Editor:

A Constitutional Sheriff: one that upholds the duly enacted laws of the U.S. and the State of New York. This sounds good on its face; as long as the sheriff or his department doesn’t cherry pick the laws to enforce based on some popularity contest. AKA THE SAFE ACT.

As a citizen voter, gun owner, property owner and family man, I seriously expect the new sheriff to enforce the SAFE Act and turn over to the District Attorney all incidences of violations for prosecution.

The answer to gun violence is not more guns in the hands of more people. It is a ban on certain weapons from the procession of certain people, maybe you.

The Constitutional Founders of the Second Amendment did not unleash a citizens’ arms race. Their intent was the right for the citizen’s State Militia to take up arms to fight an enemy.

Good luck Randy, you have a sacred task before you.

Al Capurso
Gaines

Editor:

Having spoken at length with Judy Larkin, I know that she is sincere in her advocacy of the idea of a “Constitutional sheriff.”

In her recent letter, she begins one paragraph, “Any sheriff who swears to uphold the Constitution and then does not is a fraud. (See that paragraph and the one beginning, “There are laws on the books like it (the S.A.F.E. Act), and the sheriff must examine these in the light of the Constitution.”)

The procedures we have for passing laws assumes lawmakers read what they vote to approve. I know personally that what should happen doesn’t always happen. The excuse that they didn’t have time to read it before voting is preposterous. Assuming conscientious lawmakers, such a scenario should produce additional “no” votes, rather than, as many suggest, result in passage of a measure that would not have become law otherwise!*

In a nation of laws, laws (that are) on the books remain laws until the courts determine otherwise. That is what the authors of the Constitution expected and provided.

The sheriff is part of the executive branch. As such, he carries out court orders as well as the wishes of those charged with making the lawsthe elected representatives of the people.

Though the United States Constitution does not mention “sheriffs” that I am aware of, it does say that the chief executive (the President, Article II, Section 3), “shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed.” The President is an elected representative of the people as well. He has a defined role that does not include either making, or judging the constitutionality of laws.

Mr. Organisciak’s answer to the first question asked at the S.C.O.P.E. forum was an answer consistent with the separation of powers outlined in our Constitutional system. Don Organisciak was the only candidate who answered the S.A.F.E. Act question forthrightly and in a manner consistent with the United States Constitution.

For that matter, the courts have begun looking at the law and have, so far, decided that it is, with few exceptions, Constitutional. I trust that the ruling will be appealed.

If our system allowed a sheriff to dismiss laws he/she found objectionable constitutionally, he/she, would be placing himself/herself above the law. In our Constitutional system, the role Ms. Larkin asserts for the sheriff, in fact, belongs to the courts.

Though Don Organisciak has problems with the S.A.F.E. Act, he was not afraid to say that, as sheriff, in good conscience, he could not say that he wouldn’t enforce it without encouraging disrespect for the law.

Ms. Larkin is entitled to her opinion. I would urge your readers to reflect on where the effective disrespect for the law (and the Constitution) she advocates would lead.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent
Albion

*In fact, the Orleans County Legislature did exactly the opposite in 2010 when they voted “yes” on a resolution disapproving of several State firearms-related measures. Rather than read the entire packet of measures provided by S.C.O.P.E., they voted to disapprove a proposed State bill that would have increased penalties for those who injure law enforcement with a firearm in the commission of a crime! Four of your current legislators would not stand in solidarity with those who risk their lives daily for us.

Photo by Tom Rivers – Solar panels were recently added to Hoag Library in Albion.

Editor:

I wanted to talk a little about some of the “green” features of the Hoag Library. I have spoken on this topic at a few club meetings here and there, but the number of people who have seen me speak on the topic is quite small.

I was very glad to see that the Library Board finally moved to put the solar panels on the roof for which I wrote a New York State Building Grant in 2013. The decision to put panels on the entire south facing roof, made by the Board after finding out that the price of putting solar panels on the roof had dropped, was a good one. It means that a greater portion of the electric bill incurred by the library each month, will be covered by solar power generated on-site.

