Editor:

The members of the Medina Police Benevolent Association strongly encourage all registered village voters to vote on Jan. 20. This vote is NOT to combine the village and two townships into one entity or “One Medina,” but to dissolve the village.

Dissolving the village ends any agreement with the village and the Medina Police, ultimately resulting in ending police services for the village.

So what are we saying? Police services that you as the village taxpayer pay for are gone, including community policing, quick response times to calls, animal control, downtown business door checks, crossing guard, school resource officer, K-9 officer, officers’ knowledge of the community, 24/7 coverage, and many other services.

One Medina promoters have preached that there will be no loss of police services, everything will remain the same. The creation of a police force falls on the towns, who have publicly said they have no desire to create. The towns are satisfied with the sheriff and state police service.

As of a letter sent to the Medina-Ridgeway-Shelby Consolidation Feasibility Study Committee dated Jan. 27, 2011, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office indicated that its department is NOT currently in a position NOR interested in providing services to the village and that the village is already well served by the Medina Police Department.

The Medina Police again strongly encourages the registered village voters to consider the level of police services they want. Please vote.

Members of the Medina Police Benevolent Association

Chad Kenward
Michael Borrell
Joseph Frentz
Steven Fox
Todd Draper
Greg Fraser
Mark Prawel
Mark Parker

Editor:

The staff of Community Action, the Board of Directors, and the hundreds of families who received a holiday basket wish to express our sincere appreciation and thanks to all the wonderful and caring individuals who assisted our agency this holiday season.

The joy of helping less fortunate families receive a holiday basket filled with food and toys for their children, giving a single individual food and personal items, delivering a fruit basket donated by Save-A-Lot to shut-in senior citizens, this is a feeling everyone should experience.

The smiles, the tears, the hugs, the thanks, were all made possible through the generosity of businesses, civic groups, churches, Girl and Boy scout troops, service organizations, schools, private individuals, people who donated through the angel trees, FFA Albion who donated close to 30,000 pounds of food, people who sent money donations, and adopted families, businesses who participated in our Annual Toy Challenge that donated toys, the Albion School system who helped pack baskets, Albion Baptist Church for use of their church for toys, the many volunteers who sorted toys and food to give less fortunate families the joy of the holiday season.

Thank you to all who donated money to our Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign, the businesses where we had kettles, the bell ringers, our wonderful coordinators who made it possible to raise $19,940.16 this year.

Through all of you we were able to assist 650 families in Orleans County and 75 shut-in senior citizens. Community Action could not have done what we did without the wonderful caring people who stepped up and assisted us in making the holidays brighter.

We wish you all a wonderful and safe 2015.

Annette Grillo Finch
Director of Community Services
Salvation Army Treasurer

Anni Skowneski
Case manger
Community Action of Orleans

(Editor’s Note: George Maziarz posted this farewell message on his Facebook page on Wednesday)

It has been my honor to represent you and your neighbors in our Senate district since 1995. As you may have heard, I have decided to retire and today is my last day in office.

Please know that it has been an honor for me to serve you in the New York State Senate. I have worked as hard as I possibly can to give the people of Niagara, Orleans, and Monroe Counties a voice in their state legislature. There is always more work to do, but I think we are making progress in getting New Yorkand Western New York in particularback on the right track.

I have many fond memories of my time in the Senate that I could share, but this job is not about me, it’s about youthe residents of the 62nd Senate District. Therefore I’m very pleased that we will have excellent representation going forward under Senator Robert Ortt.

If you should ever need assistance dealing with a state agency or a state issue, he and his staff will be ready to help. You will be able to reach them at the same district office address and phone number in Lockport that I have used. Click here for contact information.

Thank you again for the great privilege and opportunity to represent you. From my family to yours, I wish you much happiness in the new year!

George Maziarz
Newfane

Editor:

The recent media focus on protests in Ferguson, MO to Staten Island, NY and across America is a topic long overdue. Sadly, it has taken the protests of thousands of people to draw attention to a serious social problem.

