Editor:

The table below shows the results of an empirical assessment of public comments made to the DPS website in relation to the Lighthouse Wind Project as proposed for the Towns of Yates and Somerset by APEX Clean Energy. Since the first quarter of 2015, a total of 1,155 submitted comments have been assessed, tabulated and organized by support (in favor) and opposition (opposed) to the project.

All comments made to the DPS site regarding the Lighthouse Wind Project were included in the assessment and cover the time period from Q1-2015 through March 31, 2018.  All comments were read fully in order to ascertain position regarding the industrial wind turbine project.  The positions were tabulated as “in favor” of or “opposed” to the project.

The results are as follows:

The overall results for the time period January 2015 to January 31, 2018 are as follows:

Comments In Favor of Lighthouse Wind Project = 222

Comments Opposed to Lighthouse Wind Project = 933

Percent of comments In Favor of Lighthouse Wind Project = 19%

Percent of comments Opposed to Lighthouse Wind Project = 81%

Two additional assessments were performed as part of  this comments assessment.

1. Assessment of Multiple Submitters – Q1-2018: This assessment determines Opposition/In-favor percentages for those who multiple time to NYSDPS Matter Number:  14-F-0485 (Lighthouse Wind).  During Q1 – 2018, multiple submitters (both in-favor and opposed to Lighthouse Wind) submitted an average of 3 times.
2. Assessment of Location of Residence – Q1-2018: This assessment determines if submitters are Yates and Somerset resident taxpayers or out-of-town submitters. Resident taxpayers include part time or full time taxpaying residents in the towns of Yates/Somerset.  Results are as follows:

Results show that 61% of submitters in favor of the Lighthouse Wind Project are from outside of Yates and Somerset. In contrast, 85% of submitters opposed to the Lighthouse Wind Project are Yates and Somerset resident taxpayers. Clearly, those with the least involvement want the project imposed on Yates and Somerset.  This out-of-town effect was especially prevalent over the last two quarters. However, Yates and Somerset resident taxpayers, at risk of full exposure to this imposed project are continuing their exhortations to the State Siting Board for elimination of this toxic project, as they have done since January 2015.

The will of the people is clear. This project must not move forward. Article 10 must not be allowed to suppress Home-Rule and the will of the People.

The question now sits directly with Governor Cuomo.

Mr. Governor, when are you going to direct APEX Clean Energy to kill their Lighthouse Wind Project and get out of Yates and Somerset for good?

We’re listening and we will keep fighting.  This war does not end until APEX Clean Energy takes their Lighthouse Wind Project and vacates Yates and Somerset.

Thank You.

John B. Riggi

Councilman, Town of Yates

File photo: Father Mark Noonan, pastor of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Holley, leads prayers during ceremonies in observance of Memorial Day on May 30, 2016 at Holy Cross Cemetery in Clarendon.

Editor:

I first came to Orleans County as a seminarian for 10 weeks in 2006 to serve at St. Joseph’s and St. Mary’s Catholic Churches in Albion. I experienced many wonderful things that summer and left hoping maybe I would one day return to Orleans County as a priest. But, with only three priests living in the County, I knew that was a long shot. Yet, in 2010, Bishop Edward Kmiec assigned me as Pastor of St. Mary’s & St. Mark’s Parish in Holley and Kendall, where I have lived and served for nearly eight years. I arrived with a desire to try and make each person here feel like they were the most important person to the Catholic Church.

Recently, Bishop Richard Malone, the current Bishop of Buffalo, asked me to take a new assignment serving at the Catholic Center in Buffalo. I accepted this assignment and will complete my service as a pastor in Orleans County on Sunday, April 15th.

I want everyone in Orleans County to know how grateful I am for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful community. I feel so much a part of this place, which has massively affected my life. Since I left law school in 1999 to become a Catholic priest I have lived, studied, and served in multiple countries. Yet, no place is as special to me as Orleans County. I have been blessed to meet so many of you, to celebrate funerals and weddings for your loved ones, to accompany you on your spiritual journey, to pray for you and with you, and simply to be a part this community which will forever be a home to me.

I love Orleans County! I’ve marveled at the beauty of the farms and country roads, the canal and the lake, and the villages on sunny days and snow days. I’ve loved being part of a community where most everyone knows one another. It always brought me joy when people would come to my door if they needed material help. It has been an awesome experience to celebrate Memorial Day and Independence Day, and especially Christmas and Easter, in a small town. What a privilege and blessing it’s been to serve the people of this community!