To know what percentage of the electric bill will be covered cannot be known just yet. There are just too many variables. However, using estimates from Arista’s website, we can estimate that the panels will cover up to 60 to 70 percent of the yearly electric bill. What we do know is that the system will eventually pay for itself, and once it has done so, will continue to save money for the library for many years to come.

When asked how long the panels will continue to operate at its initial high level, the installers said that it would work at its initial level for about 30 years. After that, the system may decrease in efficiency a little, losing 5 percent of its efficiency. For upkeep, the panels should be inspected once a year. [Arista Power did the installation of solar panels on the library roof.]

But the library has many more passive features that maximize its energy and water usage, and place less stress on the environment. The library is oriented to the south for more than one reason. In the winter, when the sun is at a lower angle, the sun shines in the many south-facing windows, providing light and warmth.

The windows are high efficiency, and there are many south-facing windows, and few north-facing windows. The clerestory windows also provide a passive way to add light and 1/3 of them may be opened. By opening windows above and on the street level, the “chimney effect” of having high and low windows open bring in quantities of fresh air, and let excess heat out of the building expeditiously.

There is highly efficient spray insulation in the walls and roof as well. The amount of insulation is enough that even though people go in and out of the building all day in the winter, the building uses less natural gas for heating than the old library did, even though the amount of square footage being heated is approximately three times as much. The highly efficient windows and well sealed spaces also contribute to this effect.

If you have looked closely at the building you will notice that there are no gutters. Instead, there are deep roof overhangs and gravel strips along the long sides of the building. The roof drips (during rain and snow storms) and the water soaks into the ground rather than adding to the water going into the storm sewers. Rain gardens are placed on the southwest and northeast lawns.

The flower gardens were not well established; however, I hope that they may be added back in eventually. Usage of native perennial plants could make these beautiful and easy care ways to collect more water and keep it out of the storm drain system. However, even using lawn to catch rain keeps most of the water out of the storm drains.

The deep overhangs on the roof serve a second purpose. They shade the windows to keep direct sun out of the library in the middle of the day in the summer. And the EcoStar roof tiles are part recycled rubber and plastic, and are designed to last at least 50 years.

On the inside, low-flow water fixtures minimize water usage in the building. The electric hand dryers mean less trash generated in the restrooms, as well.
High efficiency light fixtures in the building, and timed lighting controls inside and in the parking lot use less electricity than the usual fixtures. If no one moves in the meeting rooms and the staff room, sensors ensure the lights will turn themselves off.

The parking lot lights are aimed down to be dark sky compliant, and use LED bulbs, which both last much longer than regular bulbs, and use 1/3 as much electricity. The lighting controls in the parking lot turn the lights on at dusk and can be set to turn themselves off at whatever time is preferred. A NYSERDA grant paid for the lighting controls.

It was my hope, when we were working on the plans for this beautiful building, that it would not only be the best and most energy efficient building we could build, but that it could serve as an example of the kind of technology that could benefit the entire community, including private, public, and business buildings.

The more beneficial features of the building can be replicated throughout the area. By doing so, we can save money, natural resources, and be a model for other communities. Whether or not that happens, at least the library can be a model for public buildings in this area and elsewhere. And that is happening.

Librarians and Library Board members from all over Western New York are coming to look at this building, especially if they are in the process of building their own new buildings. It is a triumph, and I, for one, am very proud to have had a hand in this project.

Susan Rudnicky
Waterport
Former director of Hoag Library

Editor:

The highly anticipated and much debated general election is now behind us.

Orleans County SCOPE and New York Revolution would like to take this opportunity to thank the voters for attending the Sheriff Candidate Forum that was held prior to the election. It was very encouraging to see so many concerned citizens at the forum.

We greatly appreciate all the positive feedback we have received since the forum. We hope that events such as this will become commonplace in Orleans County as they are beneficial to candidates and voters alike.

We would also like to take this time to publicly congratulate Randy Bower for being elected Orleans County Sheriff. We look forward to establishing a working relationship between our groups and the Sheriff’s Department in an effort to better our county and be an example for others to follow.

