Editor:

On June 25th please cast your vote for Susan Howard for DA. Susan has the experience and tenacity to continue the work and integrity that the current DA administration has put forth for the last 26 years.

Susan will be tough on repeat criminals, heinous crimes and those that peddle poison to our children and family. She will also be willing to help to rehabilitate remorseful first-time offenders that are willing to clean their life up and become productive members of society.

Susan will surround herself with the best team, the best people possible. The Orleans County Conservative Party interviewed Susan and the committee chose her as the best person to take over this very important job. The committee did not take this lightly.

Prosecuting criminals in this upside-down state run by leftist criminal coddling politicians has become the frustration of all law enforcement and law-abiding citizens as well. Susan will be a strong prosecutor. Susan will fight with other county DAs the insane far-left policies of Albany that allow criminals to walk and wage war on our law enforcement and corrections officers.

The committee’s opinion with Susan as DA is don’t commit even the smallest crimes in Orleans County because you will not be coddled and there is a good chance you are going to go to jail or prison according to the law.

Republicans, please vote in the primary early or on election day and on behalf of the Orleans County Conservative Party Committee we would be honored if you cast your vote for Susan Howard for District Attorney.

Paul Lauricella

Lyndonville

Orleans County Conservative Party Chairman

Editor:

I would like to commend all of the workers who took part in the paint drop off on Saturday at the former GCC campus in Albion.

It was very well organized and I was in and out in less than ten minutes. Everyone was cheerful and pleasant. Thank you.

Debbie Bartel

Albion

Editor:

In politics, progress used to be made between the 40-yard line. Increasingly, “anger” with leaders throwing “tantrums” stands in contrast to “decency,” “progress” and “actual competence.”

The debates need to address some of these differences. It will be the advocate of Clorox injections versus the man who actually got an infrastructure bill passed.

Will we hear about tax cuts? There fact betrays reputation. For 40 years our deficit increases have occurred under Republican presidents. Each Democratic president has drawn down the deficit. And if Trump talks tariffs, think massive inflation – even depression!

Will we hear about crime? Fox and all Sinclair TV local stations nationwide frighten people by treating crime as if it’s up when it’s actually down again. And immigrants per capita commit far fewer crimes than whites. In New York City the murder rate is at a 20-year low.  Who will claim what? And is it the truth? Every police officer fills out and files the reports.

In individual’s homes real wages are up and most feel economically secure. But we are told the economy is poor. Which candidate understands the  economics and which will give glib answers. Which one understands that unpaid tax cuts are followed by inflation?

And what about crisis management… Trump did not have a national roll out prepared for the Covid vaccine – even after Maryland earlier had to swipe respirators in transit as states were left to fend for themselves. Biden used federal resources and reorganized shipments and distribution to both state centers and pharmacies within weeks.

Trump took months to organize aid to hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico. Biden got assistance to fire-ravaged Hawaii seamlessly.

The huge Baltimore port only took 11 weeks to reopen this year and Biden’s managers seamlessly rerouted 40% of goods destined for the eastern states. Did you notice the huge interruption?

Trump will ramble and contradict himself or hedge his statements. He will scapegoat, give glib solutions and emphasize getting even. Biden will be  patient and demonstrate a laser focus on how to actually help all of us.

Good government should have absolutely no entertainment value as you watch!

When it’s anger versus progress there only one right path.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

A recent letter to the editor suggested that candidates list their accomplishments and qualifications for running for public office. I couldn’t agree more, and with Republican Primary on June 25th and early voting starting soon, I’d like the voters to know some of mine.

I have been a public servant in Orleans County for over 30 years holding the position of County Coroner and have been appointed to a higher level as chief coroner for over 20 years.

I have spent my entire career as a funeral director in this county and I’ve been honored to serve and work with 1,000s of families during the most tragic times in their lives. I continue to serve in the capacity as chief coroner and as a funeral director serving all the residents of Orleans County.

I am running in the Primary election on June 25th for another 4-year term and would sincerely appreciate your consideration of granting me another term. There are four individuals running for three positions, so when you cast your ballot, I’d appreciate it if you would make me your first choice for coroner. My commitment to the community, county, state and to our country is unparalleled as shown here.

