Editor:

The recent fiasco surrounding the location of the October 2 Apex Lighthouse Wind “forum” is another in a series of instances that demonstrate the lack of credibility surrounding Apex Lighthouse Wind operations.

This “forum” is intended to lay out the details of the Apex proposal to construct up to 70, 600-foot-high industrial wind turbines in the towns of Yates and Somerset. This information has been requested by local residents of Apex countless times over the last 4 years and is necessary to completely assess the serious impact Lighthouse wind will have on our quiet rural community.

Most recently the “forum” was scheduled for the fire hall in Ridgeway, allegedly because other suitable locations in Somerset and Yates were not available. This turned out to be entirely false. Why then, was this event scheduled miles from the project area and miles from the people most effected? Clearly, Apex wanted to avoid having to face the people who would be most impacted by Lighthouse Wind while at the same time drawing in those that support, as long as the project is in someone else’s back yard. Fortunately, the “forum” has been relocated to a more acceptable location. The event however is taking on the characteristics of a propaganda blitz.

Other instances of strained credibility have regularly occurred over the years since Lighthouse Wind was proposed in 2013. Recall the secretive leases, the nondisclosure agreements, the closed technical meetings, the private lease holder meetings, the lack of response to questions, the endless generalizations and most recently propaganda mailings rife with inaccuracies and unsupported information.

How then could Apex ever be a reliable partner in a huge undertaking such as Lighthouse Wind? The answer is, they could not! Couple this with the facts that the power to be generated is not needed and the location is highly problematic. All activities related to Project Lighthouse Wind should therefore be suspended and the project should be terminated!

James C. Hoffman

Town of Somerset

Editor:

I wish to respond to Bob and Dawn Harker and their recent letter in the Orleans Hub, September 20. I’ve had serious doubts about Chris Collins for a long time now. He stands directly opposite many of the issues I care about.

First and foremost is his desire to repeal New York State’s duly enacted gun control law known as the SAFE Act. History and common sense shows that sensible gun laws save lives. Everyone is law abiding until they massacre.

Giving unfettered access to assault weapons with large capacity ammo clips is a recipe for social disaster, as the evidence of our own eyes has shown us. This is also just one of the reasons why I oppose the nomination of pro-gun Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. I say this as a hunter and gun owner (shotgun and .22 rifle). Enough!

Mr. Collins favors oil drilling and other destructive activities in the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge and other environmentally sensitive lands. Harming our remaining wilderness areas while maintaining our dependence on polluting climate changing fossil fuels make no sense at all. It is a double whammy we cannot tolerate. Our emphasis should be on safe renewables like wind and solar. When someone tells you renewables can’t replace fossil fuel, they haven’t done their homework. Just look to examples around the world.

Mr. Collins sees Social Security and Medicare as social programs to be cut or abolished to pay for federal budget shortfalls. Am I expected to believe Mr. Collins doesn’t know we paid into Social Security and Medicare all our working lives? That money is ours for our cost of living and healthcare needs.

Mr. Collins’ support of Trump and his economic policies means he favors welfare for the rich and corporations. Tax cuts to make wealthy people wealthier is grossly unfair to American labor. Wages remain stagnant and inflation is growing.

But Trump’s economy is booming for CEO’s. To make matters worse, Trump and Collins want to limit the ability of labor unions to bargain. Don’t like unions? Then give up your Saturdays, paid vacation, healthcare, minimum wage and the other benefits won by unions that you now take for granted. Even companies like Kodak which did not have unions modeled their treatment of employees after the those benefits fought for by unions.

I can’t speak to the guilt or innocence of Mr. Collins, or Trump for that matter. I trust in our judicial system to make that determination. What the Harkers seem to fail to realize is that the prosecutors in New York that indicted Mr. Collins are the same ones that have indicted corrupt Democrats in state government.

As for the mainstream media being leftists, that is carrying Trump’s water, calling truthful reporting “fake”. Remember, the press is only an enemy to those who fear the truth.

Thank you,

Al Capurso

Gaines

Editor:

Regarding recent letters, Congressman Chris Collins is entitled to a presumption of innocence in his federal criminal prosecution. That said, he is a liar who has lied to the very constituents who sent him to Washington to “Drain the Swamp.”

He previously announced that his son had sold Australian stock at a great loss AFTER bad news was public. Allegations are that the stock sold before the news. This is an easy fact to prove:  the brokerage statements will show the sale before or after the news. Release of these facts will show if Collins is a liar.

The Trump Justice Department is prosecuting this case with a Trump appointed U. S. Attorney; the rascally Democrats cannot be blamed. The decision for Collins to run is driven by his “Dream-Team” criminal attorneys (he lied about cooperating with Republicans to get off the ballot) so he will have a “bargaining chip” in plea negotiations.

Collins has the best legal defense money can buy. If you support him, maybe the yard signs should say: “Vote for the Millionaire Liar, he needs the Plea Bargain.”

Gerard M. Morrisey

Gaines

Editor:

We take the unpopular stance of supporting Chris Collins.

We grew up in a world where people were “innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.” Obviously, that is no longer the case, given the dishonesty in Albany and DC today.

Let us be very clear, We opposed Collins’ initial run. I, in fact, worked very hard on David Bellavia’s campaign in the GLOW counties. The Erie County money machine elected Collins, despite us winning Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.

Since he won, I’ve studied Mr. Collins’ every speech, interview, and action. I have found him to be a true conservative that has fought for the things most of Western New Yorkers believe in.

Given that, my family will offer Mr. Collins our full support.

If evidence proves he conducted criminal actions, we will withdraw our support and advocate prosecution.

But not before evidence is provided to the public.

Given the recent actions of the Democratic Party, we have every reason to question the validity of these charges.

Until then, we will not be influenced by the mainstream (left) media.

Bob and Dawn Harker

Clarendon

Editor:

This was a text sent to Assemblyman Steve Hawley on September 15.

Dear sir:

As I was driving the other day, I couldn’t help but notice that on route 31A, just west of the Route 31A and 98 intersection, someone had bulldozed another 10 acres of forest and piled the trees all along the surrounding hedgerows, to be burned at a later time.

Do you sir realize how long it will take to consume the debris from these activities! All the residents in that locale will have to endure the smoldering mess for weeks. How can this type of activity  be allowed in a time where environmental consciousness is on the rise?

As you know, we face a deforestation crisis right here in western New York already. And the people I used to call farmers just keep killing all that remains! They are working real hard, it seems, to foment the next dust bowl.

I believe with all your knowledge as a former farmer you must be capable of seeing this. I’m asking sir that you take a stand, do the right thing and help preserve what is left of rural habitats in your district. I do not often ask for a reply but this time I am asking for a reply from you.

From your friend,

John Metzler

Albion

Editor:

I would like to thank the Town of Murray District 6 Republicans for their votes on September 13th. Because of their gracious effort I was voted in as a District 6 Republican Committee member.

I am honored and privileged to represent the District 6 Republicans and be a voice for my neighbors. As stated in my “Intentions Letter” posted on the Orleans Hub August 6th, I will seek to nominate candidates that reflect Republican Core Values and represent residents fairly, honestly and openly while serving on our Republican Committee.

Thank you again,

Kellie Gregoire

Town of Murray Republican Committee

District 6

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