Editor:

The Villages of Orleans Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center received deficiencies from the New York State Department of Health on April 2, 2019 due to poor staffing levels and inadequate supervision.

According to the laws passed by New York State, the facility must have sufficient nursing staff with the appropriate competencies and skill sets to provide nursing and related services to assure resident safety and attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental and physchosocial well-being of each resident.

Facility direct care staff admitted to the Department of Health that they are short staffed, unable to provide showers as scheduled and to provide toileting needs as required. This is not a new onset for this facility.

Since the formation of the family council, we have directly written letters to the  administration regarding the poor staffing levels. It is not fair for the residents who are paying for services that are not being rendered to them as promised. On May 6 at 6 p.m., come meet with The Villages of Orleans Nursing Home  Family Council at the Hoag Library. We will go over the most recent summary statement of deficiencies this facility has received and how this affects your loved one.

Kelly Bentley

Family Council Chairperson

Editor:

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi remains—to me—on solid ground. “The Donald” should not be impeached.

The same is not the case with his latest loser appointee, William “I’m Your Puppet” Barr. Barr should be impeached for contempt of Congress, obstruction of justice, and more. If Barr isn’t giving aid and comfort to the enemies of the United States (a significant part of the Constitutional definition of treason) by covering up executive branch obstruction of justice, Barr is undermining the Republic and covering for an elected leader whom the Founding Fathers intended to be accountable to Congress, the branch covered in Article One.

When Barr—the Attorney General of the United States of America—said Wednesday before the Senate Judiciary committee that the President is “Constitutionally allowed” to stop an investigation if he determines it is based on false information, the only thing he didn’t tell us was what constitution he was referring to. Perhaps it was the constitution of a so-called “banana republic.”

Various political hacks are clearly in contempt of Congress. The public may not think contempt of Congress rises to the level of “high crimes and misdemeanors,” but I suspect that is due largely to a lack of familiarity with what was/is included in the Constitution.

And, oh, by the way, in my opinion the Senate Judiciary Committee’s interrogatory of Attorney General William Barr makes it clear that Cory Booker is in over his head running for President in 2020, just as  “Lyin Ted” Cruz was in over his head when he ran for the Republican nomination in 2016. He does look slick on television—for what that may be worth.

Please indulge one more outrageous viewpoint. South Carolina Senator, Lindsay Graham, is a credit to his intellectual mentor, secessionist Senator John C. Calhoun. Calhoun may have missed Article Six in the United States Constitution. Not only was Lindsay instrumental in getting us into the Iraq War (see his disgracefully misinformed interview with Tim Russert on “Meet the Press”), but he now spends much of his time trying to squelch legislative scrutiny of those arguably committing obstruction of justice and contempt of Congress, even though The Founders clearly intended for Congress to be first among “equals” and play that role.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent

Albion

Editor:

On Monday April 29, 2019, Heritage Wind LLC. hosted a tour of the High Sheldon Wind Farm to expose the community of the proposed Heritage Wind Project to the supposed benefits of an industrial wind project. There were about 42 people in attendance: 6 employed by Apex (and a relative), 2 friends of Apex employees, 8 lease signers from the proposed project area, others from the Yates area, and Sierra Club members.  My estimate is that, including myself, there were only 5 residents of Barre who were not lease signers.

I was not able to actively participate in the entire process, as I had my children with me and drove separately.  I missed the presentations that occurred on the bus. I also went to the address given to me for the second location and due to a “miscommunication” missed the actual tour of the 389’ tall industrial wind turbine located at a different address. During the lunch presentation we heard from the Invenergy Administrative Assistant, and Town of Sheldon Supervisor Brian Becker, who stated that he has family members who have signed leases. I was told by Cat Mosley, Apex Public Affairs Manager, that we would have the opportunity to speak with a leaseholder or residents of the community, but that was not the case.

