Editor:

When I was being raised, I was taught respect for others, even those you disagree with. I was also taught you don’t call your elder by their first name unless one invites you. Mr. Lauricella’s letter (Orleans Hub, March 29, 2016), failed the respect test miserably.

He likes to think we are still fighting the Cold War referring to Liberals as “leftists and communists”. He was appalled when President Obama went to Cuba and was photographed with a large mural of Che Guevara in the background. He fails to note that past Republican presidents have also posed in front of communist icons. Google it.

Yes, Mr. Lauricella, the Food Stamp Program feeds children that would otherwise go hungry since their parents’ income may not be sufficient. It is heartless to imply that our American Society has no obligation to assist poor people.

He goes on to confuse history with ideology. Let me set it straight. During the 1860s, the Republican Party was actually the liberal thinkers, most of all wanting to eliminate slavery. That was the Party of Lincoln. It was the conservatives who opposed freedom for blacks. These same conservatives opposed the equal rights movement of Martin Luther King.

Mr. Lauricella, as conservatives tend to do, slam the EPA as being necessary. Industrial air and water pollution doesn’t stop at state borders. Acid rain from coal plants, carbon dioxide emissions and industrial discharge into waterways knows no bounds. Therefore, we are NOT adequately protected by our state conservation department. Obviously, it takes federal controls to limit air and water pollution.

You really think we don’t need to be concerned about the environment or that regulations are bad for business? Consider this: the Earth is 4.6 billion years old. Let’s scale that to 46 years. We have been here for 4 hours. Our industrial revolution began 1 minute ago. In that time, we have destroyed more than 50% of the world’s forests. This is not sustainable. How is THAT good for business?

Yes, even though I am a gun owner and hunter, I support the NYS SAFE Act. I say no more gun violence. I say we need universal background checks and a ban on military assault weapons. More guns in the hands of more people is NOT going to end the cycle of massacres in the U.S. It certainly doesn’t keep us free. Your reference to “communist countries” being those who ban guns is not accurate.

Mr. Lauricella, we saw what happened the last time a Republican president was elected. Our economy went into the ditch, we entered into senseless wars, the middle class was dismantled as tax cuts for the rich increased, American jobs were sent overseas, etc, etc. When W. Bush left office, his approval rating was 32%. President Obama’s approval is at 53%. So, we should hire another Republican because?

Mr. Lauricella, there is only one altar where I worship; and that is to my Almighty God that I hold in my heart. Our democratic government is a system which is designed to meet public needs, not make profits for a few. By electing Democrats to office, we are ensuring the use of our tax money for creating opportunities for everyone.

Women need to remember that in 1974, Republicans voted against allowing women to apply for a mortgage or credit card without a man. In 1978, Republicans voted against banning employers from firing pregnant women. In 2012, Republicans voted against the Equal Pay for Equal Work for Women Act. Republicans are the neoconservatives.

And never forget:

Conservatives opposed Blacks and women voting, Americans won.
Conservatives opposed stopping child labor, Americans won.
Conservatives opposed a minimum wage, Americans won.
Conservatives opposed the 40-hour work week, Americans won.
Conservatives opposed the 8-hour work day, Americans won.
Conservatives opposed workplace safety regulation, Americans won.
Conservatives opposed unemployment insurance, Americans won.
Conservatives opposed workers compensation, Americans won.
Conservatives opposed Social Security, Americans won.
Conservatives opposed Medicare, Americans won.
Conservatives opposed the Affordable Care Act, Americans won.

There is no doubt that Americans fare much better economically and socially when Democrats are elected. This truth is repeated time and time again.

As always, thank you for your attention.

Al Capurso
Gaines

Editor:

First, let me start by stating that I am a registered Conservative and cannot vote in the upcoming New York primary. So, as I told some of my conservative friends, I hadn’t been paying much attention to the primary races. I am waiting for the general election to really pay attention.

That changed when I saw the Republican Party was making a very real and open attempt to bar Trump from winning the nomination. I do not agree with a lot of what Donald Trump says but I dislike any political party deciding they know better than the American voters who the nominee should be.

While much of what Donald Trump says is offensive to many people, he has a right to say it! These protestors that are exercising their right to assemble and protest are, at the same time, trying to deny Trump the same as guaranteed by our constitution.

Following the Florida primary, which Trump won, the governor endorsed Donald Trump and was severely criticized for it by the Republican establishment and the press. His answer to that criticism was great. He stated he was endorsing the “will of the people.”