Having served as a volunteer firefighter, chaplain and president of the Albion Fire Department, I went on to serve 12 years as chaplain and now life member of the Western NY Volunteer Fireman’s Association and the Fireman’s Association of the State of NY.

After winning my first election in 1990, I joined the NYS Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners to further my education in Medicolegal Death Investigation and Forensic Science. Having been elected as president of that association 16 years ago, I co-authored a law mandating minimum training for newly elected Coroners as well as co-authored a bill currently being debated requiring continuing education for sitting coroners.

Practicing what you preach is important in life, as I also teach part of the mandatory training class for the new coroners. As a member of the US Department of Health and Human Services National Disaster Medical System Federal Mortuary Team, my 20 days at Ground Zero following 9/11/01 and my 30 days in MS and LA following Hurricane Katrina recovering and identifying human remains, caused me to author the Orleans County Mass Fatality Response Plan.

Orleans County has a Child Fatality Review Board which was started as a result of one of my cases which lead to the only Coroner Inquest ever held in Orleans County.  And as a response to the Opioid Epidemic, I currently lead Orleans Recovery, a community support organization dedicated to reducing the stigma of addiction and providing Narcan training and Narcan kits along with Fentanyl Test Strips to anyone and everyone in the community as we can. And as an Ordained Music Minister in the Presbyterian Church USA, I am currently serving the Barre Center Presbyterian Church as organist.

My experience and training is extensive, my commitment to my community, the county, the state and our country is unquestioned. I would humbly ask the voters of Orleans when they vote in the June 25 Republican Primary that they give strong consideration for casting their first vote for coroner for me, Scott Schmidt.

With grateful thanks,

Scott M. Schmidt

Medina

Chief Coroner of Orleans County

Editor:

I’d like to start by saying that the DA’s office is a very busy place and an important function in the criminal justice system.

Full-time experience is important. Susan Howard has been a full-time prosecutor in the DA’s office for years.

I’ve worked with Susan many times on a professional level. She is thorough and always available to answer questions, no matter what time, day or night.

Susan is against the bail reform laws, and a firm believer in our 2nd amendment rights!

She is not for or against district court. She believes the people should decide!

Susan Howard has been a life-long member of the community. She resides in Carlton. Susan has represented the people of Orleans County very well. She is the most qualified to represent all of us as our next district attorney.

Susan Howard has earned my vote.

Thomas O’Hearn

Albion

O’Hearn is a retired lieutenant with the Albion Police Department.

Editor:

Ronald Reagan once famously said, “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the Government, and I’m here to help.”

In the final days of this year’s legislative session, those words rang true throughout the halls of the Capitol. From radical climate policies to disastrous criminal justice reforms, the Majority played their greatest hits as they pushed countless initiatives through the Assembly in the dead of night when they thought no one was paying attention.

A prime example of this is Assembly Bill A.3780-E, which would require any new construction in the state with off-street parking to build electric vehicle charging stations. While on the surface this proposal may seem harmless, in practice it will be completely wasteful. Under this law, any new buildings, both residential and commercial, will have to include electric charging stations and parking spots even if there is no demand for them. This is pure legislative virtue signaling trying to solve a problem that doesn’t exist.

The Majority also took another shot at our state’s justice system by repealing the lifetime ban on felons serving on a jury. It never ceases to amaze me the lengths downstate politicians will take to compromise our public safety.

We already have a process for felons to restore their ability to serve on a jury. This initiative will only tip the scales of justice in favor of convicts and take away even more credibility from our “reformed” criminal justice system. I’m all for second chances, but these lawmakers seem more concerned with protecting and coddling criminals than they are with defending victims and their families.

Sometimes failing to do the right thing is just as harmful as intentionally doing the wrong thing. The Majority exemplified this in the final days of the legislative session as they decided to not allow a bill aimed at helping older veterans. I sponsored an initiative (A.2050) that would exempt veterans over the age of 85 from paying state income tax.