I hope all the people of this County will continue to grow in goodness, friendship and faith. I hope that kindness, honesty, and decency will imbue all political, institutional, and business endeavors. I pray that violence on the streets and domestic violence in homes will end, drug use will cease, and the children of this County will grow up safe from all harm. I hope that the people of this County continue to build a community of goodwill and family welfare upon the foundations laid by the generations who went before us.

Thank you for your goodness to me these many years. Be assured of my prayers for each of you!

Fr. Mark Noonan

Pastor

St. Mary’s, Holley & St. Mark’s, Kendall

Editor:

A recent news story heralded the fact that New York was going to lead a multi-state effort to block a question about citizenship in the new census. As I read this story my first question was, how much is this costing the state, since any money spent by the state, in the end, is taxpayer money?

As I continued reading I came to the statement that read one of the primary reasons for a census is to ensure a “fair representation in Congress and the electoral college.” I certainly agree with that and since the constitution applies to citizens of this country (or at least it used to), I do not understand how this question could be so disagreeable to some.

When the state says they could lose a lot of money I realized that is the real concern. As citizens flock out of this tax-laden state and we continue to lose congressmen, the state evidently sees these non-citizens as a way out of the financial mess they’ve created. I do not see how this is possible, but I’m not as smart as those people in Albany that have gotten this state in this predicament.

I am not opposed to legal immigration. If you have ever witnessed a swearing-in ceremony, it is very moving. I am not opposed to migrants coming from other countries. They are necessary and, as long as they are legal, welcome. I just feel the state is grasping at straws and trying to point fingers elsewhere when they need to look in the mirror and in the end this is going to cost the taxpayers of New York.

Ken Longer

Kendall

Editor:

I have lived in the Town of Shelby for 47 years. I served my country in the United States Marine Corps then became a police officer in Washington, D.C. I am versed in the law and the U.S. Constitution.

I am retired now but still work as a real estate agent in Medina. Every 2 years I complete a continuing education course on business and ethics for my job. I believe all elected and appointed officials, and town employees, should be required to take business and ethics classes in order to maintain their positions in local government. The town of Shelby’s code of ethics for officers and employees was written in 1970 and has not been updated since, even though a local attorney recently advised it should be updated.

For those who may not be aware, the Town of Shelby passed another version of the law they call the Wildlife Protection Overlay on November 27, 2017. Our tax dollars have paid for four versions of Local Law 5 and it still violates our constitutional rights. The law is non-compliant with other local, state and federal mandates.

The town needs to be reminded that we live in a republic – not a monarchy. In a republic, my property is not the property of local officials. Representatives are chosen by the people to represent our interests – not deprive us of our rights and property.

Now, the town is raising assessments to pay for their legal fees concerning the overlay, without respect or regard for the taxpayers. I feel terrible for the people on my road and others that were not properly notified. They have no idea about what the overlay laws are concerning their property and that the law was used in an unlawful manner. No one tried to notify them.

The present Town Board members, past members, and the Planning Board should all be held accountable for their dealings in relation to Local Law 5.

Sincerely,

Bob Kwandrans Sr.

Medina

Editor:

In December an opening for the position on the Town Planning Board was advertised. I submitted my letter to the Planning Board and Shelby Town Board on January 4th. I did this when I learned at the meeting Planning Board members chose not to meet with one person, Mr. Pratt. And that the Town Board was recommending he be appointed to the Planning Board. Shouldn’t the Planning Board meet the candidate?

I thought they might be rushing the process because they didn’t have enough applicants, so I submitted a letter for the position myself. Although my submission was sent past the December 22nd deadline, I went out of my way to be respectful to each town councilman and Planning Board member and asked if it was possible for them to consider my submission.

My letter was faxed to the town hall on January 4th, copies were delivered there by hand for each member and also sent certified mail. The board appointed Mr. Pratt to the Planning Board on January 9th. To this day, there has been no acknowledgement of my letters by anyone.

