Editor:

I recently received, via postal service, a publication from Apex Clean Energy (ie: Lighthouse Wind). This very well designed and professionally produced communique is titled: “Do Wind Turbines Really Kill A lot of Birds?”

The document makes several assertions:

• “Incidental bird deaths at turbine sites will never be more than a small fraction of bird deaths caused by human activities – an estimated 134,000-230,000 of the more than 5 billion.”

• “Other causes include buildings (550 Million), powerlines (130 million), cars (80 million) and pesticide poisoning (67 million).”

• “This low rate (re: bird deaths) represents a relatively small percentage of regional bird population and it’s not likely to cause significant or adverse declines in any region or area.”

• “Despite the low threat wind turbines pose to birds, the wind energy industry works toward mitigating potential losses by coordinating with the state’s regulatory agencies to minimize impacts.  This includes siting turbines away from sensitive habitats and monitoring impacts during operations.”

• Sources cited included: Elsevier, American Wind Wildlife Institute, and Wing Power Energy.

A word regarding sources:

• The Elsevier study was written by Mr. Benjamin K Sovacool, a pro-wind scientist. Article was written in 2009.

• The American Wind Wildlife Institute is a pro-wind, non-profit organization, financed by Big Wind. Article was written in 2014.

• The article credited to Wing Power Energy was not found, though a compendium article of the same title was discovered during an internet search. Interestingly, Wing Power Energy is a distributed power company which supports home generation of power and is a direct and diametrically opposed competitor of Apex Clean Energy.

• Regarding bird deaths by wind turbine, Apex Clean Energy states that a maximum of 230,000 birds per year would be dispatched by wind turbines. In fact, the Audubon Society estimates that a maximum of 328,000 birds are dispatched by wind turbines annually. Additionally, The Smithsonian asserted that larger wind turbines currently planned for installation will kill more birds than current smaller models.

The communique reports (as stated above) bird deaths by mode. The contention being that wind turbines kill a fraction of the total birds dispatched by the modes stated above. From the Apex communique, wind turbines kill far less birds than even cats or cars.

However, a deeper assessment is required due to the widely varying modes of bird dispatch. As such, a simple statistical analysis was performed to determine how many birds are killed by each unit of measure.  That is how many birds are killed per car, per building, per cat and per Wind Turbine.  This is the important number.

The assessment is as follows:

(sources:  Washington Post, FEMA, Quora.com, Statistica.com, Wall St. Oasis)

The assessment shows that, while one cat will kill 19.05 birds per year (most likely for food), each wind turbine kills over 5 birds per year. This is more than bird-building collisions. Automobiles come in a distant fourth place at less than one bird per car per year.

This assessment shows wind turbines to be much deadlier to birds than Apex Clean Energy would like us to think. In fact, wind turbines pose the highest non-food chain threat to birds based on the data presented by Apex Clean Energy.

Do wind turbines really kill a lot of birds? You bet they do!

Apex Clean Energy is, again, attempting to mislead the public regarding the dangers of wind turbines to wildlife. Misinformation has unfortunately become the expectation with this firm.

Apex needs to leave the Towns of Yates and Somerset.

Governor Cuomo, are you listening?

Thank you,

John Riggi

Councilman, Town of Yates

Editor:

If the Democrats want my vote, they can have it by giving me one simple thing they all support, a safe and secure environment for our children. Simply vote to fix our outdated immigration laws preventing tragic loss of life like Mollie Tibbetts and you have my vote in November.

I’m a registered Republican and almost always vote Republican. But I’ll be happy to switch sides to secure our border and protect our children. I’ve seen videos of top Democrats like Chuck Schumer overwhelming supporting securing our border and updating immigration laws in the past. So why not support it? Why play politics and pretend to be against it just because the other side supports it? Democrat politicians always want stricter gun laws but don’t want stricter laws on people who perform crimes like illegally entering the country. How does this make sense?

