Editor:

The Democrats and Republicans may be right!  This may be the most important election year of your life – but not because one of the two major parties will win.

You are about to lose another of your constitutional rights – your ability to form an independent political third party.

Legislation was passed unconstitutionally earlier this year in the budget and much of that legislation itself is being challenged as unconstitutional. The last section of the Governor’s budget threatens the very existence of the current political third parties.

That legislation raises the bar for recognition so high that Independent Nominating Bodies (INB’s) (third parties in the making) are unlikely to ever be able to get their candidates on to the ballot in NYS. The INB’s were required to collect three times more petition signatures than the Democrats and Republicans and now are required to collect nine times the number of signatures. Since the population in NYS has been essentially flat since 1965, what is their justification for raising these requirements?

This legislation is deliberate and is intended to eliminate current political third parties as well as all INB attempts to place candidates on the ballot. The Democrats and Republicans want political 3rd parties gone.

Why? Because, they just created a new taxpayer funded campaign slush fund. That fund will supply to both the Democratic and Republican parties over $125 million each for their candidates and they don’t want political third parties or INB’s to dip into “their” taxpayer funded political slush fund. For the details, read the two articles on “Legislative Tyranny” on my website.

When one considers that 1) many legislative bills are unconstitutional, 2) incumbent legislators used an unconstitutional process to increase their salaries, 3) this year legislators walked away from their responsibility to legislate and unconstitutionally gave their legislative powers and responsibilities to the Governor, and 4) elected officials used their legislative powers to eradicate their political competition and reap the benefit of an enormous slush fund themselves, why would anyone even consider rewarding an incumbent with re-election?

Demonstrating their willingness to ignore the NYS Constitution – not one incumbent deserves to be re-elected.

Our society slid down the slippery slope and is now imbedded in tyranny quicksand. You have witnessed, and probably felt the consequences of the government tyranny – civil unrest, financial hardship. While you still can, vote for people in a political party who will not trade your rights for government benefits. Cast your vote for liberty. Vote Libertarian and help end the tyranny.

I will work to restore county representation in the Assembly, will oppose the creation of a regional government being inserted between county and the State governments (a proposal my opponent co-sponsored), will work to promote legislation that encourages homeschooling, will work to eliminate state mandates, and will work to get government to comply with the 2nd Amendment prohibition and restore your 9th and 10th amendment rights to defend yourself and your family.

This year, vote Libertarian.

Mark Glogowski, Ph.D.

Hamlin

Libertarian Candidate, 139th Assembly District

Editor:

I’ve followed the recent submission of letters, as I normally do, and find myself unsurprised by the influx of regular voices disavowing the “radical left,” socialist, Marxist Biden-Harris ticket and praising the overwhelming policy “successes” of President Trump.

As is to be expected, the regurgitation of right-wing talking points is the best that these readers can provide; “greatest level” of economic success in history, love for the Constitution, LAW AND ORDER! (great show by the way) and a man who does what he says he is going to do.

The President is campaigning on the success of the last four years, which is nothing more than babbling about the alleged failures of his predecessor and, for some reason Hillary Clinton, who was not even involved in this round of campaigning.

In 2016, the RNC released a 66-page platform that promoted American competitiveness, reduction on the Federal debt, “a new era in energy,” “saving Social Security,” and “honest elections” among other policy proposals.

In 2020, the RNC refused to adopt a new platform and instead readopted, without amendment, the previous platform. Logically speaking, the GOP seemed to willingly acknowledge that the President’s agenda was unsuccessful, or they were just plain lazy. Perhaps they banked on short attention spans and a willingness to rally around bumper-sticker slogans like “Make America Great Again, Again,” or Kimberly Guilfoyle screaming at everyone, “The best is yet to come!”

I took the advice of one writer and perused the 91 pages of the DNC platform for 2020. Raising wages, massive infrastructure projects, eliminating health inequalities, investing in health science and research, and reforming elections provide a window into the improvements that the Biden-Harris ticket has planned.

A whole section of the platform committed to protecting the rights of women, the LGBTQ+ community, combating gun violence, supporting the freedom of the press, and expanding arts and culture seem quite appealing. I will not waste valuable space attempting to synthesize the platform here, but I would echo that writer and encourage you to read it for yourself. If you can barely sleep after reading it, there might be deeper issues at play.