While some, or even most, may disagree with him, Donald Trump, to this point, has received the most votes.

Anytime a group of elitists think they know better than the people we should all be concerned. The Donald Trump question will be decided at the voting booth. For ANY group to try and influence the outcome the way it’s being done this year is just wrong. The irony in all this is the Republican Party is now endorsing a candidate they vehemently opposed at the start.

I just hope everyone votes their own minds and do not allow themselves to be influenced by anyone or anything other than the candidates and their positions on the issues. That is why I hope Donald Trump wins the Republican primary.

Ken Longer
Town of Kendall
Conservative Party committee

Editor:

I always enjoy when Al Capurso writes letters to the editor. Like a good leftist he worships at the altar of government. Without government in every aspect of our lives nothing good would come of anything. His satirical view of the world is quite entertaining.

Al is a student of history as Mr. Obama is a Constitutional scholar (cough cough). He mentioned Roosevelt #1’s land grabs – the beginnings of the long line of abusive takings of land by the federal government in this country. The federal government is not supposed to take any more land then they need to operate, such as DC, military bases and certain infrastructure. Anything else is excessive and unconstitutional.

The land taken is staggering. Rogue agencies like the BLM wreak havoc in the West on ranchers. The recent murder of Lavoy Finicum comes to mind to remind how out of control the Obama administration is. The abuses are long.

Glad Al mentioned the Ponzi scheme called Social Security. Its intent like all great liberal do-gooder intents was to aid one to not have to work forever, and also to help out the widow. At that time the life expectancy was around 60 to 62 years old. Now its 80. You had to reach 65 to collect. The government was betting that most would not live that long. Social Security is paid for by those who have worked.

Medicare is run by HHS and funded by the US treasury AKA taxpayer. Obamacare is running it into bankruptcy. Unfortunately there are now only two workers for every recipient and the system is long bankrupt with an empty box of IOU’s. I doubt I will ever see a dime.

There are to many abusing SSI and it has strayed from its original intent of helping the old, retired and disabled. That can be attributed to vote-pandering leftists.

The Food Stamp program has created a slave-like dependency on the government. It also keeps the peasants from revolting, watching, or asking questions. Look what Johnson’s Great Society did for the blacks trapped in this system. Took fathers out of the home, rewarded out-of-wedlock births and enslaved generations to poverty, illiteracy, drug and crime-infested neighborhoods, hopelessness, bitterness and a chip on their shoulder.

We have spent 700 billion dollars on the war on poverty, Al. 47 Million people are on food stamps in Obama’s great growing economy. Millions out of work not even counted anymore. Al you got to love Liberal progressive good intentions.

What was it Al that brought our country to ruins? Was it Slick Willy’s repeal of the Glass Stegall Act ? I think that’s what it was. Along with the progressive race hustlers pressuring the banks to make loans to unqualified recipients. Not only to buy a home but then again to furnish it, buy new cars and extend credit. What were the banks to do? Besides the federal government guaranteed the loan. W Bush warned Barney Frank about Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac, that collapse was coming. Barney, the good progressive he was, lied like all of them do, mostly to themselves.

It was Republicans that stood up for equal rights. It was the Democrat Party and its members that did everything they could to stop the advancement of Dr. Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights movement. Your guys, Al.

Maybe soon Al you can go to Cuba and have your picture taken with Castro in front of the same building with murderous thug Che Guevara in the background. Just like your wonderful President Obama. Maybe you can hold your “I Support the NY SAFE ACT” sign as it would be most appropriate in a communist country.

Sorry Al I have to drink and breath too. Love Clean air and water. The EPA is out of control and goes way beyond what is necessary to maintain a clean environment. There is nothing in the Constitution that says there has to be an EPA. It should be closed. We already have powerful state DEC’s for our protection.

Sorry Al the bailout was a mistake. No one should have been bailed out. Not the auto industry, the banks, Wall Street, the Rothschilds or Rockefellers. Had a correction been allowed to take place the economy would have recovered by now which it still has not in many sectors. What did cash for clunkers do for the working man except raise the price of a used car and destroy a whole fleet of useful automobiles. By the way Al where did that 700 billion dollar stimulus go exactly?

Al, your guy progressive Senator VP Joe Biden was the one who made it adamant that no justices should be appointed in the lame duck session of a presidency. Your savior Obama voted against Justice Alito’s appointment in W’s lame duck.