I support legal immigration. My wife is a green card holder. We followed the cumbersome process, the lengthy waiting period and paid the associated costs to immigrate legally. If Democrats want it easier for foreigners to immigrate, pass laws that do this while closing the loopholes and increase the viability of those entering will assimilate. I’m positive the Republicans would support this bipartisan deal.

Every Democrat I know locks their doors at night. They support checking people before getting on a plane. They all just want to be safe. They want to know their children will be safe to go jogging in the middle of the day. Why don’t they vote for people who support this too?

I’ll be happy to vote for whomever puts my family’s safety above people who knowingly break our laws coming into the country illegally.

Edward Jay

Lyndonville

Editor:

With the exception of the Second Amendment, is the Constitution merely an out-of-date nuisance?

Sections 7 and 8 in Article 1 certainly are problematic for would-be tyrants. To them, clause 1 in each is especially annoying. But what is a demagogue to do?

And what is that Article 2, section 4 impeachment garbage? You mean a President can be effectively indicted by a simple majority of the House of Representatives for “misdemeanors”? I mean I can see treason and bribery being grounds for removing a loser from the Supreme Court or the executive branch.

Where it gets dicey is with the words our fourth president used to define what treason is. In Article 3, section 3, Madison wrote that treason against the United States “. . . consist(s) only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort.”

Not sure what a strict constructionist on the Supreme Court would make of that. But I gave it thoughtful consideration as a student in Dr. Owen S. Ireland’s and Dr. Harold Rakov’s classes back in the 1960’s at S.U.N.Y. Brockport. For one thing, I gathered that, to “comfort” could—in part—be to make someone, or some enemy, feel better! Imagine what Madison may have had in mind when he provided that high officials of the United States might be impeached for “misdemeanors”. What is your definition of a misdemeanor anyway? I leave it to the reader to decide what constitutes “aid” to our enemies. And what defines an enemy?

Then there’s the annoying Bill of Rights, not to mention amendments such as the 14th, 19th and 22nd.

Joe Arpaio might have learned the 4th Amendment “probable clause” protection may apply to non-citizens. Who knows? And the “right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures” just might apply to all within our borders.

So where will presumptive nominee Brett Kavanaugh come down on something like Amendment 9? When a strict constructionist like Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork was going through unsuccessful hearings, I would have given plenty for someone to ask him what Amendment 9’s meaning was. If it has no meaning, why was it included in the Bill of Rights?  Read it and see what you think. While a certain case can be made for it, is this the time to add a Supreme Court justice who may feel the President is above the law?

Some who may have favored Clinton’s impeachment and conviction are all good with overlooking far more numerous and egregious “indiscretions” today.

What fascinates some who take citizenship in a republic seriously is that tearing down institutions such as a free press, the judiciary, free elections, the F.B.I.—and the Constitution itself—is being shrugged off as “fake news”.  After all, don’t we all have more important things to concern ourselves with?

Concerned and even alarmed,

Gary Kent

Albion

Editor:

Greetings tax-paying residents of the Town of Murray. My name is Dirk Lammes and I’m seeking those of you who are in support of witnessing “new blood” within our Town Board to implement change and improvements.

I’ve lived in Murray for over 23 years and have been a registered Republican since 1997. I grew up in Brockport and was raised in a construction family were hard work ethics are second nature. Prior to high school graduation, I began a successful construction business of my own which is still in operation today.

After graduation, I purchased my property here which my wife and I built on after our marriage in 1995. My oldest son graduated last year from Holley Central School and my youngest is still attending.

I’m no stranger to devoting countless hours to our community coaching youth baseball. This involvement includes 10 years of volunteering from recreation to travel leagues and varsity high school baseball the past 4 years. My devotion to our community youth runs so deep as back a few years I donated money, labor and efforts to upgrading the fields at the Holley Fireman’s field.