Another contributor wrote that Trump is the “John Wayne of our times.” I would argue that Donald Trump has more in common with John Wayne Gacy, right down to the orange make-up, but I digress. As the right proclaims the Democratic-led effort to systematically dismantle and bankrupt the nation in an effort to discredit the President, the leader of the free world continues to spew hate and complain about the “tough questions” he gets during TV interviews (and we Millennials are snowflakes?).

In January of 1953, President Harry S. Truman said during his farewell address that, “The President – whoever he is – has to decide. He can’t pass the buck to anybody. No one else can do the deciding for him. That’s his job.”

During the most recent debate, Trump was confronted about his March 2020 “I don’t take responsibility at all” statement regarding the Covid-19 response. He responded, “I take full responsibility. It’s not my fault that it came here.” You either shoulder the responsibility, or don’t, but you can’t have it both ways.

This, of course, placed in the context of the President’s past Twitter critiques of the Ebola response (to which “Obama should apologize to the American people & resign”) and his criticism of the H1N1 response paints a picture of a petty narcissist, with a silver spoon in hand and no concern for anyone but himself. A man who has more in common with the swamp creatures than anyone cares to admit.

I will close by reminding everyone that there is more at stake during this election than at any other point in our Nation’s history. Historians and political scientists have noted that we are closer to destabilizing political violence than ever before. If you truly value the Constitution and hope for a better America, vote out the despot.

Matthew Ballard

Statesville, NC

Editor:

The time has come to elect a new Highway Superintendent for the Town of Murray. Having held this position for the past 30 years, I have first-hand knowledge of the most important qualifications a candidate needs to get this job done properly and keep things running smoothly.

Things have changed a lot from when I started over 30 years ago. Highway Superintendent is now mainly an administrative position. The majority of my time was spent in the office planning, organizing, directing and finding the most efficient, economical ways to get things done.

There are budgets to put together, spending to keep track of, reports and paperwork to complete, vehicles and equipment to keep in working order. You must approve all expenditures, including payroll and accounts payables. You supervise the direction of highway operations.

The Superintendent must be able to exercise leadership and judgment. He must be available day or night to handle emergencies that arise. He works under the administrative direction of New York State Law, “Powers and Duties of the Highway Superintendents”, he “DOES NOT” work for the town board or the supervisor, but works and is accountable to “YOU,”  the residents of the Town of Murray!

He independently makes decisions regarding procedures, operations and department plans and is responsible for department results.

Leadership abilities and communication skills are essential/critical to having a well-run and effective highway department. The ability to operate equipment is a handy skill, but it is certainly not the most important skill for your highway superintendent. Without the trust and respect of your employees, you have chaos and dysfunction.

The person you vote for must have great people skills because you work directly for and with the public, the employees, other towns, boards, government agencies, vendors and contractors. It is a huge part of this job.

Winter for the superintendent is filled with patrolling the roads and managing your employees on their plow routes to keep the roads clear and safe.

Summer duties include mowing roadsides and cemeteries, trimming trees, cleaning ditches and working very closely with the county and other town highway department under our shared service agreement.

This election is for Highway Superintendent. However, water usually goes along with it. Neither candidate has a water operator’s license, but fortunately, the Town of Murray has Dennis Mandigo heading up the water department. With his 20 years of experience working on Murray’s water lines, he is second to none and can handle any repair.

The Town of Murray employees are a very dedicated, loyal and hard working group of employees with no job that they can’t handle with professionalism. These are the guys that the Highway Superintendent leads and directs to get the job done. These are the guys with the operational skills and experience to continue to maintain the high level of service that you, the residents, have come to expect and deserve.

When you go to the polls on November 3rd, choose the leader that will continue to lead this great group of employees.

Ed Morgan

Retired Murray Highway Superintendent

Editor:

As another major election is drawing near, I have come to reflect upon the division generated among us. I often wonder why each election year creates an environment where we feel individually attacked and divided from family and friends due to differing viewpoints.