Here is a comparison of the 2 projects as presented on February 28, 2019:

Sean Pogue, Barre town supervisor, made a comment to Spectrum News recently that he does not want to live in a “ghost town,” implying that he believes the turbines will increase our population, or at a minimum maintain.

After Sheldon Supervisor Becker shared his thoughts on how much the High Sheldon project has benefited his community, I asked if the population in the Town of Sheldon has grown since the project began. His response was that it was decreasing prior to the project, it has continued to decrease and that the age of the population has increased steadily.

He operates a bus garage, and the number of students he transports has decreased from over 600 students to now about 300 students. I asked him if business in the community has grown since the project began. His response was that it has not. In addition, Supervisor Becker said there are community members/families who after ten years are still adamantly opposed to the project.

When asked about the impact of turbines on birds and bats, an Invenergy administrative assistant explained that a study performed in the area didn’t show high mortality rates.  However, she stated that developers have learned not to site projects in known migratory pathways after seeing heavy bird mortality at California industrial wind project located within such an area. According to a radar study performed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in the spring of 2013 (Great Lakes Avian Radar Technical Report Niagara, Genesee, Wayne and Jefferson Counties, New York), Barre is located in a large migratory bird pathway. This should be cause for concern.

Why Apex feels that touring people around the High Sheldon Wind Farm would make anyone a supporter of the Heritage Wind project is beyond me. If Sheldon is experiencing declining student and general population numbers and no business growth with turbines that are substantially smaller than those proposed in Barre, what does the future hold for us?

Kerri Richardson

President of Clear Skies Above Barre

Editor:

The Mueller Report states, “The Russian government interfered in the 2016 presidential election in sweeping and systematic fashion.”Furthermore, stating that this was done principally through two ways both involving cyber operations  – a social media campaign and a “computer-intrusive operation.”

President Trump eliminated the position of cyber security coordinator on the National Security Council in June 2018. Last Friday, Christopher A. Wary, President Trump’s FBI director, warned that Russia is still interfering in our elections, as a “significant counterintelligence threat.” However, there is a lack of high level coordination to thwart that threat.

Mr. Trump took an oath to defend the constitution. I believe that Mr. Trump’s actions  – elimination of cyber security coordinator  – and his inability to confront or condemn the Russian attack on the foundation of our republic, elections, is a threat to our republic.

Therefore, Mr. Trump is in violation of the solemn oath to defend the United States and protect the constitution.

William Fine
Brockport

Editor:

I attended the High Sheldon wind farm tour on April 29 courtesy of Apex. Many thanks to them for sponsoring this event.

The tour was highly informative. What I came away with is the pride this town has that they made the good decision to build the turbines.In High Sheldon, they pay no property taxes, have improved roads and new access roads, help for the town and schools, and many other perks that have improved lives since 2009.

Representatives of the town said a few anti’s remain staunchly against them, but most of the residents are OK with the turbines now, even thanking the town council for bringing them in. We asked if there were any reports of health concerns and were told “no.” We asked about property values and were told they have gone up, not down.

For several years they kept a count of bird deaths and the number was low, and no raptors had died. And some said they hardly notice the turbines anymore.

Groups like Clear Skies have been spreading a lot of misinformation about turbines, but when you see the truth for yourself, it’s pretty clear that the towns wise enough to let them in have not been sorry. Every town works out a different deal, but Barre residents could see some great benefits and it would be foolish to let this opportunity pass us by. It’s time to see the truth and stop fearing the wind!

Chris Loss
Barre

Editor:

After the positive responses I received from my letter outlining things to look for in a PILOT agreement in Barre with wind turbines, I received immediate personal responses from people in several townships expressing dissatisfaction.

The problems expressed were surprisingly insightful. In the previous letter I outlined ways that taxpayers’ money has been given away for almost 20 years without adequate safeguards or study. I would clearly like to help the town with the money end, even though I will probably see the towers from my back window.

