Editor:

I fear not the wind. It is great on a hot summer day but not so great when it is blowing loose soil off farm fields at planting time. It is also annoying when blasting snow across open ground and creating hazardous driving conditions.

I do fear the government of New York state for the rules and regulations they foist upon us. Governor Cuomo wants 50 percent of the state’s electricity output to be from green energy sources by the year 2030. And the verdant shores of Lake Ontario are a prime target for the “harvest the wind” companies.

Apex Clean Energy has arrived with suitcases full of cash to persuade large landowners to host an Industrial Wind Turbine for the next 30 years. It is profitable for Apex and also for the host. But who else?

Apex used to send me flyers boasting of the monetary benefits of these giant machines. Will there be cash to Yates? Will there be cash to the LCSD? There certainly will be none to the Village of Lyndonville.

Apex admitted that there will be no reduction in the rates for a Kwh. Harvesting the wind costs mega dollars and they must sell the output to pay everybody with a hand out. Apex will also receive a subsidy from the American taxpayer at the same time.

Apex wants to install approximately 140 turbines in Niagara and Orleans counties. How MANY must be built to achieve Cuomo’s goal of 50 percent? In the meantime, the governor has agreed to subsidize the nuclear power industry.

Oh yes, proponents also talk of climate change or some euphemism to indict humans for destruction of the planet’s atmosphere. I can guarantee that my children are not worried about the production of carbon dioxide.

Who of the proposed leaseholders lists reduction of greenhouse gases as the primary reason to take farmland out of production? Not one would do it for free.

James Tuk
Lyndonville

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Editor:

Lyndonville schools just got a big boost from the state – $165,000 to buy new technology for classrooms.

That money means new interactive whiteboards to help engage students in lessons. As a parent and grandparent, I’m always thrilled when I see an opportunity that improves the education of our young ones. Right now, I see another one of those opportunities.

The proposed Lighthouse Wind project will bring a brighter future for our children, and not just because it means a cleaner, more sustainable earth. A PILOT agreement with the locality would mean big bucks for our schools in Lyndonville.

If $165,000 means new whiteboard technology for the schools, imagine what millions of dollars from the wind project would bring. That could allow our children access to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs vital to their success in an increasingly technology-driven world.

In addition, being at the forefront of wind energy, a quickly expanding industry, could bring jobs for our children as they grow older. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says wind turbine service technician is the fastest growing occupation in the nation. Wouldn’t it be great if some of those jobs were here in Niagara and Orleans counties?

I support Lighthouse because I support our children. I hope the rest of the community educates themselves enough to feel the same way.

Sincerely,

Susan Campbell
Lyndonville

Editor:

For a long time, one of the many criticisms of President Obama is that he refuses to call various radical, ostensibly Muslim, groups “radical Islamic terrorists”. It is one of many ways that the disingenuous, as well as those who are sincere, have discredited him.

The comments so eloquently delivered by Khizr Khan during the Democratic National Convention were informative in this regard and constituted the beginnings of an education for many of us. When asked in a subsequent interview about the issue of what ISIS, among others, should be called, Mr. Khan (whose son, Humayun, was killed in Iraq while fighting for the United States) stated unequivocally that describing ISIS as “Islamic” unfairly dignifies them, as what they practice has nothing to do with the tenets of Islam.

I do not intend to fully explain why I am convinced it makes practically no sense to call the thugs who are part of ISIS “radical Islamic terrorists”, but I agree with President Obama that it does not.

To put the issue into perspective for those who are certain that Obama is not being straight with us (or worse that he is an ISIS sympathizer) allow me to ask, “Has anyone ever heard the K.K.K referred to as a group of radical Christian terrorists?”

As they have burned churches, lynched and bombed, these ostensibly Christian fanatics have revealed that they have nothing to do with the tenets of Christianity.

