Editor:

I find it necessary to comment on a few serious election topics: (1) facts on how candidates are selected by the Gaines Republican Committee; (2) relevance of residency; (3) Board Meeting attendance and (4) dollars & sense.

First, the Republican Committee advertises for the position, requesting the candidate to submit a letter of interest. After that, the candidate is interviewed by the committee, reviewing their qualifications, goals, objectives and visions for our town. After each candidate is given due consideration, a selection is made by committee consensus. This is the process. This is not new.

If a candidate chooses not to follow the process; so be it. But, don’t complain and degrade a process of which you did not partake. Consequently, not following the process made it necessary for a Primary, which literally spent taxpayers’ dollars.

A candidate’s former residency is another item that seems to irritate the challenger. Does a candidate’s former residency relate to his/her knowledge, experience or qualifications to the job at hand? No. Our current town supervisor comes from Rochester. Did that cause her not to run for the Town Supervisor’s office? No, and that still holds true. A candidate’s former residency has no bearing on his/her qualifications. Each candidate should stand on their own qualifications, merit, ethics and moral standard – regardless of former residency.

Additionally, the issue of attending Town Board meetings has been ridiculed and made into a political platform. Perhaps the idea of attending board meetings is recognized as a waste of personal time. Why? Agendas (and board meeting dates) are not advertised in a convenient format or timely fashion. Board minutes are provided (on web page). The only visible information is on particular resolutions that were made. No “items up for discussion” are included in the minutes; no “questions” that need further research/discussion and never is there a disagreement when the resolution comes to a vote. Really?  Never?

I find it difficult to believe in a system (or a board) that hides under executive session, never has a disagreement, and every member thinks the same… always and forever – the same. This is a great example of the tail wagging the dog.  I know that under new leadership, this will change – for the better!

Monetarily, we have watched current supervisor/board disperse close to $100,000 in lawsuits over windmills and a lane way. These litigations were not won, and current leaders are filing more lawsuits. Do you know why? I don’t – I can’t find this information in any of the Board Minutes – that’s for sure!

Current leadership lauds their own efforts in lowering taxes – but, what about the increase in our assessments? There’s a difference – let’s have an open discussion about it. The dollars belong to the taxpayer. The transparency to discuss best practice; where/how to use our dollars – is the job of the supervisor/board. That’s the “sense” that is missing… It’s time to change that, too.

Together, we can make the Town of Gaines great! Let’s elect the people that are ethical, sincere, will have open communication, and have proven, successful records. Your suggestions will create meaningful dialogue. Your questions will be answered. Rest assured. you will know where, why and how your tax dollars are being spent.

I encourage you to exercise your right to vote. I sincerely hope you will vote for Joe Grube, Susan Heard, Jim Kirby and Tyler Allport; a team that is ready and willing to work for you!

Sincerely,

Lorienda J. Smith

Gaines resident & member of Gaines Republican Committee

Editor:

August 26, 2017 began as a good day at Heritage Estates in the town of Gaines. Gaines Town Supervisor Carol Culhane along with Councilwoman Susan Smith are candidates for their present positions with Debra Mitchell, presently Gaines Deputy Town Clerk, is running for the position of Gaines Town Clerk.

The trio was entertaining a “Meet and Greet” Forum at the office of Mr. and Mrs. Richard DeCarlo. The DeCarlos are owners of Heritage Estates and graciously offered their facility so the mature adult residents of Heritage Estates would not have to travel a distance to interact with their town representatives.

The event was proceeding well when Mr. Joseph Grube and the rest of the Gaines GOP Nominating Committee arrived on the scene. The residents of Heritage Estates hadn’t experienced this kind of behavior in their quiet community in the past. It was an “in your face” yelling, arguing and upsetting demonstration.

Grube is a candidate for the position of Supervisor for the Town of Gaines with a nonsensical platform of transparency that comes with a price tag of $28,000, compared to the salary of Carol Culhane that is less than $8,000, which includes the positions of Supervisor, Budget Officer and Web Site Manager.