We have taken a breath and recouped from the excitement of the election, but now we must look forward. There is much work to do. Next year, there will be numerous positions on the ballot, most notably the President of the United States and New York State legislators.

As reported in the Orleans Hub, voter turnout in Orleans County was 38.2 percent among registered voters. While some may celebrate that as a high turnout in an off-election year, we are quite frankly saddened by this. To make matters even worse, roughly 34 percent of the population over the age of 18 in Orleans County is not even registered to vote!

We truly believe that it is our duty as Americans to vote. Therefore, we look forward to the new year and hope that Orleans County will join us in an effort to get all qualified residents registered to vote!

Many complain about politics, but the numbers prove that few are willing to go to the polls and do something about it. We need to educate and activate our family, friends and neighbors. We can bring about change, but only if we vote and make our voices heard!

“We in America do not have government by the majority-we have government by the majority who participateAll tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.” ~Thomas Jefferson

We would like to take this opportunity to invite everyone to attend the Orleans County SCOPE meetings. They are held on the 2nd Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at the VFW on Platt Street in Albion.

Sincerely,

Mattie Zarpentine, Regional Director of New York Revolution
David Thom, Chapter Chairman of Orleans County SCOPE

Editor:

In response to Mr. Organisciak: For the first time in years, we had a choice for sheriff, and yes, sometimes the competition got silly with shirts and signs.

Candidates were working with a jaded, apathetic public, and they used whatever honest methods they could to show that this race was different.

A Constitutional Sheriff is not an ordinary lawman. He is elected, not mandated by paycheck, and he keeps the people in focus for everything he does. This is not such a radical idea. It is how the office of sheriff was always supposed to work before we were indoctrinated that he had to be a superior law officer.

Even the state regulations recognize that someone with administrative and managerial skill, such as David Green had, but no physical “on the road” skill, can be sheriff.

Concerning the “mud-slinging”: would you deny people their right to free speech? None of the comments came from either Mr. Drennan or Mr. Bower, but from people stating their opinions. The public has the right to know what goes on in an elected office. So kudos to those who had the guts to speak out, and to both candidates for not participating actively in that.

Any sheriff who swears to uphold the Constitution and then does not is a fraud. We have procedures for passing laws, and to bypass those is unConstitutional and corrupt. The SAFE Act was passed just this way.

There are other “laws” on the books like it, and the sheriff must examine these in light of the Constitution itself and make a decision concerning enforcement. To blindly accept that another elective office supersedes the sheriff’s office is folly.

If you follow that reasoning, then the state and federal agencies can swoop on any citizen, and punish him at any time, even for nothing other than disagreeing with them. (This “law” is on the books as the NDAA). It is the sheriff’s duty to protect his citizens from such an encroachment, unless there is just cause.

This race was definitely based on popularity – the close results showed that. But it was also based on who was listening to the people. The people don’t necessarily want another law enforcement officer as the supreme law of the land, but someone who will protect their Constitutional rights and interpose himself between the people and entities who will infringe on their rights. They want someone who can use the power of the political parties – because that’s how our system is set up – without being enslaved to them.

They want someone they can trust and depend on when they need extra help, someone who will answer their questions and concerns. Is Mr. Bower that person? We don’t know yet. He said he is, and it is up to us, as citizens, to make sure he follows through.

We will be keeping him accountable, and we hope that in time, even his political opponents will start to see the freedom that a Constitutional Sheriff can bring.

Judith Larkin
Ridgeway

Editor:

The constant comparison Mr. Kent makes between the Republican Party within Orleans County and the Omniscient Oz is beginning to hinge on the verge of litany. I’m not quite sure, from what I gather through his write-ups, how educated he truly is when it comes to the possible allegory of Oz.

It appears that he might just be going off of Lindsey Graham’s reference to Trump’s charm fading with the public’s realization that “there’s nothing behind the curtain.” And in turn, calling Trump “the Almighty Oz” in the Republican field.