Progressives are one election away from completely destroying everything good this country has stood for. A hundred years of plotting and planning are within hands grasp. It could all be lost and rolled back by a Trump or Cruz. I am hoping and praying your side loses, for the sake of the country. By the way we live in a Representative Republic and I would like to keep it.

Evil Right Wing Extremist

Paul Lauricella Jr.
Lyndonville

Editor:

The Orleans County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, representing approximately 500 Orleans County sportspersons and nature enthusiasts, voted unanimous disapproval of the proposed Lighthouse wind energy project in the Town of Yates at its March meeting.

The Federation is dedicated to promoting both the environmental assets of Orleans County, as well as the opportunity for people to enjoy them. Several members spoke in clear opposition to the potentially harmful impacts to birdlife.

During spring migration studies show a west to east migration along the shoreline of Lake Ontario so, with the projected turbines running parallel to the shoreline, migrating species would be in danger longer.

There are also thousands of waterfowl and birds that migrate through the area using the Atlantic Flyway that also use the area as a rest stop. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service recommends wind turbines be at least 3 miles from shoreline of the Great Lakes to protect migrations.

Perhaps even more persuasive were the prospects of significant woodland habitat loss during the site preparation. Also, there is an active bald eagle nest in the area and two others are within a few miles.

Though well aware of it, members of the group were undaunted by the specter of the Article X process and its implications for reasonable local control.

Christopher S. Rice
President of Orleans County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, Inc.

Editor:

From what I recall, Thomas Jefferson once said, “If I had to choose between a government without newspapers and newspapers without a government, I wouldn’t hesitate to choose the latter.”

Much has been said about how the media has favored Donald Trump with free coverage, estimated to be worth as much as $1.6 billion. One expert estimates Trump has received 23 times as much coverage as Bernie Sanders.

Why does he command so much attention? Just one of the reasons is that he has a lot of money. Reasonable, or not, that gives him credibility. More relevant to the media’s fascination with all things Trump is that he is a sensational character. One never knows what he is going to say next. The news people treat him as a curiosity, though he is clearly more than that. Wacky comments from prominent people sell regardless of how ridiculous they are.

But Trump’s curious ability to draw coverage and enthrall the adoring disenchanted is not my focus here.

As Jefferson was suggesting, a vigorous free press is vital to a democracy. We might as well not have a republican form of government without the news media. Was it not Jefferson who included free speech in Amendment 1?

Though tearing down the institutions of government has become the calling card of the right, especially in the past seven years, it has become an obsession with “Citizen Trump.” He has made it his mission to cast doubt on everyone from the foreign policy makers to the generals advising the President.

One of the more troubling aspects of Trump’s candidacy is his apparent determination to ridicule and delegitimize the press. In his efforts to undermine respect for the media, he has frequently berated them collectively and individually, even suggesting the libel laws may need changing to permit candidates to sue the press when the coverage doesn’t suit them.

Imagine the damage he does as he gives credence to popular distrust of the media. “These are bad people, folks.”

Trump’s ire isn’t confined to the “liberal” media. It isn’t reserved for Fox News. He seems to be an equal opportunity disparager. Though some may think that is encouraging, to me it is rife with troubling implications. Separating fact from fiction is hard when you refuse to listen to anyone.

For democracy to work, people must be informed. Once the media is thoroughly discredited, those who come to distrust it have another reason to ignore a vital part of citizenship. While people who live in a dictatorship have an excuse to be uninformed, being an ignorant participant in the democratic process can eventually destroy a republican form of government.

Candidate Trump’s followers will make a huge mistake if they allow his unfair comments about Fox’s Megyn Kelly and CNN’s Katie Tur, among many others, left and right generally, to be an excuse for going into the November election seriously underinformed.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent
Albion

Editor:

Just when I thought the political discourse of this election year could not get any more absurd, Mr. Paul Lauricalla Jr. spews utter nonsense and historically inaccurate statements (Orleans Hub, March 22, 2016).

First he blames “Liberals and Progressives” for the rise in popularity of that racist, hateful, bullying, no class sexist, Donald Trump. The fact that Fox “news” and other extremist right wing propaganda machines have dumbed down and lied to the redneck minority in this country seems to have escaped Mr. Lauricella Jr.

How many times did you hear on conservative news channels that President Obama is a Kenyan Muslim, not of this country. Some actually believe it. Those are the folks coming out for Trump and all his outrageousness.

