Sheriff’s Office to provide for that safety.

Having well trained, motivated, dedicated, and caring members of the Sheriff’s Office helps keep all of us safe. This isn’t just the deputies who patrol the roads and investigate crimes. It is the dispatchers who take our 9-1-1 calls and send needed emergency personnel. It is the jail staff that safeguard and transport prisoners to our court. It is the animal control officers who directly provide those services for our town. It is the office staff who glue it all together.

Brett Sobieraski’s leadership will make every part of the Sheriff’s Office better, and that, in turn, will make our town better.

So please join me in supporting Brett Sobieraski in the Republican Primary for Sheriff. He is the best candidate, and has my support!

Thank you,

Joe Grube

Gaines

Editor:

Looking at Chris Bourke’s endorsements leaves no question who should be Sheriff. Chris has been endorsed by the Orleans County Conservative Party, NYS Independence Party, Orleans County Deputy Sheriffs Association, NYS Deputy Sheriff Association, Orleans County Sheriff’s Employee Association, Council 82 New York State Law Enforcement Officers Union AFSCME, AFLCIO, Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers, and the Honorable James Punch, retired Orleans County Judge.

These men and woman who put their life on the line daily to protect you, and work with Chris already. They have that much faith in him to endorse him. To want him to be their sheriff! This isn’t to mention the experience he has had throughout Orleans County. That should be a wakeup call to our residents.

The political nonsense can go back and forth and it doesn’t change these facts. Chris has given us in Orleans County more than 35 years. He knows the county and its residents.

If you’re going to vote for Brett, please ask yourself a few questions first.

1. Do I want a sheriff that knows the county?

2. Am I doing this because my friend/neighbor wants me to?

3. Am I informed with 100% accurate information?

4. Is the grass always greener on the other side?

Make sure your informed and comfortable with your decision. You are the only one in that voting booth, no one knows who you’re voting for.

I am 100 percent confident that I can put my families’ welfare in the hands of Chris Bourke as sheriff.

Corie Strickland

Albion

Editor:

Given the current political climate across the country, I would like to make a few comments about the current race between two Republican candidates for the June 25 primary, and ultimately the office of Orleans County Sheriff.

I would like to start by stating unequivocally that Brett Sobieraski is not an “outsider” as he has repeatedly been called. This is not only insulting, but untrue. He has been a member of this community for the past 27 years. He raised his children here, made his life here, and is well known and active within our county.

The fact that he works for the Rochester Police Department does not, in any way, diminish the fact that he lives in Orleans County. That being said, perhaps the word “outsider” refers to the fact that he is not a member of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

However, this would not be the first time that a person who never held a position within the department has been elected sheriff.  As everyone knows, one of our former and very popular holders of the Office of Sheriff, never had any law enforcement experience in his background.  That didn’t stop me from voting for him. I simply liked the man and what he stood for. I think a lot of people vote like me. We vote for the man. We vote for his ideas.

I would also like to address the attitude, which I believe I see more and more, that this office is being considered, in this particular case, an entitlement. If this was an office based on promotions from within, that would be a completely different issue. This is a public office which puts the power to select the next sheriff into the hands of the electorate.

If someone works there for a number of years, it may make that person well known, it may make that person seem like a viable choice to a certain group, and in fact it may help to get that person elected. However, this sacred franchise to vote is held by the Republican voters of Orleans County.  We get to decide who we want in that office. It is not an entitlement, no matter how emotional people may feel about this issue.

This primary is being decided by persons of the same party who have different ideas about the direction in which we would like to see our county go. After this is decided, and a new sheriff is elected, we have to move forward as one Republican Party. I would like to believe we can survive what is starting to look like growing animosity held by the crew of the current undersheriff toward anyone who doesn’t support their candidate.

Nobody should chastise anyone for wearing a shirt for the candidate of their choosing. This still is, after all, The United States of America, and we do have the freedoms to express how we feel. I have become very uneasy when I hear rumors about these bully tactics.

My personal choice in this race is Brett Sobieraski. I have met with him many times, and found his ideas to be fresh, modern, progressive and invigorating. There is nothing wrong with getting someone with diverse and vast experience, someone who has enjoyed a very successful career with the Rochester Police Department, and brings that invaluable experience into our county.

We are now fighting big city crimes here, and the fight has to be waged by a sheriff with big city experience but who also understands our way of life. I think this is the time for change. I think he is the man who will change things.

I have faith that he is genuine in his cause to do the right things to make our county better than it has been in a long time. We all need to think outside of the box on this one. It may be a long time before a chance to elect someone like Brett comes our way again.

I would finally like to thank Sheriff Randy Bower for his service to the county. I personally admire the man, I voted for him, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Eileen Hare

Medina

Editor:

I would like to first state I am not a Shelby resident. I have no stance on matters that pertain to the town. I stand no benefit to any election in Shelby. Now that the necessary disclaimers have been made, I write this letter out of pure respect and gratitude for Shelby highway superintendent candidate Dale Root.

As many know, Dale has made his living in farming and trucking. Roughly a year ago I made the decision to buy my own tractor trailer and strike out on my own. Dale was right there to offer any help needed to establish myself amongst the trucking industry. Dale has put his reputation on the table numerous times and has vouched his confidence in me to freight brokers who generally would not give a start-up such as myself a second look.

In the 2016 election a famous catch phrase was, “Who will answer the 3 a.m. phone call?” I know Dale will! I have tested this out numerous times. A quick cargo question, a logistics inquiry, or a late-night repair tip, Dale has always been a phone call away.

I write this letter because Dale’s nature has always been to help his neighbors. He and his family have donated produce to a variety of charities and fundraisers throughout the years. Dale has gone above and beyond to mentor me when he certainly didn’t have to. For that I am grateful. I wish him the absolute best in the primary on June 25.

Sincerely,

Martin Bruning

Barre