The agricultural community has not been represented in local government in Shelby for most of the years the former supervisor ran the town. Town Law 271 includes a provision for the appointment of an agricultural member to the Planning Board. It is not mandatory but suggested for towns like ours with agricultural districts to “include on the Planning Board one of more members each of whom derives ten thousand dollars or more annual gross income from agricultural pursuits in said town.” That’s taken directly from Town Law 271. I respectfully brought this suggestion to the attention of the town and planning boards.

I attend meetings regularly. And, believe it or not, everything in my life is not about the quarry. And I understand if some people think I may have a conflict of interest due to the quarry, but could you give me the respect of asking me about it? All the board had to do was give everyone a few minutes of their time.

Edward M. Zelazny

Shelby

Editor:

I received a letter with no return address and no signature inside. The message inside was that I should: 1) vote NO to dissolving the village,  2) NO police and DPW, 3) NO board seat for me, 4) Tell everyone you know to vote this way in the future.

I don’t know where or who this individual or coward is, but I did lose the election if they are not aware. They should be addressing their concerns with the newly elected administration. They are responsible for the fiscal health of this community and its survival.

Use of intimidation tactics indicates, clearly, this person has concerns. With increasing taxes and dwindling contingency funds, it will be interesting to see how the difficult decisions will be made and who will ultimately pay the price.

Congratulations to the new administration and prayers for your and our success the next four years.

Joyce Riley

Albion

Editor:

RINO Republican Chris Collins once again goes against what the voters in his district sent him to office for and gleefully votes for 1.3 trillion dollar massive Omnibus budget bill – the largest spending bill in US history. Bigger than anything Obama ever proposed.

The bill is 2,232 pages that I doubt anyone even read. The bill continues to fund Planned Parenthood, fund sanctuary cities, weakens the Second Amendment and gives little if no funding for the wall. A budget that gives the Democrats 80% of what they wanted putting a huge smile on Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi’s face. Establishment Ryan and McConnell have again betrayed the base.

Mr. Collins has distanced himself from the conservative Freedom Caucus since his early days in office all the while claiming to be a conservative. He hides from his constituents. No wonder why some conservative committees in his district are refusing to endorse him or carry his petitions.

Conservative review has consistently given him an F for his liberal voting record on spending and big government programs, comparing his record to not much better than Maxine Waters. While Mr. Collins fooled some of his constituents and political committees, he funded all of Obama’s schemes including Obamacare with his cowardly votes to raise the debt ceiling.

Democrats in Washington are dancing in the streets as the GOP has surrendered their majority to them once again. Mr. Collins is a big part of the Swamp.

What’s sad is voters will once again have to choose the lesser of two evils in 2018, hold their nose, keep the vomit bag close and pull the lever for this guy because a Democrat in that seat would be very dangerous and more detrimental to the entire country than this swamp monster RINO.

Paul Lauricella

Lyndonville

Editor:

My final response to Mr. Sidari is a request that he read CGR’s options report. In brief, it states:

Single Law Enforcement Agency: The most substantial option for changing law enforcement in the county would be to move to a single law enforcement agency. If properly designed and implemented, a single law enforcement agency in Orleans County could provide a more effective and cost efficient service than is done with the five different agencies that are currently operating.

The option that is presented here presumes that there would be many key features continued from the current separate operations. While it would be possible to create a new county police department, for simplicity, this report presumes that the single law enforcement agency would the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

Some of the important features of the new operation would include:

• Similar levels of on duty officers, although the numbers may be adjusted to provide more staff on higher demand periods (late afternoon and evening) and less staff during low demand periods (early morning hours) as appropriate for public and officer safety;

• Officers that are regularly assigned to a community to help foster a connection with the community and bolster familiarity;

• Officers would generally start their shifts in dispersed zones;

• A police substation in or immediately adjacent to each village;

• Closest car would be used for all calls and officers would respond outside village limits on a regular basis;

• Officer deployment and patrol would be focused based on countywide analysis, not on current divided jurisdictions;

• Continuation of current services such as business/property checks and school resource officer program;

I would also direct him to the section that projects anticipated tax increases in keeping with the status quo.

The entire report is available at https://www.cgr.org/orleans-police/

Bob Harker

Clarendon

Editor:

I have been out of state for three days and would like to address a Letter to the Editor that was addressed to me while I was gone. The letter in question is from Mr. Bob Harker. Sir, I would like to break your letter down so I can give it the full response that it deserves:

First, you quoted my statement that “tax-savings at the expense of public safety is not a way to reduce spending.” You wondered where I got my facts. I, just like you, was at the roll out of the study regarding the sheriff’s department taking over policing within the village of Albion.

