Editor:

I feel compelled to write about a small event with significant ramifications that occurred on May 29, 2015. As many may already know, the residents of Somerset and Yates are currently embroiled in a critical battle to preserve the health and welfare of our residents, wildlife and environment from the proposed Lighthouse Wind Industrial Wind Turbine Emplacement Project.

The project, as proposed by APEX Clean Energy, would plant 60 to 70, 600-foot tall turbines in the center of a fertile farming, wildlife and residential area in Somerset and Yates.

APEX is an out-of-state (Charlottesville, VA) firm that has no ties to this area or its people and has been surreptitiously wooing landowners for almost two years to sign 50-year leases to place industrial wind turbines on their land. The leases will allow APEX to erect these 60 to 70 sixty-story tall structures in a swath of over 12 miles in length, effectively splitting the whole of Somerset and half of Yates geographically down the middle.

Apparently, APEX believes this type of divide-and-conquer strategy to be acceptable. These structures, if erected, would be the tallest structures outside of New York City in all of New York State. We, the residents of Somerset and Yates do not find any of this acceptable.

Provided photo – This juvenile bald eagle is pictured at John Riggi’s property in Yates on May 29.

As a result of this activity on the part of APEX, the towns of Somerset and Yates are now internally divided into leaseholders and everyone else. The leaseholders have been wooed by APEX (again for almost two years) and have given into the lure of money at the expense of all else that we hold important in these towns: caring neighbors, fertile farms, abundant wildlife and the balance of all of these that make this area such a desirable place to live.

Somerset and Yates are now on the brink of utter social destruction due to the proposed project by this out-of-state company. A company, by the way, that will not sign the New York State Wind Industry Code of Ethics. Is a firm that will not commit to ethical behavior, in fact, ethical? I think not.

As such, the multitudes of concerned residents have formed a non-profit, member-financed, citizen’s coalition, Save Ontario Shores Inc. (SOS) to address the concerns of the health, safety and welfare of Yates and Somerset taxpayers and residents regarding the issue of permitting APEX industrial wind corporation to build as many as 70 industrial wind turbines in these rural towns.

Save Ontario Shores will continue the fight until the APEX project is defeated at the local level (Town Boards of Somerset and Yates, County Legislatures of Niagara and Orleans Counties) and at the State level (NYS Article 10).

As we are embroiled in this work to save the pristine area in which we live, there are successes and opportunities for improvement. And every once-in-awhile, small events of great import occur at the most interesting times.

That event occurred on my property on the morning of May 29, 2015. As is common knowledge, there are a great number of endangered and threatened species that reside, winter and nest in this part of New York State. In fact, the DEC has recently listed a number of these species in a communication on the New York State DEC website (click here).

The small event of great importance was the appearance of a juvenile Bald Eagle (DEC – Threatened Status) on our front lawn in the Town of Yates: This is the symbol of our fight.

John B. Riggi
Town of Yates
President, Save Ontario Shores, Inc.

Editor:

Four members of the Republican Committee for the Town of Gaines – (Lorraine Oakley, past Gaines Town Board member for 11 years; Susan Heard, present county treasurer; Lisa Mannella, married to the present town highway-water superintendent; and Lorienda Smith) – and past Town Supervisor Bill Lattin were present at the Town Board meeting on the April 14.

They accused the Town Board of bullying the town clerk by continuing to inform taxpayers of the clerk’s abuse of office, which includes over-reimbursements, unauthorized pay increases, record keeping deficiencies, unauthorized pay for the deputy clerk, and more. One claimed this is “old news” (though the investigation continues); Two others levied charges of bullying against the board. It seems to me that those individuals were bullying the Town Board.

Then on May 12, Town Supervisor Carol Culhane went before the Town of Gaines Republican Committee for their endorsement. With a vote of 5-2, incumbent Culhane DID NOT get the committee’s endorsement. This leaves Gaines Republican Party without a candidate for supervisor in the November’s election.