We teach children in schools to be respectful, compassionate and receptive to their peers because we believe these are the traits that will make them successful. We believe in practicing what you preach and leading by example; however, we have created a society that deems it acceptable to discredit another individual’s accomplishments in order to achieve their goals.

I have now witnessed this first hand as my mother, Nadine Hanlon, has maintained a campaign with integrity and respect for her opponent while they work to discredit her experience and all the hours she has put forth to serve her community. It saddens me to watch these actions take place, and I refuse to stay silent while others attack the experience and hard-working character of my mother. I am here to tell you why I believe Nadine Hanlon is highly qualified for the Orleans County Clerk’s position and to provide you with a little experiential history.

Before starting a family, my mother worked as a Legal Assistant for the Department of Social Services for 5 years upon graduating from the National Paralegal Academy. She then used her legal skills working in the Real Estate Owned Department as a Deficiency Judgement Analyst at Dime/Washington Mutual. She worked with large law firms across New York State to recover large sums of money during bank foreclosures and recovery actions.

My mother comes from a history of public service, which has allowed her to see firsthand the impact that effective leadership has on a community. My grandfather, Michael Paduchak, served 32 years as Kendall Town Supervisor, 40 years on the Orleans County Community Action Board and over 50 years as a volunteer at the Kendall Fire Department. He inspired my mother to donate much of her time back to the same community and run for public office.

It was 23 years ago, while she was 9 months pregnant with me, when she ran for her first public office position as Kendall Town Clerk. She won just days after giving birth to me. For the 9 years that she served as Kendall Town Clerk, she was also the Registrar of Vital Records, Records Management Officer, and Tax Collector, successfully maintaining accurate records before submitting them to local officials.

From there she went on to become the Clerk of the Legislature, a position which she has held for the past 14 years, and during which she has also served as treasurer for 12 years on the New York State Association of Clerks of County Legislative Boards. She has created positive working relationships with all the County Department Heads and managerial employees to be able to effectively complete assignments as a team.

She also works diligently to oversee various tasks to ensure that everything adheres to the administrative operations and that projects are completed within strict deadlines. Through this she has been able to fulfill not only the expectations of the community that she serves, but also the local officials that continue to advocate for our community at state and federal levels.

While her work experience is extensive, the multiple boards and organizations that she has donated her free time to outside of the office speak volumes as well. I am proud of all her accomplishments and the work ethic that she demonstrates on a daily basis as she continues to serve our community in all ways possible. Although she offers a different perspective and background, she has the leadership skills needed to make operations run efficiently within the Office of the Orleans County Clerk. She has proven her commitment to the residents of Orleans County and will continue to do so with the utmost respect if you vote for her to be the Orleans County Clerk.

Marisa Hanlon

Kendall

“Proud Daughter of Nadine P. Hanlon”

Editor:

As a committee, candidates for the open positions of Town of Shelby Supervisor and Town Councilman were carefully interviewed in person. At that time each candidate had the opportunity to share their visions for the respective position in the Town.

Jeff Smith, interim Supervisor, was the sole candidate for Town Supervisor.

There were two candidates for the position of Councilman: Ryan Wilkins and Craig Stalker.  While both candidates had positive points, one stood out as a stronger candidate to fill the seat left vacant when Jeff Smith was appointed town supervisor.

The Town of Shelby Republican Committee most favorably endorsed Jeff and Ryan for these positions. We ask you to support Jeff Smith for Town Supervisor and Ryan Wilkins for Town Councilman.

Please exercise your right to vote for these candidates.

Respectfully,

Patricia Eick, Chairperson

Town of Shelby Republican Committee

Editor:

Responding to Paul Lauricella, Orleans County Conservative Party Chairman, whose letter was posted on Oct. 20 in the Orleans Hub.

Mr. Lauricella, you are mistaken. Nate McMurray is clearly the best choice for NY 27 Congress. “Lapdog,” your term, not mine, more appropriately applies to Chris Jacobs who, with a platform to support Trump, is blindly loyal.

Jacobs voted party line on 16 of 19 key votes. Jacobs voted against the post office, pleasing Donald Trump. On the way home, Jacobs learned that all other 26 NYS Republicans supported the post office. Jacobs excuse? He was “distracted”; it was a “mistake.” Lower than lapdog behavior, Jacobs tried to play both sides. Are you OK being lied to?