The problem is not simply defined as a racial element in law enforcement, although that is clearly a notable point that cannot be ignored. The problem goes deeper into the psyche of those who are entrusted to uphold the law.

No one will deny the need for law enforcement or police protection. High praise and honor is deserved for the men and women who patrol and protect our neighborhoods; who investigate crimes and seek out those who threaten our well-being and property; who help bring the guilty to a place of justice.

Yet, there is a serious problem in the realm of law enforcement. A problem with policies and philosophies within the agencies themselves and as a public delusion. The problem is the assumption that once someone puts on that uniform and badge that they become inscrutable. They can do no wrong. They are immune to prosecution or repercussions for questionable actions and the results that occur.

That has been the status quo. According to the police unions, their public relations departments, and most every Grand Jury, the police can do no wrong. The police never abuse their power or the people they are confronting. Their actions are always defended and justified.

Why does it seem so impossible to expect the police department and public officials to make a better effort to spot and weed out the bad apples among their ranks? Stop covering up for them and hold them responsible for their actions? What kind of example is being set when the ones we trust to uphold the law abuse and break the law without being held accountable?

Be honest with reality. There are bad cops. Period. Egotistical, arrogant and yes, sometimes sadistic minds who enjoy the power and authority of their job title. This problem exists in our jail and prison systems as well. Ignore that if you wish, but it is a sad truth.

There do exist some in authority that enjoy, yes, enjoy provoking a fight, an opportunity for violence, and go home and are so proud of themselves. Never with any fear of answering for the wrongs they have committed.

I make an appeal to you all and to the good people in law enforcement. Stop looking the other way, making excuses, and ignoring a serious problem.

Ask yourself, honestly, was Eric Garner provoking or threatening the five police officers that surrounded him? Did Officer Daniel Pantaleo act in response to a physical threat or was he just being a “take charge” kind of guy? If you can’t discern that he applied an illegal and unnecessary choke hold then maybe you think along the lines of the CIA it was only ‘enhanced’ restraint.

Sure.

Jay Rothmund
Albion

Editor:

As health care providers at HCR Home Care, we are truly blessed to work in a community filled with compassionate and driven individuals. We would like to recognize, and sincerely thank, Carl Sargent. Through St. Vincent de Paul in Albion, Carl has helped coordinate a loan closeta place for community members to borrow needed medical equipment.

This includes hospital beds, walkers, wheelchairs, shower benches/chairs, bedside commodes, and canes. Carl goes above and beyond to make this equipment available to our patients on a daily basis. The loan closet provides quick access for locals to borrow supplies without the usual expense. With Carl’s leadership and passion, this loan closet is one of the most helpful resources we have seen in any community.

Words cannot express how appreciative all of the patients, families, and community members are of Carl’s efforts. If there were an honorary “Citizen of the Year Award” in Orleans County, we would nominate Carl every year. His passion and efforts to help improve the lives of our patients are profound, showcasing the true depth of his caring.

Additionally, we would like to increase awareness of this loan closet. Please consider donating any unused valuable medical equipment to St. Vincent de Paul in Albion (317 East State St.). It is very common that our patients are in dire need of medical items, and donations are always appreciated. Please contact any member of St. Vincent de Paul for donations. In keeping with the spirit of giving and community, several HCR employees are making financial donations to the organization.

From all of us at HCR, we hope you have a happy and safe winter season. We could not be more proud to serve such a wonderful region.

Thank you,

HCR Home Care
Genesee/Orleans County Team

Editor:

If one needed a reminder of the meaning of Christmas, it could be found in the life of Fran Nayman. One of the last things he did was arrange to have 27 of his annual Christmas gift baskets made up at Watt Farms.

Fran could reasonably be regarded as the anti-Scrooge. Though it wasn’t unusual for him to respond, “Mean and miserable!” when asked how he was doing. Fran was, in fact, as generous as they come.