It would seem to me that the members of the nominating committee would have put personal issues aside to continue to support a proven winner. Carol has worked tirelessly to clean up sloppy record keeping and indiscretions which led to over-levying of water districts, funds being wrongly accumulated for four years (to over-inflate each subsequent year’s budget), mileage reimbursement and cell phone allowance abuses, and others too numerous to mention here.

I can only wonder why the Republican Committee has such an issue with taxpayers being represented fairly by a town government they can have faith in. Or maybe it’s just politics: You’re supposed to scratch our backs, so we can scratch yours.

Ray Burke
Gaines taxpayer for 47 years

Editor:

As the legislative session begins to wind down, legislative leaders start to get their ducks in a row and make the final push to squeeze every bit of work into those waning final hours. This session was an infamous several months that saw two of Albany’s most powerful leaders topple, an overwhelmingly poor budget and little to help small businesses or the middle class. But, fortunately for us, the clock has not struck twelve and we still have a chance to do what is right for New Yorkers.

It seems like forever since we have seen large-scale businesses tax and regulatory relief in New York. As a small-business owner for over four decades, I know the daily struggles and frustrations of owning a business here. Simple expansions or financial changes are met with hundreds of pages of regulations, and that doesn’t take into account the slew of taxes paid by business owners.

To spur New York’s lackluster economy we need real business tax relief so employers can afford to hire more employees and retain larger profits that they will ultimately reinvest into their businesses. Too often legislative initiatives have targeted only the politically connected or promised to create jobs while falling short. I sponsor the Small Business Full Employment Act, A.5898, which would prohibit new unfunded mandates and provide a host of tax and regulatory relief measures to spur small business growth. It is time we embrace New York’s business climate and create jobs for our thousands of college graduates.

It is time once and for all to clean up Albany’s corruption and restore the people’s faith in government. I, along with the Assembly Minority Conference, have fought for several ethics reforms to deal with unlawful abuses of power and increase openness and transparency in government. Measures used by the governor and Assembly Majority allow the passage of unlawful laws like the SAFE Act and backroom deals that besmirch our Legislature.

Our conference supports the removal of corrupt politicians’ pension and retirement benefits, a measure promised in this year’s budget but removed due to the influence of labor unions on downstate politicians. Furthermore, we have pushed the Public Officers Accountability Act, A.4617, which strengthens campaign finance laws and places term limits on legislative leaders to prevent the alleged abuses committed by former leaders Silver and Skelos over the past few months. Until we enact both of these measures, Albany will remain a cesspool of corruption and malfeasance.

Despite the large increase in education aid, millions for local development such as the Brownfield Cleanup Program, and tens of millions in aid for our farmers, much more needs to be done. Despite our rocky start, it is time to finish strong and help upstate New York regain the economic strength it once enjoyed. We’re part of New York State too!

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley
R-Batavia

Hawley’s Assembly District includes most of Orleans, all of Genesee and a portion of Monroe counties.

Editor:

My name is Roger Kopas and I was a citizen of Gaines from 2011 to 2014. I was privileged to serve Gaines as Code/Zoning Enforcement Officer from 2012 to 2014.

I write to express my respect and support for Carol Culhane as Gaines Town Supervisor.

Not long after my wife and I bought our home in Gaines, Orleans County increased our property taxes in spectacular fashion. I telephoned Gaines Town Hall and was impressed when the Town Supervisor handled my call personally. She helped us understand how to address our situation with the county. Not only was she sympathetic; she shared the concerns of an overburdened taxpayer.

I later applied and interviewed for the part-time position of Gaines Code and Zoning Enforcement Officer. During this process, I became acquainted with Carol’s knowledge and reverence for the Constitution of the United States of America.

This respect for the Constitution is reflected in her everyday dealings with her constituents. She believes that the townspeople of Gaines have the right to an honest, open and evenhanded government. This includes independent audits and reconciliation of the Town’s “books.”

Operating in this fashion has unearthed some unsettling facts which have generated questions and controversy regarding the administration of government services in Gaines.

This was not the easy way or the politically safe way, but Carol judged it to be the only way. As a small business owner, Carol knows how hard the townspeople work to pay their taxes and their water bills, and honors their right to know how elected officials handle the people’s money.