Mr. Grube and his entourage of empty barrels did include Susan Heard, currently the Orleans County Treasurer who is also a candidate for the position of Gaines Town Clerk on the Democrat line. I suppose her primary goal is to raise the image of Gaines along with a little “Double Dipping.”

Does she think the years as Treasurer rubbing elbows with the county bureaucrats has given her the experience to serve the common people without the arrogance showing through? It was at the September 28, 2015 Orleans County Legislature meeting that said it all. When the Treasurer’s Report, which amounts to tossing a sheet of paper in front of each legislator, was complete, she took her seat put her head in her hands and in a low voice remarked, “Don’t ask me any questions, please.” They in fact didn’t.

The people in Heritage Estates want nothing to do with Grube’s Group. In essence Grube, Heard and their followers have taken the top off a ground hornet’s nest. Hornets aren’t happy when their habitat is disturbed and they let you know it. I would hope that “Heritage Estates Residents” tell their friends and that it relates to a “sting” at the ballot box.

Please vote for Carol Culhane for Supervisor. She has proven she works for the people of Gaines and doesn’t coddle the few that want to be coddled.

Please vote for Susan Smith for Councilwoman. She has demonstrated her commitment to Gaines and its people in many ways.

Please vote for Debra Mitchell Town Clerk. She is a people person, and will answer your questions or find out the answer if she doesn`t know it.

I am a representative of the registered Conservative voters in the Town of Gaines.

Allen Lofthouse

Chairman of Orleans County Conservative Party

Editor:

I believe Tara Albone-White possesses the people and managerial skills to execute the duties of Ridgeway Town Clerk in an efficient and personal way.

Too often we follow the political party machine in its monolithic and inefficient efforts to control our vote and feed its hunger for power.

Tara Albone-White is an independent candidate who will bring new ideas, new energy, and new enthusiasm to the Ridgeway Town Clerk office.

As a local school board member, I personally experience the dated and wasteful operation of our municipal governments being controlled by the political party machine.

On November 7, I encourage you to help break the chains of the wasteful and stagnant political party machine and vote Tara Albone-White for Ridgeway Town Clerk.

She has the energy, enthusiasm, commitment, and a new, positive attitude to make a difference as Ridgeway Town Clerk.

David Sevenski

Ridgeway

Editor:

The Town of Gaines has a major division in the town due to the actions and personal agenda of Carol Culhane and Sue Smith. Example: On Jan. 2, 2012, Carol Culhane, just elected, had the new Town Attorney prepare a resolution to abolish the Planning Board, but he hadn’t been appointed Town Attorney yet.

Per New York Department of State, this should have been done by Local Law and a Public Hearing, so the residents of the Town of Gaines could voice their opinion on abolishing the Planning Board. Instead, three members of the Town Board made that decision for them.

Also, the Resolution the Town Board adopted, abolishing the Planning Board, needed to be sent to the County Planning Board for review, this per New York State Guide Lines as it was a change in the Town of Gaines Zoning Laws. It was never sent to the County Planning Board!

Carol Culhane and Sue Smith have repeated these same types of infractions over the past 6 years. Also, Carol Culhane will never answer questions by residents at Town Board meetings, “if” she allows privilege from the floor.

The Town of Gaines needs a Town Board where the residents voices can be heard and would encourage the Town of Gaines voters to vote for the Republican-endorsed candidates, Joe Grube-Supervisor, Tyler Allport-Councilperson, James Kirby-Councilperson and Sue Heard-Town Clerk.

Theobert Ahlberg

Town of Gaines resident

(Mr. Ahlberg is a past chairman of the Gaines Planning Board)

Editor:

Of particular importance to every resident of Orleans County is the race for County Court Judge. Sanford “Sandy” Church, a lifelong resident of Albion and a fifth-generation attorney, is the Republican endorsed candidate seeking the ten year term, while Tonia Ettinger, an attorney from Ontario County, will appear on the ballot on the Democratic and Conservative lines.

