Editor:

This is an open letter to the Shelby Republican voters. As we enter into the final days before the primary I would like to give thanks to those of you that let me put a sign on your property and I’d like to thank the ones who came to their door when I knocked. It was nice to see so many faces around town.

Your vote is critical this year because change is so badly needed in the leadership of the Shelby Highway Department.

We need to save taxpayer’s money – current leadership has failed to do that! We need to be more resourceful with the annual budget – current leadership has failed to do that!

Our roads are in need of repair, sealing and basic maintenance – current leadership has failed to do that! We need to implement the GPS system for the water districts the board budgeted for and you paid for over 3 years ago – current leadership has failed to do that

We need to manage overtime costs – current leadership has failed to do that! A strong and cooperative relationship must exist between the Highway Superintendent and the Town Board. The Town Board has tried to create this numerous times – current leadership has failed to do that!

As a business owner for over 35 years I have learned how important it is to be well organized and how important it is to work with others. It only saves you money! It is also important to provide your employees with the tools they need to do their job and allow them the freedom to be creative and explore new ideas to solve problems.

On the farm there is an old saying: “You have to make hay when the sun shines” (which has been hard this year). Planting, spraying, fertilizing, trimming, tilling, harvesting, trucking, cost tracking & analysis, and labor management all come at a price. Sometimes you only get one chance to get the job done.

Over the years I have been able to make mutual alliances with my peers and skilled trade workers. I also understand change can be scary. But in this case change will be good, change is desperately needed, and change will be for the betterment of our town.

Thank you,

Dale S. Root

Republican-endorsed candidate for Shelby Highway Superintendent

Editor:

Bob Lonsberry is an amazingly talented broadcaster. He can think quickly and articulate himself perfectly and in ways the rest of us wish we could. Bob is unquestionably one of the most successful and popular radio personalities in the United States and I am proud to call him my friend.

But Bob is dead wrong regarding who should be the next sheriff of Orleans County, where I live!

I am sure the man running against Undersheriff Chris Bourke for sheriff of Orleans County is a fine person with an impeccable record in law enforcement, but that career was spent mostly in Rochester and Monroe County, where money is no object.

Chris Bourke is the better cop to run the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department.

Chris Bourke knows Orleans County from top to bottom and from side to side. He knows the people and more importantly he knows what the people of Orleans County need and want.

Sheriff Bower and Under Sheriff Chris Bourke have figured out how to survive with what we have available by conducting business in the best interest of the citizens of Orleans County.

In Monroe County, where Chris Bourke’s opponent works, money is no object. We can’t afford to elect a sheriff who doesn’t understand the needs of the people of our county.

So who is the better cop?

For my money it’s Chris Bourke.

While attending a fundraising rally for Chris Bourke in May I watched as many people came up to Chris and thanked him for his 35 years of service to our county.

One older gentleman came walking up and shook Chris Bourke’s hand and said, “you have my vote, even though you arrested me twice for DWI.”

Chris treats everyone fairly and with respect regardless of the circumstances. If a man Chris Bourke arrested two times wants to vote for him, then he must be the best cop for the job.

The best cop to be sheriff of Orleans County is the officer who puts his life on the line for his County.

On August 18, 1997 a call came in to the 911 center in Orleans County for a domestic dispute. It was a dark night and Deputy Bourke was working the midnight shift. Chris Bourke and two other state police troopers and the Albion Police Department responded to the call. The gunman pointed a long gun directly at Chris Bourke’s patrol car and then took off. A chase took place on route 104 to the town of Kendall where a standoff occurred! The gunman left his car and walked straight toward Deputy Bourke and the other officers firing his shot gun.

Deputy Bourke fired back striking the gunman once. Chris Bourke’s patrol car took several direct hits from the gunman.

Who is the best cop to be the next Orleans County Sheriff?

A sheriff who would put his life on the line for us!

In order for a sheriff to succeed, and do what’s best for the residents of his county, and to provide the sworn and unsworn personnel in his department with the tools they need to properly and safely do their jobs he must be part executive, part commander, part problem solver, part financial planner, part politician, part counselor, and part protector.

Chris Bourke is all of those things and more.

Jim Salmon

Barre

(Salmon is the host of the Home Repair Clinic on WHAM 1180.)

Editor:

I am Active Duty Navy currently serving in TN. I was born and raised in Orleans County, living there for 18.5 years before leaving for the Navy. It has been and always will be my home, and I visit 2-3 times a year if possible.

I have been following the run for Sheriff closely and would like to weigh in from an insider’s, outside point of view.

