Editor:

Noticing the beauty blossoming around us, it may be a good time to show our gratitude to Mother Earth. That Mother nurtures seeds in the womb of the ground and brings forth life—a life that nourishes us physically and aesthetically. In gratitude we should do our very best to protect this Mother.

What might we do?

• Live simply, avoiding unnecessary waste

• Reduce our consumption of meat

• Work to eliminate one-time use plastic (microplastics are toxic to humans and animals)

• Protect and conserve our water supplies

• Use our imaginations to accomplish as much with less

Why does this matter?

Earth is our habitat. If we protect it, it will continue to sustain us as a Mother for future generations.

Each of us can do a little to help. We can encourage others as well.

Sincerely,

Sister Dolores Ann O’Dowd, G.N.S.H. on behalf of Green Orleans

Albion

Editor:

Seems there is a bit of smoke and mirrors plus a touch of deflection in Mr. Sansone’s “I Love Orleans County” campaign. According to some County Republicans, residency status does not really matter when it comes to politics but it really does matter to quite a few of us.

Owning a $78,000 assessed house in Holley for 8 years does not make you a resident of Orleans County. Finally claiming it as your new and current residence for a few months does though, specifically for advertising purposes in regards to your campaign. When you started living there, who really knows.

You do however still advertise your law practice on-line in Lockport and still work part-time in the Niagara County Court Attorney’s office.

Presently, Real Property of Niagara County and Steuben County shows your $380,000 assessed home in Lockport and that you also own three properties in Steuben County, (one of which is a house), total assessment almost $400,000.

To help clarify that you are “right here in Orleans County” may I help. You pay all those property and school taxes to those two respective counties and not one of those properties are currently for sale. When considering all the money you have earned through the years in your various part-time legal positions here in Orleans County, it seems to me you are spending that hard-earned Orleans County taxpayer money in your other counties, not here in the “county that you love.”

You have never been able to vote in an Orleans County election, only in Niagara County due to your long-term residency there.

All your past legal positions you have listed on your advertising for Orleans County were/are part-time positions. Town and Village Attorney positions were/are part-time also. As part-time Ridgeway and Kendall Special Prosecutor your responsibilities are to enforce code violations and cite multiple unlicensed vehicles.

All the above information is factual and can be easily verified on line.

In regards to trial experience, you have not tried a case in Orleans County Court as part-time ADA for over ten years, so your claimed trial experience is limited to other court venues. In other words, when was the last time you sent someone to prison working as a town or village attorney or served as the Appellate Attorney for Appeals in Orleans County? Answer: Never!

The job of District Attorney is for an individual with years of criminal prosecutorial experience and in sending criminals to prison.

When discussing endorsements for Mr. Sansone, this is my opinion and only my opinion. Political intrigue is certain to follow but that is essential in a democracy.

Your recent endorsement by the supervisors and mayor would be and should be expected. They have or do pay for your legal part-time services in their town or village. They do, to their credit, state they have not experienced your skill in a courtroom where prison time will be the result of the verdict.

Now the question that comes to my mind is in regards to the entity of law enforcement endorsements of Mr. Sansone. Endorsement statements have been made by the Orleans County Sheriffs Employees Association, The Orleans County Deputy Sheriffs Association, and the Orleans County Sheriff’s personal endorsement.

In the elections for the for the previous sheriff and the current sheriff it was well known that the DA’s office supported the opposing candidate. In today’s political climate we hear all the time about revenge and retribution upon those who do not or did not support them.

Could this be a case of justifiable “payback” or just another coincidence?

“Just saying!”

Am I questioning here the politics of professionalism or the professionalism of politics? This is strictly my opinion of course.

In regards to the endorsement by the Orleans County Republican Party. Sheriff Bourke explained in detail, in a previous letter, how the vote for endorsement was conducted. My issue was not with the standards of voting procedure but the lack of information that some committee members did not have, hence were not aware of.

The feedback and discussions later were that many committee members were under the assumption that Mr. Sansone was a long-time resident of Holley, technically not one of a few months. This did indeed bother numerous committee members who thought that should have been clarified prior to the vote.