I know from personal experience that there are those who consider themselves exempt from codes of conduct that most citizens are held to. Carol does not subscribe to that notion and has obviously garnered the enmity of those accustomed to and expecting special treatment.

Despite this enmity, Carol will continue to represent the truth and her townspeople fearlessly. She will not forsake her oath of office to maintain the “status quo.” Carol will not leave as she is a Gaines townswoman and cares deeply for her hometown.

My wife and I left Gaines because we became the owners of my old Florida home. There were many considerations but it really came down to the mortgage. We own the Florida land outright with no mortgage.

I have the honor and privilege to have served amongst some of America’s finest citizens and Carol Culhane is one of them.

Yours very truly,

Roger Kopas
Former code enforcement officer in Gaines

Editor:

Last year, I wrote a letter of complaint when the Ace Hardware store put barricades and no parking signs during the Memorial Day event in Medina.

I want to acknowledge that this year, the parking lot was open, and the Boy Scouts had a hot dog stand. I was glad to see the store seemed to be more receptive to become a part of the community by letting people use their lot to attend the program in State Street Park.

Our town continues a fine tradition of honoring our men and women who have served this country in the military and shows the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Sincerely,

Patricia Farman
Medina

Editor:

As a public official, I have sworn to protect the citizens of my district and taxpayers of New York State by honoring my office and embracing integrity, openness and transparency in my role as an elected leader.

It is repugnant to have taxpayers fund the pensions and retirement benefits for public officials convicted of corruption and other felonies related to their official duties. It is morally and professionally irresponsible to ask the residents, whom we have betrayed and stolen from, to line the pockets of public officials who have used their power and social status for personal gain.

We are public servants and our focus should be on improving the public’s faith in government and serving our constituents to the best of our abilities.

The Assembly Minority Conference has led the charge on stripping corrupt public officials of their state pension and retirement benefits. I sponsor bipartisan legislation, A.4643-A, that would accomplish these goals.

We were told by the Assembly Majority and Gov. Cuomo that a pension forfeiture bill would be voted upon during budget night this year. To the surprise of many, no such bill reached the Assembly floor for a vote for unknown reasons and we are still waiting on this initiative to pass.

With only 12 session days left, and overwhelming support from across the aisle and the governor’s office, I cannot imagine why this bill has not reached the legislature for a vote. This common-sense measure is way past due and cannot wait until next January for action. I will continue to push this measure to do what is right for the people of New York State.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley
R-Batavia

Editor:

For those interested in historic preservation, we have a wonderful opportunity to rescue, preserve and restore what could possibly be one of the oldest cobblestone structures in Orleans County.

In the 1820s there existed a log schoolhouse where pioneer children were taught on Gaines Basin Road, north of the canal. This was replaced by a cobblestone schoolhouse in 1832, which was used for the next 112 years.

Countless students passed through its door. Countless teachers dedicated themselves to the mission of child education. Countless town meetings were held there. The building still exists.

Courtesy of Al Capurso – Here is a mockup of a historical marker to go by the cobblestone schoolhouse in Gaines.

It continues to stand strong thanks to the artistry and skill of the cobblestone masons who erected it 183 years ago, and the care of the trustees all those many years. It stands as a tribute to hard-working teachers, children who struggle to learn and parents who value the importance of education.

The Orleans County Historical Association is in the process of acquiring this cobblestone treasure to protect, preserve and restore. We are also working to erect a historical roadside marker to educate passers by as to its historic value and significance.

You can help in a variety of ways. You can attend the “work bees” we will be having to replace windows, repair holes in the flooring, plastering, etc. If you have extra perennial flowers we welcome you to plant them out front of the schoolhouse next to the building. If you have extra lumber to donate we could use it.

A positive mention to your county legislator verbally or in writing would be helpful as we endeavor to dovetail with the County Department of History on this project.

We have lost too many cobblestone buildings through neglect and inaction. Here is a chance to preserve a piece of our history for future generations to enjoy and respect. There will be a meeting of Orleans County Historical Association at the Pullman Memorial Church on Wednesday, June 10, at 7 p.m.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information please call Al Capurso at 590-0763. Please join us.