I won’t bother rebutting this guy point for point. I have faith that most readers can see through the conservative tripe in his letter, but I will take him to task for the following: He said “Everything that is wrong with this country is directly related to liberal and progressive policy over the last 100 years”.

Since I am a student of history, I am very curious as to which policies Mr. Lauricella thinks tanked our country. Was it the creation of the National Parks System by President Teddy Roosevelt that preserved this nation’s natural beauty from commercial exploitation?

Was it the creation of the Social Security Act during the FDR years that still allows millions of retired citizens the ability of living in dignity? Was it the creation of Medicare that pays 80 percent of seniors’ medical expenses?

Was it the creation of the Food Stamp Program that subsidizes working Americans in low wage jobs so they can feed their children? How about clean water and clean air legislation that ensures that chemical companies don’t poison us in their quest for profits?

Was it the Equal Rights Legislation of the John F. Kennedy years? Was it the six times we landed on the moon and other fantastic space exploration efforts of NASA?

Informed people grow tired of conservative scapegoating and narrow-minded thinking.

In his haste to bash President Obama, Mr. Lauricella fails to mention what had brought our country to the brink of economic ruin. The tax breaks for the rich and the failed “trickle-down” economic policies of Reagan and the Bushes, further exacerbated by the two wars that W. Bush didn’t pay for.

He also failed to mention how President Obama has grown the national economy with consistent growth in private sector jobs, and Obama’s saving of the American Automotive Industry. This great land is hardly “in ruin”.

President Obama has waged an effective war against terrorism by ordering the raid that killed bin Laden and the systematic elimination of other terrorist leaders. The list is impressive.

The current reality is that the Democrats have two excellent candidates running for President, and the Republicans have zilch. Anyone can see the panic within the Republican establishment. The irony is it was the Republican Party, with their 7 years of obstructing President Obama, that has brought us to this point.

There are several Republican Congressional Representatives up for re-election and many of them will lose, thank God. And Mr. Lauricella’s reference to “Moderate (Liberal) Republicans” just shows how extreme he is. What he is saying is “everybody should believe, and act as he approves; anything else is wrong.” Fortunately, extremism is not the mainstream in the USA.

Mr. Lauricella Jr. talks glowingly about the need to follow the Constitution the way our founders intended, but fails to mention the Republican outrageous opposition to Mr. Obama’s nomination of any Supreme Court Judicial replacement of deceased Justice Scalia.

A college professor of mine 40 years ago said that in American society there exists enough people to allow a rise to power of someone of the ilk of Adolf Hitler. It was a scary thought when I heard it, and even more so now.

For Mr. Lauricalla to proclaim “no more progressives in any party. No more Democrats elected to anything” runs contrary to the political diversity that has lifted this democracy to one of the best places in the world to live.

Thanks to all for their attention.

Al Capurso
Gaines

Editor:

The Holley Wrestling Team and Coaching Staff would like to thank the many people and organizations who helped organize and contributed to the success of the Holley Wrestling Program throughout this wrestling season.

Several events were conducted and without their help and support these events would not have been a success. The following are the events that took place in which many volunteers were needed: Holley JV and Varsity Wrestling Tournaments, Holley Hawk Wrestling Club, Holley Junior Wrestling Club, Holley Wrestling Club Tournament, Gold Force Wrestling Club Open Mats, and the Holley Wrestling Banquet.

All your contributions, generosity, assistance and efforts did not go unnoticed. Your loyalty and dedication is the main reason why programs and students athletes achieve success.

Thank you once again!

Sincerely,

John J. Grillo
Head Wrestling Coach

Editor:

Upon graduation from the College of Business at Montana State University the first time, I worked for the Montana State Department of Highways Accounting Division, Auditing Department. I may be a “Political Neophyte” as the Town of Murray arrogantly claims, but I know numbers and what they represent.

The Murray Councilpersons indicated the water districts undergo intense scrutiny by independent auditors, Rural Development and the NYS Comptroller’s Office. The independent auditor looks at cash in and cash out or basically balances the books not looking for over taxation. Rural Development loans money not looking for over taxation either and the Comptroller’s Office is the only high ranking official reporting agency referred to by the Town of Murray.

Unfortunately for Murray, the NYS Comptroller’s Audit Report (click here), found significant accounting irregularities, see page 4 paragraph 2. “THE USE OF DEBT PROCEEDS TO PAY OPERATING COSTS VIOLATES THE LOCAL FINANCE LAW AND THE COVENANTS MADE TO THE PURCHASERS OF THE TOWN’S DEBT.”