Retired County Court Judge Jim Punch set the judicial bar high during his 27 years of service on the bench. As the longest serving judge in the history of this County, he presided over thousands of cases during his tenure, displaying a broad knowledge of substantive and procedural law while rendering timely, well reasoned and often gut wrenching decisions.

Like some of his contemporaries in other rural counties across New York, Jim presided over four courts – County, Family, Supreme and Surrogates – and juggled those responsibilities efficiently and effectively. To say that he will be a hard act to follow would be a gross understatement.

In a recent letter to the editor, the writer suggests that Ms. Ettinger “will bring a much-needed change from the establishment of almost three decades.” That is exactly what this County doesn’t need, and the primary reason why the Orleans County Bar Association as a whole, and sixteen of my colleagues, with over 400 years of collective experience as practicing attorneys, have joined me in endorsing Sandy Church for Orleans County Judge. Simply put, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

There is no question that Sandy is the right person for the job. Like Judge Punch, he is a life-long resident of Orleans County. Born and raised in Albion, Sandy attended Wake Forest University, where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, and Duke Law School, a top ten institution where he was a member of Law Review.

With these impressive academic credentials, Sandy could have written his own ticket with a big city law firm, but it was always his intention to return to his roots. True to his word, Sandy came back to Albion, where he continues to run the Church & Church law office and is a pillar of the community. To my knowledge, Ms. Ettinger has never had an office in Orleans County and rarely appears in court here. If her local connection is so strong, why does she live two counties away, why isn’t she a member of the Orleans County Bar Association, and why did she run for judge in Monroe County last fall?

Because the majority of the cases that our County Judge presides over are criminal and Family Court matters, experience in those areas of the law is essential. The courtroom is no place for on the job training. As a former Orleans County Assistant District Attorney, Orleans County Public Defender for the past 20 years and a Family Court practitioner for 30 years, including 17 years of service as guardian for the child, Sandy has been a fixture in the Courthouse, handling thousands of cases ranging from routine to complex.

If one were to poll the attorneys who have thrown their support behind Sandy, I daresay that every one of them would respond that there is no better qualified candidate for Orleans County Judge. With all due respect to Ms. Ettinger, there is simply no way that she has acquired the broad base of knowledge and experience in her 13 years of practice that Sandy has accumulated in his 32 years of service. It is no coincidence that most attorneys who ascend to judicial positions in courts of record are well seasoned, with years of experience in myriad areas of the law under their belts.

The residents of Orleans County, the individuals appearing in court as defendants, victims, litigants, witnesses and jurors, and the attorneys who make their living practicing law in Orleans County, deserve to have a County Judge with the knowledge, experience and temperament that the position demands.

While there will be two names on the ballot next week,  there is only one viable choice for County Court Judge – Sandy Church. He has earned, and is deserving of, your vote.

Jeffrey R. Martin

Holley

Editor:

As November 7th, Election Day, draws near, I wanted to share a few items with your readers as they make their final decisions on who to support when they exercise their right to vote.

I’ve introduced myself in person, through ads, and in letters to the people of Gaines. I’ve had the chance to talk to, and more importantly listen to, their concerns and how they see how town moving into the future. Listening to people, combined with not being heard by some town officials myself, is what ultimately convinced me to get actively involved in the race for Supervisor. I have openly laughed at some of the vicious personal attacks thrown my way by people who have never met me, or have seen me but never bothered to utter a single word to me. These actions demonstrate the points I’ve made during my campaign.

The truth is that an overwhelming majority of Gaines Republicans agreed with me and my message during the primary in September, and selected me as their candidate. The Gaines Democrats reviewed my credentials and listened to my message. Their town caucus unanimously chose me as their candidate for Supervisor. The leaders of the Independence Party made that choice as well. These endorsements were earned by having a strong background, a clear message, open ears and mind, and hard work. The same level of hard work and determination it took to win the primary and the endorsement of other parties will be used as Gaines Town Supervisor.

