Editor:

In reflecting on various recent Orleans Hub articles coupled with my own growing pains as a person, an Orleans County resident, and an employee within human services, I was hopeful that others might take the time to consider my recent thoughts on leadership.

Generally I believe most people conceptualize leaders as those who hold certain titles, those who may be of a specific socioeconomic status, or those who are elected officials. Leaders, however, can be both formal and informal.

Regardless of what your position within a specific community might be, a person holds tremendous power simply by the way that they present themselves and the values that they hold and stand by.

I think that too often formal leaders may lose sight of the fact that small interactions hold significant weight in others’ trust in them. Everyday interactions cascade into the community’s trust in larger, more weighty decision-making.

These interactions can include, for example: timely responses to communication efforts, consideration for alternative perspectives or circumstances, displays of investment in others’ interests.

I love people. I believe in the power of humans and human connection. I also trust other’s ability to have perception. I think leaders should never doubt the ability for community members to pick up on disingenuity.

Trust in a person starts small and snowballs; this takes consistency and authenticity. I do not by any means believe that faith in leaders means agreement in all decisions made.

However, I do believe that regardless of decisions, faith in leaders can be maintained if that leader has integrity on issues both large and small and is genuine regardless of setting or circumstance.

Alyssa Thomas

Medina

Editor:

With the Medina Summer Recreation program coming to an end today I would like to thank all the people involved.

We had a great staff at both the pool and the park (Miriam Fike, Cam Kenward, Will Roush, Maddy Mark, Lexoni Russo, Bailiegh McAdoo, Liliah Class, Allie Frentz, Maddy Farely, Andrea Benz, Caityn Mickey, Cole Herman, Cam Fike, Cassidy Janas, and Molly Cook). I especially appreciate my supervisors, Gabe Mark and Hayden Wodroe. I could have not done this program without these two gentlemen.

I would like to thank Mark’s for having our kids down to make pizzas.  They look forward to the trips each week.

Thank you to the Medina Fire Department for having us in to help wash the trucks and for bringing the sprinkler and lunch to the park (especially Steve Cooley for organizing our visits).

Thank you to Brush Strokes. Their pieces came out wonderful and they love them!

Thank you to Medina Bowling Lanes for welcoming us in for a fun time.

Thank you to Dubby’s Tailgate, the kids enjoyed all the games, many of them had never been before.

Thank you to Roy-Hart Central School (Jill Heck, Dotti Barr and Tim, especially). Many kids continued to gain swimming skills that we would not have been able to provide without you allowing us to use your pool again this summer.

Thank you to the Medina Central School (Mark Kruzynski, Mark Klotzbach, Eric LeVan, and  Kevin Czaja, especially) for allowing us to use the school grounds, buses, etc.

Thank you for the support from the Joint Recreation Commission – Mary Woodruff, Linda Limina, Jeff Toussaint, Jess Marciano, Steve Seitz, Jada Burgess, and Debbie Padoleski.  These individuals work with their respective municipalities to set aside the funds so that this program remains free for the kids and families.

Finally I would like to thank the families that trust us to teach your children swimming lessons and provide them with fun filled activities. If your children enjoyed Mark’s, Dubby’s, Brush Strokes and Medina Bowling, consider visiting them throughout the year.  I look forward to seeing you all again next summer!

Michelle Capstick

Director of the Joint Recreation Summer Recreation Program

Editor:

I am a Genesee County resident and I am writing to you in order to raise awareness about the STAMP project.

Specifically, how it will affect our local Fire and EMS services. Being rural, we rely on our valued volunteer fire departments. Those departments are staffed with very well trained and respected volunteers who are the cornerstone of our communities.

Those of us who live in the vicinity of the STAMP site find ourselves wondering how this very large addition to our area will affect our volunteer companies and their capabilities to respond to citizens in a safe and timely manner. I also wonder whether they have the correct equipment for a possible large chemical fire.

I have health barriers as do many of my neighbors both on and off the Tonawanda Seneca Nation. I am also concerned about the very large elderly population that resides in this corner of the county.

From what I understand, the way we would estimate how this project will affect our local Fire and EMS services is by having a study done. The study would take all kinds of factors into consideration including population, infrastructure, weather, water availability, etc. But, after attending a Town of Alabama board meeting I learned that the last study was done all the way back in 2012!