I merely repeated what the highest ranking accounting official in the State discovered during their audit of the Town of Murray’s Water Districts. Why is the Murray Town Board denying the written facts of the Comptroller? How embarrassing for them to even reference the Comptroller in light of the scathing audit report.

The taxes levied on your property are for the loan repayment only, if the Town wants to place an additional tax on your property for water loss or maintenance that is to be shown as a separate line item. Each water district stands alone and separate funds are to remain in each.

Although I’m extremely disappointed with the Town’s side stepping response, they may have indicated they are over taxing the districts. They have a reserve fund. That’s reasonable but how are they funding it and where are the funds?? What are they doing with the money? The comptroller stated on page 7, “$100,000.00 in bond proceeds was improperly used to pay operating expenditures.”

The Town has used water district loan money to run the operations of the Town, it’s that simple and it’s against Local Finance Law. Furthermore, you borrowed the money to pay for water line infrastructure, not running the operations of the Town.

The Town of Murray could have avoided all this dirty laundry by simply being more open and honest with its operations. It’s disappointing to me that the Highway & Water Superintendent hasn’t commented on this controversial issue plaguing his departments.

All we have heard is that the political hopeful is plagiarizing the Comptroller’s findings. (LOL) The only defense the Town of Murray board can express is a personal character attack and avoidance of the issue. It would be much easier to simply answer the questions and correct any problems. I’m simply advocating for better Town Governance. It’s time for the Town of Murray Board to realize that the taxpayer deserves a little more respect.

Joe Sidonio
Murray

Editor:

All these letters denouncing Donald Trump. Who are we kidding here? They come from mostly far left-leaning Democrats and moderate (liberal) Republicans.

I have always, since his days of running for Senate, been a supporter of Senator Ted Cruz . His fidelity to the constitution and taking on of the RINO and progressive establishment in the Senate has earned him my respect. He has not sold out like many of those elected do on their first day after they have taken and violated their oath of office. He is someone a majority of our local politicians could take a lesson from.

Some say that many Republicans won’t vote for Trump. I am not a Republican but if Senator Cruz does not get the nomination I will vote for Donald Trump because the alternative would be 4 more years of a declining economy, further mind-poisoning liberal progressive programs in our schools for our children, further expansion of corporate welfare and phony Wall Street projections, the welcome mat in our country to radical Muslim extremists and Illegal aliens. More radical leftists appointed to the Supreme Court instead of Constitutionalists. Not to mention the further growth of government and the potential complete loss of the Bill of Rights.

Progressives are just that dangerous.

Another progressive Democrat President would bring the total destruction and the completion of the fundamental transformation of America that was began by this present American president who has a deep hatred for this country as it was founded. His appointment of two radical America-hating leftists, Kagan and Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. His own cabinet full of racist, incompetent America-hating leftists and Czars. His blatant disregard for the constitution and laws of the land. His radical appointments to the unconstitutional alphabet agency’s that have been rammed down our throat from liberal progressive presidents like LBJ, Nixon, Carter, Bush Sr., Clinton, W Bush and Hussein Obama himself.

We really have had some lousy presidents in my life time and since the turn of the last century. That’s why we have Donald Trump.

I read a letter recently asking Republicans (or RINOS in this county) to denounce Trump. (Sorry but you have to be a RINO to endorse Collins and Ortt.) Where is the call from Democrats to denounce Hillary Clinton?

One progressive friend of mine thinks she would be the right person for the job. (Yes I have some wonderful but misguided friends.) Hillary has as deep a hatred for this country. A Liar. A race hustler and a complete incompetent. You want to talk about an opportunist. She allowed her husband to create a sexually uncomfortable atmosphere in the White House. Turning her back and a blind eye to advance her career.

She has been a corrupt and seedy politician all the way from Arkansas to her carpetbagger run for the NY Senate to one of the worst secretaries of state in US history. Riding her shameful husband’s coat tails for power. Leaving four brave men to die in Benghazi, her classified email scandal as of late explained with the typical Clinton mincing of words. Lie, Lie, Lie. She’s in the pockets of the big banks and Wall Street.

Her whole campaign is based on racial division lies, and freebies. Her history of corruption is long and deep. She belongs in jail in the general population.