In regards to Senator Ortt’s endorsement and of knowing him for a few years, Mr. Sansone still works for Niagara County so the Senator must cover all his political bases.

Again, this is all my opinion. Many have stated theirs and more will undoubtedly follow. Let us not lose this right as our democracy today has become very fragile.

Thank you!

Jim Pratt

Albion

Editor:

I am asking Republican voters to cast your ballot for Scott Schmidt for Orleans County Coroner on Tuesday, June 25.

Scott has been a friend of ours for several years. He is a very dedicated professional who has the training, experience and empathy needed to be a coroner.

His compassion is always heartfelt and treats all like his  family. He has several years of training as coroner which speaks volumes. I am proud to call Scott our friend and ask you to vote for Scott.

Darlene and Mike Rich

Medina

Editor:

On June 25, conservative-minded Republicans have to make a big decision who is going to represent us in New York’s 24th congressional district. Let’s face it, the last four congressmen the Republican Party put up were complete disasters – men and a woman with money and no principles, owned by the corporate donors that pretty much bought the Republican and Conservative parties’ endorsements.

Chris Lee, Chris Collins, Chris Jacobs and now Claudia Tenney. What each one of these awful candidates had was money enough to buy the endorsement from the Republican and Conservative parties.

Look, I’m guilty, we endorsed and voted for a few of these people because the alternative was an America-hating, job-killing, taxing, regulating, and everything-bad-with-the-country Democrat.

We had to hold our nose and stop that from happening. We don’t have to settle for that this year in NY 24. We don’t have to settle for RINO Claudia Tenney who votes with Democrats near 50% of the time according to conservative review which gave her an F on critical votes.

She and Chris Jacobs have a similar liberal voting score. Claudia is not the conservative champion that the Republican and Conservative committees in NY 24 endorsed for this primary election on the 25th.

My opinion is maybe it’s the size of the checks she could write because no one that actually looks at her voting record or has listened to the things she has publicly said with any intellectual honesty could endorse her or cast a vote for her.

I ask Republicans to educate yourself before you early vote. Don’t just go in the booth and vote across the line for the same monsters that let us down every time. There is an alternative to RINO Claudia Tenney. There is another Conservative Republican, an America-first Republican that won’t take the corporate money. He will defend our American culture and values.

He will not sell his soul or his countrymen out. Right now in Washington DC we have a uni-party there is no difference between Democrats and a good majority of Republicans. This man, Mario Fratto, is not one of them, he is one of us.

That is why Claudia Tenney is sending out mailers of 100% lies and going on talk shows like Mark Levin and telling 100% lies about Mr. Fratto. She is running scared and promised to run a dirty campaign if Mr. Fratto ran against her.

Ms. Tenney has a record of voting with AOC  to block former president Trump’s deportations and grant amnesty to illegals (HR1603 3/18/21). Voted with Pelosi to allow taxpayer-funded sex changes (Hartzler NDAA Amendment to gender transition funding 7/12/17). Voted repeatedly to fund planned parenthood (HR 1625 115th Congress HR 2471, 117th Congress).

Sponsored bill with RINO Adam Kinzinger to allow biological men in woman bathrooms and sports (Fairness for all act HR 1440 2/26/21). Voted with RINO Chris Jacobs for red flag laws to take your guns (HR 4350 9/23/21).

She is ranked 186 out of 208 House Republicans by the American Conservative Union (2022). Voted for warrantless Surveillance of Americans (HR 7888, Roll call 114, 4/12/ 24). She flatly and cowardly refuses to debate Mr. Fratto.

It is our fault if we send this woman back for another two years. It is the fault of every Republican and Conservative that has endorsed her. Mr. Fratto  will work to deport all Illegals and secure the border. Term limits for Congress, cut foreign aid and spend on funding for veterans, seniors and struggling municipalities in the district.

He will spend the money in his district, where it will do the most good. America first. Defend Parental rights. Vote 100% pro life. Ban DEI and Critical Race Theory from Schools. Support nation-wide Constitutional carry. I don’t want you take my word for any of this please take the time and go to Marioforcongress.com or same on Facebook.