I do not know what the environmental aspects are or how it will affect my or other Barre property owners property values. But everyone should know this. The impact should be known and it is extremely important that everything gets looked at. The law is clear that the lead agency can choose its experts and Apex must pay for them. Barre must insist on this.

The town needs to be fully informed. No matter what is officially done the Barre assessor should be involved with the review. Barry Flansburg, the town assessor, may not be popular because of his thankless job as assessor but he has valuable experience with tax reduction agreements gained from participation with them in more progressive taxing jurisdictions – other counties where money is not given away as freely.

The underfunding of our county’s economic development resources exacts a toll and we have seen the results for too long. With Apex, not only should the proper resources be brought to bear, but the local way of doing things needs to be funded and perhaps reorganized. We have to be sure that Apex will be more than a flashy announcement or a photo op for politicians.

Apex should be a money-maker for Barre, or it shouldn’t be done there. Guesswork is not sufficient.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

Where is the outrage? The village of Medina raising taxes 5.54 %, Village of Holley raising taxes 6.6%, Village of Albion raising taxes 3.72, Holley School raising taxes 2.5 %, Lyndonville School 1%, Medina School 0% for 8 years in a row (applause, applause and to all who hold the line or cut).

Staying under or going over the tax cap is no deal for the public and nothing to be proud of by our leaders. It’s still a year after year tax increase. We can always guarantee a tax increase every year by the Republican-led County Legislature but what the heck the political class will have the brand new taxpayer-funded ten million dollar county building hopefully with a functioning intercom system.

I guarantee there will be more tax increases coming to our wallets as more municipal budgets are developed. I see in these budgets pay raises, new equipment, new hires and fantasies because government can never do without. Can never be basic. I see these tax raisers doing photo ops on the Hub showing what do-gooders they are.

I would be fearful and ashamed to show my face in public let alone in print. They don’t shame and they are not fearful because you JQ public don’t hold them accountable. I guess we’re all rich in this county ha, ha. Well I am calling them out, they are failing at their jobs.

If you raise taxes you failed – a big time Buffalo Bills Super Bowl moment. I try hold my town accountable, just ask my town supervisor. Will you hold your Town or Village accountable? It’s your duty. Get off the couch. It’s not wrong to demand responsible spending. It’s your money that you yearly have less of. It’s theft. Our locals are just as responsible for people leaving the area as out misguided Governor.

Paul Lauricella

Lyndonville

Editor:

On April 11, 2019, Apex Clean Energy officially informed the Towns of Yates and Somerset that:  “…Apex Clean Energy has decided not to advance the Lighthouse Wind permit application for a 2019 submittal at this time.”

This is good news for our towns, but not great news. Interestingly we’ve discovered that, a week earlier, this same Apex firm informed leaseholders that: The Lighthouse Wind Project is “no longer being pursued at this time” although “leases will remain in place for two (2) years” unless “the state (NYS) will allow the overrule of local laws” otherwise “Apex will pull out of…Lighthouse Wind.”

This methodology of sending different messages to different recipients is disappointing at the least; unprofessional and misleading at its worst. Which is the correct message? As Apex has historically been less than straightforward in its official communications with governmental agencies such as town boards, county legislatures and state agencies, it is clear that the message delivered to leaseholders during the first week of April is the true message.

Given that we will not reduce the protections of our constituency via town law changes, as well as clear statements from the state that local laws will not be overridden, it’s time for Apex Clean Energy to face the music.

The Lighthouse Wind Project is dead.

Apex Clean Energy needs to own up to the fact that they chose a poor project site. They now need to take the bitter pill and tell the public what they’ve told their leaseholders in private:

The Lighthouse Wind Project will not move forward.

Apex Clean Energy should do the right thing:

1. Immediately and officially withdraw the Lighthouse Wind Project (NYSDPS Matter: 14-F-0485) from the Article 10 process.