After witnessing the lack of effectiveness in our current board, I’ve decided to become involved rather than being a bystander to stagnant waters. Change is a product of involvement and perseverance, of engaging and implementing the voices of its community. It’s not to waste taxpayers’ money and time on side stepping and back stabbing but to put common sense and hard work ethic back in motion to implement positive, productive changes that work for this community.

Join me in making this a reality by supporting me along with my running mates on September 13th. Let’s deliver a battle to make changes happen. Your support will be truly appreciated and heard!

Dirk Lammes

Murray

Editor:

It is my pleasure to speak on behalf of Corey Black’s incredible work ethic, camaraderie, and diligence to detail in everything that he does.

My name is Joseph Marvin. My family and I have been residents of the town of Gaines since summer of 2014. Prior to our arrival we were stationed in Stuttgart, Germany where I retired from the U.S Air Force after 23 years of serving as a law enforcement anti-terrorist specialist.

Given my unique situation, I had to purchase my home sight unseen two months upon my arrival. My family and I were hesitant to leave our newly purchased home vacant for the time being.

Little did I know I had nothing to worry about for Corey Black was going to be my new neighbor. Before I even met the gentleman, he ensured my home was secured and he kept up on the lawn for those two months.

Corey and his family were the very first people we came into contact with from the town. They made us feel safe and welcome. Corey was able to enlighten us about the town for he has a wealth of knowledge.

For Corey Black to have dedicated such generosity to strangers speaks volumes as to what he will do for the town of Gaines.

Over the four years of living next to Corey I have witnessed him go above and beyond in helping others. He is a man that greatly cares for others and their families.

He is the epitome of a leader who wants the best for his community.

His success is our gain!

Sincerely,

Joseph Marvin

Gaines

Editor:

There is a person who wishes to take credit for everything positive that happens in the Town of Murray. He claims to work for “You,” but how can this be, when everything is “I did this, and I did that?”

Steps initiated by outgoing Supervisor John Morriss, continued by myself, and the hard working staff here at the Town Hall, have indeed had a positive effect on the residents of Murray!

Our Town taxes did in fact stay flat this year. That means things are being run as efficiently as possible, while maintaining the services our community has grown to know and expect. An independent board of Murray citizens looked at the previous year’s budget and agreed!

New equipment in the Water Department (a process initiated long ago) has made finding difficult leaks much easier! Much of the credit for that goes to Ed Morgan. Those who truly know Ed Morgan, know that he hates unmetered water, and the expense that adds to the system, and eventually, the customers. All water leaks are “mysterious” until the culprit is located. Ed’s proactive measures have made these leaks less difficult to find! In fact, many Water Superintendents from throughout the State seek out Ed’s advice on how to better run their own systems.

Our bulk water rates, as well as the rates we charge for water sent to other agencies, was adjusted, and is always subject to adjustment, to better reflect the reality of the rates we ourselves must pay. Measures are taken to insure the safety of our water supply, and when a new situation arises, it is dealt with in a rapid fashion.

A health care stipend, which was contractually guaranteed, was voluntarily declined to assist in the retention of other vital staffing needs. This selfless attitude is what I have come to know from all the personnel at the Town Offices. This was not due to any efforts of anyone else, but Ed Morgan’s sense of self-sacrifice for the good of the Town of Murray!

What a phenomenal sense of self-aggrandizement or narcissism for someone else to take the credit for the work and sacrifice of others.

Finally, yes, your elected officials are accountable! As this individual’s letter dated July 19, 2018 attests, we are nothing if not responsive, and actually quite proactive! I strive every day to anticipate issues before they become problems, then we work as a team to make sure the issues are addressed in a timely manner.

The make-up of the Murray Town Board has changed significantly in the course of the past two years. Considering the untimely passing of our friend and Councilman Ed Bower, only two of the four Board members remain from not more than a year and a half ago.

Neil Valentine is the most moral, ethical, and unselfish individual I know, and deserves your support for Town Council. He need not worry about anyone slinging mud at him. His opponent cannot say the same, and it apparently worries him. Yes, Neil Valentine is my friend, and yes, I am extremely proud to be considered his friend in return!