Thank you,

Al Capurso
Member of Orleans County Historical Association

Editor:

The last few days have been busy both in my district and in Albany. Let me fill you in on just some of the things I’ve been up to recently.

I spent some time in Monroe County last week, discussing concerns with the county’s School Board Association and then meeting a special little girl whose Earth Day poster won in this year’s contest. Caitlin Seely, a third grade student at Terry Taylor Elementary School, sat in front of all her classmates as I presented her with an award for her creativity and concern for our environment.

I also took time to visit with senior citizens at the HANCI organization in Niagara Falls. The Health Association of Niagara County offers numerous programs and services for the aging community that provides them a better quality of life. I saw it firsthand as I toured HANCI’s Complete Senior Care Center. The seniors there seemed like they had a new lease on life; they seemed happy, healthy and well taken care of by the amazing staff.

Another organization that works hard to make sure individuals have everything they need – the Boys and Girls Club. I had the chance to meet with many of the hard workers behind the Niagara Falls Boys and Girls Club during its annual auction and fundraising event.

And, from the Boys and Girls Club of the Northtowns, I had the chance to meet this year’s Youth of the Year winner Olivia Meixing Keller.

The Boys and Girls Clubs provide unique opportunities for children that they might not have otherwise. It’s for that reason that I will continue to be a strong supporter of these organizations and the kids they serve.

Our children and guardians of our children deserve to be looked after with utmost care and protection. That’s why this week the Senate passed “The Domestic Violence Protection Act,” or “Brittany’s Law.”

Similar to a sex offender registry, this bill would create a violent felony offender registry, allowing the state, local law enforcement and public to track the whereabouts of convicted violent felons. This way, our communities have the tools and information they need to keep others safe.

Veterans know all about this duty – putting others before themselves. During a ceremony at the State Capital this week, I had the honor of recognizing a Marine veteran and Purple Heart recipient who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Lance Corporal Tim Serwinowski of North Tonawanda was posthumously inducted into the New York State Veteran’s Hall of Fame. Though it was a proud moment for Tim’s family, it was also a somber moment. Lance Corporal Serwinowski’s sacrifice, legacy, and heroism will never be forgotten.

Finally, as we approach this Memorial Day weekend, enjoy time with family and friends and the beginning of the summer season. I hope you will also take time to pay tribute to all the military men and women who serve and have served our nation.

State Sen. Robert Ortt
North Tonawanda

Editor:

I wish to applaud the recent presentation by the Orleans County Youth Board of the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Award to Kathie Valley. A finer recipient could not have been chosen.

The article (click here) describes Kathie’s many volunteer efforts. Even so, I feel readers should know about her as a person.

Kathie is one of the kindest and sweetest people I will ever know. She would do anything for anyone and make it seem effortless. She never expects anything in return.

Several people in our family have passed away in recent years and Kathie has always been one of the first to offer condolences and support to us. At the reception Kathie was always there lending a hand. And many a time we would open our door in the morning to find a gift basket or flowers with no name on it. That is how we would know it was from Kathie!

She is always upbeat and a joy to see. There are times I might see a person approaching and divert my eyes, not wishing to listen to their complaints or whining. Not Kathie. Every time I see her I go out of my way to talk to her. She doesn’t drain one’s battery, she recharges it.

Finally, and most importantly, she has raised a fantastic family. While others in her talented family may receive more recognition, she seems content to be the deep bedrock on which magnificent towers are built.

She is a living guardian angel to many. She has my utmost respect and is so very deserving of the award.

Carl L. Tuohey
Medina

(Editor’s Note: Donna Bane read this letter to the Yates Town Board during its May meeting.)

To Yates Town Board Members:

At the Public Hearing on April 9, I submitted a letter to the Town Board about my application on the “Met” Tower to be constructed on my property. Let me read part of that letter:

Many people have stated why they don’t want the wind turbines to go up. I heard the remark they do not even want a test tower in our town or anywhere in Orleans County.

There will be multiple testing going on, and I for one would like some answers to all the “what if” questions. These questions cannot be answered without this testing.

Having been a permanent resident of this town and paid taxes for 49 years, it is my right to go forward with this project.