The left has so broken this country. Everything that is wrong with this country is directly related to liberal and progressive policy over the last 100 years. In our schools, our children and teachers minds are poisoned, in our institutions, in our organizations, in our political system. In every nook and cranny of society the cancer of progressivism, liberalism and political correctness has polluted minds and hearts. That is why you have a Donald Trump.

The people of this country that works and pay the bills are tired of being stepped on. Told how to think. Blamed for everything from environmental to income inequalities and everything else. Called selfish and greedy if they work harder than others and archive. Call racist if they speak their mind. Called a homophobe if they disagree with the forcing of others lifestyle upon them. Tired of having to accept things they know are wrong. Called heartless if you don’t continually turn your pockets inside out for those in government and those who expect you to subsidize them or won’t work. Called hateful because radical Muslims have completely change how we move around in our own country and people that illegally sneak over our boarders to take advantage of what the politicians steal from us.

The thinking people need to unite around which ever of the top two Republican candidates gets the nomination. Because if Hillary or Bernie win we won’t have a country resembling anything that the founders envisioned. It’s almost gone already.

The progressive powers that be are just waiting for us over 40 to die off. They can’t change us but they can wait us out. The progressives have gotten the minds of most under 30 years old and many very educated and weak-minded elders.

Worse yet, our elected officials. Many call themselves Republican. This may be the last chance to start to restore America. Let’s leave a better country for the unborn. We owe them that.

No more progressives in any party. No more Democrats elected to anything. They don’t even hide who they are anymore. At least RINO Republicans try to hide their liberal ways till they get elected and their seat is safe. We are a country in decline.

Paul Lauricella Jr.
Lyndonville

Editor:

Several days ago, the New York State Senate passed its one-house budget resolution, kicking off negotiations with the Assembly and Governor to adopt this year’s state budget.

The Senate’s proposal outlines benefits to working families, businesses and schools, including tax cuts, education funding, infrastructure and transportation parity, and funding to combat the heroin epidemic.

We’re providing significant tax relief for middle-class taxpayers, small businesses and farmers. The Middle Class Income Tax Relief Program would create a new 25 percent tax rate reduction, saving millions of middle-class taxpayers an average of $897.

Nearly 800,000 small businesses will also benefit from this income tax cut. For farms and small businesses, we eliminate the energy tax and build upon the Governor’s small business tax breaks to help create jobs. For seniors, our budget will cut taxes on private pensions and retirement income, saving them an average of $361 each year.

We’re also pushing to make the statewide property tax cap permanent, so that we can provide certainty and relief to homeowners, small businesses and farmers. Along those lines, the STAR rebate check program would also be permanent under our plan. And, we’re rejecting the Governor’s proposal to cap savings on the STAR program.

I understand the challenges of New York’s crippling tax climate, and the annual property tax relief is something Western New Yorkers deserve in its entirety. This plan ensures that property owners continue to receive relief for years to come.

Last year, the State Legislature eliminated nearly all of the anti-Upstate, Gap Elimination Adjustment, which saved taxpayers in my district $18 million. This year, the Senate is fighting to get rid of the remaining $436 million of the GEA school budget cuts. As a result, this will provide record funding of $1.6 billion to public schools across the state so that teachers and students won’t have to struggle for the resources they desperately need.

The one-house budget also makes college more affordable for thousands of students and families. The Senate Republican conference has proposed $87 million for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), as well as new major tax breaks to help middle-class families pay for college.

We’re also calling for parity between upstate and downstate infrastructure funding. Upstate has been dealing with a disparity for our roads, bridges and public transportation for far too long, and now, the Senate Republican Majority is pumping the brakes on this unfair treatment.

The Senate’s budget proposal also focuses on our veterans. It would allow our vets to obtain up to three years of additional credit toward their state retirement benefits for peacetime military service. Our veterans have done so much for us and our country, it’s time we do more for them.

One of the last topics in the budget I’d like to highlight is the record funding of $167 million to help put an end to the dangerous heroin crisis. The heroin epidemic is sweeping across our state at an alarming rate without discrimination of its victims. This budget proposal represents our conference’s firm commitment to addressing and ultimately eradicating the epidemic in New York State.

From educating the public, to helping addicts, to putting more dealers behind bars, we’ve put forth proposals to attack each area of this public health crisis. I’m hopeful the Assembly and Governor will follow our lead to deliver resources to communities and families in dire need of relief.

