Editor:

My name is Neil Valentine. I am proud to have been selected and appointed as the endorsed Republican candidate to the position on the Murray Town Council.  The confidence shown in me by the Town Board, and the members of the committee is humbling.

With the fall Primary election upon us, I would like the voters of the Town of Murray to know that I am a lifelong resident of this community. I have witnessed local government changes for the past 60 years, and I have to say that we as a community have always been represented with honest, law-abiding, fair and ethical leaders. I consider myself as one of the most forthright citizens here in Murray and intend to maintain the leadership we deserve.

There exists those who want to mire us in the past, remaining economically anemic, in order to preserve some idealized vision of what country living is. I say that an economically vibrant community can achieve a balance of new growth, while maintaining the rich cultural heritage of farming that has supported our friends, families and neighbors since the inception of the Town.

The hometown spirit is alive and is only divided in the words and deeds of those who wish to advance their own personal agendas. Our leaders have the experience we need! Experience matters!

I am proud of the elected officials we have in place. I would like to join them and serve with compassion, integrity, honesty and ethical fairness along with fiscal responsibility. I am not trying to buy an election and I don’t lie. My opponents’ accusations are twisted nonsense. He works for himself. Someone should take a look in the mirror.

In the Primary on Thursday, September 13th, I ask for your support! Thank You!

Beyond the primary, I again humbly ask for your support on Tuesday, November 6^th.

Neil T. Valentine

Murray

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Editor:

Your article – “Apex say 2020 is target date for construction of turbine projects in Orleans” – appeared to be one-sided, portraying everyone is for the wind turbines; that is not so.  There are many that are for them and they are mostly lease holders.

The Gallagher barn gathering of 170 folks was for many townships, not just Barre. Why doesn’t Apex give a dinner for all those not in favor for the wind turbines and who are not lease holders? Would the number of attendees be double or triple 170?

You should of gone to the Town of Barre meeting with La Bella on July 18, 2018  and Clear Skies over Barre on the July 19, 2018 at the Hoag Library to get a full scope of the communities’ feelings on this project.

Your article is correct the towns will have some financial gain in the community for a short time and that financial gain will be mostly for the land owners. All the residents will have the loss of the picturesque landscape, we now are able to enjoy.

All residents will have the risk of health problems. All residents will have some possibility of GPS problems with aircraft (Mercy Flight and others), TV, radio, cell phone reception etc. – read the Fort Drum problems on the internet. There is noise, flickering and stray energy that must be considered.

We must have far setbacks (2,500 feet would be a good start from the property line) to protect all residents. This 2,500-foot setback would still grant income to the farmers with limited health risk to their neighbors.

Respectfully,

Robin Nacca

Know Your Facts USA

Barre

Editor:

I do not run for office merely to challenge someone. I run because I believe our Town is not headed in the right direction. We can only change divisive policies of status quo through election.

It begins with the Republican Committee who endorse candidates. Interestingly, my opponent is the only candidate, and without interview put forth by 12 committee persons charged with seeking out candidates. The chairman distributed pre-filled out petitions for my opponent while 2 new committee candidates were already sitting at the table and then appointed. The committee failed its civic responsibility.  The system is broken and Murray government is not working to make our lives better.

My opponent’s campaign material states he’s for economic growth in Murray. But, when Hickory Ridge Golf & RV Resort applied to expand, he objected at the Planning and Town Boards. He personally stalled the project costing the owners tens of thousands of dollars in delays and lost grant opportunities. It would appear my opponent is a “NIMBY” (not in my back yard). He claims to be “Connected”. True. Ironically, living next door to our recently elected Supervisor, he personally carried a Nominating Petition for controversial Republican Party Boss, Ron Vendetti. Claims no personal agenda? Also true. He brings no relevant experience to the table.

My agenda has been very clear from the outset. We changed status quo by ending double-dipping stipends. We stopped the mysterious 4-year ongoing water leak officials ignored. As a result, officials are being held accountable and Town taxes remained flat.