My goal is to make Gaines a better place by making our town government extremely open and treating others with respect. Our meetings will be more informative. Detailed information, not just meeting minutes, will be easy to get. We’ll do a better job communicating and use many ways to get that job done. We’ll be fiscally prudent and work toward being as efficient as possible by being more open to sharing services, equipment, and personnel. We’ll be collaborative at all levels of government to help us get great things done.

I have no allegiances to anyone but the residents of Gaines. I won’t stand for anything but honest, open government and civil, respectful debate on topics of importance. Sometimes, running a small town like ours can be challenging as difficulties are presented to us, but we must remember we are all neighbors, and that our town officials work for us, not for themselves or a small group of supporters.

With that, I’d like to ask all your Gaines readers to give me their support when they go to the polls on November 7th. We can make Gaines better, and we will!

Sincerely,

Joseph Grube

Candidate – Town of Gaines Supervisor

Editor:

I am writing today to discuss shared services among the county, towns and villages. I have been Supervisor of Gaines for 6 years and involved in government for more than 10 years.

One of the first things I learned even before I took office was what a great group of folks we have in this county, watching and hearing about their working together. When I was elected the first time in 2012, I sought out advice and mentoring from other Supervisors throughout the county. There were many lunches, pots of coffee, phone calls and meetings.

I am forever grateful at the willingness of each and every person I sought to help, teach and advise me as I learned just what it meant to be a town Supervisor. We started meeting every few months and really gained a great rapport of respect and trust.  Don’t think for a moment we didn’t have different opinions but we could respectfully agree or disagree without any hard feelings. We had and have the best interest of our communities at heart. I don’t doubt for a moment if any county, town or village had an emergency every community would be there to assist in any way they could.

The question of shared services has come into play as something our town doesn’t practice and a movement towards that policy should be implemented. Below is a list of the services the Town of Gaines currently shares:

• Highway personnel and equipment – paving, water line breaks, repairs etc.

• Codes enforcement officer – annual contract with the Town of Albion

• Tax Assessor– contract with County Real Property who also serves Town of Albion

• Justice –on call for arraignments

• County – Snow Plowing

As you review this list, you can see we share a very significant amount of services with other communities. The purpose is obvious, to save money and streamline government services to make it more cost effective for all.

The Town of Gaines, along with every government entity share services with the county, town and villages. I believe the constant efforts of all involved to carry on the continued cooperation in our county should be applauded and used as an example of working together for the greater good.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Culhane

Gaines Town Supervisor

Photo by Tom Rivers: Two cyclists from Pennsylvania are stopped today in Albion on the towpath, just west of Main Street, while a crew from Utica takes down trees.

Editor:

Tearing down trees along the towpath of the Erie Canal is an absolute disgrace and should have been the last option, not the first option because it’s the cheapest!

We live right on the canal and the beauty of the trees across from our house is now gone. Devastated! Local and NYS government should be ashamed of themselves acting on a threat of water way break from 1912-1921 in Bushnell’s Basin.

We have come a long way in technological advancement since then, and one would think they would go with another course of action.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Thurston

Albion

Editor:

I am submitting this letter for my support and endorsement of Sanford Church for County Judge. The short answer is very simple to this writer and that is Sandy’s years of experience.

A candidate for Orleans County Court runs the following Courts: (1) County Court where felony cases are heard and a small amount of civil cases (2) Family Court, which includes new legislation of raise the age for various criminal cases, juvenile delinquency cases, and child protection cases (3) Supreme Court which includes all matrimonial matters and a vast majority of civil litigation (4) Surrogate’s Court and then several boutique courts that all require experience.