If that’s the case, it is a carriage of injustice that a shallow statement, made over 100 years after Baum penned his “modernized fairytale,” would overshadow the depths of its conceivable symbolic nature.

Many scholastic debaters have argued whether Frank Baum’s, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ was wrote “solely for the pleasure of children” or if the book’s parallels to the 1890’s Populism movement, prove it otherwise, an allegory of political satire.

A quarter century after its film debut, Henry M. Littlefield linked the characters and plot of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ to the political landscape of its time, the Populism Movement.

This developmental passage was a revolt by farmers in the South and Midwest against the government for ignoring their interests and difficulties. In support of his findings, Littlefield presented writings from Baum, from a small newspaper in the Midwest, where Baum expressed his stance on politics in the late 1800’s. Littlefield concluded that though not an activist, Baum was considered “sympathetic to the Populists and one who voted consistently for Democratic candidates.”

These claims have since been dismantled.

Records have shown that some of Baum’s editorials expressed support for Republican candidates. In fact, during the 1896 campaign, Baum published a poem backing the Republican Party’s candidate, McKinley and his economic policies: “Our merchants won’t be trembling/ At the silverites’ dissembling/ When McKinley gets the chair!”

Baum consistently claimed to have no hidden agenda behind his masterpiece and his descendants go as far as to call the political thesis behind Baum’s legendary tale, “Insane.”

All in all, I believe Littlefield conceded it best in 1992, when he stated, “Whatever Baum’s intentions were in writing Oz, he kept them to himself.” (Winter 2005 Issue of the Independent Review)

Richard Klaver
Albion

Editor:

An election that brought an astounding number of Republican voters to the polls, and might have elected anyone appearing on the Republican line (even, in one case, a person most voters didn’t even know lived in their town), wasn’t “survey” enough for those who want to see industrial wind turbines in Orleans County.

A highly regarded town supervisor with years of experience – appearing on the Republican line – was defeated by a newcomer who wasn’t even on the ballot! (For write-in candidates to win anywhere is extremely rare.)

Jim Simon’s election in Yates wasn’t “survey” enough either. Perhaps if enough “surveys” are taken, the people who do not “get it” will obtain the mandate they seek. For such people, history has no relevance, no validity.

The sad experiences of others do not matter. So what if property values have plummeted in Cohocton? Who cares what Cathi Orr says? What does it matter that swaths of rural countryside must be destroyed to build the service roads needed to erect industrial behemoths three times the height of the Presbyterian Church steeple in Albion? Who cares what happens once they are de-commissioned?

Without doubt, renewable energy is an absolute no-brainer. The more we lessen dependence on fossil fuels, the better. Asthma is real. Air pollution is serious. The cost/benefit analysis matters.

Solar panels are likely appropriate regardless of the rural landscape, abundance of wildlife, terrific habitat, tourism and residential potential, and a major migratory bird “flyway.” I know of no one who objects to roof-mounted solar panels. NYSERDA recommends solar energy for Orleans County.

All of these things cannot be said of industrial wind turbines located in habitat-rich, agriculturally productive, rural environments.

Properly sited, gigantic turbines make sense.  But Orleans County would lose a great deal should we be forced to accept them. If our population density was 2 people per square mile, industrial turbines would have far fewer adverse impacts.

If Orleans County was a lifeless, windswept, unproductive – and visually barren – landscape, 590′ wind turbines would be less objectionable. Google: Roscoe, Texas, for a better idea of the type of barren landscape most appropriate for industrial wind turbines. Of course, they “work” in other places as well.

The people of Orleans County who think that what happens in the Town of Yates, to the Town of Yates, doesn’t matter to the rest of us, might want to reconsider. In addition to what happens in Yates, beware the proverbial “foot in the door.” Every little bit of asset degradation matters. Our environmental assets matter. Should S.O.S. prevail, we may all owe them a debt of gratitude.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent
Albion

Editor:

I’m writing in response to the recent letter from the district attorney, urging the citizens of Orleans County to set aside “personal differences” and unite behind our newly elected sheriff, Randy Bower.