If elected, I will address the code of ethics policy for town officials. I will work to prohibit elected and appointed officials from membership in political nominating committees ending “good old boy” town government. If successful, I will be the first to resign my committee position.

I’ll work to solve the water department’s fiscal woes. The Town’s own documents show our Water Department operating in the red and charging disproportionate amounts to consumers.

The latest 2017 Town Sponsored Bonadio Audit Report confirms this:

“The Town has concerns over the cost of general maintenance and operation of the town facilities and equipment.” Sound familiar?

“The audit is not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Town’s internal controls.”

My opponent touts this Audit Report as a clean bill of health. Clearly, he hasn’t read it. Murray officials fail to comprehend its limited scope and content. It’s obvious the Town needs help managing our finances.

Who is working as hard as I to help improve our town government? You may or may not agree with me but why not allow me the opportunity to fix things. After all, I’m working for you.

Joseph Sidonio

Murray

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Editor:

My name is Michelle Gangi. Many of you may know me as Michelle Paddock. My husband Joe is running for the Republican nomination to fill the empty Town Board seat in the Town of Gaines. I first moved to Gaines when my parents bought a home here over 30 years ago. My husband Joe and I bought our home here in 2010.

Joe has worked for the Rochester Police Department for 30 years, and I have worked as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Avon and Livonia for over 11 years. Both of my children graduated from Albion and it was our plan to move closer to my work after they finished high school. But a funny thing happened. Joe moved out here from the “big city” of Rochester – and he loves it here! He loves our home, our neighbors and our town! He has made lasting friendships, founded an amateur radio club, and made serving our community a high priority.

You have read letters that tell you about his work background and his professional credentials. Well, let me tell you about my husband, Joe Gangi. Joe is a man of honor and integrity. I have witnessed first hand the admiration and respect of over 700 sworn officers and civilian staff at RPD.

Joe is a man who has compassion and a strong desire to help others. He’s not only helped found the Community Amateur Radio Club, but he was instrumental in resurrecting ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Services) in Orleans County. ARES is a group of dedicated amateur radio operators who are trained and willing to respond to communication needs in the event of an emergency.

Joe is a man of faith. We are members of and regularly attend the Albion Free Methodist Church. Joe is a devoted father and loving, faithful husband. Between us we have five children. He has three and I have two. He has loved and cared for my children since he met them as if they are his own. And his love and protection of me is like none I’ve ever known.

There are so many other words I could use to describe Joe – honest, hard working, dedicated, principled, disciplined. These are all important qualities that you should want in the person you choose to represent you.

Joe has been out and about, knocking on doors, introducing himself and presenting his platform and message. Unfortunately, we have not been able to meet everyone. It is my hope that this letter will help you to understand more about who Joe is. He wants to represent the people of Gaines. He wants to be the voice for residents. He has out his message out there. People know what he stands for and why he is running in this Primary.

I strongly believe that someone’s personal qualities carry over into their professional lives. Someone who is hard working, honest, faithful and compassionate when dealing with family and friends will carry those qualities into their work. Joe has done that in his 30 years with the Rochester Police Department and he will do that as your Town Councilperson.

Please vote in the Republican Primary on September 13.

Respectfully,

Michelle Gangi

Gaines

Editor:

Mr. Capurso, I applaud not just anyone who is willing to get involved in local politics, I give credit to Mrs. Kellie Gregoire who is running for a position in the Town of Murray’s 6th Election District. Mrs. Gregoire gave my name and the ad sponsored by the Orleans County Conservative Committee in the Lake Country Pennysaver as the inspirations that induced her to seek the position on the Town of Murray Republican Committee. To me, she is “Good Government.”

I voted for President Donald Trump, and I’ll vote for him again if he makes it through the onslaught of organized Marxists, Socialists and Communists aka OFA “Organized for Action.” These people who voted for him and said they would not vote for him again must have had their heads in the sand during his almost year of campaigning. He is a shrewd businessman, not a glassy eyed shifty politician. He gets results, good results.

Mr. Capurso, your childish rants aimed at President Trump serve no useful purpose.