Calling the K.K.K. “radical Christian terrorists” is preposterous, because they clearly are not following Christ’s teachings. But I guess, if one’s purpose was to anger Christians, one might call them radical Christian terrorists.

Even if his critics don’t get it, President Obama is keenly aware of the effects his words can have.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent
Albion

Editor:

The State Legislature wrapped up a marathon session in Albany in June with agreements on a range of issues spanning from ethics reform to zombie properties and fantasy sports.

But, one of the most significant achievements to me is the steps we took to combat the heroin and opioid epidemic that’s wreaked havoc across our state.

My Senate Republican colleagues have led the way on this issue that has affected so many of our communities. I was humbled to serve as co-chair of the Senate’s Joint Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction. Together, in formulating budget and legislative initiatives, we held dozens of public forums across the state.

We hosted hundreds of meetings and heard from addicts, family members, law enforcement, health and mental health experts, local residents, and other participants. We heard countless, tragic stories of heroin and opioid abuse that has ripped families apart and has torn through neighborhoods in every corner of the state.

The anti-heroin legislation was one of the signature agreements reached with our partners in government during the last few weeks of session. Recently signed into law, the comprehensive package increases access to treatment, expands prevention strategies, and extends the length of time someone can receive life-saving services.

This agreement builds on the $189 million in related funds we secured as part of the budget and legislation approved by both houses of the State Legislature. Under the new law, opioid scripts are limited from 30 days to seven days to cut down on excessive prescriptions while also ensuring that patients in need are still served.
It also mandates training on addiction and pain management for all physicians and prescribers to achieve the key goals of education and prevention.

Another key pillar to combat this epidemic related to treatment and recovery. Our legislation allows families to seek 72 hours of emergency treatment related to substance use disorder. Beds and program slots for those struggling with substance use, critical to treatment and recovery, are also increasing across the state and expanding in our community.

Finally, by removing roadblocks from insurers to cover necessary inpatient treatment services and requiring plans to cover the costs of opioid overdose-reversal medication like Naloxone (Narcan), we’re taking dramatic steps to empower families and save lives.

I believe these new measures will help break the cycle of heroin and opioid addiction in New York and ultimately save lives. I’m optimistic that next year we will be able to continue this progress while also focusing on needed enforcement components. I’m committed to protecting the lives of all New Yorkers, and combating this epidemic remains a top priority of mine.

That’s because while I’ve heard too many stories of loss and heartbreak, I’ve also head stories of triumph and success in overcoming the evils of drug addiction. I’m hopeful these new initiatives will allow many more individuals to share their victory stories, because after all, that’s what our work represents – hope.
State Sen. Robert Ortt
North Tonawanda

(Ortt represents the 62nd Senate District, which includes Orleans, Niagara and part of Monroe County.)

Editor:

As a long time environmentalist (we were called conservationists way back then), I’ve always backed wind and solar projects. I built my own solar hot water heater about 40 years ago.

I have one point that may encourage a lakeshore cottage owner to come out in favor of the Apex proposal. I believe they are the core of the opposition. At least the signs on the north side of the lake road are mostly “Too big, too close.”

They are rightly concerned their cottage values will drop. I believe the opposite will happen. My thoughts are on the order of the politician’s view that all publicity is good publicity.

These turbines will attract attention, likely a great deal. But this could be a good thing. After all, in this country few things are ever too big or too tall. Generally speaking, ANYTHING rated in superlatives is GOOD. Wouldn’t the sight of these turbines tell people this is a part of WNY that is progressive, and forward thinking and acting?

I believe the turbines will attract far more people than they will repel. I am a 20-year resident of Lyndonville.