The Orleans County Conservative Party unanimously endorses and endorsed Mr. Fratto for Congress NY 24. Please, we have gone through four terrible candidates that did not and do not have the values we have here in Orleans County.

We do not have to pick the lesser of two evils this time between an awful Republican to offset an even worse Democrat. As Claudia said in her own words ” The only thing scarier than a person running with a lot of money is someone that doesn’t have a lot of money and wins. Because that person stands on principle and tells the truth.” The only true words from a carpetbagger, professional liar with a record to match.

Get out and vote early. Elect Mario Fratto for Congress. On behalf of the Orleans County Conservative Party Committee,

Paul Lauricella

Orleans County Conservative Party Chairman

Editor:

As a former town judge, I have seen firsthand why it is important to have strong prosecutors looking out for us … and John Sansone is among the strongest I have ever seen!

When John appeared in my court he was always prepared, professional and strived for fair accountability, he never just looked for the easy way out. He has prosecuted offenders in more trials than his opponent and consistently gets the results that will keep our families safe.

His opponent has resorted to a campaign of distorted facts, half-truths and political spin that quite frankly doesn’t play well with the residents of Orleans County and is a telling sign that her abilities don’t measure up to the task.

Please join me in supporting John Sansone for Orleans County District Attorney. He is the “The Right One for the Position.”

Richard DeCarlo Jr.

Carlton

Mr. DeCarlo retired as a Barre town justice

Editor:

To the residents of Shelby, the Republican Primary is upon us. I would like to take the time to ask for your support of our endorsed candidates.

District 3: The committee endorses Steve Seitz. Mr. Seitz is a lifelong resident in Shelby, he is an Army & National Guard Veteran, an active member of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company – with over 50 years of service.

He worked for the Shelby Highway Department for 30 years before retiring, and is currently serving as a town councilperson & deputy Supervisor. Steve is an active member in the Republican committee, has years of knowledge and is a committed community member.

District 4: The committee endorses Tom Winans and Ben Flansburg. Both are residents of your district and will continue to serve you well.

Tom retired from NYSEG in 2019, has been a committee member for several years and is a very active member. Tom is always ready to participate at meetings, rallies, picnics and fundraisers for the Republican committee. He is a great fit for residents of District 4.

Ben is the general manager of John Deere’s Precision Agriculture department servicing territories in NY, PA and OH. With his background in management he comes to the committee with excellent leadership skills, has great insight and a calm demeanor. Ben has been a committee member for several years.

A few facts about our Republican Committee. In Shelby, we have four districts. Within each district there are two committee persons that volunteer their time to represent residents. Committee members meet at times to follow the guidelines of the party and to interview potential candidates who seek the party’s endorsement for each election.

Letters of intent are submitted, interviews are conducted and the endorsements are made via ballot vote. Serving on the committee requires you to assist the county committee for endorsements as well as state and federal candidates.

It is a committee member’s fiduciary responsibility to gather and support at our rallies, picnics, and fundraisers. We give our candidates full support and show unity while working for our town Republicans.

As we enter our primary season, I encourage you to support & vote for the endorsed candidates in your district, county & Claudia Tenney for Congress.

Thank you,

Dale S. Root

Town of Shelby Republican Chairman

Editor:

This letter is in support of Susan Howard for the next District Attorney of Orleans County. I was employed at the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office as the Crime Victim Assistance Coordinator when Ms. Howard began her career there first as an intern while attending law school in the late ’90s.

I have witnessed through the years her integrity and strong work ethic. She has been in the office early and often working late preparing all her cases. She has the ability to objectively look at a case and balance not only getting justice for the victims but for the community, where she has lived her entire life.

Ms. Howard displays an excellent decorum in the courtroom and is always professional in her dealings with all parties involved. She gives the victims of crime a voice in the system while being firm and fair with the defendants.

She has evolved into an excellent prosecutor and the residents of Orleans County would be privileged to have her serve as the next District Attorney of Orleans County.

Michelle Fortune

former crime victims assistance coordinator for Orleans County

Myrtle Beach, SC

Editor:

I read a letter from Lou Piccone supporting Susan Howard for DA recently. It touts her abilities related to her involvement in the Traffic Diversion Program.