There is a difference between a “proven fighter” and an “egotistical bully.” Governor Cuomo is an egotistical bully, driving people from New York State because of his asinine programs that take billions of tax dollars and show very little to no good results. The state is kept in a constant declining mode. If they would admit it, the Democrats would like their own Donald Trump, but haven’t anyone who comes close.

Allen Lofthouse

Kendall

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

Editor:

On Sept. 13 in the Town of Gaines, Republicans will be voting in a primary for a candidate they wish to be on the Republican line in this November’s Election for an vacant Town Board seat.

Joe Gangi has something very substantial I feel puts him on solid ground. That is “The written word.” Remember the saying “always get it in writing”?  Joe Gangi has done that.  Joe has publicly stated his goals and platform in writing both on his public social media page and right here in the Hub more than once.  A written record in my opinion puts you on solid ground.

Please remember you’re the one that will endorse the candidate through your vote on September 13th. It is your choice and your voice.

Sincerely,

Susan Smith

Gaines

Editor:

Another year has gone and another election season is coming to a close. I have been a Murray resident now for five years and I have been here long enough to know that we need change amongst our local governments. Political offices should not be a career. They should be an opportunity for a well-qualified person(s) to come in and make a mark on their town.

Change in our town needs to happen and it needs to happen now. There is a councilman opening for the town of Murray and as far as I’m concerned there is only one candidate worthy of the job, and that candidate is Joe Sidonio! Last year Joe ran for town supervisor and came up slightly short of victory. He was subject to personal attacks, immoral smears from our politicians and ridiculed relentlessly by them.

Joe stood tall, kept his head up and kept running an honest campaign with class, regardless of all the classless shots that were thrown his way. That is the type of candidate and person we need as councilman for the Town of Murray. Someone who has the strength and courage to stand tall through adversity and battle for our town even when times are tough. Joe is that person. He has the political intelligence, integrity and fight that our town so desperately needs!

I encourage my fellow town residents to stand up and fight for our town the way Joe has been fighting for our town. He doesn’t run for office for his own personal gains and self-fulfillment. He’s running for councilman because he genuinely cares for our town and wants a better place for us all to live in.

Many of us are ready for some change in our local governments. If you are one of them, I strongly suggest you go out on the 13^th and cast your vote! There are two truths about Joe, he loves his family and he loves his town, and he will work hard and fight for both.

He is a wonderful person and I can’t ever thank him enough for the things he does for us.

Adam Moore

Holley

Editor:

Greetings to my neighbors in the Town of Murray and Village of Holley. My name is Anthony J. Peone. Some of you may remember me from when I knocked on your door in June as I gathered signatures on a petition to be placed on the September 13th ballot for the Republican Committee election.

I have lived with my wife Arlene for the last 8 years on Bennetts Corners Road, just outside the Village. I am a native of Seneca Falls who came to the Rochester area when Kodak hired me in 1975. We settled here from the Village of Brockport to live in a more rural area. I volunteered in the Village of Brockport as a member of the code revisions and downtown renovation committees. I am a semi-retired computer consultant who successfully ran my own business, Brockport Computer, for over 20 years. I graduated from the Computer Science Department at SUNY Brockport.

I will be standing for election as one of the Republican District Committee members for District 2 in the Village of Holley. I believe it is time for “outsiders” such as myself to get more involved in local politics. I use the term outsider because only one other person was actually elected to the Republican committee, Joe Sidonio. All of the other members were appointed to their positions.

Since that election 2 years ago, Joe has helped educate interested citizens in the process of election. New Republicans with no financial interests at the Town Hall are challenging the elitist power structure in our town to bring more transparency and citizen input to our governance. There are nine “New Republicans” running against the appointed members of the committee. The committee chooses who runs for local elected offices, recommends people for appointed positions and provides funding for Republican candidates. What a great way to ensure that our Town Board members act in the interests of all the citizens of our town! By taking away power from this elitist appointed group you can help make this a reality.

