Editor:

Thank You to all the voters in Orleans County who took the time out of their busy schedules to vote in yesterday’s Republican Primary. With time being such a rare commodity in today’s world, you achieved a feat that was noteworthy in itself.

Observing the big picture of all candidates running for office I saw an enormous effort put in by each and everyone of you and your supporters. The hard work that was put forth was significant for those participating, either as a candidate or supporter, yet I see the hardest work still ahead. That would be the ability to accept the results of the voters and work together now, in a bipartisan manner.

Words were spoken, letters written and feelings hurt, to say the least.

In a true democracy everyone should now be able to move forward, work together and do their job to the best of their ability. The past is the past and tomorrow is a new beginning. Acceptance of the results and the ability to move forward is difficult but necessary.

For those who won, you are now indebted to those voters who believed in you.

Thank You

Jim Pratt

Albion

Editor:

Since 1961, Arc GLOW has been serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in our region.

It started with the Arc of Livingston Wyoming in 1961, followed by the Genesee Arc in 1966 and Arc of Orleans County in 1970. In 2016, Genesee Arc and the Arc of Orleans County merged to form Arc of Genesee Orleans. In 2021, the Arcs of Livingston Wyoming and Genesee Orleans merged to create Arc GLOW, which we are known as today.

Yet across all iterations, our mission has been the same; empowering and support people of all ages with a broad spectrum of emotional, intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Today we serve over 2,000 individuals with IDD across the GLOW region and employ over 1,100 staff dedicated to our mission to help our individuals in realizing their full potential and finding happiness and meaning in life through programs such as vocational, educational, residential, clinical, recreational, and day habilitation.

Yet in order to help individuals with IDD, we need you, the community’s support.

The best way you can do that is through membership, which is open to everyone over the age of 18. While any amount of donation for membership is welcome, the base cost is as little as $1 per person. And this $1 goes a long way.

The higher membership we have, the more power we have in our advocacy at state and national levels, giving Arc GLOW and the families and individuals we serve a more influential voice in legislative matters. Your membership has a direct impact on our federal and state funding. Membership contributions also help to fund programs that government funding does not provide.

Investments in services over the past 10 years have increased only 10.5 percent in comparison to 30 percent inflation. This has caused a critical staffing shortage, especially considering that the Arc Direct Support Professional (DSP) staff receives a fraction of the salary of staff working in facilities operated by the state for the same work.

Finally, membership is a statement that you believe in the importance of what Arc GLOW does and you support our mission.

I am writing to you as a parent of a son who has lived in an Arc GLOW group home since 2006.  I can honestly say how happy he is in his home as well as with the day program he attends.

We as parents are so very thankful for this as well as the sense of security it brings to us.  I have also been a member of various Arc GLOW committees and then the Board of Directors for about 15 years now. I know how deeply members care about our individuals and spend a great deal of time to guarantee what is the best possible life for them in all respects.

Arc GLOW is truly a family to join, and you can do so by visiting our website at ArcGLOW.org and clicking our membership button. While you are there, please check everything we are doing between programs and events.

Diane Armbruster

Geneseo

Editor:

The time to vote on our Shelby Republican Committee Representatives is upon us. The voters of the Town of Shelby in Districts 3 and 4 will have a choice to vote on their new representatives on the Republican Committee. They must decide whether they want to stay with the old system or bring about change that would benefit all the people.

I decided to seek a position on the Republican Committee as I am retired and have the time to attend all meetings and all functions which I feel is your responsibility when elected to any committee.

I believe that anybody that receives any wage from the Town of Shelby should not be on any political committee as it is a conflict of interest and brings up the question of the ethics of these members.

Government for the people has to start at the town level and that is why a change is needed.

So on Primary Day, voters living in District 3 and 4 will have a choice to move the committee credibility forward by voting for Alana Koneski and Bruce Schmidt in District 3; and John Pratt in District 4.

Your vote would be greatly appreciated.

John Pratt

Medina

Editor:

To be a coroner takes a special person. Scott Schmidt is that person and has been for the past 33 years. He has many years of dedication and loyalty, but most of all he has the experience!

