Editor:

While ringing the Salvation Army bell last week in front of Walmart, I had a deeply encouraging experience.

An incredulous young man approached me holding a wad of hundred-dollar bills enclosed in a piece of paper and a rubber band. The paper was labeled $1,000. He must have thought an old geezer would know what to do with it!

After getting over the thrill of having my faith in people vindicated—if only anecdotally—I suggested we visit customer service. On the way, we passed Medina Savings and Loan (Generations Bank), the likely place from which the money had been procured.

To make a long story shorter, the young man who had unintentionally dropped the money roughly fifteen feet from where the Salvation Army kettle was located. He had evidently been asked to do some Christmas shopping for the family by an older relative.

Not twenty minutes after we checked with a very helpful woman at customer service, the “twenty something” guy who had dropped the money rushed up to me as if I had found and returned what remained of the $1,000. While his heart appeared to be visibly pulsating through his shirt, he thanked me as passionately as someone might have. He insisted on giving me a hug as well.

To the “twenty something” who deserves the credit for returning the $500 that remained, I offer this for what it may be worth. Though I never got your name—and I may be wrong—you have something money cannot buy. That thing is character. Whoever you are, and regardless of where it originated, that character is something that is likely to serve you quite well going forward.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent

Albion

Editor:

It is so predictable.

The majority of liberal opinions published in the Letters to the Editor here on The Hub are written by two people – Mr. Conrad Cropsey of Albion and Mr. William Fine of Brockport. Though often tempted to respond to these two gentleman, I generally do not. Their two latest letters, though, should be challenged.

Mr. Cropsey, with his legal background, should be able to cite particular laws that have been broken by President Trump. I’ve yet to see any in his letters, or anywhere else for that matter. Innuendo, “feelings”, and accusations abound. Not factual evidence.

Abuse of power? Where? Why is it that Donald Trump is the only president in our history to be singled out for a conversation with a foreign leader? The left’s claim of abuse of presidential power is refuted by the actual players involved – including Ukraine!

How is it that former Vice President Biden gets a pass for actually doing what the left accuses Trump of? Even Zelensky claims there was no pressure placed upon him. Is Mr. Cropsey aware that military aid to Ukraine was actually delivered ahead of schedule? Does he acknowledge that former President Obama refused to provide any military aid at all, opting instead for only humanitarian aid? Add to that the fact that former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s “reset buddy” Putin has stated that this is a purely political move on the part of the democrats.

Obstruction of Congress? Where? Mr. Cropsey was silent when President Clinton claimed executive privilege 14 times and Obama 9. Where was Mr. Cropsey’s indignation then?

Does Mr. Cropsey not acknowledge that this baseless impeachment attempt actually started on November 9, 2016, the day after election day? There were murmurs of impeachment before our duly elected president even took office.

This is simply the left’s feeble attempt to negate the voters’ voice from 2016 and influence the 2020 election. The very thing they have the audacity to accuse Trump of. Why is it that so many protocols were ignored in the House hearings to clearly support impeachment and silence our Republican representatives? The Democrats have failed to present a viable presidential candidate and they know it.

As to Mr. Fine, his latest letter asserts that people in this country illegally should be able to obtain driver’s licenses in New York State. Even he admits that these are not recognized federally. Does he advocate states picking and choosing which federal laws they will follow and which they will ignore? Mr. Fine claims great knowledge on the requirements for obtaining a license by people here illegally. Why is it that some county DMV offices are issuing no learner’s permits because they are not clear on all the legalities and  implications?

I fully expect negative replies to this letter. I would ask the writers to maintain civility and stick to facts as I have tried to do here.

Bob Harker

Clarendon

Editor:

Later today the House will vote to impeach President Trump. I keep hearing shouts about winning, process, and the like.

I have studied everything carefully and do not see things in that light. We tell ourselves that the Rule of Law is paramount in the United States and the world respects us because of our adherence to law and long established traditions which protect our democracy.