You may be wondering what is motivating me to get involved at this level of our political system. Well I’ll tell you. I have been to many Town Board meetings where the members ignore anyone who challenges what they think is best for our town. Last fall there were some very well attended and contentious meetings about changing our property maintenance codes. Along with many of my fellow citizens, I spoke out against these changes but they were passed unanimously despite overwhelming public outrage at not one but two public hearings. We now have property maintenance codes that were modeled after those of the Town of Greece. Wouldn’t you think that there should be a difference between regulations of a large suburban town like Greece and a rural, agricultural town like Murray?

I hope you noticed that I did not bad mouth our local code enforcement officer. He has often been criticized for this new law and for being overzealous in enforcing the codes but I will not do so. Instead, let’s put the blame where it belongs, on our elected officials who enact these policies and fail to properly manage their employees. That is where the problem lies, in elected officials who ignore the wishes of the people they are supposed to represent, and also with the people appointed to the committee that selects them to run for office.  Since the voters have no say in candidates, elected officials have perpetuated a self-serving government.

If elected I will serve as a representative of the people in my district. I serve your interests and no one else’s. Along with the other members of the “New Republicans,” we will work towards this end. We will serve the people who put their trust in us. We will choose candidates for office that adhere to the traditional core values of the Republican Party.  And wouldn’t a little more democracy be a good thing by providing more choices for the people of Murray?

Please vote on September 13th.

Anthony J. Peone

Holley

Editor:

As Americans across the country prepare to celebrate Labor Day, often with parades and barbeques to mark the unofficial end of summer, I want to make sure the real reason we have Labor Day is remembered. Labor Day honors the labor movement for improving the lives of hardworking Americans, their families and the communities they live in.

Without the labor movement, Americans wouldn’t have weekends, let alone long weekends, to spend time with loved ones.

Without the labor movement, Americans wouldn’t have paid sick leave, employer-sponsored health benefits, or the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Without the labor movement, Americans wouldn’t have workers’ compensation, pensions and social security.

Without the labor movement, Americans wouldn’t have overtime pay, paid vacation and workplace safety standards.

Now these hard-won rights that labor unions have fought so hard for are being threatened. CSEA and the labor movement are ready for this fight. These threats have actually united the labor movement and made us even stronger.

Anti-union groups funded by wealthy CEOs like the Koch Brothers want to destroy unions and silence the voice of working people. It’s not going to happen. Already their schemes and harassing emails to union members have backfired. Our members are angry that corporate-funded puppets are urging them to quit our union and won’t be fooled into giving up their rights and protections to save a few bucks.

Public employees have always had the choice whether to join a union, and every day our members show us that they are sticking with our union. When working people stand together, we have a powerful voice on the job to increase wages, improve benefits and provide safe working conditions. Unions have always been, and continue to be, the path for working people to achieve the American dream. The labor movement has helped thousands of workers get out of poverty, created the middle class, and continues to boost our economy.

I urge everyone to recognize the contributions of the labor movement, not just the first Monday in September, but all year long. I urge our members to continue to fight for the right of working people to join together to improve the lives of hardworking Americans.

So, enjoy your Labor Day parade and picnic, but don’t forget who got you the day off.

Stay union, stay strong!

Danny Donohue

Albany

Civil Service Employees Association President

Editor:

Some of those who have played “ball” say sports helps unite our Country, while others who really haven’t, attempt to use it to divide us.  So … are we proud of the Country we are and always have been, or are we intent on denying reality and making America into something it is not and never has been?

When Captain John Smith arrived in Jamestown (circa 1607) Native American people dominated the North American continent. Remember the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy in what is now New York State? By that time, much of our southwest was already settled by Spanish-speakers. As I recall, we took that area from Mexico in 1848. Some thought we did so to protect the institution of slavery. The Fugitive Slave Law had a similar intent.

By 1619 the first African slaves were brought here against their will. Thomas Jefferson, the author of The Declaration of Independence and our third president, reportedly had several children by Sally Hemmings, one of those slaves.

The point is that what is now the United States has always been diverse. And those whom some find undesirable today—often due to where they come from—are just the latest in a very long line of supposed misfits who do not belong here. Earlier it was the Irish, the Chinese, the Italians, and the Poles, among others, whom some thought should have stayed home, rather than dig ditches, build buildings and do that Transcontinental Railroad “thing”.