As your Town Supervisor, I can confidently say we are always trying to improve our Town! It is always nice when people notice, but a bit unsettling when they take credit for the efforts of others!

Respectfully,

Robert G. Miller

Supervisor, Town of Murray

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Editor:

As a relative newcomer to the area I cannot claim to personally know many of you. I can, however, state my reasons for choosing to live in the community. While attending R.I.T. for Civil Engineering I had the privilege of befriending Art Knab’s daughter, and subsequently the man himself.

Recognizing that I was far from my home in Delaware, he and his wife welcomed me into their home and we have since enjoyed a strong friendship. Through my shared experiences with his family I knew by graduation that I wanted to make Murray my home.

I have personally struggled to explain my running for the Republican Committee. Now in the mail came the answer to my soul searching in the letter from Mr. Sidonio’s opponent. There in bold font appeared the word “endorsed.” The stigma in Murray that challenging those selected by the committee is somehow bad has got to change. It is every person’s right in our country to participate in their government. From the start Mr. Sidonio has faced an uphill battle for his participation. To his credit he has faced it all with documented facts and figures.

I am puzzled by the letter’s further claim of our exemplary water service, when for the past four years we have suffered the infamous water leak on Ridge Road. Odd that it ceased to exist after the race for supervisor was over. Having spoken many times with Mr. Sidonio I have never once heard him lay plans to actively harm local business. Was it not the actions of a current Republican Committee member that cost us the wedding barn on Lake Road, the haunted trail on Ridge Road, and now the threat of no parking in front of the winery on Hindsburg Road?

In response to the committee chairman’s comments on how some of our members are only recently joined Republicans. This was only possible for me in 2017 when I purchased my home in Murray. This provided me with a permanent address to use. However, even before officially moving to Murray I attended and still attend as many Town meetings as I can.

My running mate Art Knab has missed very few in the 17 years that he has attended. In this time, not once did we witness the recent two councilman appointees attend meetings prior to their appointment to the Town Board. This should not come as a surprise seeing as most Town officials also sit on the committee. Therefore, it stands to reason that change can only occur through unendorsed candidates running against the party line.

I ask all Murray Republicans to vote for their future this Thursday, September 13. I, Joseph Kellenberger, along with Arthur Knab are running for the Republican Committee in District #5. To the people of this Town I urge you to get active in our community. The status quo must go for as Sherlock Holmes said, “Un sot trouve toujours un plus sot qui l’admire.” (“A fool always finds a greater fool to admire him.”)

Sincerely,

Joseph Kellenberger

Murray

Candidate for Republican Committee, District Number 5

Editor:

For the last several years I have observed the questionable behavior of Murray Code Enforcement Officer, Ron Vendetti.  Mr. Vendetti is both the iron-handed boss of the dominant Republican Party, but he also serves a critical law enforcement function for the town.

Unfortunately, he has no sense of the difference between the two functions, and he conducts his official business from the front seat of his personal vehicle which is often decorated with bumper stickers attacking his political enemies and promoting his hand-picked candidates.

We would never allow political signs on police cars or judges’ vehicles, so why is any branch of law enforcement allowed to behave this way? On September 13, please join me in voting for Joe Sidonio so we can start to clean up our town.

Brian Fauci

Murray

Editor:

We agree with the letter to the editor written by Mr. Ron Vendetti regarding Neil Valentine’s endorsement by the Republican committee.

We have known Neil for over 30 years. He is an honest, hard-working, upstanding citizen of this town with great moral values. He shows compassion and desires to help others. He will fight for what he believes in and will tell you no lies.

When you go to the polls think about who has been completely honest and who doesn’t play dirty politics.

Thank you.

Dennis and Sheila Monacelli

Brockport

Editor:

My husband, Joe Sidonio, is running for Murray town councilperson. He is a great candidate. He will do a fabulous job for all of us, with intelligence, energy and integrity. I hope that each eligible voter in the Town of Murray will consider voting for him.

