Editor:

Typically I do not respond to previous letters to the editor or engage in public debate utilizing this section of The Hub. However, I find it necessary to address a recent letter in which the author took issue with the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) urging the state to raise sales tax one cent and to legalize recreational marijuana.

The author also made some suggestions regarding county employment levels and services that I will address in this letter.

It is reasonable to presume no consumer wants to pay more at the register for goods or services. However the county is in an unprecedented time, facing the most precarious budget situation in many years, and some would argue, ever.

As a result, county leadership is doing its best to manage this situation with limited resources and very little answers from the state. Orleans County has lost a tremendous amount of revenue from a decrease in sales tax revenue (its second largest revenue source) over the past several months.

This loss has to be accounted for some how to balance the budget. Of the eight cents per dollar of sales tax, Orleans County receives four cents. Each penny results in approximately $4.25 million annually. This means if the state increased the sales tax by one penny and the county received 100 percent of that increase, it would result in an additional $4.25 million. Even if the state split it 50/50, that would be approximately $2.13 million sent to the county. This would be a significant amount to offset the losses already incurred.

The author suggested eliminating “non-mandated” programs. The issue is, the largest burdens for the county have been and continue to be New York State mandates that the state refuses to fund. In other words, the state requires these programs but does not pay for them.

Nine state mandated programs account for nearly 90 percent of county taxes across the state. In 2019, the Orleans County budget included approximately $16,284,996 to cover those nine programs. This figure accounted for approximately 93% of Orleans County property taxes. This point is to illustrate the issue is not “non-mandated” programs within the county.

As it stands right now, the county is set to see at least a 20 percent reduction in the few state reimbursements they do receive. To make up that difference, plus the decrease in sales tax revenue over the past several months, the county would have to raise property taxes approximately 13 percent to maintain the level of services provided. That increase in property taxes would have a far more detrimental impact on taxpayers in the county than the proposed sales tax increase would.

It is simple to suggest cutting positions and transitioning to a part time county labor force, but the reality is the economic implications would be far greater. The economy functions on consumers willing and able to buy goods and services. Some cuts in county employment might be inevitable, but broad cuts would result in a large number of people out of work, unable to contribute to the economy, no matter how much they might want to. At a time when the economy is so fragile, it cannot afford more people in a vulnerable economic position. This is basic economics.

I won’t argue the social or moral implications of the legalization of marijuana, because I understand and agree with these arguments and potential ramifications. What I will say is many states have seen a positive economic boost from choosing to legalize it. Again, during this fragile economy, the economic impact is what leaders need to look at and take into consideration.

It is understandable for people to disagree and take issue with the two suggestions made by NYSAC and county leaders without looking at the numbers and fully diving into the economic implications. It is undeniable that the state has been fiscally mismanaged for years. However, the bottom line is these two proposals could very seriously mitigate the economic and budgetary implications of Covid. In my opinion, local leaders have done a great job managing this unprecedented time. Both fiscally and socially.

I urge residents to avoid a knee-jerk reaction to a one cent increase in sales tax per dollar spent and instead understand the alternative options to address the revenue shortfall and the far worse economic implications of them.

Respectfully,

James C. White

Village of Medina

Editor:

The NYS Association of Counties is nothing more than a bunch of left wing progressives. I say no. No! to increasing the sales tax another penny.

Like the last penny increase the vultures that claim to be Republican that run our county government never let go of it when it was “only supposed to be for three years.” It keeps getting renewed and renewed. Well over a decade or more now.

There will never be a sunset if you allow government the go ahead and steal that penny from you. They are proven liars. Only 3 years they say. Are we that stupid?

The federal government should not be bailing out states like NY that have been run incompetently at all levels. I hope there are no bailouts. No rewards for incompetence.

Now is the perfect time to cut department budgets and get rid of non-mandated services as people are used to less services due to Cuomo’s shutdown of everything. Hire part time. Cut stipends and get really tough on negotiations with the labor unions.