I grew up surrounded by law enforcement in Orleans County and elsewhere. My father, Herb, worked for the O.C. Sheriff’s Department and the Rochester Police Department. I had a second family growing up that was in the Sheriff’s Department. I grew up with four people who are currently serving at the Albion Police Department or the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. I played baseball on the same team as the former sheriff’s son. I know personally a countless number of current and former LEOs in Orleans County and elsewhere, to include the current sheriff, and both candidates running now.

In the last two years, I have come home roughly five times and I have seen a huge change in the county, and not a good one. I’ve participated in some ride-a-longs with a friend in those times. The opioid epidemic is frightening. Unfortunately, my home is not what I left 6 years ago.

Now I see the second run for sheriff since I left. I see one candidate, Brett Sobieraski, running on a list of accomplishments, his lifelong dedication to serving the public as a LEO, his off-duty involvement in the county, and laying out his policy on how to fix the problems facing Orleans County.

I see the other candidate running on politics, what the county is now, and about how he cares. But I have yet to see or hear any plans or policies. I have seen the idea of a debate between the two candidates thrown around. I think this would be an amazing opportunity for the people of Orleans County to hear directly from both candidates on what their plans are and how to accomplish it. Brett has been trying repeatedly to have a debate while his opponent refuses to have one.

Growing up so close to law enforcement, I know one thing for certain. Politics don’t belong there. They cause weakness, crime, and drug outbreaks like we see now.

What does belong is strong strategies, solid police work, and dedication to them.

When you look at those things, the obvious choice for Orleans County Sheriff is Brett Sobieraski.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Brett for 15 years. Brett is by far one of the most reliable, honest, caring, passionate and strong-minded people and police officers I have ever met. His drive for his job and his community is unrivaled. Don’t believe me? Look at his resume. Everything he has done on the job, and off.

Respectfully,

Zachary McClellan, PO1, USN

Carlton

Editor:

I have been fortunate enough to serve the residents of Shelby as Highway Superintendent, a job I truly love.

Although the Highway Superintendent is an elected position, I do not consider myself a politician. I do not make unsubstantiated statements nor do I showboat. I will always stand up for what I feel is best for Shelby residents.

I would very much like to continue the job I love – keeping Shelby highways safe for your family and mine.

I am glad to answer any questions you may have. I can be reached by calling 585-798-3248 at work or 585-798-0042 at home. Or you can email me any questions at firedog657@yahoo.com.

Thank you,

Mike Fuller

Shelby Highway & Water Superintendent

Editor:

The Republican Primary is coming at us fast and there is only one responsible choice for Sheriff – Chris Bourke. Currently the Undersheriff, Bourke has spent his entire career in the Sheriff’s Office and has also served as a volunteer fireman, providing dedicated service to the residents of Orleans County for well over 35 years.

While he and his opponent may have comparable qualifications, Bourke has unique operational knowledge of the department, having experience in each of its divisions. With his level of proficiency there is no learning curve, and no need for “meet and greets,” as Bourke is already familiar with the residents of this county and is perceptive to their needs. Bourke has an excellent understanding of the budgetary process, how the county government functions, and has already established good working relationships with many county officials.

The rank and file of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Deputies Association and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Employees Association both endorsed Bourke for Sheriff, and were recently joined by the New York State Deputy Sheriff’s Association; the New York State Police Benevolent Association; and Council 82 – New York State Law Enforcement Officers Union, AFSCME, AFL-CIO. Those endorsements from both local and state law enforcement unions speak volumes for the confidence they have in Chris Bourke to provide top notch leadership and governance as Orleans County Sheriff.

These are current employees, who recognize what a great leader Bourke is – not ones who worked for the department 23 years and four administrations ago. While many of these employees would jump at the opportunity to submit public letters of support for Bourke individually, they are mindful of obeying a policy which prevents them from using their titles in such letters, a policy which the Rochester Police Department must lack or not enforce.

Fellow Republicans, if Republican principles matter to you, I urge you to vote for Chris Bourke.

Respectfully,

Chris Caufield

Holley

Editor:

There is no question that the 2019 Legislative Session has been the most challenging and offensive session in recent history. However, every day when I’ve walked into our State Capitol I think of the people who sent me here and, on your behalf, I have worked hard to make sure our voices have been heard.

I am proud to have delivered important successes that will improve the lives of people in our community:

• Expanding the Discover Niagara Shuttle into Lockport will further encourage tourism and economic development;

• Restoring library construction funding and the Extreme Winter Recovery program to improve roads and infrastructure;

• Increasing the reimbursement rate for local governments that maintain state-owned roadways;

• Delivering a $300 million package for flood-impacted communities along Lake Ontario; and

• Assisting veterans and our military families by restoring the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer-to-Peer Counseling program and creating a Gold Star Scholarship Program for the children of our fallen heroes.