The DA writes that he is confident and speaks “on behalf of the entire law enforcement community” when he says “Sheriff Bower will receive full support and cooperation as the next Sheriff of Orleans County.”

Am I the only reader who interpreted its content to be somewhat irrelevant due to the outcome of the election? Now, if this letter came on the heels of Tom Drennan winning the majority of the votes, I would have seen the importance and urgency of such a letter. But that not being the case, I find the write up to be a fluff piece, wrote, too little too late, by a very intelligent elected public official.

Let us consider the facts: Bower was backed by “the current members of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, State Police, Orleans County Employees Association and the NYS Law Enforcement Officers Union.” (Martin Troup) Also, “in an unprecedented move, both the union that represents the criminal division and the union that represents the correctional division also endorsed Bower.” (James W. Halstead, Retired Deputy Sheriff)

I am curious as to the extent of backlash the citizens of Orleans County were to have endured, had the members of its Sheriff’s Department not gotten their way.

As far as I am concerned, the “tidal waves of controversy and discord” wielded directly from within THEIR walls. Eventually, we, the general public, began forming our own opinions based on the words of those who have sworn to protect us.

I do agree with Mr. Cardone that the “safety and security of our community is dependent on the effective operation of the Sheriff’s Department.” €With that being said, I too now stand behind Randy Bower for sheriff.

Not because I found him to be the better candidate; but because I truly believe that had Tom Drennan been elected, the OCSD would not have upheld their oath to “protect and defend the Constitution against all enemies, both foreign and domestic” to the best of their abilities. (Sheriff’s 2nd Amendment)

Just one person’s opinion.

Richard Klaver
Albion

Editor:

At long last, the election is over and a new day is dawning for the Town of Yates. A note of thanks to Mr. John Belson for his long years of service as Yates Town Supervisor.

We look forward to working and serving with Mr. Wes Bradley, Mr. Brad Bentley and Mr. Jim Whipple as we move Yates forward into a positive and meaningful future.

To our comments:

The most unique and important component of a democracy is the ability of the people to make their wishes known via the voting process. The vote is a precious right of all US citizens and our only systematic way to truly ensure our voices are heard and change effected.

Gentlemen of the Yates Town Board, the voice of the people has been heard loud and clear. Yates is opposed to the APEX Industrial Wind Turbine Emplacement Project known as Lighthouse Wind.

The people’s opposition to this project has been heard at least three times prior to the Nov. 3 general election and once after the election:

These results show a clear, consistent, massive and ongoing opposition in Yates and Western New York that must be respected and acted upon.

We understand that the Town Board does not perceive any of these results as valid and continues to push forward with yet another survey. All while APEX continues with their unwarranted, unwanted efforts to impose a project on this town that is immensely destructive to our environment, wildlife, personal health, property values and yes, the very social fabric that makes Yates such a special place.

APEX is also trying to take from us that which we hold most dear Our very quality of life. Is Yates a better place for APEX’s presence?

We think not and Yates voters agree as is evidenced with the results of this most important election.

If the Board does not value the results of multiple surveys which trumpet opposition to this project, surely the election results must speak to the Board and direct said Board to stop this survey and immediately oppose the APEX project. The will of the people has been made clear. There is no need for further surveying.

THE PEOPLE OF YATES ARE TELLING YOU TO OPPOSE THE APEX PROJECT!

In addition, as an incoming Town Supervisor and Town Councilman, we are extremely concerned about the cost of upward of $4,000 that this survey is going to cost the Town.

That $4,000 will need to be covered with tax dollars that are clearly in short supply right now. To spend these tax dollars on this survey project brings little, if any, value to the Town and leaves the Town with a deficit that must be made up with additional revenue.

In fact, any actions taken now taken by the Board on the APEX proposal between, now and the end of the year, will clearly be perceived as actions taken to impose the Board’s personal will and policies contrary to the expressed desire of the people as expressed in the recent election.

We call on the Board to respect the election results, curtail all activity on the survey, immediately oppose the project and leave a positive legacy for the Town of Yates.