2. Immediately withdraw the Lighthouse Wind Project from the New York Independent System Operator Project Connection Queue.

3. Immediately remove all meteorological (MET) towers from the Lighthouse Wind project area.

4. Immediately cancel all leases and pay the leaseholders what they are owed through the end of their lease contracts. The majority of our town’s constituencies may have been on different sides of this issue with the leaseholders, but we are all neighbors. We have all suffered through this Apex era together and they deserve the lease payments they are owed.

These actions by Apex will begin to heal the wounds they have so deftly opened in our community and allow us to aggressively prepare our towns for suitable economic investment.

It would be Apex’s appropriate farewell.

Thank you,

John Riggi

Councilman, Town of Yates

Editor:

I often bite my tongue about our local Legislature. For example, they were warned in the 60’s that moving major buildings/departments out of downtown was going to hurt Albion immeasurably. Did they listen then or since? No, not once.

Now, the Legislature will come out against granting illegal immigrants driver’s licenses.  Immigration is a tremendously complicated matter but it’s common knowledge that any time a person without a license is in an car accident – even if the car is somehow insured – the insurer will deny coverage.  In Orleans there a lot of illegal immigrants and, of course they are driving our roads. When the reality sinks in our Legislature is pushing for something that’s going hurt you and me. The fact is they never considered what’s good for us, only what sound good for them.

I could go on but time and again once elected they just “dumb down” – follow the leader style.  Last year it was allowing rifle hunting within reach of our houses – Orleans is flat as can be and those bullets have incredible range.

Both license situations should have been no brainers. For the “enhanced driver’s license” in reality the Clerks are already reviewing all sorts of documents. Contrary to their excuses we have the resources.

I admit that governing is not easy but there are simply too many ill-considered decisions to not be concerned that there is a problem. Call it professionalism, foresight, politicalization, whatever. It needs watching and maybe new blood.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

(The following is a copy of a speech presented during the last Barre Town Board meeting on April 10.)

Many times we tend to lump certain types of people into groups, by either political, sociological, or religious beliefs. It could be either who we vote for, what church we attend, or even how our homes look. Many times for good or bad people who share common interests are condemned by the actions of some in those groups.

I’m going to present a few pictures taken in our town of the willful destruction of residents of Barre’s personal property. Please pass these around the room. Now for the sake of continuity, unfortunately the supporters of wind turbines have been lumped into a group called “Turbine People” and the actions of some of those people who have stolen signs, destroyed them, or just knocked them over, are having a deleterious effect on the peaceful law-abiding persons in that group.

On the other side of the turbine issue is a law-abiding, peace loving, neighborly people, I would like to call the “silent majority.” They are the majority of the residents who live in our town. They go to work every day, they take care of their families and in most cases also their neighbors. They go to church on Sundays and actually love the community in which they live.

Most of the silent majority of Barre are now talking, they’re studying, and now they’re watching. They’ve heard the rhetoric, “If the farmers want it, they get it.” Also let’s not forget “Right to Farm.” Well I have a message for all of you tonight. Right to Farm does not mean Right to Harm!

We are not going to take it anymore. We are going to continue to report all theft and vandalism of private property. We are going to be diligent. Unlike those bad eggs who are militant oppressors of the homeowners of Barre, and as the old adage goes, “will do anything for a buck,” and unlike some who use threats and intimidation to elect change, we will use the ballot box. So get ready for change, “Turbine People.”

Respectfully submitted,

John Metzler

Barre

Editor:

This is my response to all members of the Orleans County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs and those who have signed an anti-wind postcard from Citizens for a Better Barre.

Your privileges have been suspended from using our property for snowmobiling, four-wheeling, or hunting, and I encourage other leaseholders to follow suit. My property has been open for public use my entire life and this was your chance to support me and my decisions in leasing my property for renewable energy.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I feel that many people are blindly opposing this project publicly without doing their own research. Before you mindlessly sign your name on postcards opposing the wind project, think about the friends and neighbors who have always been generous to the Town of Barre and its residents who want to see this project happen.