Where does it say that government must always maintain ever expanding services forever? The party is over, make the cuts. The taxpayers cannot afford it anymore. How desperate are you all?

Legalize weed so we can have more stupid and compliant stoned drug addicts. It could also could lead to the harder drugs and more burden on the taxpayers. I could go for decriminalizing it without the government involved but if the state and local governments are going to become the Pusher or the Cartel for profit to balance their out-of-control spending, forget about it.

Taxpayers and businesses are hurting and all you bureaucrats can think about is how much more meat you can pick off the bare bleached bones of the carcass. I could say for shame but I know you lost that right after you took your oath of office in your first term. Term limits please.

Paul Lauricella

Yates

Editor:

President Trump’s contempt for the U.S. military and the men and women who serve is on display once again. An article in The Atlantic this month, (which has been confirmed by Washington Post, NYT and several other news outlets including Fox News), reports that Mr. Trump calls people who defend this nation as “losers and suckers.”

While this is not new, it spotlights how unfit Mr. Trump is to be Commander-in-Chief. Mr. Trump displayed this contempt in January of 2016 when he held a fundraiser for veterans but then used the money for his campaign and a court had to fine Mr. Trump $2 million in restitution.

When Mr. Trump ordered a raid in Yemen early in his administration that resulted in the death of an American, Mr. Trump blamed “his generals” even though it was done on his orders. When Russia put a bounty on U.S. forces Mr. Trump doesn’t even mention this in phone calls with Mr. Putin let alone take any actions to protect Americans that he has ordered in harm’s way.

Recently, in eastern part of Syria a Russian convoy collided with U.S. troops injuring several but again, nothing from this President. This is after Mr. Trump withdrew troops from Syria and abandoned our allies, the Kurds, to appease the Russians.

As a combat Vietnam veteran I am appalled at Mr. Trump’s disrespect for the military and the men and women who serve and defend this nation. I am also appalled at people like Congressman Chris Jacobs who defend this contempt and will not defend the men and women they put in harm’s way.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

In his recent letter Bob Harker threw in a barb implying I supported socialism. I simply ask readers to read, or re read, my recent letter about “character.” It is not what I was writing about or saying and is nonsense to say I support socialism.

Unfortunately, there are many arguments in it also found on Kremlin-supported ONN. I think the most outrageous are the ways he tries to establish that violence is a Democrat phenomenon.

There are fact checkers from official reports to shred the basic argument.  But these claims also a hide a terrible – and dangerous – truth.

If we look at recent US history and at those who Trump calls “nice people,” we find the major source of continued domestic terrorism!

Oklahoma City. Columbine. Chardon School. Isla Vista.  Charlestown Church. Las Vegas Massacre. Sandy Hook. Aurora Theater. Casas Adobes, Arizona. Austin bomber. Parkland School. Santa Fe School. Jacksonville gamer. MAGA bomber.

All white. All supremacists. No Democrats. (Is this “the pot calling the kettle black”?)  Whatever, it’s a real fact the problem solvers among us can not ignore.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

This man some call the President has gone too far calling soldiers, who fought and died for our country, “losers.”

This is the guy who made fun of disabled veterans, attacked John McCain and referred to generals as stupid. This is the same man who got deferments for bone spurs, which his doctor said “were temporary” and they could be treated.

This man said that his Vietnam was sleeping around and avoiding VD on the Howard Stern show. He has no respect for the military and in his tiny little mind they are his pawns.

He wouldn’t make it a day in the military because he couldn’t file bankruptcy and run away. It’s time to get our respect back from our allies and tell Russia to stay out of our business, time to respect our military and our heroes and thank them for their service, and time to vote this man out of office.

All gave some, some gave All, Trump GAVE NOTHING!!!

Harvey Campbell

Vietnam-era Veteran

Lyndonville

Editor:

I was not going to respond to Mr. Fine’s recent letter rebuking my previous letter but believe several of his “points” need clarification.