When the Majority had an opportunity to bring this bill to a vote, they pulled out all the stops to make sure it never saw the light of day. Sadly, this is how they operate. Instead of being transparent with New Yorkers, they’ll try to shut down any bill they disagree with so they can avoid responsibility from their constituents.

Even with the many disappointing and wasteful policies that came out of this year’s legislative session, there was some good that came out of it. For one, we were able to pass the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation for Kids Act. This proposal would help protect children and teens from addictive social media algorithms that are damaging to their sleep, education and mental health by requiring parental consent before using those apps and limiting late-night notifications. This bill exemplified the progress we can make when we work across the aisle to create common-sense legislation.

My colleagues and I also passed an initiative to honor one of our local heroes. Before this year’s legislative session, I partnered with Sen. George Borrello to designate a portion of State Route 77 in the town of Darien as the Sgt. Terry James Garigen Memorial Highway. Sgt. Garigen was a decorated Vietnam war hero who served his community through the town highway department, volunteer fire department and the Region 1 Patriot Guard Riders. I believe serving your country is one of the highest honors an American can have and I’m proud to honor Sgt. Garigen in this way.

Overall, the Majority left a lot to be desired at the end of the legislative session. New Yorkers are still struggling to make ends meet in the middle of an affordability crisis, but they increased spending for wasteful programs.

Residents feel less safe than they ever have before, but the Majority continued to pass pro-criminal policies instead of keeping convicts off the streets. We need real solutions to fix these issues.

We need to lower the cost of living, institute stronger penalties to deter crime and provide more support for our law enforcement officers. Since day one I’ve been committed to standing up against these radical and backward policies.

As long as I’m in the state Assembly, you will always have a voice representing your interests in Albany as we continue to work toward making New York a better place to live, work and raise a family.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Batavia

Hawley represents the 139th Assembly District which includes Orleans, Genesee and part of Monroe counties.

Editor:

Tim McMurray’s recent letter to the editor, “DA candidate deletes opposing views on her campaign’s social media page,” is filled with inaccuracies and blatantly false statements.

First and foremost, the notion that his “right to free speech” was “infringed” shows a fundamental lack of Constitutional law. Instead of claiming Ms. Howard “hides from tough questions” he should have asked her, or Mr. Sansone what protected speech is in the eyes of the law.

The issue is McMurray’s Facebook post and subsequent blocking from Ms. Howard’s campaign page. McMurray’s sole intention was to defend his candidate, Mr. Sansone, on Ms. Howard’s page. This is akin to going on the McDonald’s Facebook page to claim that Burger King has better food. Any competent social media manager would remove such a post, and the person who did so was not only acting appropriately, but would be foolish not to.

As far as the “infringement” is concerned. Unless a governmental entity runs a Facebook page, the First Amendment does not protect an individual’s speech on a social media platform. I am sure Mr. Sansone appreciates McMurray’s zeal, but as a candidate for District Attorney, Mr. Sansone should have advised Mr. McMurray against spreading blatantly false accusations. In fact, McMurray is doing the very thing he accused Howard’s campaign of doing: spinning and distorting facts, along with spreading misinformation.

Facebook is a private entity with the legal right to determine how its platform is run, and the Supreme Court upheld this earlier this year.

Voters in Orleans County should be far more concerned that the majority of voters are not even eligible to vote in an election that will likely decide who holds one of the county’s most important positions. The handling of the Theresa Karlak case alone should make every voter question the power of the district attorney and the influence of local political leaders.

Thom Jennings

Oakfield

Editor:

The Villages of Orleans wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to the kind-hearted individuals with RTS and the Village of Albion DPW for their assistance in getting our residents safely to and from the Strawberry Festival this past Friday.

While the weather may not have been ideal, our residents had an absolutely splendid outing in our community and thoroughly enjoyed speaking with DA candidates Susan Howard and John Sansone as many residents take part in voting.

Residents also went inside Brush Strokes and were able to purchase a take-home pottery kit. They visited vendors and went shopping for themselves and loved ones. Lastly, our residents enjoyed a variety of food, Fresh Squeezed Lemonade and  no one could not pass up the delicious desserts being offered by Pretty Sweet Bakery and Wild Flour.