Dennis Seekins

Lyndonville

Editor:

As a Yates Town Councilman trying to defend my constituents’ right of home rule, I note with interest the following comment from Town of Lyme (NY) Supervisor Scott Aubertine entered into the public record of New York State Public Service Commission Case #12-F-0575 in the matter of Horse Creek Wind Farm, LLC. Comment is as follows:

“A large majority of the residents of the Town of Lyme expressed their opinions regarding the location of wind turbines in the town by taking the time to fill out and return to the town board a detailed survey. The results of that survey showed a large majority of town residents were opposed to wind turbines in the town. Experienced and knowledgeable citizens worked with the Town Planning Board to incorporate the results of the survey and develop a law that met with the wishes of the residents of the Town of Lyme.

“For Governor Cuomo and New York State to override the home rule law of local municipalities is unfair and unjust. The Power of NY Act of 2011 removes the decision making process from the officials elected by its residents to make decisions according to their wishes and in their best interests. The new law does not even require the developers to follow the zoning process that is required of every other individual, company or entity.

“For the State to override local law and not require the wind developers to, at least, go through the local zoning process borders on socialist dictates. The Power of NY Act of 2011 follows a disturbing trend in New York State to remove powers from local jurisdictions and ignores the desires and wishes of the people of that jurisdiction, who are also residents of New York State.”

Mr. Aubertine’s comment to the DPS regarding the Horse Creek Wind Farm, LLC rings as true in Lyme, NY as it does in Yates, Somerset and every other town in New York State that is currently fighting wind projects.

The Power of NY Act of 2011 (aka: Article 10) has stolen the right of home rule away from my town and all towns that stand in the way of what Albany craves and covets – the reduction of rural New York State in to a massive complex of industrial wind turbine factories.

Article 10 and the loss of home rule give a new and ominous meaning to the acronym – NIMBY – Next It Might Be You.

Thank you,
John B. Riggi
Councilman, Town of Yates

Editor:

This letter is in response to the letter written by Mr. Riggi. It reads more like a letter written by the President of SOS than by my Town Councilman. If it was written by my Town Councilman, I would think that he would check the facts before writing a Letter to the Editor.

It is true, Apex Clean Energy has proposed the Lighthouse Wind Project in the Towns of Somerset and Yates and has also proposed another wind project called “Heritage Wind” in the Town of Barre.

Fact: The only expansion of the originally proposed Lighthouse Wind Farm project’s siting plan is as follows: If a land owner that had land in the project area signed up for the project and he had land across the road, that land may be included in the project. This in no way significantly modifies the project area.  It is not a significant expansion of the project south as stated by Mr. Riggi.

Apex signs in Ridgeway: The last time I checked, Mr. Riggi, a landowner could place any signs of his choice in his yard.  At this time there are no plans by Apex to site any Industrial Wind Turbines in Ridgeway.

“Connecting the dots” – Both the Lighthouse Wind Project in Somerset/Yates and the Heritage Wind Project in Barre stand on their own two feet. There are transmission lines connected to the New York grid system available in both project areas so there is no need to connect the two wind farms. Besides, the two farms are approximately 18 miles apart.

Additional Apex projects in Niagara and Orleans Counties? None at the present time.

As my Town Councilman, I would hope that before you write your next letter to the Editor, you would check the facts.  It’s not that hard to do, John. Taylor Quarles, Project Engineer on the Lighthouse Wind Project, has invited you to the project office and informational meetings several times.

As my Councilman, I feel the more you learn about both wind projects, the more qualified you would be to write these letters.

For reasons stated in my letter, John, I give you four “Pinocchios” for your last letter.

Sincerely,

Howard Pierce
Lyndonville

Editor:

Three years have passed since Apex “Clean Energy” located in Charlottesville, Va., slipped into our area, and began signing land owners to 49-year non revocable confidential leases for Lighthouse Wind.

This project is a proposed 71-unit industrial wind turbine complex, with units perhaps as high as 650 feet, to be sited along 12 miles of Lake Ontario shoreline in the towns of Somerset and Yates.

Incredibly, after this length of time, the exact size and location of these monsters is not yet known. Secrecy prevails throughout the process as leaseholders are under a gag orders, certain technical information related to the project is deemed proprietary and town representatives are being excluded from technical meetings.