I believe our Senate Majority budget proposal touches on many of my legislative priorities that will help to make Western New York a better community to live, work, and raise a family. I look forward to working with the Assembly and the Governor in order to achieve these key goals and deliver a fiscally responsible, on-time budget by April 1.

State Sen. Robert Ortt
62nd Senate District

Editor:

A political hopeful in the Town of Murray has recently charged that the Town has “broken its agreement on the water districts and violated Local Finance Law.” In addition, this political neophyte states the “Town has overtaxed it’s water district residents for years.” Perhaps the true facts on the funding of water districts need to be explored.

While it’s always important to ask questions to ensure that taxpayer dollars are collected and spent properly, it’s even more important to ask the right questions!

For instance:

If the fire department puts out a fire at your house, who pays for the water? If a break in the waterline causes hundreds or thousands of gallons of water to escape the service, who pays for the water? Who pays for the materials and labor to repair a broken water line? Who pays for the testing that each water line must undergo on a regular basis? Who pays for the waterline flushing that must be done on a regular basis?

In addition, the Town of Murray buys all of its water from a variety of sources. Did you know that when these sources increase water rates to Murray, the Town often absorbs these increases without passing the additional costs along to the local water user? The money to pay for all of these costs comes from a reserve fund that it built into each individual water district for the sole purpose of fire protection, maintenance and other unexpected expenditures.

This same political apprentice often states that the Town of Murray should compare itself to other towns in the county in order to judge the efficiency and prudent spending procedures in Murray.

Well, when you compare Murray with a couple of neighboring towns this is what you find. First, one town is exploring the idea of turning over it’s water district to Monroe County Water Authority as a way to keep the financial strain off the town. They are even exploring the possibility of imposing a daily meter charge as a way to build a water maintenance fund.

In a different neighboring town, they have struggled with the loss of 60 million gallons of water at a cost of $170,000 over a 4-year period of time. That’s 19 percent of their total water usage! While we understand the plight of these neighboring towns, when you compare, we’re glad we live in Murray!

Each year the water districts in the town under go intense scrutiny by independent auditors, Rural Development and NYS Comptrollers office. To quote one of these high-ranking officials, “all of the Murray water districts are fine, and in fact, we wish that all the water districts in the Western New York area were run as well as Murray’s”! As Board members, we trust the word of these experts over individuals who are only interested in their own political aspirations.

In the end, accusations of overcharging in the Town of Murray are “All Washed UP”!

John Morriss – Supervisor

Kathy Case – Councilwoman
Lloyd Christ – Councilman

Ed Bower – Councilman
Paul Hendel – Councilman

Editor:

The dust has settled from this year’s election in Lyndonville. Local elections are not political, but they are a referendum on job performance.

Normally, one person runs for mayor and is elected by a few voters. This year, some folks in the village, in a critique of one candidate’s job performance, selected a former town supervisor at the eleventh hour to be a second candidate.

They used social media to encourage people to cast a vote for that person which produced a landslide victory for him. They were able to mobilize people who never voted, had not voted in years and even one who was not registered to vote.

The winner said, “I’m very honored, it was a very good turnout. The people spoke and I want to thank them for their support.” The question is, what do they expect of him once he begins office in April?

Besides taking the oath of office, he will have a specific set of duties and responsibilities to follow. That should be their payback. So let the voters come to meetings to monitor the mayor’s performance for the next four years.

The victor also declared, “I’m going to make some changes and bring back the community to where it should be.” Do others know where that is?

So the voters have expressed a hope for change.

For my own reasons, I did not.

James Tuk
Lyndonville

Editor:

National and local support for Donald Trump is beginning to grow to a frightening level. At this point in the Republican primary race, it has never been more apparent that Donald Trump is racist, misogynic, and fundamentally hateful.

His suggestion that Muslims should be registered is nothing short of the policies enacted by Hitler in Nazi Germany.

What he has said about women is extraordinarily insulting; “26,000 unreported sexual assaults in the military-only 238 convictions. What did these geniuses expect when they put men & women together?” (A tweet on May 7th, 2013) and “You know, it doesn’t really matter what [the media] write as long as you’ve got a young and beautiful piece of a–“.

It is safe to say that Chris Collins, Nicholas Langworthy, Carl Paladino, the Erie County Republican Committee and Orleans County Republican Committee all share the sexist, racist, hateful and islamophobic values that Donald Trump has displayed.

