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

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