Apparently we interpreted the study much differently from each other.  The study clearly stated that “only one officer is necessary between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m., Monday through Friday.” We currently have three officers most nights (with a minimum of two).

Please correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t the study (and “projected” cost savings) based on one officer? I didn’t hear any other number of officers discussed (for the same cost anyway) between those hours. So that looks like a 50-67% reduction in services offered to our residents.

If any other officers are added, the cost rises and tax savings is reduced. There really isn’t much of a tax savings and our coverage more than likely is reduced. In fact, if you remember correctly, my last question to the moderator was, “So when it’s all said and done, there may not be much savings at all?”  His reply: “Probably not.”

Secondly, regarding your comment, “the same officers that people have come to know would patrol the same streets they do today,” I would have to respectfully disagree with that statement. Due to the two different retirement systems that cover both the deputies and any other police officer in the State of New York, you will not see a mass exodus from a police force to a sheriff’s department. They will transfer to other police departments. Talk to a police officer from anywhere about that and see what they tell you. Unless they are set on staying in this area, many police officers will move on to other police departments.

Thirdly, I feel you are quite presumptuous that anyone, union members included, has influenced my decision to worry about the safety of the residents of the Village of Albion. Since we have never met, you must be getting your false information from someone else. I wonder who that might be? Your recent letter (and your previous one) begs the question of your continued concern into this matter. You are very magnanimous to be willing to pay more in taxes so we can (allegedly) pay less. I wonder if other county taxpayers are as generous as you.

Finally, can you tell me HOW (other than increased taxes) you “firmly believe that better coverage for all county residents will be the result”? I will await your reply.

Respectfully,

Pete Sidari

Trustee for Village of Albion

Editor:

The Holley-Kendall Wrestling Team and Coaching Staff would like to thank the many people and organizations who helped organize and contributed to the growth and success of the Holley-Kendall Wrestling Program throughout the wrestling season.

Several events were conducted and without their help, assistance and support, these events would not have been successful. The following events took place where many volunteers were needed: Holley-Kendall Wrestling Tournaments, Youth Wrestling Club, Junior Wrestling Club, Gold Force Wrestling Club Tournament, Gold Force Wrestling Club Open Mats, and the Holley-Kendall Wrestling Banquet.

All your contributions, generosity, assistance and efforts did not go unnoticed. Your loyalty and dedication to the wrestling program is the main reason why programs and student athletes achieve success.

Thank you once again!

Sincerely,

John J. Grillo

Head Wrestling Coach

Editor:

I urge our State Representatives to not support the Internet Un-fairness and Conformity Act in the 2018-19 budget. The problem is not that the counties and local governments don’t collect enough taxes, sales, property or otherwise.

The problem is they are addicted to spending and growing government. We should declare local governments “a public nuisance” and file a class-action law suit against the big government counties and local governments to recoup some of the money they have wasted causing most people to have a stressful stagnant quality of life from over-taxation. This blatant desperation for money is no different than an addict smashing your car window to steal the change out of cup in your dash.

Un-elected CAO Nesbitt’s comment floored me: “If we do not modernize our sales tax system, counties will have no choice but to start raising property taxes to sustain our programs and services, and no one wants that,” said NYSAC Vice President (how did he get this position?) Chuck Nesbitt, the Orleans County Chief Administrative Officer. Mr. Nesbitt, “start raising taxes?” You have been the Un-Elected CAO for 10-12 years? You have raised taxes every year but one. Start?

I fault this crop of tax-and-spend legislators for not pulling hard on the spending reins. Yes, cut services, cut workforce and cut your desire to expand and grow government. It’s OK to do that. We do not need all the government we have and you don’t need to sustain it at the level you do.

The taxpayers can no longer afford an Un-elected CAO that uses every excuse to raise taxes. There needs to be a referendum for the voters to make the CAO position an elected one. Legislators do your job, yeah right.

The Conservative and Republican committees are reorganizing this year. You want change? Get a petition and run for the committee in your town. They are the ones who have given us this bunch of tax-you-to-death politicians. Change the committees and you can change the candidates. Keep your hands off the Internet. I can’t believe any Republican would support this.