One of the first topics that Joe and I ever discussed, decades ago, was rural community life – the potential joys, and the inherent challenges, of small agricultural communities. Through his work Joe has visited many towns and villages – from across New York State and the Northeast to the American West. He has seen towns that are thriving, and towns that are failing. Living here in the Town of Murray, Joe instantly invested of his time, his thought and his resources to help our town and village become an upbeat, bright place to live. He continues to do that today.

The list of Joe’s financial contributions to our community is long. It includes a wide range of projects (self funded in the most giving way) such as an essay contest and purse for a high school student, attempted to purchase the old Holley high school for a performing arts center, and organized experts for the initial studies for saving the old Holley high school building,  creative support of the Community Free Library, countywide signage for the Orleans County 4-H program, the new flooring for one of the animal barns at the county fairgrounds, the Holley June Fest, funding the study to save the stone store in Clarendon— and countless other projects.

For years Joe has been dedicated to educating himself about community development. He has taken the time to learn about issues of rural land use and soil and water, rural real property tax, agricultural districts law and rural economics. He has taken classes and attended meetings, called experts in Albany, listened, asked, and read endlessly to make sure that his viewpoints are grounded in knowledge. And in addition his university degrees are in business and accounting giving him a solid base for informed fiscal management.

Beyond this Joe has already given of himself for our town and our county by serving for 12 years on the Town of Murray and the Orleans County planning boards. For years and years he has attended every town meeting that he can make – because he is interested! He cares! All of this giving countless hours. His running for office is yet another expression of his dedication to his community.

It is noteworthy that Joe is running for this position not to have an income but – quite the opposite – to genuinely to help. He is a contributor and not a taker. His interest is for the whole and not for himself. His vision is for a better Murray; a place where all citizens are treated with equal care and respect, a place of economic health and of natural beauty, a place with respect for its past but with the most vibrant of futures – shaped and guided with creativity, thought and insight.

The inspiration that Joe has given all of us is terrific!  What a difference he has already made in our courage to dream of a better Murray!

Amy Machamer

Murray

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Editor:

This year, some people in the Town of Murray are making statements with a total of eight new people and one incumbent running for positions on the Town of Murray Republican Committee.

Mr. Joseph Sidonio, the incumbent on the Republican Committee, is also running as a candidate for Murray Town Board. With so many negative issues brought to light, these people want changes and are willing to step forth and commit themselves to the tasks.

Mr. Sidonio has spent countless hours of his time over the last 2+ years researching and exposing the inequalities of code enforcement, in water districts, the  budgeted yearly water loss in the water district which runs along Route 104, which mysteriously repaired itself before Mr. Miller took office as Supervisor in the Town of Murray.

The Water Commissioner maintained that “heavy truck traffic had caused the leak.” Did the town decree that all heavy trucks ride the road shoulders to line up the water main to fix the leak? Makes a lot of sense, right? All Hogwash!

Also brought to light was the possibility of “water theft” without the backflow prevention devices and water meters installed. Not that anyone on the Town of Murray Republican Committee will or is able to do anything about Murray’s prints at the Orleans County Board of Elections which the Orleans County Legislature had swept under the rug.

I would imagine that every town has its unique problems, but not every town has a Joe Sidonio  who is willing to spend the time it takes to sort it out. I urge support on Thursday, Sept. 13, for Joe Sidonio for Murray Town Board, and the eight new candidates for a position on the Murray Republican Committee.

In this day and age we must be combatants and doers and face our foes smiling and confident while remembering the words of our rugged 26th President Theodore Roosevelt, a good Republican. “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly , who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; But who does actually strive to do the deeds.” “Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.”

President Donald Trump, Joe Sidonio and Paul Lauricella Jr., and  I could name more, are currently in the arena or have been.

Allen Lofthouse

Kendall

(Mr. Lofthouse is chairman of the Orleans County Conservative Party.)