First and foremost, Mr. Fine again indemnifies Governor Andrew Cuomo for New York’s ills and instead places blame on President Trump. Why is it, Mr. Fine, that New York ranks 33rd of the 50 states in job growth in 2020 according to Kiplinger? Did President Trump cause this? Is Cuomo again not held accountable for “his” state’s failings? If so, then surely Trump gets credit for the 32 states doing better than us.

Is it also President Trump’s fault that New York suffered the greatest population loss in the nation from 2018 – 2019? Or was it “the weather” as Mr. Cuomo tried to tell us. Perhaps the fact that New Yorkers carry the highest tax burden in the nation played a part. And this of course does not even include the multitude of hidden taxes referred to as “fees” and “surcharges.”

I thank you, Mr. Fine for informing me that “it has always been illegal to loot, rob or destroy property and despite the Covid-19 inconvenience those activities are still illegal.” My question to you sir is how do you explain the dramatic and sudden increase in extreme violence and criminal behavior that is happening every night in the democratic led cities with so few arrests?

Men, women, and even children are being slaughtered. Could it be that the “representatives” that you point out are elected time in and time out have pulled enforcement capabilities out from under the various law enforcement agencies? Is cutting law enforcement budgets by as much as 1/3 a factor?

I would submit to you that stating it is “reasonable to assume that Democrats are providing services and delivering safe neighborhoods better than Republicans” is a self-serving statement that is proven wrong daily – by those pesky FACTS again. Is not Orleans County Republican run? Were not the protests held in Medina and Albion indeed peaceful? (And more likely to start a conversation?)

When was the last time a toddler was struck and killed by a stray bullet here?

You continue with “The Trump administration has blatantly violated the Hatch Act and subjected the American government to bribery for the benefit of Mr. Trump.”

I ask for facts to back this oft thrown about statement. There is, in fact, a stipulation in the Act that specifically exempts the President and Vice President. The left has been calling President Trump a criminal since before he took office. Four years later, despite Pelosi and her party still throwing everything they can think of toward Trump to see what sticks nothing has – or will. Donald J. Trump is still our President.

I think it was Mr. Cropsey that mentioned a “fear of socialism.” Yes, socialism scares the hell out of me.

In closing, I am certain that the Orleans Hub does not provide this open forum in which opinions can be shared and debated to devolve into a constant back and forth between a few individuals. I will therefore not respond to your anticipated rebuttal. Throw at me what you will to see what sticks.

I stand by my conservative views. I would much rather support capitalism and all its shortcomings, the rule of law, and a belief in One Nation Under God than allow a system that has proven to destroy nations throughout history to destroy this one. I have children and grandchildren. And a conscience.

Bob Harker

Clarendon

Editor:

People Count: The Census: Future funding and representation in government relies on accurate counts of how many people are living here in Orleans County, citizens and non-citizens alike.

The count is wrapping up at the end of September. Make sure someone in your household has mailed back the paper form or gone to 2020Census.gov or called to complete the survey and included everyone living and sleeping mostly in your household as of April 1, 2020. For English, call 844-330-2020.  Para español, llame:  844-468-2020. Phone numbers for other languages are listed on the website.

Voices Count: Voting: Future governance relies on each of us finding out more about candidates and making informed decisions.

Modern technology makes primary sources available. For example, look at whether Congressperson Chris Jacobs, filling out the last 6 months of Chris Collin’s term, is representing you or only voting at the pleasure of the president: https://clerk.house.gov/Votes.

Citizens: Register to vote by October 9. Vote early, starting October 24.

From many, one caring community.

Beth Wood

Barre

Editor:

This fall there are many avenues of voting that will be available to all registered voters and, because I believe so strongly in the power of our electoral process, I want to make sure you are aware of the options available to you and have time to decide how you will cast your vote.

This November’s election is one of the most important elections in recent history, and your participation is vital.

• Early Voting Sites: Starting on October 24, this is a process that allows registered voters to go to a designated early voting poll site in their home county to cast their vote in-person up to 10 days before the General Election, which is held on Nov. 3.

Please be sure to check with your local board of elections (contact information is found below) to make sure you know the correct location of early polling sites on where to vote if you plan to participate in early voting.