Although the project has not yet been approved, Apex “Clean Energy” has permanently scarred our community by pitting neighbor against neighbor. No matter the final decision to proceed or not, the scars will remain.

This project has also raised a huge amount of opposition, as it threatens our environment, our health and the way of life in our rural community. The opposition to this type of heavy industrial development runs deeply.

Comprehensive Plans officially dating back to 1974 and recently updated, stress above all else, the preservation of the rural character of our community. Erecting huge industrial structures of the number and size associated with Lighthouse Wind makes a mockery of this objective.

There never was the intent to heavily industrialize our community. Further these huge structures raise many physical and environmental issues that we, who will be forced to live among them must face. Issues such as health effects, degradation of property values, visual pollution, disruption of normal farming operations, noise, flicker, vibration, bird kill, bat kill, alteration of drainage patterns, disruption of wildlife, electromagnetic interference, road damage and general construction disruption.

A citizens coalition SOS (Save Ontario Shores) has been formed to protect interests of the citizens of our area from project Lighthouse Wind. Currently several hundred individuals are involved with this coalition and 30 businesses and /or organizations have expressed opposition to, or concerns about, this proposed project.

Further, three independent surveys in our towns have shown that residents oppose Lighthouse Wind by a margin of 2 to 1. Public opposition has reflected itself also in the last local election.

Those running for Town Board In Somerset in opposition were handily re-elected. Two incumbents in Yates in support were turned out, one of them being the supervisor, thus shifting the balance of the Yates Town Board. Those supporting Lighthouse Wind argue that proper turbine siting will mitigate these issues to the extent that we will be able to “live with them.” Those opposed, and with a multitude of very good reasons say, this is the wrong project in the wrong place.

Despite overwhelming public rejection, Apex “Clean Energy” pushes on with Lighthouse Wind, under the authority of the recently passed Article 10 of the State Public Service law.

This law stripped local governments of the ability to decide the fate of this project and placed that authority in the hands of a Siting Board dominated by Albany politicians.

Big business and big government are therefore in control of our community and our destiny. This should not be! Based on the overwhelming public rejection of Lighthouse Wind, Apex is requested to immediately cease all activity related to Lighthouse Wind.

The New York State Public Service Commission is requested to reject the project. Our State Legislators are requested to modify Article 10 and return home rule.

James C. Hoffman
Somerset

Editor:

I recently read a comment about the proposed Lighthouse wind project where a person said, “Lake lives matter.”

But it’s not just the people who live in massive lakefront homes or the people who have vacation homes there that we need to think about. We need to think about everyone.

What about the lives of everyone who call Niagara and Orleans counties home? The wind turbine project will bring in millions of dollars that can help our schools, towns and counties.

What about the lives of the farmers who keep this community alive? Stability from leasing land to the wind farms would be vital to keeping those farms operating.

And what about the people who need the jobs that will be created with these projects? Finally, what about the lives of our children and grandchildren, who will be devastated by climate change if we don’t take action now?

These projects won’t hurt anyone in our community; they’ll help everyone. This is an incredible opportunity for our area and could bring growth we haven’t seen in years, economic viability as well as hope for the future.

Sincerely,

Susan Campbell
Lyndonville

Editor:

I read, with great interest, Mr. Pierce’s letter regarding the recent analysis of comments made to the New York State Department of Public Service (NYDPS) regarding opposition/support for the Apex Clean Energy (APEX) Project.

As many may know, Apex has proposed the siting of an Industrial Wind Turbine Emplacement Project in the Towns of Yates and Somerset. Concurrently, most now understand that there is massive and ongoing opposition to this project.