For nearly 20 years, Fran dealt with the effects of a physically debilitating stroke. He relied on a walker and the assistance of others to help negotiate stairs. After heart procedures, Fran resided for several months at The Landing and, later, Clover Hill. He was in and out of The Orleans County Nursing Home a couple of times.

Periodically, he spent time in Medina Hospital. No matter where he was, he had no complaints and always insisted the food was greatas long as there was enough of it!

Every time he went into another assisted living setting, speculation abounded that his working years had surely ended. Every time, I cautioned, “Don’t be too sure.” The rejoinder was, “Well, how will he do it?” I invariably responded, “The same way he did it before.” Every time, Fran proved his doubters wrong.

Within the last year we had implored him to close his shop on the Tuesdays and Thursdays when he normally did physical therapy. Though he didn’t seem to resent the suggestion, he wouldn’t think of it.

Fran lived life his way and died doing what he enjoyedbeing at his beloved shop, available to anyone who needed a part. But Heaven help those who entered without a part number!

The Christmas baskets were an indication of his focus on others. His commitment to the community that was part of him, however, extended to the Albion Fire Department, The Ministry of Concern, Holy Family Parish, The Orleans County Nursing Home and Community Action, to name a few. Fran was about public interest advocacy. His focus was the “Bob Cratchitts” of the Orleans County.

Sometimes we think we have it all figured out. But Fran Nayman is a testament to the Christian Spirit and the limits of human endurance. In many ways his too short life defied the odds. His parents could not have been any more proud of the man he became.

Sincerely yours,

Gary F. Kent
Albion

Editor:

Attempts to talk sense to power generally fall short of receptive ears. Nonetheless, I will feel better after throwing a few thoughts out there.

Efforts to rationalize pay raises for State lawmakers make little sense to me. In 2006, our New York Legislators were among the very highest paid in the nation (One state may have been higher). What has changed? Are our legislators doing a better job telling people what they want to hear and showing up for photo ops than they were then?

A $79,500 base and a very generous per diem, presumably amounting to $860 per working week, would seem generous enough. There are numerous other perks as well.

In fact, it seems to me that the people we would want doing the job are people dedicated to public service, rather than a paycheck resembling one from the private sector. I believe there are more of such people than one might expect. Paying legislators more assures nothing beneficial to the taxpayers. We should be discouraging the “empty suits” who pursue public office for financial gain.

Following the reasoning of those arguing for boosting Legislator compensation, one might conclude there are no good teachers at Catholic schools!

When the Governor insists pay raises would have to be connected to ethics reform, he should be applauded. On top of everything else, State Legislators living in safe districts use tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars to promote themselves as though there was a chance they might lose.

Why don’t we put pay raises on the ballot and see where they go? Do you think it might be because someone knows we aren’t persuaded despite editorials supporting them?

Sincerely yours,

Gary F. Kent
Albion

Editor:

In recent reporting of incidents from around the country, some have questioned whether police are held accountable when they break the law, particularly in the case of excessive force.

As a federal prosecutor for over 25 years, I can assure the public that the vast majority of law enforcement officers conduct themselves according to the highest ideals of their noble profession. With thousands of daily contacts between officers and citizens, incidents of excessive force are rare. Yet, on those occasions when officers have used illegal and excessive force, this Office has held them accountable and pursued criminal prosecution. Incidents need not result in death before our Office engages.

Since becoming U.S. Attorney, six law enforcement officers, based in suburban, county and city police departments, have been convicted in our Federal Court for violating civil rights through the use of excessive force.

The conduct included two instances where the officers were off-duty, but relied upon the presence of on-duty police to either choke or punch their victims. Moreover, during the time that I have worked in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, this Office has consistently been aggressive in prosecuting officers who abuse their positions in fact, one former Buffalo Police Officer prosecuted in 2005 continues to serve his sentence of 45 years-and-a-day for violating the constitutional rights of residents of the City of Buffalo.