They could not stop talking about how amazing it was to see all of the festivities, shops, and of course the aroma of the cuisine. They all left with smiles and full bellies, and discussion of a return next year.

We are so very blessed, and thankful for our community, and the amazing members of RTS and the DPW! From our residents and staff, Thank You!! ​

Sarah Woodin, BSW

Director of Social Work

The Villages of Orleans

Albion

Editor:

There are big problems at the borders and in Congress. Unfortunately, immigration has once again become an election year tool that politicians are using for their own political agendas. In baseball, if you can’t hit a curveball, you’re benched. In Congress today, if you can’t or won’t do your job you blame someone else.

We all know the recent details: About a year ago, the Republicans put out an immigration bill they knew couldn’t pass. In February, a bipartisan Senate compromise bill was crafted but was torpedoed for political reasons. Biden feeling pressure, last week put out an Executive Order that will likely be overturned by the courts. Regardless, he needs Congress to appropriate funds to make real change at the borders.

All the while, lawmakers watch from the stands and point fingers of blame as border security lags, asylum courts are understaffed, and our borders have become the NY Yankees’ turnstile on game day.

The overwhelming majority of the immigrants are not terrorists or escaped criminals, but families looking to escape poverty or violence – as we would do for our family. We need immigrants to do the work that needs to get done and pay the taxes that help defray our own. But we need to control who comes in, how and when they can enter, and to promptly and responsibly adjudicate legitimate asylum requests.

Always ready to fire up her fans, our Representative, Claudia Tenney has taken to TV and social media to play the role of the Border Town Crier to anyone who will listen, and Chicken Little to anyone looking for a scapegoat.

She’s even using taxpayer-funded TV ads to make her transparent political pitch. But while Tenney is good at repeatedly telling us what’s wrong with America, she’s not good at doing anything about it. Talk is cheap.

A bipartisan bill fashioned by one of the most conservative members of the Senate would have made real changes to the asylum laws, put thousands of guards at the border and is supported by border agents. It wasn’t good enough for Claudia. Her response? The Republican bill or nothing. Tenney seems fine with letting the immigrants and terrorists she fears cross the borders from February until the November election, or whenever it might be politically expedient to act.

Telling us of immigration horrors, terrorist threats and immigrant camps on Main Street is a job for the newspapers and Fox News. Finding a solution is the job of those we elect. Claudia Tenney has not done her job. Five years and not a single bill passed by Tenney, let alone a border bill. Tenney can’t hit a curve ball.

The few bills she’s proposed seem more aimed at stoking outrage and getting likes on her social media than solving a problem. On the borders, Tenney has cynically proposed actions that went nowhere. The first would have cut an immigration official’s salary to $1. The second, would fund new border agents by eliminating IRS agents tasked with finding millionaire tax cheats. That’s not protecting our borders and our neighbors, it’s protecting her donors.

I will work with Republicans and Democrats and support bipartisan efforts to tackle immigration and the many other problems facing our nation. If those attempts don’t work, I’ll fight to find something else that will. I’ll use common sense and not silly or meaningless partisan gimmicks. I’ll work to tackle problems and make all our lives a little better.

We have problems at the border, with our immigration system, and with Congress. Executive orders from the President – no matter who the President is – are not going to solve the immigration and border issue. It’s going to take legislative action. If current members of Congress insist on playing politics – instead of fixing our problems – they need to be benched. It’s time to bench Claudia Tenney.

David Wagenhauser

Waterloo

Wagenhauser is the Democratic Party candidate for the 24th Congressional District which includes 12 counties, including part of Orleans.

Editor:

On the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion (June 6), when American military personnel stepped up to defend our republic, it seems appropriate to reflect on what we are called upon to do in 2024. Our republican form of government as outlined by the Founders in the Constitution is in genuine jeopardy.

What would we be communicating to the civilized world should we get it wrong in November? What would we be saying to our children and grandchildren should we say criminality affirmed by a jury doesn’t matter when choosing presidents?

We attempt to teach the difference between right and wrong. We chastise our young people for dishonesty but say, in effect, that it is okay to elect a serial liar who believes laws apply only to others and womanizing is a badge of honor.