If a Democratic candidate was spewing the same rhetoric that Trump has been spewing for months, I do not doubt for one second that WNY Democratic leaders like Jeremy Zellner, Jeanne Crane, Brian Higgins, and organizations like the Erie County Democrats and Orleans County Democrats would all denounce that candidate.

As children we are taught to stand up and speak out when someone is being bullied. We are taught not to blindly follow the “popular” kids. We are taught to be kind, caring and welcoming to people that are being bullied. All of the above mentioned Republican leaders and organizations have failed to put those lessons into action when they endorsed Donald Trump.

Women, immigrants and Muslims are being bullied right now in America; they are being torn down, embarrassed and written off as real people by Donald Trump.

It is too late for local Republican leaders to do right thing, but if you’re reading this and have been undecided and have considered voting for Donald Trump, I ask you to please think twice and find an alternative to him.

Sincerely,

James C. White
Gaines

Editor:

Anyone who tries to cover the good being done in Orleans County knows it is an impossible task. Local reporters Virginia Kropf, Jim Krencik, and Tom Rivers spare little effort in their vain attempt to do so. They cannot keep up with the efforts of Margie Buck, Debby Wilson, Jim Greanier, Bob Golden, Sister Dolores O’Dowd, Alice Preston and so many others who do the things that help make America great.

America will always have work to do, but it is great and has been for a long time. Those who try make mistakes, but still we strive to attain the lofty goals of “liberty and justice for all.”

As shown by things such as “Operation Provide Comfort” in Kurdish Iraq and our N.A.T.O. intervention in Bosnia, among many others, America’s commitment does not stop at the water’s edge.

In the past month, ample evidence of our national greatness has been inescapable. One needs look no further than the campaign trail.

How encouraging is it that, here in Orleans County, one Republican after another has expressed to me revulsion over what has been going on with his/her party? Several have told me there is “no way” they would ever vote for Donald Trump. Only one has expressed admiration for their frontrunner.

The reactions of Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz and John Kasich to their party frontrunner’s demagoguery and incitement to violence have been admirable. They have nonetheless stopped just short of saying they would not support the brash billionaire should he become the nominee.

Though their genuine concern over what is happening to their party is interpreted as purely political, many Republicans have spoken without equivocation. Mitt Romney was one of many sincere, patriotic Americans to plead with people to wake up. As badly as they abhor Clinton and Sanders, they are speaking out. Such courage and concern are indicative of American greatness.

Overlooked by the pundits is the civility of Trump’s own followers. Despite their favorite’s shameless rhetoric and clear incitement to violence once the cameras roll, those who attend his rallies have not beaten up protesters and attacked the media.

Nearly to a person they have shown respect for the rights of others to protest even when the “disrupters” fail to respect a repugnant candidate’s free speech. The restraint shown by Trump’s backers has been exemplary in all but a handful of cases.

Donald Trump only wishes he was as decent as those “ordinary” people he purports to represent. In the face of his repeated attempts to shred civility, the thoughtful response of his legions could be seen as a tribute to our education system.

Just as those who do so much to positively impact Orleans County, it is the people whom our leaders seek to represent who make America the great nation that it is.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent
Albion

Editor:

The national political landscape is changing and Town of Murray taxpayers have taken notice. Our town hall is full for meetings and it’s the place to be on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m.

People are participating. And for good reason.

The 2014 NYS Comptroller audit revealed significant problems with capital project activity and use of certain debt proceeds. In other words, the loans that were supposed to pay for your water lines were used for other purposes.

The report went on that the town does not create proper financial statements and cannot evaluate its true financial condition or effectively monitor the Town of Murray’s financial operations.

As a result, the town has broken its agreements on the water districts and violated Local Finance Law. But in the Town of Murray its business as usual. According to our Supervisor, “We regret that the State does not like the way we choose to do business in Murray. It works for us.”

Now it’s apparent that the town has been overtaxing its water district residents for years. The special district tax on your bill is for the principal and interest on the loan to pay for the water line infrastructure, nothing else.

According to the 2016 Town Budget you have been over taxed $63,142.00 and over the past 4 years it appears to be $286,000.00. How far back do you want to look? It also appears that the money is no longer in the funds. Where’d it go?

Taxpayers deserve answers. The board must look into this more in depth and I hope our town supervisor will step up to the plate and be cooperative and transparent. I have requested an explanation at the April Town meeting. Come to the meeting.

Joe Sidonio
Town of Murray