In addition, we would like ensure we are clear with the citizens of Yates regarding direction for the town. A contention was made during the Yates Town Board meeting of Thursday, Nov. 12, that the newly elected candidates are only concerned with wind turbines. To ensure clarity, the following platform goals are, again, communicated as follows:

Pass resolution by Town of Yates of formal opposition to Apex Lighthouse Wind industrial zones.

Seek immediate town declaration against New York State Article X law which removes home rule.

Form Yates Renewable Energy Task Force with interested residents and clean energy experts.

Develop, enact, assess and refine a comprehensive, 5-year strategic plan for Yates.

Attract people to Yates to live, raise their families, go shopping and start businesses.

Seek opportunities to collaborate with Lyndonville, neighboring towns, the county and the state.

Lead with transparency, crystal clear ethics, data-driven analysis & collaborative decision making.

In order to achieve these goals, we will need your input and help. We urge you to get involved as we begin to move forward.

We are excited to begin working with the citizens of Yates in January and are delighted to begin the process of meaningful development for our Town.

Jim Simon – Town of Yates Supervisor-elect
John Riggi – Town of Yates Councilman-elect

Editor:

As I sit at my computer enjoying my day off for Veterans Day, I feel compelled to try to compose this letter of appreciation. Being a veteran myself, I was moved by the wonderful concert Tuesday (Nov. 10) that was given by the Albion High School Music Department.

After reading earlier in that day of the projections for the student population decline in the coming years, made me even more impressed of the participation of the students at Albion.

The concert was moving and inspiring, and even showcased the talents of an Albion alum, County Historian, and former band member Matt Ballard.

It is easy to see why Albion continues to be recognized as an elite school for music. There were 155 choral members that participated last evening and 115 band members. Great job by Gary Simboli and Mike Thaine in the preparation of your students in such a short time from the beginning of the school year. Also, great job by the school administration in supporting the Arts at Albion.

Thanks again for the wonderful evening of entertainment.

Peter Toenniessen
Gaines
Veteran

Editor:

Thank you to Michelle Restivo for writing, and The Hub for publishing the accounts of the Honor Flight to Washington D.C.

To end the series on Veterans Day was even more moving. Reading the accounts reminded me of a few tears back when my father, in failing health was offered one of these trips when he was living in Florida. He declined the offer, then told me about it some time later.

I am so sorry that he didn’t take the offer, I am so sure he would have enjoyed it.

Michelle, thanks for your relaying of what I am sure was a very moving experience. You made me feel as if I was there myself.

Peter Toenniessen
Gaines
Veteran

Editor:

To the people of the Town of Yates, the official survey on the Wind Turbine Project will be coming to your house very soon. Please, please, please take the time to fill them out and get them back to the town by the deadline. The surveys will be going out to EVERY registered voter and/or taxpayer. Everyone’s opinion is needed.

I want to thank our Town Board for their time and effort that was put into creating a survey that will reach all of the people who have a stake in this venture. The current Town Board has shown us what true government should strive to accomplish: unbiased governing without bowing down to special interest groups that would like only their voices to be heard.

Do your research, ask questions if you are not sure of what your position is. There are wonderful resources on line that are neither pro or con on the issue. Please check these out.

If you have specific questions about the project you can contact Carmen or Taylor at Lighthouse Wind. The address is: 8691 Main St., Barker, NY 14012 and their phone number is 1 716-562-4262.

I believe that this will be a positive addition to our community. Your voices need to be heard regardless of which side you are on.

Thank you,

Susan Campbell
Lyndonville

Editor:

To the citizens of Yates, I am honored to be elected as your next town supervisor. Thank you for your vote of confidence.

I thank John Belson for his service to our town, and I look forward to working with him as we transition to a new year and new beginnings.

I am very thankful to my wife and family for their support these past few months. I am also very grateful to all of you who supported my campaign.

I look forward to serving all of the citizens of Yates. I promise to do my best and to do what is in the best interest of our town.