We have a candidate who believes accountability is for others.

There are at least a dozen Republicans in Orleans County who would be better presidents for this nation than the GOP’s presumptive nominee.

Should we get it wrong this time our republican form of government that was bequeathed to us by the Founding Fathers in the Constitution may well come to an end. Biden may not be the best the Democrats have to offer, but he isn’t a dictator-in-waiting who has expressed his admiration for Vladimir Putin (Hitler in red).

The frustration I see in voters is understandable, but opting out this November does a disservice to the World War II generation and may get us something far worse than what we have now.

Sincerely,

Gary Kent

Albion

Editor:

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I would like to take this opportunity to present some facts to Orleans County residents with respect to the 2024 race for the office of District Attorney.

If you are a supporter of the Susan Howard campaign for District Attorney, I respect your right to support your candidate, to state your position and freely vote for your candidate without fear of reprisal or personal attacks.

It is a shame that this philosophy is lost on some involved with the Howard campaign. Some have chosen a path of disinformation, false allegations and verbal attacks on people exercising their absolute right to support John Sansone.

Earlier in the year, Republican Committee members from across Orleans County met to caucus and endorse candidates. After a full committee vote, John Sansone received the endorsement of the Republican Committee.

 Soon thereafter, surrogates of the Howard campaign began a campaign of false information in a weak attempt to discredit Republican Committee members. The Republican delegates from every town in Orleans County simply exercised their rights under the bylaws of the Orleans County Republican Committee to support a candidate based on their own personal beliefs. The voting process was conducted in a professional manner pursuant to rules. Demonizing committee members that took part in the process because you didn’t like the outcome is concerning to say the least.

John Sansone then received an endorsement from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Employees Association which represents the majority of Sheriff’s Office employees. Shortly thereafter, the disinformation machine fires up and the attacks on decent hard-working men and women at the Sheriff’s Office.

The nasty attacks are on Sheriff’s employees who have a constitutional right to free speech and to the right to voice their opinion. I submit to you that this is beyond political banter. Referring to the Sheriff’s employees as, a small group, the good old boys’ club, union bosses, corrupt sheriff’s office, along with disparaging remarks is quite frankly disgusting.

Sheriff’s Office employees are dedicated hard-working people doing some of the most dangerous and important work that exists in our society today. Every day, Sheriff’s employees come to work to serve the citizens of Orleans County. I stand with and will defend the Sheriff’s employees’ right to engage in the process and reject these baseless attacks on decent people.

If you choose to support John Sansone, I request that you so in a respectful and professional manner. I would also ask that you not engage in nasty personal attacks on Ms. Howard or her supporters.

I am asking my friends and supporters to join me in endorsing John Sansone, the Republican-endorsed candidate for the office of Orleans County District Attorney. Please exercise your right to vote beginning on June 15th for early voting up to and including election day June 25th.

Thank you for your time.

Christopher Bourke

Orleans County Sheriff

Editor:

Susan Howard is the best candidate for Orleans County District Attorney. I know her to be hard-working, on days, nights and weekends; honest, intelligent and well-versed in the law; and always well-prepared. She is thoughtful and fair in her decision-making. And, critically important as District Attorney, unwilling to resolve a matter short of trial, if justice demands that result.

I am an attorney, a Kendall alumna, who spent 40 years practicing law in the criminal justice system before retiring last year. I was Joe Cardone’s First Assistant for two years when he took office. I have also prosecuted in Genesee and Onondaga counties. I know what it takes to be a good prosecutor. Susan Howard has those skills, and Susan also has the experience needed to lead the office as District Attorney.

Only Susan has spent her career in the Orleans County DA’s Office, devoted exclusively to her job as a prosecutor of both adults and juveniles. She has experience in every facet of prosecuting, from handling the Traffic Diversion Program to regularly appearing in multiple, and often the busiest, Town Courts, as well as in County Court.

She has represented the People in appeals filed with the Appellate Division in Rochester. Hundreds of Orleans County residents by now (a new 23 every 3 months) have seen her work in grand jury. All those people should be voting to ensure that Susan becomes the next District Attorney.