Orleans County residents are very fortunate to have someone like Scott, therefore I am asking you to join me and vote for Scott Schmidt and keep him as our Orleans County Coroner.

Sincerely,

Sharlene Pratt

Medina

Editor:

I have known Sue Howard for many years, from when our kids were in 4-H riding horses, to boarding our horse at her barn. Sue is thoughtful, trustworthy and knowledgeable.

I have worked with Sue in many different areas. She helped me with the first Orleans County Drug Treatment Court, which I helped establish.

As the years passed, I knew I could rely on Sue for sound advice. At one time I needed information on how to handle a criminal complaint, and I called ADA Sue Howard and she advised me how to handle the situation. Her advice was right on the mark concerning everything that the court could do for me.

She made a difficult situation much easier to handle. With all the interactions I have had with Sue Howard, I have found her to be very direct and right to the point. I would and will trust her, because of her knowledge and her integrity to do the right thing. Sue Howard has my vote and deserves your vote.

Sincerely,

Ruth Ann Bane

Lyndonville

Editor:

It’s truly embarrassing that it has taken this long for a woman to be elected as Orleans County district attorney especially when the woman in this race is the most accomplished the most qualified and the only candidate that’s actually from our community.

We have enough carpet-bagging candidates sliding into government positions based on politics. It’s high time that the most qualified, skilled and community-minded candidate has the opportunity to serve based on merit.

We need someone who knows the ins and outs of our local community in Orleans County because she grew up in our local community. We need someone who knows how to hold criminals accountable because she’s been doing it at the highest level for the past two decades as 1st Assistant District Attorney.

Sometimes the obvious choice is also the best choice. The only choice for Orleans County District Attorney in this primary election of Republicans is Susan Howard!

Gerry Golden

Rochester

Golden is retired after working 30 years with the Orleans County DSS.

Editor:

What started as an honest attempt to support good people getting involved in things that actually affect our community has devolved into a classic political attack. There was no mudslinging or personal attacks, just support for three brave residents who want to invest in the community and commit to public service.

The crux to the matter is that any challenge to the status quo is taken as a personal affront by the establishment figures, who reveal their true colors by resorting to divisive tactics rather than constructive dialogue. They cannot help but show their true colors because they’re too fragile to engage in positive discourse. That’s the root of the problem.

Shelby’s Republican chairman should take a lesson in fact checking before launching into unhinged tirades. Allow me to quickly address some of his attacks.

Back on March 16, 2018, Dale Root wrote a letter criticizing the process of filling a Town Board vacancy, alleging bias due to family ties, saying the Shelby Republican committee didn’t give him an interview because “… my daughter is married to a member of the Zelazny family.”

Mr. Root would even chastise the committee for transparency and ethical concerns. Click here to see “Resident feels Shelby did not have fair process for filling vacancy on Town Board.”

Now that Mr. Root leads the committee, these issues still persist unchanged, revealing a flip-flop among those now beholden to support the establishment. If only this were the end to the story, but the root causes persist.

In a 2016 public commentary, the current Shelby Republican chairman supported the quarry project he criticized in this publication just days ago. Mr. Root stated, “There is no evidence showing that there will be wildlife destruction. The experts show there will be no problems with the proposal so why can’t it go forward?” Click here to see “Many residents praise Shelby for pushing to protect refuge with overlay district.”

The only change since these statements is that Mr. Root, once a private citizen, now holds elected office and chairs the same party that endorsed him – a textbook example of entrenched establishment politics.

Mr. Root knows better than anyone that I did not receive the party’s endorsement, yet I secured the election with the highest vote count against two incumbents. Voters want a voice, not a puppet, and demand tangible results over maintaining the status quo. I’m not bought and paid for.

Despite personal attacks against me and my family, I remain committed to the people of Shelby, rooting out corruption, and fighting for what is right.

Always respectfully,

Eddie Zelazny

Shelby Town Councilman

Editor:

As the chairman of the Shelby Republican Committee I write to you for the purpose of setting the record straight. I would be happy to answer any questions about my statements.