Signed,

Mathes Farms and VanLieshout Farms

Editor:

Three months ago the Barre Town Board made a decision to make no changes to our current wind ordinance in light of the proposed Heritage Wind project. Board members indicated they had received information from the Town Planning Board, community members, Clear Skies Above Barre, Heritage Wind,  legal and engineering teams hired by the Town and from the Town attorney – information that presumably was used in making the final decision.

At the April Town Board meeting, it was revealed that Apex has proposed a “Professional Fee and Reimbursement Agreement” whereby they will offer up to $50,000 to pay for legal fees for our Town Attorney and an “Independent Consultant” to, once again, review our current wind ordinance. Whose idea was this?

The comment was made “we figured” that “we would get an independent party to take another, final look at our wind laws.” Who is “we”? Someone on the Town Board who voted in January to make no changes? Obviously Apex is not happy about this decision. Neither are some residents.

Unfortunately, we do not have $50,000 to try and bribe the Town Board into looking at this issue again. Ultimately, three Town Board members voted not to take Apex up on their offer.  Kudos to Councilmen Bennett, Hill and McCabe for their commitment to stand by a three-month old decision.

If, as we have been told on numerous occasions, our local laws mean nothing and the Siting Board will make the final decisions, what would be gained by another “final review” other than to pad the coffers of our town attorney and an “Independent Consultant” – both bought and paid for by Apex.

Let’s get on with it. Have the courage of your convictions and stand by your decisions for more than three months. Let Apex submit their application so we can all finally find out what the final project entails.

A ton of questions were asked after Apex submitted their PSS. Answers to multiple questions consisted of, “This information will be included in the application.” So let’s find out what is in the application. Is it 33 turbines? Is it 47 turbines? Or is it somewhere in between? What is the final proposed location of turbines? How large is the project – 200MW, 158 MW or 147 MW?  How tall are the turbines – 591’, 655’, 681’ or will they be up to 750’ by then?

A board member lamented the fact that if we do not take Apex up on their “reimbursement” offer, that they may not be willing to negotiate with the Town in the future. Great! Forget negotiating a PILOT that will result in only eight full-time jobs after construction is completed.  For eight jobs we leave millions on the table as a result of a PILOT? Let’s tax these industrial wind factories just as we are taxed on our property. Then maybe we really would see a decrease in our taxes

If you would like to watch this $50,000 discussion, go to Know Your Facts Facebook Page and view the April Town Board meeting online. The proposal starts at about the 25 minute mark.

Donna Rhodey

Barre

Editor:

Wind energy is going to happen sometime, somewhere. I write only about the economics of a PILOT – a payment in lieu of tax agreement which can reduce the energy producer’s taxes and costs. The check list should include full disclosure and examination of the following:

1) Is any municipality going to work its magic so it can perform infrastructure work on the property? What will be the cost and how will it be recaptured?

2) Has the assessor been involved to determine the full assessment value and any offsets that the state may impose on school tax?

3) If the producer does not generate the projected local jobs under what circumstances and formulas will it be penalized? Will it have a local energy storage farm? How will job production be audited and accomplished in accordance with due process (state action doctrine)? Is there any requirement that local contractors be used when possible?

4) Has any municipality or agency incurred any costs that it cannot pay out of current revenue so it is dependent on the PILOT being consummated? This effects the trustworthiness of the process.

5) Has the environmental lead agency hired its own environmental consultants to assist it at the applicants sole cost and expense as provided by law? Will the lead environmental review agency at time be paid for that or any other services? (The ECL says the lead agency can take no fee.  Clearly it is cannot negotiate a PILOT fee or other fee at the same time as it is lead agency. Also if it does so behind the scenes or trades one for the other it is criminal extortion. That needs to be known or there can be no trust in the PILOT process!)