Editor:

Yes, another year has gone by and sadly, I feel the need to defend myself and my coworkers yet again. I have proudly worked in the Town of Murray Highway & Water department for 10 years and the Assessor’s Office for 5. I work with some of the finest people I have ever known.

Funny that someone wrote about personal attacks on Mr. Sidonio, while he and his group are the ones personally attacking the Town of Murray Town Board members and its employees. I have heard a lot of accusations being thrown around, I have heard how we are corrupt and unethical. Those are easy words to throw out there, just to get people riled up. They are, however, not so easy to back up. I am beyond offended.

I may not have much, but I do have my integrity. I am honest and I work hard. I do the best I can every day to serve the residents of this fine Town and I can say that about all the employees here.

I have a lot of respect for our Town of Murray Board members. They are a diverse group of people. I am proud to have them represent our Town. They are certainly not “making a career out of their political offices.” Most are new to public office; a new Supervisor this year and two new Board Members who bring new ideas and different opinions. They work for all of us to make improvements and to keep this Town strong.

I keep hearing a need for transparency. Our board meetings are open to the public, the audits that the Town asks to have done every year have been shown, and the Board has always invited any resident to come to talk to them. I don’t know how much more transparent you can be.

Your current Republican Committee members have worked hard for years to put forth good candidates and I think they have done a great job. They are out in the community, working, involved, helping out. They are good people.

Neil Valentine is also a good person, a fine man. A lifelong resident, a hardworking family man who volunteers and participates in this community. His wish to be on the Town Board stems from his sense of community and he will bring yet another perspective to the Board.

Anyone is welcome to run for office. But let’s do it on our own merits; not by telling lies and cutting down good people that may stand in our way.

Those that want to believe the rumors are going to believe them no matter what. For those who know us, your employees, I ask that you vote on Thursday, Sept. 13^th, for the honest and law-abiding candidate, Neil Valentine, along with your incumbent committee members.

Sincerely,

Louise Passarell

Murray

Editor:

I submit this letter as the endorsed-Republican candidate for the Town Councilperson seat in the general election this November in the Town of Gaines. Not only was I born and raised in this community, but I have lived specifically in the Town of Gaines for over 30 years.

As a career law enforcement officer, I have spent the last 24 years serving the citizens of Orleans County. My career began as a Road Patrol Deputy with the Sheriff’s Department where I rose through the ranks to become a Criminal Investigator. I currently serve as an Investigator with the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office focusing on drug and other major felony investigations.

My wife Marilyn and I have raised three children in the Town of Gaines, two of which have chosen to also become police officers serving our community, while our youngest is currently a full-time college student. Marilyn and I also have owned and operated local businesses and real estate.

I have experience in preparing budgets, applying for and managing grants, and the procurement process. As a taxpayer myself I understand how important it is to be responsible with taxpayer money and to always research purchases to ensure that money is not being wasted. I believe in fiscal responsibility and accountability. As a town resident I do not want to pay any more in taxes than anyone else does and will do everything within my power to combat raising taxes.

My experience as a Deputy Sheriff, Supervisor, Investigator, Police Instructor, SWAT Team Leader, and multiple other duties and responsibilities have taught me many things. In my job I am called upon to handle many difficult situations. I have learned how to listen, work as a team, respect others and their point of view even when it differs from my own.

I pride myself in my ability to assist others with solving their problems, even when faced with extreme crisis. I have been trained to remain calm, think with a level head, to be a leader and make tough decisions. As your next councilperson I will call upon this experience to serve and protect the best interests of our township.

So what do I stand for? I believe in serving the residents of the Town of Gaines with fairness and impartiality. I don’t believe in hidden agendas and I want to promote transparency. I believe in not wasting taxpayers’ money.

With my experience I believe it will be my responsibility to you to investigate issues with which our township is confronted and to make informed educated decisions that are in the best interest of all town residents. I believe in simply doing the right thing for the right reasons and being accountable. I believe all residents should have a voice and have the right to express that voice without being disrespected.