Wishing isn’t going to change the reality created by our origins.  This country is—and has ALWAYS been—diverse. Denial won’t change that.

Those who have been involved in sports don’t usually ask what country his/her ancestors came from when a goal gets scored or a shutout is thrown.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent

Albion

Editor:

John McCain was certainly a maverick and attempted to reach reconciliation between the parties. I noticed praise being issued by his Democratic friends.

These same friends filed a lawsuit in Federal District Court in Concord New Hampshire in 2008 challenging his eligibility to be president. The lawsuit was based on McCain wasn’t a natural born citizen since he was born in the Panama Canal Zone, therefore ineligible to be President.

It is amazing to me how the swamp operates, best of friends one day while filing lawsuits challenging an American hero’s citizenship.

Ed Urbanik

Lyndonville

Editor:

The phrase you have to get echoing through your head like a repetitive song from now till November 6 election day is “Cuomo’s got to go.” Why has this man not been indicted?

Testimony from corruption trial convictions point right to Cuomo. A look at the trial testimony and you would have to illiterate to not see that Cuomo is guilty as sin. Why should he be indicted? Joe Percoco, Sheldon Silver, Alain Kaloyeros and Dean Skelos. Percoco is Cuomo’s former campaign manager, close confidant and surrogate brother. State Assembly and Senate convicted criminals Sheldon Silver and Dean Skelos were referred to each other by Cuomo as the “Three Amigos.” The trial testimony all points to Cuomo.

Convicted former SUNY Polytechnic Institute president Alain Kaloyeros, a main architect of Coumo’s economic development efforts, was involved in a bid rigging scheme with several construction executives who were Cuomo donors. Sworn testimony leads to Cuomo. Executives from LP Ciminelli and COR Development were directed to donate to the campaign by Tom Howe, a co-conspirator who pleaded guilty to eight felonies. The Buffalo Billion is Cuomo’s personal pet project. Cuomo disbanded the Moreland Commission ending corruption investigations. Many convicted yet King Cuomo remains untouched.

Assemblyman Hawley and Senator Ortt, where are the demands that this governor be indicted?  The STAMP project is a failure and a letdown to our community. Start-Up NY – another failure. The Buffalo Billion is a failure, to name a few. Billions wasted on failed economic development schemes. Billions wasted on green energy schemes and windmills no one wants.

The Nanny State on the march each and every day. Insane regulations and taxes driving out Baxter and a decades-old salvage operation in Middleport. Recent causalities of his policies.

The story of people and businesses leaving repeats every day all over this state. Cuomo and everything he stands for is just plain immoral. He was a failure at HUD and is in a big part responsible for the economic meltdown of 2008.

Progressive policies fail over and over no matter where they are tried. This man is worse than his father was and that was pretty bad. His comments “America was never that great” are words from a silver spoon elitist that never worked a real job in his life. Our beautiful NY State will never see the bounties and be the economic engine it once was with this man at the helm.

One more term and it’s over for this state. There are so many more reasons why Cuomo’s got to go. Demand to your elected representatives that Cuomo be indicted. Get out this November 6th and vote Republican for Marc Molinaro to turn this state around. Vote King Cuomo out of office.

Paul Lauricella

Lyndonville

Editor:

My name is Joseph Gangi Jr. I am on the ballot in the September 13th Primary for the Republican nomination in the Town of Gaines. This is going to be for the open councilperson seat in the General Election this November.

I had the pleasure of meeting many of our town residents from all political affiliations even before I decided to run for the Town Board. I wish I could have knocked on all your doors but that was not feasible so, I have to rely on the people I have met and the people who know me to share my message and to tell you about me.

I am 55 years old. I will be retiring this January 2019 from the City of Rochester Police Department where for 30 years this December I have worked. I have worked not as a sworn officer but as a civilian employee and for the last 12 years, I have been the Police Department’s Quartermaster. That is the supply person for the majority of items used by the department from uniforms to paper. A highly regarded position that requires a high level of trust and integrity, 2 qualities I am proud to say I possess. I have been responsible for budgets and have had to be fiscally responsible in spending.