6) Does the PILOT payment propose to be tied to revenue or profit? If you remember Enron, its tax returns showed profits but the accounting assumptions actually covered up huge losses; the opposite can hold true too! This can trap the unwary municipality into getting nothing or close to nothing due to the way the books are compiled. Expert consultation is required.

7) Are the proposed payments in line with the PILOT charges across the state? Is wind energy locating here because they can make more profit?

8) How much energy generation is going into the local grid as a way to hold down county residents’ electric costs?

9) How much of the project cost and costs are being paid or offset by other governmental programs? Both set annual subsidies and subsidies based on production, sales, and losses need to be disclosed in full and evaluated by forensic accountants familiar with wind energy production.

10) What is the projected wind production for each proposed wind mill? Will it justify its costs without long term and continued subsidization?

11) Do the public experts (again by law paid at Apex’s cost) indicate the planned units are the best and least intrusive alternative? How long before they will be obsolescent and will the cost of replacement be justified without more local contribution? If there a commitment to rebuild?

I hope this list proves useful.

Very truly yours,

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

Gorgeous harmonies, exquisite flute and the haunting melody of “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” hushed the packed Holy Family Church on Palm Sunday.

The choir of eight women and seven men, and fine organist-veteran leader Harriette Greaser absolutely filled this nearly acoustically perfect local church. On the “Sanctus” (Holy, Holy, Holy) from Franz Schubert’s Mass these 15 sounded like 30, with great dynamics, thrilling power and delicate control.

Margaret and I drive as far as 55 miles to hear fine music in Rochester and Buffalo, but only 9 miles to hear this Holy Family music every Sunday.

This Easter week, the music and services will again be beautiful, both selections and execution.  Gerald Golden will again sing the wide-ranging, 12 minute Exodus on Saturday night. Those who’ve heard him before will tell you it’s worth the effort to come. The acapella chanting is haunting.

The services, Holy Thursday at 7 p.m., Good Friday at noon, Holy Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Easter Masses on Sunday, 8 and 10:30 a.m., will feature moving, reverential music and Father Dick Csizmar and the many others on the altar will make it again, for those who attend all of these services every year, a deep religious experience and for those, who attend for the first or occasional time, a revelation.

Margaret and Bob Golden

Kent

Editor:

As promised the campaign for better town governance continues. I turned in petitions for the Republican and Independence Primary Elections on June 25^th for Murray Town Supervisor.

It has become increasingly obvious our town needs help. Poor management decisions by our Supervisor have led to a Confidential Employee Separation Agreement costing Murray residents tens of thousands of dollars. Imagine how those funds could have been used if re-invested in our community.

The recent attempts to adopt an overly restrictive zoning regulation while ignoring opinions of State, County and Murray residents is further evidence. Why and at what cost did we copy a restrictive downstate zoning ordinance from Orange County? This proposed law follows on the heels of Murray adopting the Town of Greece’s Enhanced Property Maintenance Law. Those chain of events suggest Murray is not headed in the right direction. While I understand the need for regulation, Murray should not promote itself as an overly restrictive suburban community.

We are a Right to Farm community and government should not run our lives!

So, what’s our plan? Where are we headed? The sudden resignation of our Planning Board Chairwoman and representative to the County Planning Board indicate more problems at the town hall. Our planning department is now adrift at sea without a rudder and attempts by our Supervisor to steer it are clearly not working.

I will continue to build on the positive community achievements our campaign accomplished. There are many opportunities to be had if we would only reach for them. As a Marine Corps Veteran, college educated business owner with 12 years of planning and zoning experience, I can help plot a more stable course forward. My wife Amy a member of the NYS Agricultural Advisory Committee keeps me abreast of the challenges facing our farmers.

By being fiscally responsible, community minded, inclusive and respectful of others we can build a better community that is sustainable for generations to come.

My agenda is clear: I work for you.

Joe Sidonio

Murray

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