The House was clearly going to pass on alleged criminal matters revealed in the Mueller report that are better left to criminal authorities for investigation and review.  But after my review of the Ukraine situation which occurred after President Trump assumed office, I think the most important thing now is that we are telling the world that at least one part of our government is still able to do the hard thing and try to enforce what the Constitution, our founders, and our history require.

That is an important message that requires bravery in the face of almost certain defeat.

I guess I would also like to note that the Christian bible requires us to pray for those we hope will do better. It’s good advice for people of all political stripes and persuasions.

Conrad Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

On Wednesday, December 18, at 5 p.m., a meeting at the Lyndonville Village Hall (next to library) will be held open to the public.

At this meeting the Town of Yates Expansion Task Force will be available to answer any and all concerns of the proposed changes to the already undesirable Yates Town Park. This park was built in the mid-2000s to hopefully build community spirit.

If our elected officials would be in tune with our concerns instead of their own personal agenda, they would admit the park is a failure. Do we want to continue to pay with our taxes the $10,000 a year to maintain this park for the use of criminal activity that currently exists? Or do we say, “No more!”

Come voice your concerns on Wednesday. It is better to speak out now before it is too late to turn back versus complaining in a few years when our taxes are increased to cover enhanced costs plus the decrease of property on the tax rolls.

Do we want to accept the $2.5 million grant which we (New York State taxpayer) cannot afford to be wasted on a project that does not benefit the entire community. Come be an informed resident rather than an uninformed hearsay repeater!

Concerned Yates Taxpayer,

William Jurinich

Lyndonville

Editor:

The Green Light Law allows undocumented migrants to obtain driver’s licenses. Undocumented migrants work primary in agriculture. Richard Ball, New York State Commissioner of Agriculture told Syracuse.com on Jan. 30 that approximately half of New York farm labor force is undocumented.

Without undocumented farmworkers, farms in Wyoming, Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Ontario counties and across the state would fail. The federal government handles immigration policy, not the state.

However, the state is responsible for the people within its borders. It is important to understand that farmworkers are important to our farms, our community and our economy.

Licenses issued under the Green Light Law will say “Not for Federal Purposes.” They can not be used to register to vote, for passports or for benefits.

To apply for a license you have to show documents of your age, identity and that you live in NYS. Then they will take the same written and road test the rest of the residents in the state take. If they pass, they can obtain a driver’s license, register their car and obtain car insurance. Studies in states that have similar laws shows a lower average traffic fatality rate.

The Business Council of New York, the state’s largest business lobbying group, supports the law. They point out that this law will create business opportunities, and benefit employers such as farmers.

The Green Light Law will make it easier for farmworkers to participate in their communities, their schools and churches. It makes our roads safer, and it helps our economy grow. Forcing people to be isolated from their community and limiting their economic opportunity by law (or because of personal preference of some county clerks) is a form of institutional racism.

I strongly urge the county clerks to re-consider their position on this issue.

Thank you.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

Once again New York State has joined New York City and many other progressive cities in another failed climate change lawsuit.

Our intellectually inferior progressive leadership continues to waste taxpayer money suing oil companies. The Exxon suit, which was based on misleading investors on climate impact, enriched only the corporate attorneys.

This lawsuit damaged Exxon investors by forcing the company to fight a frivolous suit. Courtroom observers that followed this case mentioned how ill prepared the state was after four years of discovery.

After this sounding defeat, our Attorney General issues a press release on defending the citizens of this state against big corporate interests. All she did was increase the cost to operate in New York State. How does that benefit us?

Edward Urbanik

Lyndonville

Editor:

I refer to a recent letter in the Letters to the Editor from Leonard Lauricella. We also live in the village in a 2-bed, 928 square foot house with comparable taxes.

The house was built in 1951 and other than siding, roof and over 15-year-old replacement windows has had little else done to it.

If our daughter and her husband and two grandchildren did not live nearby in Niagara County we would be headed for a state the doesn’t tax out SS income! The thought of continuing to live in the village is one that disrupts our sleep on a nightly basis!

NY State must be split so we are not taxed to support the masses that live in the big city! Furthermore, the towns and village must reduce the tax load on village residents!

Thank you.