In response to the article written by Eddie Zelazny. He states, “now seeing the shadows of corruption in our local system.” If there is corruption as he states then he and his brother have been a part of that corruption for the last four years. One is a town council member, and the other sits on the Shelby Republican Committee.

Mr. Zelazny continues with, “the committee has never strayed away from their ‘friends and family’ program of power.” Again one brother town council member, and one brother on the Republican Committee. Currently no one is related on the committee or to an elected official in the Town of Shelby excdept Mr. Zelazny and his brother.

Mr. Zelazny further states, “Why can’t we have a stringent code of ethics that prevents people from serving on the political committee and serving town office?” As Ed stated in his letter “because absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

Which is apparent as he vehemently opposed and voted against the current Town Board’s  passing a code of ethics (vote held on 12/12/23 resolution 103-23), holding elected officials to a higher standard. According to NYS Board of Elections lead council, it is illegal to strip the rights of residents who wish to participate in either aspect and or together.

If you connect the dots, not long ago there was a lawsuit in our town over a mining proposal and the town won. Shortly after, one brother became a council member, the other was already a committee member. Maybe if they flip the committee with their “new friends and family program of power” this “new energy for an old system” being proposed could shape future endorsements for Town Council candidates.

I can understand supporting candidates, but the prior council member Mr. Zelazny is supporting was also a member of the Shelby Republican Committee – John Pratt is not a new beginning. Mr. Pratt insisted all possible candidates running live in the district they were to represent.

When John was not endorsed for re-election as Town Council member, he immediately resigned from the Republican Committee. Now all of the sudden he wants back on the committee in a district he doesn’t live in. All of this after he and Mr. Zelazny violated town law in not following the proper budgetary process by pushing for and voting three times to give the ex-council member’s sister-in-law a raise.

Where is the corruption you are alluding to Eddie? How are committee members “elitists”? Right now the committee conducts interviews and votes on endorsements prior to the passing of petitions. How will you change the vetting process?

In conclusion, come up with the proof right now, or publicly apologize for your false, irresponsible and slanderous comments about current Shelby Republican Committee members.

Thank you,

Dale S. Root

Chairman of the Shelby Republican Committee

Editor:

We all know Tuesday is primary day and I hope you exercise your right to vote in the Republican primary because the office of DA is, perhaps, the most important office in Orleans County when it comes to keeping our families safe!

When I decided to seek the office, and when I was named the Republican candidate, I chose to run a campaign of talking to the voters, telling them what I would do as DA, and trying to do it in an honest and respectful way.  I am pleased that my campaign has been one of substance and truth.

I can tell you that, sadly, I have learned that this race has had way too much negative and misleading messaging, but I am pleased it has not been from my campaign and I am proud that we are not part of those negative ads.

Above all, I have faith in you, the voters, to choose someone who represents your values, not the values of my opponent’s Broome County negative messaging specialist. While it is hard not to be upset at false and distorted messaging, I believe that I am the best choice on Tuesday to be your next DA.

I ask for your vote and promise to make you proud!

John Sansone

Holley

Editor:

I am writing this letter in support of Julie Woodworth as coroner. She has extensive medical knowledge and experience that a coroner should have.

She has been a Registered Professional Nurse for 34 years and has achieved some of the highest distinctions in her recent work as a Professor of Nursing at SUNY Niagara. She has attained the State Education of New York (SUNY) Excellence in Teaching Award and the SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professorship Award.

In fact, she is the only faculty member to attain the Distinguished Teaching Professorship Award to date at SUNY Niagara! She also currently holds a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) acknowledgement from the National League for Nursing organization. She has published many articles in peer-reviewed professional nursing journals.

Julie is continuing to make an impact on the next generation of nursing students and works extremely hard to excel in everything that she does. She is a consummate professional and practices with dignity, respect, and ethical integrity. In fact, as a nurse I would say that she emulates what the Gallup study has reported for years, that nursing professionals earn the top rating as the most trusted profession for the last 22 years in a row.

Julie and I have raised our 3 children in the Lyndonville community. She continues to work at Orleans Community Health in the surgery department, as supervisor and in the emergency room. For the last 2 years she has been mentored by Coroner Charlie Smith (who is retiring this year) and he has provided his endorsement of her as coroner! She demonstrated initiative by paying out of her own pocket to do coroner training so that she will be well prepared for the role.