I was admitted to practice in 2005, and since this time regularly worked with Sandy on a wide variety of cases. We have been adversaries many times over the years and there’s been many times when we have had common positions. This includes complex criminal cases, matrimonial matters, and countless Family Court cases. In my early years as an attorney, I would (and still often times do) watch Sandy to see how he handles difficult situations and complicated legal questions. Nothing ever seems to rattle Sandy and again I attribute to this to his years of experience in our local legal system.

As Judge, I am expecting Sandy to continue the same approach. When a complicated case comes before him, I would expect the Court to guide counsel in how to resolve matters in a fair and amicable manner.

Often times, cases must proceed to trial and I have complete confidence that Sandy will do a masterful job as judge again based on his years of experience. I always envision a judge to an umpire in baseball and that they have to call balls and strikes, along with knowing the ground rules for each respective park, along with knowing the rule book.

Any judge must call balls and strikes as they must know the law of evidence along with how evidence flows within trials. I’ve tried my fair share of cases with Mr. Church over the years and I have complete confidence that he knows the laws of both criminal and civil evidence.

The ground rules of a case would be the substantive laws underlying procedure. Civil, Criminal, and Surrogate’s Courts all have their own procedure. Procedure is not something that you learn on the fly, it is something you learn by actively practicing in those respective areas of law. Finally, the rule book, would be a working command and expertise of the underlying law such as the Penal Law, Domestic Relations Law, or Family Court Law. I am without a doubt that Sandy is indeed an expert in the areas of law required to be County Judge.

As stated above, experience is the most important factor and on election day, I am asking you to please vote for experience in Sanford A. Church for Orleans Judge.

Thank you.

Brian Degnan

Batavia

Editor:

(Full disclosure:  I am a property owner and taxpayer in the Town of Ridgeway and my legal residence since 2016 is in Fredonia.)

After following numerous articles relative to the upcoming election, I wish to offer a bit of history relative to the Town of Ridgeway Deputy Clerk’s position. When this appointment was made six years ago, I questioned the process by which the selection was made. I asked the Town of Ridgeway Supervisor where the position had been advertized, if it had been posted internally, were there any number of candidates, was there an open interview process and if any of this was not done, then why not.

Much to my dismay, these questions were never answered. I was instead mailed a document (legal statute) stating that the selection for this position was an appointment decision. Actually, nothing more than a “friends and family” process with strong political overtones. It is my supposition that powers higher up “suggested” a candidate and it was a “done deal.” In essence, the current deputy clerk was given the job. This, too, should not mean an individual ascends to the clerk’s position simply by proximity.

Now review the current election choices. A highly ethical, hard working young woman, Tara Albone-White, is seeking the Town of Ridgeway Clerk’s office. She has gone door to door, handed out her literature, listened to the citizens of Ridgeway and has the leadership qualities which will serve both citizens and Ridgeway employees with respect and dignity.

Serving the public requires a selfless temperament, not self serving. Honesty and the highest ethical standards must be the hallmark of an elected official. Tara will bring this to the clerk’s office. She has worked hard, presented the voters with an excellent choice and doesn’t expect to be given anything.

I have no doubts that she will continue to work hard, providing Ridgeway with the finest leadership we should all expect.

Maureen Blackburn

Fredonia, Medina

Editor:

The point of Chad Fabry’s letter on Oct. 26 could apply to most towns in Orleans County, Gaines being first.

The incumbent administration in Gaines has an admirable record of returning town government back to honesty, integrity, and openness for all. The town of Gaines is the envy of many towns in Orleans County and beyond.

What improvements for the common good of the town has the self-appointed opposition offered? They do not present an agenda, though they must have one. Their campaign has consisted of unwarranted attacks using false or misleading accusations. They offer no constructive improvements.  Their bucket has a hole in it and therefore is empty.

The voters need to do the right thing and go to the polls and return Carol Culhane as town supervisor and Susan Smith as board member and elect Debra Mitchell as Town Clerk, all on the Conservative Party Line.