Paul Lauricella

Lyndonville

Editor:

I write in response to Mr. Sidari’s letter regarding the option of consolidating law enforcement in our county.

Mr. Sidari states that “tax-savings at the expense of public safety is not a way to reduce spending.” I question where Mr. Sidari gets his facts. The three possible scenarios presented to the public involved absolutely no reduction in law enforcement coverage.

The plan that I believe makes the most sense would establish three zones with stations established in Medina, Albion, and Holley. With the same staffing levels (if not increased) as village residents enjoy today. In many cases the same officers that people have come to know would patrol the same streets they do today.

I question what influence the local police unions have had on Mr. Sidari’s comments. Granted, village police officers may experience a slight reduction in take-home pay if this smart plan comes to fruition.

As a resident of the town of Clarendon, I will likely see a slight increase in taxes as we do not have a local police force. I will gladly pay that as I firmly believe that better coverage for all county residents will be the result.

Respectfully,

Bob Harker

Clarendon

Editor:

When I read the letter entitled “Shelby town government needs fair process for filling vacancies” I could not help but think, here, again, is an example of what is wrong with our political situation in Orleans County.

It seems every state audit of the towns in our county is revealing something that is critical. The problem, I believe, can be traced back to term limits. If anyone, or any “good old boys club” is in power too long, this is the result.

The incumbent party has their anointed ones that they want to run and God forbid anyone should try to challenge their plans. If you do not believe this is true, talk to anyone who has had the audacity, in recent years, to force a primary.

I believe this recent event in Shelby is a new low. To not even have the class to respond to someone that wants to serve is extremely disappointing. To me, it simply shows the disdain these committee members hold those (us) who are not part of that good old boys club.

The one good thing this letter brings to light is the place to make changes and that is at the committee level. The Republican and Conservative party committees are reorganizing this year and that is where real changes can happen.

The Conservative Party committee will not endorse anyone who has more than 12 years in office. This is the only way term limits are going to ever become a reality and term limits are the only way real changes are going to take place in the politics of this county. If interested in joining a committee, call Al Lofthouse (Conservative Party chairman) at 659-8382

Ken Longer

Kendall

Member of Conservative Party committee

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Editor:

This is a response to Peter Sidari’s recent letter to the editor. We disagree with how he has framed the policing issue that has become a part of this village election.

We have not advocated some kind of wholesale reduction in law enforcement inside the village. And the recent study that was performed did not present that as an option either. The question on the table is whether our community should look into shifting headcount out of local police departments and into the Sheriff’s Department. Would a single department be more efficient, spread costs more fairly, and be better enabled to deploy resources wherever there is a need? Given the decline that we are seeing in the village, should we not even explore the option?

An example was made of responding to a school emergency – implying that perhaps 3-4 officers could respond today, but perhaps only 0-1 officers could respond if we make a change. Why not ask the question do you want a local department of 10-12 officers leading a response or an improved, centralized department of 50-60 officers doing so? And who should be paying to protect schools, stores, churches, and parks – locations that have many people from outside the village? Is it right to focus the burden on village residents, who tend to be significantly less wealthy than non-village residents?

If a local police department is always the right answer then why doesn’t Barre have its own police department? Or Carlton? Are students in Medina, Albion, and Holley protected, while students in Lyndonville and Kendall are being left to the wolves?

Every year our village has seen our share of the tax base get smaller. People are making their own choice – which is often to move to a home outside of the village. We need to be making smarter decisions so that it makes just as much economic sense to build a new home in the village as it does to build one outside.

If you believe that village residents should have a say in the decisions that directly affect not only our security but the future of the village, then on March 20th please vote for Riley, Dragon and Walter.

Thank you.

Jason Dragon

Sandra Walter

Albion

Editor:

To the Village of Albion residents, I have watched these three candidates – Joyce Riley, Jason Dragon and Sandra Walter – run a clean campaign. They have visited every business and resident of this village and they want to represent each and every one of you, the taxpayer.

Now it is up to you, the voter, to cast your vote on Tuesday for these three people who understand your needs and what needs to be done for the betterment of this community.

Do your civic duty and vote for Riley, Dragon and Walter. They will serve you best.

Jeanne Crane

Carlton

(Crane is chairwoman of the Orleans County Democratic Party)

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