Despite these successes, the overall session was dominated by downstate progressive interests resulting in a devastating and painful year for upstate taxpayers. I stood up and voiced our opposition and voted no on:

• The $175 billion budget was bloated with new taxes and fees, no mandate relief, and increased debt;

• Providing illegal immigrants driver’s licenses and free college tuition;

•  The Farmworkers Fair Labor Protection Act that will destroy our family farms and agricultural community; and

• Numerous bills to advance a “pro-criminal platform,” including measures to increase minimum wage for prisoners and giving prisoners an annual cost of living adjustment, among others.

Yes, this session imposed some very concerning and offensive policies, but I did everything possible to fight against them.

Representing the concerns and needs of Western New Yorkers remains my mission. That’s why I will continue fighting for real ethics reform, property tax and mandate relief, supporting measures to promote recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters and promoting critical job training programs for young adults. I look forward to continuing this challenge on your behalf.

Mike Norris

Lockport

(Norris represents the 144th Assembly District comprised of portions of Erie, Niagara and Orleans counties.)

Editor:

During this campaign for sheriff the only knock I have heard about candidate Brett Sobieraski is that he is an outsider or city guy. Neither of which are correct. He has lived in this community for 27 years. Raised his family here and was very much a part of his kids’ lives as a youth wrestling coach and little league coach.

For decades residents of Orleans County have commuted outside of the county to work at factories, hospitals, schools, stores and yes law enforcement agencies. If a doctor with 30 years of experience from Strong Hospital wanted to now practice at Medina Hospital would we shun them and their knowledge? If an engineer or machinist from Harrison’s wanted to work at a local job shop now would we say we are not interested in his experience?

I think people would embrace someone that wants to make a business here better. It should be the same for a person with a wealth of knowledge and experience in law enforcement that now wants to share that with all law enforcement within the county. The sheer volume of incidents, crime and community interaction in the urban setting along with the extensive number of investigations in the suburbs and rural communities throughout the county gives a law enforcement officer that much more knowledge and experience.

Fourteen years as a SWAT member and now team leader dealing with a hundred call-outs a year is experience that can never be matched in Orleans County. Taking command during a life or death situation and leading team members into dangers not typically seen in Orleans County is a skill set unmatched here. As a community we should be embracing a person such as Brett Sobieraski not turning up our nose because he didn’t work here for the past 30-plus years.

I have also been hearing comments from some people concerned that Brett will be double dipping with his retirement. First of all his opponent retired from the Sheriff’s Office in December 2015 prior to being sworn in as the Undersheriff and is collecting a retirement right now as undersheriff. Hence he has been double dipping.

Secondly, Brett Sobieraski earned his retirement at the Rochester Police Department which is a totally different retirement system. When he becomes the sheriff he will be paid by Orleans County to be the sheriff yet the county will not be contributing to his retirement and will not be covering his health insurance. So the county will be saving money.

I have known both candidates both personally and professionally for decades. I can tell you Brett Sobieraski is by far the more professional, experienced, motivational and inspirational leader in this sheriff’s race.

Please stop working so hard to find something not to like about Brett Sobieraski and take a few minutes to get to know him. You will not be disappointed!

Thomas Drennan

Kendall

Editor:

With another contentious Republican Primary for Orleans County Sheriff only days away, voters have two choices: an out of towner, or a life-long and committed Orleans County resident. Christopher Bourke is the life-long and committed Orleans County resident.

His opponent, Brett Sobieraski, has stated on many occasions, that he “chose” to build his home in Orleans County because he “loves” it. Yet, until the recent years, he has been largely absent from the Orleans County community, spending much of his time being involved with organizations and groups in Rochester and Monroe County. I will call it as I see it – Mr. Sobieraski is an opportunist, who seeks personal political gain by seeking the office of Sheriff.

Mr. Bourke is a life-long Orleans County resident and has not only chosen to continue to reside in the County, but to also serve Orleans County and its residents for over 35 years, as a member of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. It is no secret: Mr. Bourke could have made a lot more money working for another law enforcement agency, outside of Orleans County (for example; Rochester PD). However, he chose to stay where his heart is and where he has always called “home” – Orleans County.

Working his way through the ranks from Part-Time Corrections Officer, to Road Patrol Deputy, to Lieutenant for 18 years, prior to becoming Undersheriff, all with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, Mr. Bourke knows the department that he seeks to lead. When you combine Mr. Bourke’s knowledge of Orleans County, his experience and leadership, with that of his chosen Undersheriff, Michael Mele (who is also a life-long Orleans County resident and has chosen to serve Orleans County for over 20 years), you have a team that is ready to lead the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office on day one.