These cases were reported to us by community members and the leadership of the police agency. Our prosecutions not only result in convictions, they also cost officers their jobs.

I am truly proud to work with the fine men and women who carry a badge and work hard to keep us safe. The public should also know that when they report illegal activity of any kind, including by police, this Office and its law enforcement partners will work just as hard to ensure equal justice under law and to hold accountable anyone who cross the line.

By removing rogue officers who taint the uniform they wear, such prosecutions restore public confidence in those sworn to protect them and to defend the Constitution and the people of this great country.

William J. Hochul, Jr.
Mr. Hochul is the United States Attorney for the Western District of New York

Editor:

On Friday, Dec. 12, 2014, the tragic death of Francis “Franny” Nayman shocked and stunned the community in which he lived and worked. Fran has been a fixture in Orleans County knowing virtually everyone and operating his small engine repair shop, Nayman’s, since 1959.

Even after is stroke and heart-related problems to follow, Fran still continued to work and continued his passion for politics and remaining active in the community where he spent his entire life. He loved his community, the people in it and truly enjoyed socializing.

When the 911 call was dispatched to his shop, needless to say many if not all the responders knew Franny. Putting personal feelings aside, responders executed their fire attack, performed their investigative duties, and ultimately deduced a scenario as to how the events of this tragic accident occurred. Having held the Office of Coroner since 1990, it has been an honor to work with some of the finest and bravest Fire and EMS Personnel, some of the most intelligent Law Enforcement Officials, some of the most talented Emergency Dispatchers and some of the sharpest Forensic ID Technicians on the planet.

At every scene, this one in particular, all egos were checked at the door and all minds, eyes and ears were open and in tune with each other for ultimately deciphering what happened. It was an honor and a privilege for me to not only watch, listen and learn in this process but to also participate with them.

Thus this public “Thank You” to all involved for doing your job with the excellence and professionalism it commands and for showing utmost dignity and respect for the deceased remains of our friend Fran.

Thank You to Albion Fire Department/Fire Police and Chief Rocky Sidari and Jeremy Graham, Albion Police Department and Chief Roland Nenni, Orleans County Emergency Coordinators/Fire Investigators, NY State Fire Investigators, NY State Police Forensic ID Unit and Sr. Investigator Bob Bochorski with Chris Iwankow, Joshua Mitchell from Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, the Monroe County Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Nadia Granger as well as all the other assisting Fire Department and agencies which responded to the incident.

Our Communities are so blessed and I have been so fortunate over the last 24 years to have worked with these fine individuals. May God bless you in your continued efforts to protect us and keep us safe for years to come.

With my Gratitude,

Scott M. Schmidt, CFSP
Chief Coroner, Orleans County

Editor:

I read the paper from One Medina. They did have a few good points. I believe that we need to save taxpayers money. However, we also need to keep local control of our business.

The reason that the state wants these villages and towns to merge is to have more control in Albany. It may sound good right now, but in a few years I do not think we want our problems solved in Albany.

If our goal is to save us taxpayers’ money, why can’t we do it ourselves? Tighten our belts a little and figure out how to do it without the help of Albany. There is no reason for consulting agents, PR firms and other outside influence in our business.

Bob Schumacher
Medina

Editor:

The news that Bill Cosby performed before a packed house a couple of weeks ago should not have surprised me. Many who love him do not want to be disturbed by “details.” We don’t like to be wrong or admit we’ve been “taken.” Once we have decided to “buy” into someoneor somethingit is troubling to have to reconstruct reality in our hearts and minds.

It is much easier to keep smiling confidently, believing that the way we see things is accurate. Was the Bill Cosby who endeared himself to so many people really a sexual predator all along? Has our perhaps nostalgic view of him been shattered? To what extent does a situation such as this affect our ability to trust our instincts? At least for many who attended his performance last month, wishful thinking permits them to continue trusting and believing blindly.