Nate McMurray loves this country.

Social Security helped his mom raise seven children when her husband died young. She worked 3 jobs and young McMurray was often left unsupervised. This country offered McMurray an opportunity to pull himself up and learn to thrive. He earned achievements: Eagle Scout, community college, scholarships, law school. Fulbright scholar.

McMurray is not an insider, isn’t bought off, refuses corporate money, loves our country, our flag and will fight for Social Security, Medicare and is endorsed by 26 labor unions. He does not seek to “oversee the destruction of this country with great enthusiasm,” as you carelessly and falsely claim.

McMurray will fight for healthcare for all. He said, “900,000 people applied for unemployment last week. Eight-million people since May have fallen into poverty in this country, and NY-27 has the worst job market in the country even before the pandemic. So many people either had health insurance linked to their employment. And now they’ve lost their employment, and have no other option, and at the same time, the President is attacking the health care they have. So making sure everyone has healthcare is my priority. I am open to looking at the options.”

Mr. Lauricella, you ask readers to vote party over country and “save the seat” by voting for Chris Jacobs.

While a seat was saved for Chris Collins, now serving time, we were without representation. Aren’t we worth more? We deserve someone who will work for us.

Twice, more than anywhere else in the country Republicans, Independents, and Conservatives have crossed over to vote for McMurray because he is moderate, not leftist, as you claim. McMurray successfully led a bipartisan town board in Grand Island. Unlike Jacobs, McMurray is not a career politician, speaks his mind, is sincere, and has spent thousands of hours visiting with people in NY-27.

People don’t know Jacobs, who takes an easy road, relying on party allegiance.

McMurray said, “I believe you need to represent, truly represent, people that you’re fighting for that you want to help lead in Washington. So, I am someone who will go and listen to them, and Chris, I don’t think he’s ever been to most of these towns.”

If you love America, vote country over party so that we may heal and thrive again.

Thank you,

Jeanne Crane

Carlton

Editor:

It is very disheartening and disappointing to read  letters from individuals, some previously considered to be very respectable and intelligent, who now appear to be so badly deceived and denying the truth of facts readily available to anyone seeking the actual truth of the matters we are facing in the upcoming  election.

I find myself agreeing with many of the tenets espoused by the Republican who has disavowed President Trump, but only on principle: stop watching and formulating an opinion from mainstream media (fake news), rejecting political labels, having an open mind, seeking out the facts, don’t blindly adopt the opinions of others, expose media manipulation, etc.

Yet I still must ask myself, “Where on earth did this writer conclude that President Trump hates the military and rejects family values?” Yes, the President despises what “government institutions” have become: corrupt, treasonous, untrustworthy, self-serving, haters of freedom and all things good and patriotic.

This has been called “the swamp” or “deep state.” These parts of our government have been working to destroy American values and freedoms and need to be exposed and brought down. As a  political outsider, the President has brought America to the greatest level of economic prosperity the world has ever experienced.

If the virus had not been released from China, our economy would be at a level never seen before in history. Despite the pandemic setback, President Trump has brought our economy back again and it is now only being constrained by leftist socialist state governors and mayors who want the economy destroyed in order to embarrass the President.

What sources has this opinion writer used to conclude Biden is not a socialist? Listen to his own words, confusing though they are, as he describes his “plans for America.” If you want actual facts and truth, go to the “Democrat Party 2020 Agenda” which Biden and Bernie Sanders both signed and agreed to.

Take the effort to find the truth, as my wife and I did recently. It is long, 110 pages, and will take you 90 minutes to read in its entirety. We barely could sleep that night after reading it. If Biden is such a moderate, then why has he picked one of the most radical socialist advocates as his running mate, who most certainly will take over as President once Biden steps aside?

The Bible says “My people (God speaking) are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Those who sincerely seek the truth will find it. Those who refuse to seek the truth will remain ignorant and be happy to do so. As for me and my family, we want the real truth.

Wayne Lemcke

Waterport

Editor:

I was born and raised in the town of Shelby and knowing the values of the people of Shelby, I have decided I would like to get involved and make a difference in our wonderful town.