I have seen Julie in action, remembering a Ronsons auction in 2001 when a bystander went into cardiac arrest. Julie stepped into action and started CPR, and I believe, saved his life. Her quick actions, medical preparedness, and medical knowledge serve this community well.

I strongly support my wife (Dr. Julie Woodworth) in the pursuit of the coroner role and I urge you to review her credentials and extensive medical experience before you go to the polls on Tuesday, June 25.

Mark Woodworth

Lyndonville

Editor:

To my fellow Orleans County residents, I’m respectfully asking for your vote in the upcoming Republican Primary Election for Orleans County District Attorney.

Election Day is Tuesday and voting sites will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For over 20 years, I’ve worked to make Orleans County families safer, including the last 12 years as your First Assistant District Attorney. I’ve worked exclusively in the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office while my opponent has never been a full-time prosecutor anywhere.

I am a lifelong Republican and a lifelong resident of Orleans County. I was raised here, graduated from Albion Schools, and chose to raise my kids here. My opponent has never even voted in Orleans County because he moved here a few months ago to run for this office. This is an indisputable fact proven by Board of Elections official records.

On a daily basis, I prosecute and present felony cases in front of trial juries and grand juries. My opponent hasn’t tried a felony case in Orleans County in over 14 years.

When it comes to the cases I prosecute, I don’t just pick easy winners to take to trial. It’s the tough cases that define us, and our losses make us better prosecutors. Let’s put it this way: I am not in it for the guaranteed win, but to get justice for those who have been harmed. My opponent’s experience has been in Niagara County Family Court handling juveniles. No juries there.

As administrator of the District Attorney’s Traffic Diversion Program, I have kept over $2 million in Orleans County. In contrast, my opponent has always taken his part-time Orleans County income back to be spent in Niagara.

I am well-versed in Appellate Practice, having won scores of serious Appeals while preserving every conviction. I am also well-versed in the administrative and budgetary obligations of operating the D.A.’s Office. My opponent has no such experience.

I am a principled conservative Republican, and I make no apologies for it. I believe that our justice system should protect victims and punish/deter criminals. I strongly oppose Bail “Reform” and I think the concept of defunding the police is idiotic. If you feel the same, I’m your candidate.

When the Orleans County Shooters Committee On Political Education (S.C.O.P.E.) interviewed both candidates about our stances on Constitutional Rights, I earned a higher rating. If you care about the Second Amendment and Bill of Rights, I’m your candidate.

The safety and security of our families is at stake in this election. Honesty, integrity and real experience matter.  At a time when surrounding counties are trying to roll over us like we don’t matter, as evidenced by the STAMP Project, we shouldn’t bring in more outsiders.

My commitment to Orleans County has never wavered and no one will work harder for you, than me. I’d be honored to earn your vote on June 25th.

Susan Howard

Waterport

Editor:

I am writing to express my strong support for John Sansone as the next Orleans County District Attorney. John has an impressive track record that speaks volumes about his dedication and capability.

John opened his personal practice in 1995, demonstrating his commitment to the legal profession and the community. He initially worked in the public defender’s office, where his talent quickly became evident. District Attorney Joe Cardone recognized John’s abilities and asked him to join the district attorney’s office part-time in 2007.

In 2011, John was offered the full-time First Assistant District Attorney position for Orleans County. However, he declined the offer because accepting it would have required him to close his practice, which he had built and nurtured for over 15 years. Instead, the position was later offered to Susan Howard. Contrary to the Howard campaign’s portrayal, John was not demoted. This can be confirmed by a letter from former Chief Administrative Officer Chuck Nesbitt, which clarifies that John was not demoted.

The Howard campaign emphasizes her lifelong residence in Orleans County as a major qualification for the District Attorney role. However, this was not a concern in 2007 or 2011 when John was offered significant positions. Currently, John resides in the village of Holley in the town of Murray with his wife, Maria, who has deep roots in the village in which her family owned a business in the village for over 30 years.