Significantly, only Susan has actually lived in Orleans County throughout her employment in Orleans County, easily accessible to police and courts. As a former prosecutor who was on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, I know how important it is for police to have a prosecutor who can be there when needed. Susan has already played that role.

While a defense attorney, I represented many clients being prosecuted by both Susan and her opponent. I know that the citizens of Orleans County will be best served with Susan as the next District Attorney. The registered Republicans of the County should make her their candidate through their vote in the upcoming primary.

Shirley A. Gorman, Esq.

Spencerport

Editor:

I have worked with coroners in Orleans County for the past 44 years. In that time, I have cross examined them, called and heard them as witnesses, reviewed coroner’s inquests, among many other types of proceedings.

Without reservation, I can state that Scott Schmidt is the most professional, well prepared, articulate and reliable of them all. He has a remarkable grasp of all aspects of his subject matter, and has the integrity to give his findings and opinions without fear or favor.

In addition, Scott is a valued and active member of the local community. He is also a leader in the larger community of coroners in the State of New York, and is held in high regard and respect throughout the state.

As many of you know, he has heroically contributed his time and expertise in dealing with the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks on our country. He had a leadership role in the complicated, devastating process of identifying the thousands of victims of that attack. I was very proud to be from the same county as Scott when he gave freely of his energy, spirit and time.

I am honored to recommend Scott for re-election. Any community in the country would do well to seek out a person of Scott’s talents for this job, and we are enormously lucky to have him serving in Orleans County.

Sincerely,

James Punch

Medina

Punch is retired as Orleans County Court judge, and also served as the county’s district attorney.

Editor:

When I was first elected coroner, the other coroners rarely spoke with each other. Our county’s state, county and village law enforcement agencies in general were not properly educated on the duties and authority of a coroner during the investigation of a death.

Our current sheriff was a road deputy and on my first case which happened to be a suicide, the law enforcement investigators on scene were asking me for direction as to what should be happening. Since then, I have worked diligently to not only educate many officers and work with all law enforcement agencies to investigate together, whatever type of death we had responded to.

Together we all have forged a relationship of understanding, knowledge and one which puts the needs of the family in the forefront while still doing what we need to do. I take great pride in my professional relationship as well as my friendship with now Sheriff Christopher Bourke. He in turn, has confidence in me as well. I’m proud to share this letter of endorsement with you and ask you to consider casting your first vote to keep Scott Schmidt as Chief Coroner on Republican Primary Election Day, June 25th. Thank you in advance for your vote and confidence in me.

Scott Schmidt

Medina

Chief Coroner-Orleans County

To Whom It May Concern:

It is my pleasure to endorse Mr. Scott Schmidt for the position of county coroner. The job of coroner is very important and needs the most qualified people in the position.

I have worked with Mr. Schmidt on a professional level for over thirty years. He has always been courteous, professional, and compassionate during what is some of the most difficult times people have to deal with on their lives. Mr. Schmidt has always been available and responsive to the needs of the Sheriff’s Office. Beyond a doubt, he is the right person to continue in this position.

Sincerely,

Christopher M. Bourke

Orleans County Sheriff

Editor:

I do not like it when people who are running for an elected position, enter someone’s property without obtaining permission from the property owner.  This is what happened recently to a friend of mine in Clarendon.  My friend has put up several signs in support of John Sansone because they believe he will be a wonderful district attorney.  I have placed a sign on my own property in support of John Sansone.  Our support was based on knowing his hard work and effectiveness.  Sometime in the night the other day, someone entered my friend’s property to put a Susan Howard lawn sign in front of the Sansone sign.  I find this to be both offensive, and honestly, criminal trespassing.

How can Susan Howard allow her supporters to break the law and violate people’s private property to make a case for her to be the chief law enforcement officer of Orleans County.  Truth is, she cannot!

I would like her to do two things.  Apologize publicly for this happening, and second, either manage her campaign volunteers, or realize that if she cannot manage them, she cannot manage the DA’s office.

Fred Seeman

Clarendon