In a December 23, 2010 article in the Batavia News, alongside a picture of her and Joe Cardone, the initial impressions of the Traffic Diversion Program in Orleans County are outlined. In a November 13, 2018 article in the Orleans Hub, it is explained that the Traffic Diversion Program in Orleans County will be expanded to include other violations in addition to handling routine traffic tickets.

It is important for voters to know that Lou Piccone is the President of NY Diversion Management Co. That is the company that oversees the Traffic Diversion Program in Orleans County. His company profits from the district attorney’s office use of the traffic diversion program.

What else is important to know is that sometime toward the end of 2009, a position entitled TDP (Traffic Diversion Program) Coordinator was created by the Orleans County Legislature.  In January 2010, Susan Howard, then Third Assistant District Attorney, got that position. I understand no one else was ever considered for that newly created position. It is further my understanding no other assistant district attorney has handled responsibilities directly associated with administering the TDP program since its inception in 2010.

Similar to the contents of a letter to the editor making readers aware of the optics of an endorsement by a former judge whose son is slated to get a job at the DA’s office if Susan Howard is elected, the endorsement by Lou Piccone is similarly tainted. Why wouldn’t Lou Piccone endorse the only person in the DA’s office who benefited from a position created specifically for her and who administers the diversion program his company profits off of?

We voters in Orleans County know when something seems sketchy. Please consider the trustworthiness of this information when you cast your vote in this crucial election for district attorney. The outcome of this election will determine who will be the leader of law enforcement in Orleans County.

The endorsements of John Sansone by Senator Rob Ortt, Sheriff Bourke, and both unions in the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, in my opinion, speak volumes about who that person should be. Please carefully consider who is the most qualified candidate to lead us into the future. The safety and welfare of our communities depend on it.

Corie Strickland

Gaines

Editor:

On Tuesday, June 25, there will be an important election for the Town of Shelby. For the first time in a long time, maybe ever, we have an opportunity to put our voice on the dominant Shelby Republican Committee.

We can elect three new committee persons to shape our town and help drain the swamp of big government. As a life-long Republican, now seeing the shadows of corruption in our local system, I can appreciate the importance of this election that Shelby residents will participate in.

That is why I was so encouraged to learn of these candidates: Alana Koneski and Bruce Schmidt in District 3 and John Pratt in District 4.

As a committee person, they would vet future candidates, shape endorsements, interview appointments, and pass petitions for those seeking to run for office. Instead of having more of the same, we should embrace the change. New energy for a tired, old system.

Have you ever wondered why we don’t have a say when someone resigns from public office? Why the same people with the same agenda keep getting force fed to us? It’s because the committee has never strayed away from their “friends and family” program of power.

Why can’t we have a stringent code of ethics that prevents people from serving on the political committee and serving town office? It’s simple: because absolute power corrupts absolutely.

It’s a new era, Shelby. Follow the path that eliminates the choke hold of the political establishment and elitists. Let’s put an exclamation mark on what’s right by putting your neighbors, your voice, on the committee to help shape your future!

Please join me in supporting Alana Koneski, Bruce Schmidt and John Pratt for committee person on Tuesday, June 25.

Respectfully,

Eddie Zelazny

Councilman, Town of Shelby

Editor:

What stands out about John Sansone is the degree to which he cares about the municipalities he represents. As elected officials from three towns and one village all in Orleans County, we know, firsthand, of his qualifications for District Attorney.

On more than one occasion and across several situations, John has expressed his strong desire to do everything in his power to assure that he protects his town and village clients to the best of his ability. No doubt, he would do exactly the same for all of Orleans County as District Attorney.

He provides sound advice on many topics and when necessary, he researches and confers with others in his field. He does not operate “off the cuff.” He is prepared and organized and is able to juggle numerous tasks, duties and responsibilities in a competent manner, all of which are required of an outstanding District Attorney. In having done legal representation and special prosecutor work for our towns and village, no one can say he lacks an understanding of our county!

John Sansone is originally from Lockport. Some people feel his hometown is an issue. John recently moved to Orleans County, and resides in the Village of Holley. Ask yourself this question… If your family member was the victim of a crime, would you care about your attorney’s hometown, or would you want the most qualified attorney to handle your case?