To illustrate the irrelevance of being a lifelong resident for such a crucial role, consider this: if you had a severe medical condition, would you choose a top-ranked specialist in Erie or Monroe County, or would you limit yourself to a local specialist in Orleans County? Similarly, if the Buffalo Bills had passed on drafting a player like Josh Allen just to select a local quarterback from the University of Buffalo, it would have been a significant loss.

Since I mentioned the Buffalo Bills it brings up a question of two of Susan Howard’s endorsements. Former Buffalo Bill Lou Piccone is the president of the New York Diversion Management Company. Susan Howard was appointed as the Traffic Diversion Program Coordinator in 2011. It raises questions about potential conflicts of interest,  as Piccone’s business may possibly lose revenue if the Diversion Program does not continue in Orleans County.

Additionally, with great great respect to former Orleans County Judge James Punch, it should be noted that his endorsement of Howard may be influenced by the fact that Punch’s son was offered a full-time Assistant District Attorney position if she were in office.

I was present at two presentations given by both Sansone and Howard, where they each gave a speech explaining why they should become the next District Attorney. The first presentation was at the Orleans County Sheriff’s Employees Association Local 2916 in which I was a former president or vice president for over a dozen years. The endorsement  vote overwhelmingly favored John Sansone, with at least a 15 to 1 ratio.

I am also the chairperson for the Republican Committee for the Town of Murray. After their presentations to our committee, it was a unanimous 8 to 0 decision in favor of supporting John Sansone. The only reason we did not endorse him at the town level was that we chose to listen to their presentations and let the county-wide Republican Committee endorsement speak for itself.

The difference between the two candidates was quite evident. John came in with minimal paperwork, speaking confidently off the top of his head, and answered everyone’s questions directly, explaining why he wanted to become the District Attorney. Susan had elaborate handouts but did not seem as confident and appeared quite nervous in both presentations.

I am a retired senior lieutenant from the Sheriff Department’s Jail Division.  In my experience working with John in local and county courts, John Sansone has consistently demonstrated his ability to run a courtroom effectively. He is well-prepared, confident, fair to both sides, and does not get bullied by defense attorneys. His handling of all situations is very impressive. The Town of Murray, the Village of Holley, and the Town of Clarendon have all hired John in the past as their local attorney, and they all had good things to say about him, showcasing his versatility in practicing various types of law.

Additionally, John was very honest about his stance on issues like the new county district courts, stating that he needs more information but currently does not believe it is a good idea and opposes its formation. In contrast, Susan avoided taking a clear stance, using vague language like “eventually it will get shoved down our throats.”

I also find it offensive that Mr. Pratt referred to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Employees Association as a small union and labeled us as the “good old boys club.” The reason we endorse John is because of how well his presentation was, our working relationship with him, and the fact that we do not want the District Attorney’s office to continue being the “good ole boys club.” I have also been quoted as saying several years ago that I believe John Sansone will make a great candidate for District Attorney in the future long before we even knew of any future elections.

Furthermore, we are not the only union that has endorsed John Sansone. The Orleans County Deputies Association and the Orleans County Sheriff himself have also endorsed John.  I believe that speaks volumes by itself.

In conclusion, I would like everybody to please vote for John Sansone as the new Orleans County District Attorney in the primary voting on June 25th. I also support all candidates endorsed by the Orleans County Republican Committee.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Michael Christopher

Town of Murray Republican Chairperson

Editor:

Noticing the beauty blossoming around us, it may be a good time to show our gratitude to Mother Earth. That Mother nurtures seeds in the womb of the ground and brings forth life—a life that nourishes us physically and aesthetically. In gratitude we should do our very best to protect this Mother.

What might we do?

• Live simply, avoiding unnecessary waste

• Reduce our consumption of meat

• Work to eliminate one-time use plastic (microplastics are toxic to humans and animals)

• Protect and conserve our water supplies

• Use our imaginations to accomplish as much with less

Why does this matter?

Earth is our habitat. If we protect it, it will continue to sustain us as a Mother for future generations.

Each of us can do a little to help. We can encourage others as well.