A comedian is one thing. When comedians run our government, broken trust is more problematic. It is hard to believe people we voted for cannot be trusted. Wishful thinking allows us to believe that our political leadership is worthy of our confidence. The idea that people we believe in would betray us cannot be allowed to enter our minds. To permit it to do so might undermine our belief in our own thought processes.

A highly regarded member of the Orleans community recently spoke with me about the sale of the Orleans County Nursing Home. His demeanor had the confidence of a sage elder talking to a misguided youth. With a broad, self-assured smile, he declared that the County Nursing Home had to be sold. He knew this because the relative of someone whom he trusted had provided him with carefully selected facts. He had not read the C.G.R. report, “The Future of County Nursing Homes in New York State.”

He thought he knew how much the Nursing Home had been losing, though he didn’t know anything about how the Intergovernmental Transfer offsets the loss. He sheepishly confessed to no knowledge of how much other County services were losing. In the absence of information, he trusted people he may not have voted for to do the right thing.

Had he not trusted the insiders (people many of us know personally), selling out those who served their community in so many ways would have been unconscionable. To accept that the County Nursing Home had been mismanaged to the extent it had might have meant he should have taken a greater interest in it. It is a lot easier on us to trust that we are doing the right thing. There is a lot to be said for being happy.

Believing the Orleans County Nursing Home, under private ownership, will continue to offer the service that made it a federally rated Four Star long-term care skilled nursing facility is wishful thinking. The notion that the Orleans County Nursing Home will serve the hard-to-place residents of Orleans County under private ownership as it always has is wishful thinking. Feeling confident that the people of Orleans County didn’t get played like trusting sheep during the run-up to the sale of the County Nursing Home is wishful thinking.

How can being relatively carefree be so important that we are willing to cling to implicit trust and a determination to remain relatively underinformed? We do those who risked their lives on behalf of our democratic experiment a disservice when we take refuge in wishful thinking.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent
Albion

Editor:

This is in response to the letter about teens in the library. I agree that teens should be able to use the library, acting with respect and responsibility in taking care of their surroundings.

What I do not agree with is letting the teens use the children’s room. I don’t feel it is right to have small preschool children sharing a room with teenagers. This, in my opinion, is not a good mix. Teenagers playing Minecraft video games or taking over the small bean bag chairs that are there for young children.

When the library was built there was a room made for young children that had room for crafts, story time, and mothers being able to sit with their children and read a book. And then there was a room made for teens. These two areas were not even next to each other.

You may say that the teen room is smaller. That is true but it was based on the current attendance of the teens. The teens right now have there own room plus a loft space and even a community room space with TV for movies and video games.

I was in the library last Tuesday and found two teenagers “sitting behind” the reception desk playing video games. I saw the staff having a hard time moving around these two teens. That bothered me. The reception area was not made to accommodate this. I understand there are many issues floating around and there are two sides of each issue.

After attending Wednesday night’s board meeting I left feeling like once again the board does not care to listen to any concerns the community has. We were told by a board member that we were ONLY 65 people from the community!

I just don’t want the purpose of the library to get lost. I also want to thank everyone that attended Wednesday’s meeting, whether it be to speak to the board or to just listen.

Concerned!!!!!!!

Donna Wolcott
Albion

Editor:

I recently have become aware of a lot of controversy at our local library. I haven’t been able to get it off my mind. I am not in the middle of it all and don’t have all the facts or reasons people are doing the things they are doing. I know change is hard especially as we get older.

I understand that some of the issues revolve around our teenagers. I am having trouble wrapping my head around this. Why is there any argument over youth from our community wanting to be at the library?

We have poverty, single parent households, abuse, drug use and children don’t want to go home. There aren’t many other options in our community that are safe places to go. This is a wonderful opportunity to start breaking chains of generations!

Teach other options as way of life. Extend a hand of love to make a difference in their lives. Be a positive influence instead of contributing to the anger and disrespect they feel on a daily basis. Build self-esteem and help change our community for the future. “It takes a village to raise a child” was the theme at school when my children were young.