I urge the Town Board to approve this application to put a test tower on my property.

That being said, now I would like to address the wind turbines.

I have signed a contract to allow turbines on my property, as is my right to do, for several reasons.

1) I fully believe we should find alternative ways to create electricity. Isn’t a better option to use wind, which will always be there to utilize? Sooner or later there is the possibility that coal will be unavailable.

2) This project would be beneficial to our Town, School and County taxes. Many of the people in the Town of Yates have a difficult time paying their taxes. Talking to an owner of two turbines on his property, he has not paid town taxes since 2006. I am not suggesting that we will not pay town taxes here; what I am saying is that, hopefully, our Town Board will find a way, with the payment they receive, to help the Town of Yates residents by applying it to lower our taxes. I would not even want to guess what our farmers pay for their taxes as my tillable farm land doubled in assessment in 2014. I will put as many wind turbines on my property, as possible, to help me and the Town of Yates residents.

3) Some of the reasoning against them, to me, seems absurd, such as birds flying into them. We should take cars off the road, I have killed birds that have flown into my vehicle. Birds fly into airplanes, maybe they should ground them. Hunters kill birds, and other wild life, maybe we should allow no hunting in our town.

4) Some people say the wind towers are ugly. I find them fascinating. I would rather have them on my property instead of a gas well or cell phone tower. I am sure most everyone has a cell phone. The cell towers are ugly, but what would we do without them.

5) I find it rather disturbing that property owners, whose legal residence is not in the Town of Yates and have no voting rights here, can come into our town and intimidate some land owners with their negativity.

I could go on and on. The point I am trying to make is we need to progress with the times. When we are approached with a project that could very well help the residents of this town, we the people of this town should get on board and stop sticking our heads in the sand.

In closing, other residents are entitled to their opinion, and I respect that. Some of my remarks may seem kind of harsh, but I am entitled to my opinion, and expect the people against it to respect mine.

Thank you to the Town Board for allowing me to speak.

Respectfully,

Donna R. Bane
Lyndonville

Editor:

While I have a great deal of respect for Undersheriff Smith, his letter to the editor on May 19 is just one man’s opinion, with no offer of reasons or statements that support his belief that Randy Bower is not qualified to be the sheriff of Orleans County.

Furthermore, while Undersheriff Smith offers an accurate definition of campaign rhetoric, his letter itself serves as an example of such. I believe that it is short-sighted to draw any conclusions just based on one sample size of what is the current landscape of the origins of sheriffs in NYS. There is no doubt that it is currently the “fact,” but by using such a small sample, one could argue that it is exactly that … a fluke.

If it was explored more, research may show that more individuals became sheriffs from alternate avenues than law enforcement. Simply being a cop or the best of cops does not mean that the individual must certainly be a better candidate for sheriff.

The sheriff is ultimately an administrator first and needs knowledge of law enforcement. It stands to reason that if a dispatcher has better communication skills, better organizational skills, better leadership capabilities, and is a better motivator, then why overlook the man as a viable candidate?

One fact that is clear in this race is that the Orleans County Deputy Sheriffs Association endorsed the dispatcher over the chief deputy. That to me is a very telling sign that even cops believe a dispatcher is more capable than a “top cop.”

The bottom line is that we should have open minds in choosing our next sheriff and not limit ourselves to living with a hand-picked top cop or we might miss out on a candidate that can do the job extremely well and would be a great servant to the community.

Chris Caufield
Holley

Editor:

Campaign rhetoric can best be described as “that which is intended to persuade or motivate an individual to vote for a particular person or proposition.”

A prime example of this can be found in the article posted on the Orleans Hub on May 13. (Click here to see “Randy Bower stays in race to be next sheriff.”)

I’ve known Randy Bower for several years. He’s a nice guy and he’s a very capable and qualified Public Safety Dispatcher. However, he is not qualified to be the Sheriff of Orleans County.

There are 58 Sheriffs in New York State. One is a retired Army Brigadier General. Another was a Town Justice for 20 years before being elected Sheriff. The other 56 came up through the ranks in the agency they now serve or with another law enforcement agency. None went directly from civilian dispatcher to “Top Cop.” That’s not a fluke, it’s just fact.