Sincerely,

Sister Dolores Ann O’Dowd, G.N.S.H. on behalf of Green Orleans

Albion

Editor:

Seems there is a bit of smoke and mirrors plus a touch of deflection in Mr. Sansone’s “I Love Orleans County” campaign. According to some County Republicans, residency status does not really matter when it comes to politics but it really does matter to quite a few of us.

Owning a $78,000 assessed house in Holley for 8 years does not make you a resident of Orleans County. Finally claiming it as your new and current residence for a few months does though, specifically for advertising purposes in regards to your campaign. When you started living there, who really knows.

You do however still advertise your law practice on-line in Lockport and still work part-time in the Niagara County Court Attorney’s office.

Presently, Real Property of Niagara County and Steuben County shows your $380,000 assessed home in Lockport and that you also own three properties in Steuben County, (one of which is a house), total assessment almost $400,000.

To help clarify that you are “right here in Orleans County” may I help. You pay all those property and school taxes to those two respective counties and not one of those properties are currently for sale. When considering all the money you have earned through the years in your various part-time legal positions here in Orleans County, it seems to me you are spending that hard-earned Orleans County taxpayer money in your other counties, not here in the “county that you love.”

You have never been able to vote in an Orleans County election, only in Niagara County due to your long-term residency there.

All your past legal positions you have listed on your advertising for Orleans County were/are part-time positions. Town and Village Attorney positions were/are part-time also. As part-time Ridgeway and Kendall Special Prosecutor your responsibilities are to enforce code violations and cite multiple unlicensed vehicles.

All the above information is factual and can be easily verified on line.

In regards to trial experience, you have not tried a case in Orleans County Court as part-time ADA for over ten years, so your claimed trial experience is limited to other court venues. In other words, when was the last time you sent someone to prison working as a town or village attorney or served as the Appellate Attorney for Appeals in Orleans County? Answer: Never!

The job of District Attorney is for an individual with years of criminal prosecutorial experience and in sending criminals to prison.

When discussing endorsements for Mr. Sansone, this is my opinion and only my opinion. Political intrigue is certain to follow but that is essential in a democracy.

Your recent endorsement by the supervisors and mayor would be and should be expected. They have or do pay for your legal part-time services in their town or village. They do, to their credit, state they have not experienced your skill in a courtroom where prison time will be the result of the verdict.

Now the question that comes to my mind is in regards to the entity of law enforcement endorsements of Mr. Sansone. Endorsement statements have been made by the Orleans County Sheriffs Employees Association, The Orleans County Deputy Sheriffs Association, and the Orleans County Sheriff’s personal endorsement.

In the elections for the for the previous sheriff and the current sheriff it was well known that the DA’s office supported the opposing candidate. In today’s political climate we hear all the time about revenge and retribution upon those who do not or did not support them.

Could this be a case of justifiable “payback” or just another coincidence?

“Just saying!”

Am I questioning here the politics of professionalism or the professionalism of politics? This is strictly my opinion of course.

In regards to the endorsement by the Orleans County Republican Party. Sheriff Bourke explained in detail, in a previous letter, how the vote for endorsement was conducted. My issue was not with the standards of voting procedure but the lack of information that some committee members did not have, hence were not aware of.

The feedback and discussions later were that many committee members were under the assumption that Mr. Sansone was a long-time resident of Holley, technically not one of a few months. This did indeed bother numerous committee members who thought that should have been clarified prior to the vote.

In regards to Senator Ortt’s endorsement and of knowing him for a few years, Mr. Sansone still works for Niagara County so the Senator must cover all his political bases.

Again, this is all my opinion. Many have stated theirs and more will undoubtedly follow. Let us not lose this right as our democracy today has become very fragile.

Thank you!

Jim Pratt

Albion

Editor:

I am asking Republican voters to cast your ballot for Scott Schmidt for Orleans County Coroner on Tuesday, June 25.

Scott has been a friend of ours for several years. He is a very dedicated professional who has the training, experience and empathy needed to be a coroner.

His compassion is always heartfelt and treats all like his  family. He has several years of training as coroner which speaks volumes. I am proud to call Scott our friend and ask you to vote for Scott.

Darlene and Mike Rich

Medina