To be fair, some of us have not witnessed either candidate for District Attorney perform their duties in the courtroom. We have, however, spoken to several people in law enforcement that have observed both candidates litigate cases. In every instance, the same candidate’s name is mentioned as the best person to represent our county as District Attorney…. John Sansone.

John is “hands down” the best candidate for the job of Orleans County District Attorney. His preparation, knowledge of the law, and his tough (but fair) application of the law is what this county needs.

Without reservation, we all concur that John Sansone has done a lot for each of our communities. We all find John to be trustworthy and hard working. He doesn’t give up on issues that need attention, but rather, John is very responsive when issues need attention and we appreciate that very much. We believe John will do his best to protect our county, towns and villages.

So, in closing, why do we current supervisors and mayor believe John Sansone should be our District Attorney?

John certainly distinguishes himself by using a pragmatic approach to the law and the case history of the law in question.

John uses a common sense approach to each case always remembering that Lady Justice wears a blindfold.

John is unafraid to advocate for a stance on controversial subjects as substantiated just recently, by his position against the district court proposal, which many towns and villages are opposing as well.

John continues to demonstrate his extensive communication skills, oral or written, whether in a court room or in conference setting with judges, attorneys, and all other parties.

Orleans County needs a district attorney that works for the people. We know John is that person.

He has the endorsement from law enforcement because they see first-hand his professionalism and integrity.

John Sansone is a person each of us would be proud to have as District Attorney for the County of Orleans.

Anthony Cammarata, Kendall Town Supervisor

Richard Moy, Clarendon Town Supervisor

Gerry Rightmeyer, Murray Town Supervisor

Mark Bower, Village of Holley Mayor

Editor:

I am writing this letter on behalf of the candidacy of Susan Howard for Orleans County District Attorney.

As President of the New York Diversion Management Company, I have worked with Susan in her administration of the Traffic Diversion Program. Through her watchful eye, this program has kept over $2,000,000 of revenue in Orleans County since 2010.

In my near daily dealings with her she has demonstrated ongoing leadership, organization and professionalism. Her innovative approach to this program has resulted in it now being used widely by counties throughout New York State and other parts of the country.

I have been impressed with her ability to design this program in a manner that has resulted in the prosecutors in the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office having more time to focus on more serious criminal matters while still having an effective means of dealing with traffic cases and improving drivers’ safety.  While many counties experienced court back-ups on traffic cases during the Covid epidemic Orleans County did not.

During our negotiations and installation of this program Susan demonstrated excellent judgment and a keen sense of business.  I have been impressed with her mental toughness, work ethic and her ability to get things done. She is responsive and focused. I know from dealing with other offices throughout New York State that she enjoys an excellent reputation with her colleagues.

As a retired professional athlete, I know about dedication, discipline and commitment.  Susan has all these qualities. Having dealt with Orleans County for the past several years I have seen the warm and close working relationship she has with others in that office and law enforcement.

Orleans County will be well-served to have Susan Howard as your next District Attorney.

Louis J. Piccone

Retired Buffalo Bill

Williamsville

Editor:

I just read a letter from an obviously pro-Tump, pro-MAGA writer. It claimed to be fighting against a corrupt, evil, insidious plot against democracy. However, it did not give any solid facts or offer to provide them.

It did not back up claims with explanations of the decisions from the Courts he brands as corrupt, including the US Supreme Court which has frequently decided against Trump.

It did not bring up any new information about election fraud and ignored the election audits which were paid for by the Republican Party and the Trump campaign organization. They examined the machines and did recounts of results from huge cities and even some states – sometimes even breaking machine seals illegally.

It ignored reports from Trump appointees, including the Attorney General, who were in charge of ensuring that the vote was done properly. It ignored the transcripts of the testimony given by the various lawyers for Mr. Trump who have been disbarred. They in particular had full hearings at which they could have introduced their evidence.  Unfortunately they had none and paid the price for not doing any fact-checking homework. Their suits were bankrupt and Republican judges gave them and several lawyers licensed the boot.

The writer did not claim to have read and certainly did not mention exhibits, audits, affidavits, testimony, and Trump official statements which debunk his shotgun condemnation.