David Thom

Gaines

Editor:

John Riggi continues to present a skewed analysis of PSC comments. I am not surprised to see that he still refuses to acknowledge that, as my fellow community members have pointed out many times previously, a majority of the comments are from the same people, over and over again. In fact, 10 individuals have written over 220 comments!

Also, at the last Town Board meeting I noticed that most of the people speaking against the windmills or met tower do not live in Yates. While anyone is allowed to speak at our Town Board meetings, I think it’s important that everyone understand how many from outside our town are trying to influence our decisions!

Susan Campbell

Lyndonville

Editor:

As a Gaines town resident I think our town is an asset to our county. But, we must continue to have adequate town government. As we all know, we have an election coming up on November 7th.

In Gaines the seats of town supervisor, town clerk, and 2 town council are up for election. This year could be the turning point for the town of Gaines.

I am proud to say I am supporting Carol Culhane as Town of Gaines Supervisor. Ms. Culhane proudly and honorably has served our town for six years as Supervisor. But her service, and care have gone on a lot longer than her elected public position has.

Her opponent is a recent resident, compared to Ms. Culhane. When a candidate runs for office, the citizens hope they can count on them for having excitement for their town, as Carol obviously shows.

Please join me on November 7th at the Gaines Town Hall and put in your vote for Carol Culhane for Supervisor, Joyce Riley and Sue Smith for Town Council, and Debbie Mitchell for Town Clerk.

Thanks.

Kenneth J Capurso

Gaines

Editor:

Folks, let’s be honest with each other. There is no conspiracy at either the local or national level involving either the Republican or Democratic party. None!

What we have is a situation where 1) money talks more than it should, where 2) conspiracy stories about an “Establishment” get everyone excited, where 3) people put their faith in one line solutions to complex problems, where 4) second rate problem solvers get as much say so as first rate thinkers and where 5) politicians get to slide by because they distract us by slinging mud at better people. The fact is good government is about good people.

I decided to write a Letter to the Editor this year when I know a candidate stands out. I wrote in support of Sandy Church because of his overwhelming legal and personal qualifications.

Now I write about Susan Heard for Gaines Town Clerk. I have worked for her in her capacity as Public Administrator. That’s a position the County Treasurers in small counties have to do by law. It’s a thankless job. I have also acted as her independent counsel on numerous matters when needed. Let me say first that Sue has more scars from fighting the good fight than anyone outside of local government will ever know!

She knows her books. She knows State accounting regulations and requirements. She knows how to run a tight office where everyone gets along. And, yes, she has stood up for you in ways that you will never know. Saving a quarter million here, auditing books there and lots of times standing up and saying “NO. You can not do that”.  “That looks funny – stop right there.”  “You’re self dealing – do you want a ‘Go DirectlyTo Jail’ card?” Do you ever hear about all this?  Seldom, if ever.  But does it happen? Yes, it does.

Sue is simply top notch. She wants to continue to work part time as Town Clerk. It would be silly to not take advantage of that. Knowing her, she will put in full time hours until she has things running the way they should be.  It will be done well, without undue embarrassment to anyone, and professional in all respects. Frankly, I suspect that the same can be said about the entire slate of Grube, Heard, Kirby and Allport.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

This letter is written in support of Bruce Schmidt for Gaines Town Justice.

My late husband, Woody, and I have known Bruce and family for many years both socially and professionally. He and I serve on Genesee Orleans Community Action board of directors and have been longtime members and officers of Orleans County Historical Association.

Representing OCHA, Bruce donated his legal services in the acquisition of the Cobblestone Schoolhouse on Gaines Basin Road. Recently at the dedication of a bench and flagpole at this schoolhouse, Bruce delivered heartfelt and humorous remarks honoring Woody.

I find Bruce to be knowledgeable, dedicated, trustworthy, professional, caring and honest.  He is “one of the good guys.” These qualities make him the perfect candidate for Gaines Town Judge.

Please vote on November 7 to keep Bruce Schmidt for Gaines Town Justice.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Baker

Carlton