I have been a registered Republican since I was old enough to vote.

I am residing here with my wife and 4 children and feel this is the perfect place to raise a family or grow a business with many opportunities.

Politics run in my blood as my father, Dale, served for many years as town of Shelby Councilperson until his untimely death in 2017.

I spent 2 1/2 years on the Republican Committee where I was able to demonstrate my capability building strong working relationships with fellow elected officials.

I pride myself in my ability to exercise clear communication skills and being a collaborative team member. I am a quick learner that has attention to detail and an excellent multi-tasker.

I am also dedicated, loyal and honest.

I would be honored to receive your vote and support as a write-in candidate for Town of Shelby Councilperson.

Thank you,

Craig Stalker

Shelby

Editor:

Former Judge Punch recently wrote a gracious letter simply asking people to fact check. He did state the conclusion of his careful analysis but did not insist, demand, or argue any facts. (I do that.)

His, Punch’s letter got a nicely written, but curious reply that dismissed his letter as being contrary to fact. It was  sad and off point as the writer repeatedly threw in bogus statements of fact as examples to show Judge Punch was misguided when he encouraged fact checking.

The last time around Donald Trump only had to throw stones at Clinton and Obama. This time he can blame his two years of failures with a Republican Congress, his former cabinet members, two of his attorneys, two of his National Security Advisors, two Chiefs of Staff, the FBI doing its job, jury verdicts, Russian disinformation about Ukraine etc., his FBI director, and any personality who does work for Fox (to name a few). He wants to claim he is a White Knight coming to the rescue.

The writer of that letter was simply overloaded by all these bogus claims and, if he fact checked, he only looked at a few facts. The ones he wanted to believe he simply repeated or else he would have had to admit his own moral compass was upset.

In other words I bet this Trump supporter – like most – has fallen so far down the rabbit hole from traditional moderate or conservative Republican into Trump’s ineffective and populist theatrics that he did not know how to face up to his mistaken reliance on the web of lies that has ensnared him.

Fact checking is time consuming. Here is a link to 8 reputable fact-checking websites. Be sure to really check facts and vote.

Our local businesses and governments needs massive support. Not spending money to test and trace has us headed to economic disaster as we fall behind our economic competitors. Making the same mistakes as President Hoover who limited spending, when spending was actually critical, thus letting the bottom drop out again will ruin all but the investor class who can move money offshore.

P.S. And thank you to both the Republican and Democratic election officials who made my voting here in Orleans easy and effortless. Our vote and peaceful transition has been and, if we are smart, should remain the standard for the free world!

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

I write to support Nadine Hanlon’s election as the next Orleans County Clerk. I have known Nadine since her childhood and believe that her combination of experience and personal attributes uniquely qualify her to help lead Orleans County as our Clerk.

All that know Nadine well appreciate her personal warmth, openness and determination. She is approachable and attentive to others, and a proven problem solver. Those qualities are essential ones to find in a public servant, especially one who so often interacts with the county residents.

A graduate of Leadership Orleans, Nadine has been recognized as a leader by the voters and her peers. She was elected several times as Kendall Town Clerk and as a member of the Kendall School Board. Her fellow school board members recognized her leadership qualities by electing and re-electing her as Board President. She demonstrated her personal resolve and skill as a leader while shepherding the district through important capital projects.

As Clerk to the County Legislature, Nadine has developed a broad understanding of county operations and budgeting, important knowledge for a County Clerk charged with leading a county department. Her personal relationships with other elected county leaders will also serve us well as she interacts with the legislature when facing issues important to operation of the clerk’s office.

While I have known Nadine for many years, I have also had the privilege of serving with her as a member of the Leadership Orleans steering committee, where she has shown exceptional ability to understand and creatively propose solutions to issues that have risen there.

Nadine’s recent victory in the primary demonstrates the broad support she has already earned from Orleans County voters. She has the right personal characteristics and broad set of experiences to help her become an outstanding County Clerk. Please join me in casting a vote for Nadine Hanlon.

Regards,

Charlie Nesbitt

Barre

(Nesbitt is a former member of the State Assembly.)