This was surprising to me as I had just assumed that one was done for the STAMP project. A facility that is expected to have a footprint of 16 football fields! A lot has changed around this area in the last 13 years. I was even more astonished to find out that none of the recommendations in 2012 were ever implemented. It appears that there was a plan for a “Joint EMS Services Study” in 2024 by the Town of Alabama and the Village of Oakfield. But, so far that study is unfunded and has not been initiated.

The lack of a proper study is very troubling to me because according to GCEDC, Edwards Vacuum is aiming to be open and operational by the end of the year! Furthermore, GCEDC plans to build a 500,000-gallon Fire Suppression Tank in case of fire or explosion on site. Are they just guessing that this will be sufficient? Because local Departments do not have the right equipment for what is very likely to be a large chemical fire.

I am very worried about how the GCEDC is handling this entire project. I am worried about our local volunteers being overburdened and stretched too thin. Especially, as many of them reach retirement age.

And, God forbid, I am most of all worried about a catastrophic incident such as an explosion or fire! The closest residence is only 400 feet away!

Residents of Genesee County must demand that no tenants at STAMP be allowed to begin operations and that all construction be halted until a comprehensive study with updated data is done to assess EMS and Fire services and recommendations are implemented.

The more I read about this project the more it appears that CEO Mark Masse and the GCEDC are more than willing to do interviews and advertise their “development projects” but when it comes to resident safety and concerns there is no word from them. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Adrienne Yocina

Corfu

Editor:

Our President said recently that he knows more about tariffs and economic sanctions than anyone. He may have been just kidding!

Does he know that he is the head of the executive branch of the federal government and that his role is outlined primarily in article two of the Constitution? The President is the person who is expected to enforce the law.

Has he read the Constitution or had anyone explain it to him? Perhaps he started reading it, got bored, and decided to play some golf before he got to sections seven and eight in article one. Article one outlines the role to be played by Congress in our republican form of government.

Had the President stayed with it long enough to check out sections seven and eight, he may have noticed that the power to tax was assigned by the Constitution to the legislative branch (Congress), not the President.

But that’s no big deal. He’s not bound by what those pesky founding fathers had to say. After all, in his mind at least, he may be above the law.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent

Albion

Photo by Tom Rivers: Fireworks light up the sky near the midway of the Orleans County 4-H Fair on July 25.

Editor:

Dear friends of the Orleans County 4-H Fair, now that the fair has come to an end, we want to thank everyone who helped make it such a great success. It truly takes a whole community, and we’re so grateful for each of you.

To our volunteers – your time, energy, and heart are the backbone of this fair. From organizing barns, to helping with contests, setting up exhibits and booths, lending a hand amongst each other’s families, cleaning up at the end of long days, and so much more, you do it all. You step in wherever you’re needed, often behind the scenes, without hesitation. We appreciate you more than words can say. This fair simply couldn’t happen without your commitment, kindness, and hard work. You are the quiet heroes who keep everything moving forward.

To our fairgoers – thank you for coming out and enjoying the fair with us. Whether you came for the animals, the food, the shows, the midway rides, or just a fun day with your family, your support means everything to us.

To our sponsors – your support helps us keep this fair going strong. Because of you, we’re able to give our 4-H youth amazing opportunities to grow, learn, and shine. We can’t thank you enough.

To our vendors – thank you for filling the fairgrounds with tasty food, fun games, and unique items. You helped make the fair a place where there was something for everyone.

To our midway team – thank you for bringing the adventure! From the spinning rides to the glowing lights and carnival games, you gave our fair the fun and excitement we all look forward to.

And to our 4-H members and families – you are the heart of the fair. Your dedication, passion, and hard work are what make this event so special. We are proud of everything you’ve accomplished and thankful to be part of your journey.

Thank you all for being part of this year’s fair. Because of you, it was full of fun, learning, and community spirit. We’re already looking forward to next year!

With gratitude,

The Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension Fair Committee

Editor:

Another successful 4-H fair is on record. In the coverage of the fair one area was overlooked, the exhibits in the Trolley Building.