• Regular Poll Site:  On Tuesday, November 3 (General Election Day) from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., you can vote in person at your regular poll site. To find your regular polling place, you can contact your local county BOE, or go through this link on the State BOE website (it will also allow you to be redirected to your local county site to find your early voting site).

To ensure your safety, as well as the safety of others, please be sure to wear a mask and follow social distancing. It would be a good idea to try to show up at less busy times to avoid crowds as well.

• Absentee Voting by Mail: Alternatively, you can vote this November by mail. Traditionally, this process has been reserved for those who have been out-of-town on Election Day or are sick or homebound; however, because of COVID-19, I voted in favor of a new law that allows anyone to obtain an absentee ballot during the pandemic.

This process has been made even easier with the creation of an online portal application process on the state BOE website, which you can access here. You can also learn more about the process on their website or by contacting your local county BOE (county information below) where you can also obtain applications for absentee ballots. If you plan to vote by mail, I encourage you to complete and send in your absentee ballot application immediately to allow enough time for the BOE to process your request.

Another way you can participate in our election this November is to sign up to work as a poll worker. This is a paid position, and an extremely important position in our civic process. As a poll worker, you will be responsible for helping to ensure the integrity of our election.

Not only will you be paid for the hours worked during the election, but also for your training, and you will be placed in your home county. Poll workers are in high need, so please consider applying with your local BOE to fill this crucial role. Click here to learn more.

No matter which method you choose to cast your ballot, the important thing is that you do vote by whichever way you feel is safest and most comfortable. If you have any questions about voting options, polling sites or absentee voting or would like to become a poll worker, you can contact your county BOE as follows:

Erie County BOE

(716) 858-8891

Niagara County BOE

(716) 438-4040

Orleans County BOE

(585) 589-3274

Assemblyman Michael Norris

Lockport

(Norris represents the 144th Assembly District, which includes Shelby in Orleans County, and parts of Niagara and Erie counties.)

Editor:

A brilliant conservative caught my attention Sunday. He pointed out there are anarchists on the far right and far left who simply want to burn everything down.

They are behind personal injury and physical destruction. They use hate and derision as excuses to blame whatever they can use to stir things up for others.

My initial reaction was “to heck with them” – actually worse. But that accomplishes nothing! It feeds them.

The answer is arrest them when you can, cut off their supplies, and solve real problems! By simply talking and solving problems you make them furious – ignored, marginalized, and with their matches gone and lighter fluid confiscated, they will be beat back into obscurity.

Some people realize this innately. Others have a harder time learning. But in the end the ones still talking big or worse out on the streets burning, looting, and killing and stirring up no good with their lies will never learn.

Good people need to join hands and do what is right. It always wins in the end. But it starts by

recognizing the haters, the liars, the pyromaniacs who are warped and can never learn.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

I am duly shocked by Chris Jacobs’ “no” vote on additional funding for the United States Post Office.

He claims his vote was a mistake. Well, it was or it wasn’t. But either way, he is clearly showing his incompetence in his role as our Congressman for NY27. The Post Office is a vitally important service at all times, but more so in an election amid the Covid-19 pandemic. There are many voters who will be dependent on absentee ballots.

If a mistake, how can he be as irresponsible as to error when voting on this imperative issue? My understanding is a vote is made by pressing the Yes or No button. The result is shown on an overhead screen and the Congress person is afforded an immediate opportunity to change the vote if it is wrong.

If not a mistake, then it is a vile affront to his constituents by supporting a Trump position and then saying “oops, I didn’t mean it.” We have a right to know his platform without lies or hypocrisy.

We need real representation in Congress and Nate McMurray will provide it. He will work hard for the people of this district emphasizing visibility and communication. He is a moderate Democrat. I note that most of the anti-Nate ads and statements are simply wrong.

This election is vitally important. Do your research to get the facts and above all, vote. Our democracy depends on it.

Carri Ludwig

Clarence (formerly Waterport)