Gaining an understanding of the overwhelming nature of the opposition is why the assessment of comments was performed.  Interestingly, Mr. Pierce seems to have misunderstood the reason for the assessment.  As stated in the assessment:

“All comments made to the DPS site regarding the Lighthouse Wind Project were included in the assessment and as stated, cover the time period from Q1-2015 through Q2-2016. All comments were read fully in order to ascertain position regarding the wind project.  The positions were tabulated as in-favor or opposed to the project.”

The assessment was, in effect, a simple tally of the “in-favor” vs. “opposed” statements.  It must be stated here that multiple submissions were made to NYDPS by both those “in-favor” of the project, as well as those “opposed” to the project.

View of the assessor was that all comments are important regardless of position on the Wind Turbine Emplacement Project issue.  As such, all comments were assessed and used in determining results.

I am happy constituents are reading the comments and making comments as well.  Open, free and truthful discourse is the American Way and as such am glad to have cleared up any misconceptions Mr. Pierce may have had.

As always, I am available to meet with any Town of Yates constituents on any question or concerns they may have.

Thank you,

John B. Riggi
Yates town councilam

Editor:

I just completed reading the well done article on Sheriff Randy Bower and what the Sheriff’s Office has accomplished in his first six months in office. I just have to say that from Day 1, I felt that Sheriff Randy Bower was capable of and able to steer the Sheriff’s Office in a new and innovative direction.

So often, candidates make campaign promises and if elected, lay out goals for their time in office reflecting those promises. Rarely can an elected official say that they have accomplished many of their initial goals, however Sheriff Bower has done exactly that in just six short months.

Regardless of our cultural, ethnic, racial or political backgrounds, Sheriff Randy Bower represents all of us. It is evident that he cares deeply about our community and it is undeniable that he has already had a positive and lasting impact on both the Sheriff’s Office and the county.

In a time when being a police officer is one of the toughest jobs to have, it is comforting to know that the Sheriff, deputies and investigators have the best interests of our community at heart. I feel comfortable saying that I think I speak on behalf of the overwhelming majority of county residents when I say; Thank you Sheriff Bower and the entire Sheriff’s Office for your work.

Sincerely,

James C. White
Gaines

Editor:

Let it be known that Mr. Riggi’s views are not shared by many of his constituents in the Town of Yates. I am deeply troubled by his recent letter to the Orleans Hub, in which he reviewed the PSC comments regarding Apex’s Lighthouse Wind Project.

His confident assertion that the comments “show a clear, ongoing and massive opposition to this project,” is misleading. Although the PSC is an important forum for voicing opinion, it is worth noting whose opinion is being voiced and at what frequency.

A closer look at the 776 comments now submitted reveals that 390 comments (over 50% of the total collected), were submitted by a mere 40 households (59 individuals). In fact, 35 comments – nearly 5% of the total counted – were submitted from one individual alone, a collection which reads more like a private diary and less like a public discourse.

When considering Mr. Riggi’s numbers, consider the number of hours many farmers work in a day, in a week, in a season. Although we are all given the opportunity to comment, sharing our opinions at such a statistic-bending frequency requires a lot of time, a luxury many of us cannot afford.

I spent this past weekend at the Orleans County Fair, a beloved event attended by a proper sampling of our towns.  This is the second year running Apex has supported the 4-H in Orleans as a top level sponsor. Not only did the Apex employees have an informational tent at the fair, presenting a genuine and respectful face to the community, but also I saw their plans widely embraced as “common sense” and “about time” by swaths of farmers and others alike.

It is a long time for both voices in this fight to be heard, and for the slanted and misleading arguments to be exposed.

Sincerely,

Howard Pierce
Lyndonville

Editor:

With the proposed Apex industrial wind turbine project in Somerset and Yates there are those who are opposed and those who support the wind turbines. This is normal.

However, as one who is opposed to the project, along with many others, we have placed signs on our property which display our opinion. Supporters of the project have also placed many signs along their property.

I am writing to document the fact that many of the SOS anti-wind signs are being removed by persons unknown. This has been reported to the sheriff and steps are being taken to identify the thief (or thieves).