Several states across our country have adopted minimum standards for persons to hold the office of sheriff. Unfortunately, New York is not one of them.

The New York State Sheriffs’ Association has proposed minimum standards as well, however attempts to have them legislated into law have been futile. In today’s law enforcement and correctional environment, there can be no substitute for experience and expertise.

My father used to say that “the only job you start out at the top at is digging a hole.” I’m sure he got that from another source, but the point is the same and that’s the bottom line!

Steve Smith
Undersheriff of Orleans County

Editor:

Back in 1937, our little town of Albion wasn’t a town; It was a city. There was a man who opened a school named the Santa Claus School. His name was Charles Howard, and he did a lot for our community. I believe people in Albion should know about him.

Charles Howard wasn’t always Santa; He was a farmer for his first 40 years. His side job was playing Santa in storefronts from here to Buffalo and to Rochester. That sparked an interest that he wanted all Santas to dress the same and sound or say the same thing. So he opened up his first Santa School in 1937.

Believe it or not, stores all over the country sent students to learn how to be Santas! At first, he taught the Santas in his living room. Then he made the three barns behind his house part of the school. He had three classes a year in the spring, summer and fall.

He was Santa in the winter, and he went from Buffalo to Texas. One time in 1965 he was asked to teach a class in Australia! In addition to the school he added an amusement park called “Christmas Park” that drew families to his school.

People came from all around the northeastern part the USA to see it. It included carnival rides and carnival games. It was a mini-carnival of Santas.

In summary, Charles Howard wasn’t just a teacher. He was known as “The Dean of Santa Clauses” and he’s the one who made Santa as we know him today. Charles Howard may not be alive today, but his dream still lives on.

Ben Hickman
Albion sixth grader

Editor:

The Orleans County Conservative Party would like to go on the record joining the many legislators and committee people calling for Senator Dean Skelos to step down from the leadership of the Senate Republicans.

Mr. Skelos pushed through the NY Safe Act in the middle of the night voting with a majority of Democrats to impose this unconstitutional law.

Mr. Skelos is a R.I.N.O. (Republican In Name Only) and does not represent the principles of the party and of the voters that he represents. His corruption has finally caught up with him and will be a distraction – a dark cloud over doing the business of the people.

We also do not want to see Sen. John Flanagan of Long Island as a replacement to Mr. Skelos as he is another R.I.N.O. that usurps the constitution and the rights of every New Yorker.

Paul Lauricella Jr.
Lyndonville

Mr. Lauricella is vice chairman of the Orleans County Conservative Party.

Editor:

Why does the Town of Yates concede home rule to the County or State with a project that primarily concerns landowners in the Town of Yates? This is a form of eminent domain without compensation for those landowners who will be impacted by its construction. Come on town officials stand with your constituents.

I have seen many landowners oppose this project based on facts and not emotion. I have seen little support other than Apex and our disconnected government agencies. It appears the money is difficult to resist and they don’t know history. The golden goose can die, ask Barker.

Did anyone see a bankruptcy coming at the Somerset Power Plant? Solyndra? The government subsidies can go away with a new administration and the turbines will sit idle like Somerset is now.

Why is wind a bad idea? It is bad because at a maximum it is only 23 percent efficient. That means 77 percent of the time the turbines are using fossil fuel. Only the government can leap before it looks.

I read that at a scheduled public planning meeting a Mr. Freeman who is appointed as a member by the Town of Yates, allowed no public comments at the meeting. I also understood that there was no discussion concerning a tower that was apparently approved previous to the meeting. Now that is planning and deciding without public input. There must have been pressure from some other direction. I wonder who?

I also understand that Mr. Freeman made the statement, “If you don’t like what we are doing, MOVE.” If this is true, I think the Town should apologize to the taxpayers and remove Mr. Freeman from his position.

This project should not go forward. Town officials should do all they can to stop this project. Let’s watch which way they go – with the people or with the money.

Ray Watt
Peachtree City, Ga.

Watt owns property in the Town of Yates.