Should I be fortunate enough to be your choice for town councilperson, it would be my goal to be available to speak with any residents and listen to your concerns and make myself available to help you resolve any issues you may have.

My lifetime commitment to this county enables me to have an extensive understanding of our community, your needs and your concerns. As a career public servant this is simply another opportunity for me to do what is meaningful to me, helping others.

As the endorsed Republican candidate, I respectfully and humbly ask for your vote on Primary Day, this Thursday, September 13.

Thank you.

Corey Black

Gaines

Editor:

On Thursday, September 13, from noon until 9 p.m. at the Holley High School there will be primary voting for the Town of Murray Republican Committee and for a Town Board member.

There are 9 challengers to the incumbent committee members, four of them registered Republican in 2017, one in 2015. We welcome them to the party. The concern is their motive to run for committee.

Saturday I went to the Post Office to mail the campaign letters for my district and found myself the object of another rant by the leader of this group of committee candidates, which read in part “the Republican Party will stop at nothing to retain their power grip on the taxpayers.” Is this what we want from representatives of our party?

Every ad from the Council challenger insinuates some sort of corruption or ethical issue. The truth is that the Town has an independent audit every year and has always had good reports. Serving on the committee doesn’t get anyone a job – it actually costs money and time to serve. We do it because we care about our community.

Every member of our current committee has been involved in the community over the years in a variety of areas. Every member of our committee has donated time and money to the party. Can the challengers say the same? Where have they been? There is one reason they are running and that is to serve their leader’s insatiable appetite for power.

In the same Facebook post he says, “One can only guess what dirt he will mail out” referring to my mailing. He would be best served by not producing the dirt in the first place. I don’t need to discuss his legal transgressions – I think everybody knows about his past and his most recent offenses.

Elect Republicans that have always worked for you!

Neil Valentine is the endorsed candidate for Town Board. His integrity and ethics are above reproach.

Elect Republicans who are lifetime residents and follow old-fashioned values: dedication, integrity, loyalty, knowledgeable and experienced!

I urge you to vote Neil Valentine for councilman.

Elect your committee that will keep Republicans in office: District 1 – Michael Mele and Edward Morgan; District 2 – Mark Porter and Douglas Heath; District 3 – Kathleen Case and Ronald Vendetti; District 4 – Kimberly DeFrank and write-in David Knapp; District 5 – Cynthia Oliver and Lynn Wood; District 6 – Glenn DeFrank and Robert Miller.

Ron Vendetti

Town of Murray Republican Chairman

Editor:

To the Town of Murray voters, if Mr. Joe Sidonio had not brought to our attention the past wrongdoings going on, I am convinced nothing would have changed. The Town Board showed little or no concern to the legitimate issues brought to light.

The response to the Comptroller by the Town still haunts me: “I’m sorry you don’t like the way we do business in Murray. It works for us.”

Borrowing money between departments with no intention of paying it back. Making large expenditures without board approval. Taking money from water districts to build the addition to the town hall. What’s wrong with this? Simple. Everyone benefits from the town hall, so everyone should have paid for it, not just a few water districts. That money should have stayed within the districts to pay down your debt. A few paid for the building while the majority got off scot-free. That is unfair!

Apparently, this status quo is OK. I don’t think so. Fairness is absolute. When we see something wrong we should stop right there and correct it, not sweep it under the rug!

I am so glad that Mr. Sidonio wants to help us. He has ideas and experience to help us advance our Town. Joe is willing to go the extra mile. It’s his goal to help us, not hurt us.

I have watched Mr. Sidonio as he has taken a big interest in the youth at Orleans County 4-H, year after year. I have watched him show acts of kindness to the elderly, time after time. I have watched him help so many in quiet ways.

I conclude by saying that Joe is a good Catholic man that’s dedicated to his church, his family, friends and community.

Thank you Joe for wanting to help us. You have my vote.

David Piedmonte

Murray