For the record, no one opposed to the turbines has removed one pro-wind turbine sign. We respect the right to free speech. We respectfully ask that Apex and Lighthouse Wind do the same and publicly request people to cease and desist in unlawful removal of signs which are in opposition to their project.

I also ask those who have had their signs removed to report this to the sheriff.

Sincerely,
Susan E. Dudley
Lyndonville

Editor:

I am not surprised of the one-mindedness of the Murray Town Board. Perhaps that is what has bolted them into the limelight this past year with discontent from 2nd Amendment advocates and those who were woken up over excessive taxation.

They seem to be obsessed with Mr. Sidonio having the gall to aspire to run for a position on the Town Board. Maybe it’s because he’s not of the same mind. Politicians seem to fear that and will go through lengthily effort to ward off that kind of evil.

I see nothing wrong with what Joe (Sidonio) wrote. He speaks the truth. Mr. Morgan is not a small government advocate. He has endorsed probably one of the most progressive big government Legislatures in the history of Orleans County.

This legislative body is constantly spending money and growing the government complex. Under Mr. Chuck Nesbitt’s leadership the citizens have gotten one tax cut in 11 years. None of the legislators bat an eye – not even the lone Democrat.

Always blaming Albany. Yet every year new projects to expand continue to take place. Never giving it a few years’ rest out of decency to show the people that they count, too. I’m not speaking of basic functions and repairs but genuine expansion that would make Chuck Schumer smile.

I’m told every time I question these undertakings it will make money for the county. Yet no tax cut. Where is all this money generated by government? Last Wednesday at the county meeting I’m told that the free software from the State is no good that’s why we have to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for it from private companies. While I agree some may be better, shouldn’t the tax payers be put first? I believe it’s just preference or maybe use of a favored company. At any rate it is a matter that this Legislature should address but probably won’t.

Exposing what political figures in high positions take advantage of every day in our government is quite admirable. While what Republican Party Chairman Ed Morgan has taken advantage of is perfectly legal, does it pass the test of the appearance of being ethical? This is more a reflection on the character of the Town and Country Governments that it is on Mr. Morgan.

While I would deny no person the opportunity to take health care from an employee I do not condone paying someone not to take it if one already has it. I do not condone the giving of longevity bonuses when few ever leave a gravy, pension guaranteed, paid holiday, sick day, recession-proof and depression-proof government job.

Even when they do attempt to leave, many don’t and continue on double dipping. I have been told that these people have valuable experience and expertise. Perhaps, but anyone in the know knows it a payback for being a good soldier programmed to doing what they are told, never questioning anything and keeping it in La Familia – the power families.

Our local governments are an organization run much like the mafia. Certain families in the County and Towns hold the power and can bar the door if an outsider tries to come in with common sense, and fresh ideas that may put the money back in the peoples’ pocket, instead of lining theirs.

If I lived in the Town of Murray, I would vote for Joe. We need more Joe’s. Be a Joe. What a great bumper sticker.

Paul Lauricella Jr.
Lyndonville

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Editor:

Melissa Ierlan and Linda Redfield Shakoor are owed the gratitude of all Orleans residents for their tireless work done in the interests of making Orleans County a better place in which to live.

Melissa’s efforts to recondition numerous historic markers should be appreciated for the labors of love that they are. This area’s history is very real and warrants greater attention than it gets. Melissa has supported several other historical projects including the refurbishing of the fox that famed naturalist Carl Akeley reportedly mounted as an Orleans County teenager.

Linda has made a tremendous difference in the lives of dozens of first generation immigrant residents of Orleans County. Her dedication to the realization of their dreams has made it possible for them to accomplish far more than might have been possible without the fluency in English and encouragement she and the World Life Institute provided.

Thanks to both Melissa and Linda for their contributions to the quality of life in Orleans County.

Sincerely yours,
Gary Kent
Albion