It took me 45 years to find and marry my best friend Michelle. I am a devoted husband, father, now frandfather and friend. Most Sundays you will find me worshiping at Albion Free Methodist Church. I am the Orleans County Amateur Radio Emergency Services Coordinator for ARRL. In the event of an emergency where conventional communication is unavailable, myself and a group of volunteers are available to assist our greatly appreciated men and women Emergency Responders if need be to pass along information. I am also founder and former president of the Community Amateur Radio Club.

I have outlined my goals and objectives on agriculture, growth, spending and taxes. Out of those, the two topics that residents have great concerns about are spending and taxes. There was also a third topic that was brought to my attention that I didn’t realize was a concern and that is being available to voice concerns other than at the Town Board meetings once a month.

Let me address these so you fully know where I stand.

• Spending – I can assure you that I will not vote to spend one dime of our town’s money unless I fully understand why we are spending it and does it benefit our town as a whole. I will not be pressured or intimidated by anyone to take action. I will work and answer to you, our town residents. I will take the time to do the best I can and research these matters first so I can make a logical informed decision. We are not a wealthy town and we need to be extremely fiscally responsible with our town’s money that has been entrusted to the town board to oversee and spend “Responsibly.”

• Taxes – Unfortunately, sometimes a raise in taxes is inevitable. I cannot promise anyone that taxes will not raise but what I can promise is I will look at all avenues to make it as minimal as possible.

• Availability – I didn’t realize this was a concern until I started speaking to you. So here is my answer to this … I think there is a misconception that serving on a Town Board is simple and it’s only a one day a month commitment. How far from the truth that is. No one, I don’t care who you are, is elected to a position and is immediately anointed with all the knowledge and education to fulfill that job. If given the honor to serve on our Town Board, I will take the time to gain knowledge and become educated on being a newly elected official. There are classes that are offered and I will be there.

If given your trust to sit on the Town of Gaines Board, I plan to make myself available to our residents twice a month either by email or phone, whichever way is best, at the time so you can voice your concerns and after speaking to you, I will raise your concerns to our Town Board. I cannot promise that all concerns will be acted upon, I will not be sitting there alone but at least you know that you will be heard and you will have a voice with me.

There was a lot to read here. This election to some is small but to me, it’s one of the most vital elections this town has coming up. This board seat will require objectivity and conscience, two more qualities I can assure you I possess.

Come out September 13th and vote for me to be your nominee. Do not vote for me because we are friends, I don’t want that. I want you to vote for me because you believe I will do my best to represent your voice.

Peace and God Bless,

Joseph Gangi Jr

Gaines

Editor:

On the first anniversary of the passing of my husband, James C. Dawson III, who was a proud Vietnam Combat Veteran, I would like to express my gratitude to the Batavia and Buffalo VA Medical Center for their wonderful medical care my husband received from both facilities.

Never once was he denied service, or had to wait for an appointment. On the contrary, they always called us, as reminders, and he very much looked forward to his appointments. Every department, from medical, OT, PT, lab, dental, vision, were completely caring, compassionate and respectful. They knew him by name, and he felt comfortable and familiar with all staff members.

Thank you to Home Based Primary Care staff, who came to our house to care for him when travel became difficult. You were my angels!

Lastly, thanks to Earl Schmidt and the Orleans County Veterans Service Agency. You were there every step of the way in coordinating and making our way easier, always just a phone call away! Thank you all.

Barbara K. Dawson

Albion

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Editor:

Wouldn’t it be great if we all could aspire to the integrity, selflessness, love of country, and generosity of spirit exhibited by John McCain?

Those who don’t know what a national treasure he is, in my opinion, have not been paying attention. Many of all political stripes will miss this man of such extraordinary stature.

As he noted profoundly at the end of his book, the country he served honorably was “A country made of ideals whose success is the hope of the world.”

Sadly,

Gary Kent

Albion