Have we gotten so selfish that we are going keep the oppressed, oppressed? We have the chance to impact the life of a child. Even if it only changes one child’s life, it’s worth it.

You give respect to gain respect. I have lived in this area all my life and have always been proud of that but I have to say, I am not feeling very proud of my community right now!

A concerned citizen,

Theresa J. Mosher
Albion

Editor:

In theory elections are good because competition and choice are good. One candidate is always a better bet to represent the public interest than another.

Though I haven’t met Rob Ortt, I have met Johnny Destino. (The two are running for State Senate in a seat open with the impending retirement of George Maziarz.)

We spoke at the Orleans Democratic Picnic in July and again at another meeting in early October. Johnny is a converted Republican. He is on the Niagara Falls school board and the BOCES board. A friend of mine, Tom Klotzbach, sits on a board with Johnny and speaks very favorably of him.

Just as anyone with a commitment to the United States, Johnny supports the Constitution. I have seen his signs in yards in Niagara County alongside Astorino and “Repeal the SAFE Act” signs! Though repeal is unlikely and amendment more appropriate, to me his stance on this issue illustrates how hard it is to “pigeon-hole” people according to their party affiliations.

To me, Johnny Destino, a married father of three boys, is a terrific candidate for State Senate.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent
Albion

Editor:

A recent article in the New York Times “Cuomo’s Gun Law Plays Well Downstate but Alienates Upstate” misrepresents the WNY and upstate areas as a whole. The article portrays “upstate” as a united front of anti-SAFE Act hysteria and repeal frenzy. That misstates the facts.

In reality, upstate opposes the SAFE Act by a relatively small percentage, but that percentage is considered statistically insignificant in the latest Siena College poll. Further, if the election is to be viewed as a litmus test on the SAFE Act upstate, Cuomo leads Astorino here in that same poll 47 percent to 34 percent.

While there are pockets of repeal “lawn signs and bumper stickers” throughout WNY, those numbers are dwarfed by the numbers of homes and cars not sporting such epithets. Rather, count the cars and yards that are not billboards for the NRA, SCOPE and the corporate gun lobby.

While the Times’ article notes that the law has spawned lawsuits, it fails to note that those lawsuits have been defeated in both state and federal courts.

In reality, there are other reasons that upstate voters may not support Gov. Cuomo. Many cite Common Core, hydro-fracking and other matters to be of greater concern. Upstate voters, like the rest of the state, are more concerned about education, the economy and jobs. The same Siena College poll shows that the issues motivating voters are largely economic – 13 percent cite jobs, 12 percent each for taxes and education; fewer than 5% mention guns and the SAFE Act.

While gun ownership is higher upstate, so too are gun-related deaths. Because of the overall low gun ownership (18 percent) and strong gun regulations, New York has the 4th lowest gun death rate in the country despite a population of 20 million people and 80 million visitors annually.

A recent Violence Policy Center (VPC) report, utilizing data from the CDC, shows that states with the lowest overall gun death rates have both lower rates of gun ownership and strong gun violence prevention laws. Conversely, states with weak gun violence prevention laws and higher rates of gun ownership have the highest overall gun death rates in the nation.

Another indication that western and upstate NY are not hotbeds of repeal frenzy, is that the recent debate between Cuomo and Astorino in Buffalo did not even merit a question about the SAFE Act. Further, the Buffalo News’ endorsement of Gov. Cuomo for re-election did not mention the SAFE Act, the Rochester D&C called the SAFE Act “a significant accomplishment,” and the Albany Times Union called it “mostly commendable.”

Paul McQuillen – WNY Coordinator, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence
Judith Capodicasa – Buffalo
Al Capurso – Albion
Alexandra Dubroff – Cold Spring
Arthur “Happy” Klein – Tonawanda
Peter Leyonmark – Hamburg
Patricia LaFalce – Tonawanda
Kathy McCrone-Pudup – Rochester
Myra Robinson-Moses – Buffalo
Kathy Richardson – Rochester