Most Respectfully,

Jim Simon
Yates

Editor:

First, I would like to thank the Orleans County Democratic Committee for endorsing me to represent them in the sheriff’s race. Also, thank you to my family, friends, supporters and those who voted for me.

We knew going into this election would be tough as Orleans County is 2 to 1 in favor of the Republicans. When I entered this election all I wanted was to give the citizens of Orleans County a choice in the sheriff’s election but also to have a Democratic candidate on the ballot. I felt with my 30 years in law enforcement I could be a true contender.

The first real test was in the Fourth of July Parade in Lyndonville. I along with my supporters thought we had entered a t-shirt contest and what candidate could put the most t-shirts on their supporters – we LOST this competition.

After this it was how many signs could be put in peoples’ yards. Some even put on private property and some supporters putting up these signs were being chased off of people’s property! We didn’t win this competition either.

Then it was the biggest sign contest. The “Billboard” won this contest.

I started to wonder about this sheriff’s election after seeing and hearing all this. I truly believed at this time that the true meaning in this sheriff’s race had been lost. But I still believed my experience and hard work would pay off.

I then could not believe the “mudslinging” that went on between the supporters of the other two candidates. I thought that at least one of the candidates would tell their supporters to stop. That did not happen.

At this time I personally felt this was very degrading to the Sheriff’s Department in general and wondered where all this was going. These two men were running for the Office of Sheriff acting like this?

Then came the forum. I did not know that the sheriff in any county could supersede any law, let alone the SAFE Act. But then again I told the truth and some people don’t like the truth especially when it comes to enforcing laws.

I was brought up and taught hard work and telling the truth was the right thing to do, and I still believe this – even after losing the sheriff’s race, that turned into a popularity contest.

The sheriff’s race was not won on who had the most experience as a law enforcement official and who could do the job. It was won on who knew who in the political world.

At this time I will take some words from my opponent’s sign – “Experience Does Matter” and the Citizens of Orleans County will find this out.

How do you compare 30 or 23 years of law enforcement experience to having none?

Don Organisciak
Retired Medina Police Investigator
Medina

Editor:

This is not going to be your typical letter from a candidate that lost an election. This is not my first run and I am not new to politics.

Stepping up and speaking out at government should be something that every citizen should do regularly, along with running at least once in their lifetime.

The founders set up a system where the average man or woman could go be an elected representative of their constituents pretty easy, especially at the local level. The intent was to be for a short time. Then go back to whatever they were doing in their life. Not make a career out of it.

With that said. Thank you to all of you who “Got It” and cast your vote for change. I espoused conservative principals throughout my campaign. I let people know where I stood. Unfortunately the best candidate does not always win. It is apparent in some of the elections in this county.

Committees that continue to endorse RINO candidates, ignore their voting records, and keep these stale dinosaurs as heads of the towns, county, and villages – election cycle after election cycle – are a big part of the problem.

Voter Sloth is another. Those of you who are tired of the process should become a free-thinking committee member in your local party. That will allow you to buck the establishment choice. That’s how you get the best candidates. That is how you term-limit these Incumbents that linger on long after their useful shelf life to become the problem they initially ran against.

There are too many people worried about losing their piece of the pie if things change and too many people getting things from the taxpayers and I’m not talking about the poor. Truth.

There are no congratulations to my opponent. I ran to defeat her and her progressive big government agenda. 552 people did their best to see that happen on the Conservative Line. That’s pretty darn good for a county that votes RINO as its majority. It didn’t happen. No sweat. I was over it seconds after I found out the results.
Losing another election is nothing compared to what I have lost in my life. The fight for change is bigger than any one person. Many great ideas were put forth in the campaigns. Will the Legislature act upon them?

The people who really lost are the people of this county that returned a big spending progressive back for another two years. The voting record does not lie.

This has been a fun experience. I enjoyed it. I even enjoyed all the mudslinging. Politics is a contact sport. Those who supported me should know that I will continue to fight city hall and who knows what the future will present.

Paul Lauricella Jr.
Lyndonville