On June 25, voters have an important decision to make – do they want an outsider, with limited knowledge of our county and local criminal justice system? Or do they want an life-long resident, with over 35 years of experience in the department that he seeks to lead?

Mr. Bourke and Mr. Mele are well qualified, with command experience. They are both capable and effective leaders. I urge voters to make the right decision on June 25 and vote for Mr. Bourke, choosing him as the Republican nominee for Orleans County Sheriff.

Respectfully,

James C. White

Medina

Editor:

On Thursday a letter appeared on the Orleans Hub in support of Chris Bourke in the Republican Primary for Sheriff on June 25. The letter was authored by a Scott Smith of Churchville.

Since that posting I have been inundated with phone calls and text messages asking if my brother Scott wrote the letter. So, to put an end to the confusion, the answer is “No!” My brother lives in South Carolina.

I moved out of Orleans County shortly after the last election for Sheriff, and have been residing in Churchville ever since. Though it might be logical to assume that my brother (or some other relative) wrote the letter, it would just be another example of why one should never assume.

Finally, to eliminate any further confusion, if I were still a registered Republican residing in Orleans County, I would be voting for Brett Sobieraski on June 25, without reservation.

Steve Smith

Former Undersheriff of Orleans County

Churchville

Editor:

It is that time of year again. We get inundated with yard signs, news advertisements, and glossy mailers, all in an attempt to sway voters one way or another.

This is our process. I support it, I even participate to a degree, I’m sorry if you don’t like it, but it is a necessary evil sometimes, especially when some of what is put out is false or misleading.

I am proud to have served as your Town of Murray Supervisor, and I look forward to continuing. Allow me to tell you what I am most proud of, and see if it is worth letting me continue.

The 2018 Town Budget held taxes flat, that is a zero percent increase. Tough act to follow, and the credit goes to outgoing Supervisor Morris for holding the line, and I was proud to be on the Town Board at the time to approve it.

Fast forward to the 2019 Budget; We raised the Town (Outside Village) taxes by 0.03 percent. That is three one hundredths of one percent, not three percent, or a third of a percent. So, for two years, that is all your taxes have gone up.

Even my opponent will not argue this fact. Instead, he makes a hollow argument about an increase in water rates. Let me take a moment to address this issue. A meter charge, not an administration charge, was added. Meters have always been supplied at no charge, but as they get older, they will need to be replaced at a cost of approximately $200 each.

We buy all of our water – whether from the Town of Gaines or Albion, Village of Holley, or from the Monroe County Water Authority. As the prices they charge us go up, we are forced to pass this increase on in the water rates.

Should we raise everyone’s taxes to pay for those increases or should we value the commodity accordingly, and cover the expense at the point of sale?

His plans would raise water rates only to those that are hooked up, while, as I’ve pointed out before, we all benefit from access to fresh water, be it for property value, or fire services. We qualified for competitive grants from the USDA, are audited regularly, and have over 97 percent water coverage in the Town of Murray. These price increases are only for those who use the water, and still, remain as low as possible to provide quality service.

Another issue has been the separation with our former Code Enforcement Officer. There was an analogy made by a citizen at a Town Board meeting about a school bully. If a bully demands that either you give him some of your lunch money or he will fight you and take all of it, you may have to compromise and only give him a portion. He never comes back to bother you again, and everyone in the schoolyard is happy.

My goal here in Murray is to create an environment where people feel they are served by their Town employees, not harassed by them. This decision was made to further that cause. Despite what you may have heard, it is the opinion of all those on the Town Board, including myself, that this was accomplished at a reasonable expense to the Town, considering the history of this individual, and seemed to be desired by many residents as well. Given the outcome, I do not regret our decision.

We have initiated outreach to the community in various ways, whether by a newsletter, or welcoming new residents to town. Town meetings are run in such a fashion that all who wish to speak are actively encouraged do so, and many do take part.

My only regret is that more citizens cannot attend the meetings on a regular basis. People are busy, and they trust us to do what is right. I will never abuse that trust. Nor will I ever do anything for my own personal gain, nor will I accept that from any employee. As always, I encourage residents who have concerns or questions about anything they have heard, to give me a call or stop at the Town Building. I am there often, and my door is always open!

Thank you for the time you have allowed me as your Supervisor. I humbly look forward to continuing to serve the residents of the Town of Murray in that capacity.

I said when I ran for Supervisor the first time, “I do not automatically expect your trust, but value the opportunity to earn it.” I hope that by my performance in office I have earned your trust. Thank you again for the opportunity.

Respectfully,

Robert G. Miller

Supervisor, Town of Murray