Dayton Hausman

Medina

Editor:

It is not fair that our NY Congressional District 27 has no representation in the House of Representatives in this time of political power play against the President of the United States of America.

I voted for Donald J. Trump for President of the United States. I see and hear the political party of opposition speak of up holding their Oath of Office and the Constitution of the United States and know that they are guilty of violating US 18 Code sections 241, 242, 2383 & 2384; mismanaging taxpayer money, weakening the United States’ borders, weakening the United States economy, and ruining the standing of the United States’ image and its President´s image to the rest of the World.

The Constitution of the United States is clearly written and is understandable. Only people of opposition lie and claim they do not understand the contract. I do understand the contract. The President of the United States of America needs support of the American people.

I am on a campaign to get him support and show the party of opposition that it made a tactical mistake in its mission to ruin America. For I believe that many Americans feel like I do. To those I say the time is now to join up.

I know many of New York’s fighters have moved out of this mismanaged state. We that are left can not waiver. We must fly are banners of freedom. We must send letters and emails of disapproval to the public employees that forget we are the bosses. We must call the switchboards and comment centers and remind them they work for us.

I see only one choice to fill the vacant NY Congressional District 27th seat. A man who stood in support of President Donald J. Trump. A man who has worked and has cut spending. Stefan Mychajliw is that guy. NY does not need someone whose voting record shows weakness, fear and complacency.

The President of the United States needs a fighter. The United States needs someone who can do math and knows how to cut taxes and spending. Stefan Mychaliw is that American. NY needs someone who defends all civil liberties and Civil Rights – not just the popular ones.

America needs and deserves a Constitutional believing Congressman. Stefan Mychaliw is a living example of America. The world should see that the American voter can make great choices for the job of helping to run and improve the United States of America.

In closing let us ban together and vote for the best, while supporting our president.

Steve Colon

Lyndonville

We have the highest taxes in the nation and now Albany insiders have stacked the deck even further against taxpayers, handing out another $100 million of your money to political candidates so they buy loads of robocalls, billboards and television commercials – an absolute disgrace.

It’s truly cowardice of Albany leadership to kick such a controversial topic to an outside commission instead of allowing a full debate and vote where lawmakers actually had to take responsibility for creating such a wasteful and unnecessary system.

Replacing “big money” in politics with taxpayer money does not solve the problem, it only exacerbates a corrupt Albany culture.

Furthermore, the commission has put minor parties on life support, forcing residents into two camps, Republican or Democrat, and further dividing our state. Gov. Cuomo’s personal war with the Working Families Party robs voters of choice and will certainly disenfranchise those who want a third-party candidate.

Once again, special interests in Albany have gone too far by overhauling a system behind closed doors, out of public view. I am calling on Gov. Cuomo to bring us back to Albany for a special session before January 1 to fix these disastrous new regulations.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Batavia

Editor:

On November 6 at Clear Skies Above Barre, Inc. monthly public meeting, Larry Gaylard, a standing Town Board member, said that a postcard previously sent out to at least one family in our community was sent by Clear Skies Above Barre, Inc.

This postcard contained malicious innuendo pertaining to leaseholders in the proposed industrial wind project. Having been shared on social media by the family that received it, rumors and now accusations about who sent the unaddressed postcard are circulating.

Clear Skies Above Barre did not send out this postcard nor do we have any further knowledge as to where it came from or who may have received it. We will not condone such malice in our community. Our mission is to protect the community of Barre while valuing a sense of community and neighborhood relations. Many members have expressed disgust of the postcard and heavy hearted sadness that our organization would be accused of sending it.

Clear Skies Above Barre will continue to uphold our integrity; all postcards sent will contain our emblem. Since some community members are using the term “opposition” or “anti” groups interchangeably with our organization and other groups/ individuals in the community – Clear Skies Above Barre would like to make clear our organization is separate from other groups forming in our community that are also in opposition to this proposed wind project.

As always we urge our neighbors to seek out the proper authorities if they are being threatened.

Sincerely,

Barbara J. Verburg

Acting President – Clear Skies Above Barre