The problem with this election is that no one cares about facts. I am sure he thinks I, for example, am a low-information voter.  In truth his letter was based on the exact anger I indicated is the current Republican and MAGA approach to politics. (I personally have to admit today’s debt figures show the deficit is up but due to CBO days, its fallout of COVID and Trump tax cuts and not giving Biden his budget. Some tax cuts for the elites will expire next year.)

(Now I really want to see if Trump is a debate no-show like all the threatened suits he never filed about his sexcapades. I hope he shows up and repeats for example his tariffs pitch. If you recall from high school it was the US Smoot Hawley Act on tariffs that caused prices to spiral uncontrollably and threw the world into the Great Depression. But he is a moving target always overloading us with misinformation so we will have to see what he claims to have said or think on debate day.)

Sad. The writer condemns the “elites.” I rail against them as much as he does. They are the force now moving the GOP to serve their interests, not ours.

Very truly yours,

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

Susan Howard is hands downs the superior choice for District Attorney in the upcoming Republican Primary.

There is no substitute for experience, and she has earned this in the courtroom and out in the community with the people. Susan Howard has lived and worked in this community all her life.

She doesn’t just serve to get ahead politically. She genuinely cares about the safety of the community that she lives in. Having a candidate in office who knows the ins and outs of a community, its history and its people is invaluable and we are fortunate to have such a candidate in this race.

Susan Howard is familiar with the needs of the community and has the energy and experience to get it done. With Susan in office we will be on our way to a safer, more secure and prosperous Orleans County.

I would like you to join me in supporting Susan Howard in the upcoming Republican Primary.

Sincerely,

Sharlene Pratt

Medina

Editor:

I am a combat Vietnam veteran. I swore an oath to the Constitution of the United States and I physically defended this country with my life. As a combat veteran it offends me, angers me when people support a candidate who gave classified material to Russia, putting our national security at risk.

Mr. Trump stated that he takes the word of Vladimir Putin over the entire U.S. intelligence apparatus. Think about that for a minute. A candidate who takes the word of a murderous Russian dictator over the thousands of Americans who swore an oath to protect and defend the United States. Those are facts. You can verify those facts. Mr. Trump has repeatedly demonstrated contempt for our national security.

Mr. Trump refused to visit the gravesite of American heroes, calling those heroes “losers and suckers” and he has insulted Gold-Star families. Yet, he saluted a North Korean General.

This shows how little Mr. Trump respects those who defend our freedoms. The men I served with in Vietnam, the men that gave their life and limbs for the freedoms we enjoy were not “losers or suckers,” they were heroes. They believed in the idea of America and they fought for that idea.

Please don’t vote those freedoms away by voting for an individual who dishonors our Constitution and those who defended it. Thank you.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

Hello, fellow county residents. My name is Kevin Dann and I am a lifelong resident of the Town of Murray. I would like to take a moment of your time to express my interest in one of the three Orleans County coroner positions.

Having been a member of the fire service for almost 25 years, I have held many roles from administrative positions to the District Fire Chief. Currently I hold the position of Assistant Fire Chief for the town of Murray and I am a full-time career firefighter/EMT in the Town of Greece.

I also work for the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office as a Public Safety Dispatcher; the State of New York as a Fire Instructor; as well as an EMT for our local ambulance.

I know with my life and work experience, along with the close working relationship with the law enforcement and fire agencies in Orleans County, I would be an asset to the county as a part of the coroner team.

Being a coroner is not a position for the faint of heart and you must have a certain drive and empathy to help and assist our community during their earliest stages of the grief. My field experience as a firefighter and an EMT has prepare for this, prepared me to expect the unknown and overcome the challenges that come with the passing of a loved one.

As an active member of public safety, like that of a coroner, you never know what you’re going to encounter next. Over my years of service, I have found compassion and understanding for the challenges our community members face when they are looking for help during their darkest moments.

I appreciate you taking the time to understand more about me and why I am best suited for this opportunity to serve you. I encourage you to get out and vote. While voting I would graciously accept your support on primary day, June 25.

Thank you,

Kevin Dann

Murray