These  exhibits are an important part of the fair and should be showcased. These 4-Hers work hard all year long with their leaders and families.  Some of these kids only display exhibits in the Trolley Building and have no other showcase for their talents.

Instead of waiting for a press release from the office someone could stop in and take some pictures and ask some questions. This would be beneficial to all the kids exhibiting in the Trolley Building.

You will never be disappointed when you stop in the Trolley Building.  A huge shout out to all the kids who showcased their talents. Keep up the fantastic work.

Sincerely,

Louise Henderson

Barre

(Henderson has volunteered for more than 45 years with the 4-H program.)

Chart information compiled by Joseph Sidonio

Editor:

On April 1, 2025 Spectrum News reported on a fire district merger in Chautauqua County. Attorney Bradley Pinsky, of Pinsky Law Group in Syracuse, “with decades of fire service experience” stated, “The goal of consolidation is not usually to save money, it’s to be able to be more efficient, to have one set of polices, one chief, one training officer, one governing board……”

To that point, after consolidation, the Murray Joint Fire District budget recently increased 118% despite obtaining sizeable grants. Albion Fire District’s desire to purchase a new $2.2 million dollar truck will almost certainly increase taxes. Interestingly, the new Albion Joint Fire District and recently formed Murray Joint Fire District have the two largest budgets in Orleans County.

It’s noteworthy Orleans County is currently studying how to best provide EMS and fire protection countywide. Fire districts, like schools, towns and villages look at what is best for their jurisdictions. Do they ever consider the collective tax impacts to constituents or how you will afford to pay for their individual spending habits?

It is no secret I am concerned about the future of agriculture. In speaking with the farming community across our region, the financial hardship of increased fire district budgets levying full market value taxation on farmland is devastating.

In early spring I brought the issue to the Murray Joint Fire Commission requesting a resolution like fire districts in neighboring counties who apply agricultural values to farmland. County, town, school, and libraries all respect the hardships of being a farmer and utilize agricultural values in the calculation of their budgets.

Fire Districts are the only taxing jurisdiction that do not. The increasing cost of fire district land tax is unfairly burdensome to the farming community, the backbone of Orleans County.

In March I wrote of the impending threat to Orleans County agriculture from increased land taxes when fire districts purchase capital equipment. Click here to see that letter, “Fire districts need to give farmland a fair discount or else agriculture faces another threat.”

Apparently, the impending threat to agriculture is spreading sooner than expected. I strongly encourage all farmers and landowners engaged in agricultural pursuits across the county, especially those in Murray, Albion and Gaines to urge their Commissioners to respect Agricultural Land Values during their upcoming budgeting process. The future of agriculture in Orleans County is stressed. Disproportionately valuing farmland at retail value is completely unfair and threatens the livelihood of family farms and local jobs.

While I advocate for agriculture and will continue to do so, homeowners too are affected by huge budget increases. I looked at the Fire District Budget. There can be tax relief for you as well if the Commissioners wish.

I appreciate Attorney Pinsky speaking frankly: “The goal of consolidation is not about saving money…”

Thank you to our first responders. We appreciate you and what you do. But it does not exempt you from being fiscally responsible.

Joseph Sidonio

Murray

Editor:

Where does one begin? There is so much to choose from. As citizens of the republic bequeathed to us by our founders back in 1787 we do not have the option of throwing in the towel and giving up. Of course, everyone is entitled to her/his own opinion.

My purpose in putting this together is to get folks to pay more attention to foreign policy. Eastern Europe and the middle east, in my view, are not given enough attention by our leaders and the people of the United States.

What the Russians are doing in the Ukraine is inexcusable. Putin is Hitler in red as I see it. He will bludgeon his neighbors to the west into submission if allowed to do so. The Ukrainian people have shown a willingness to stand up to him if they have the support they need.

Then there is the nightmare the Palestinians are dealing with in the Gaza Strip at the hands of Benjamin Netanyahu and the IDF. To me, what that bully is up to is also unacceptable. The international community is attempting to respond to famine among the people of an area the Israeli leader wants to annex. How is this situation much different from the one in Ukraine?

While it is encouraging that “Bibi” in not very popular with the Israeli people, they are still letting him wreak havoc in Gaza.

To me, the French under Macron have it right. As it looks from here, a two-state solution supported by the international community might well be a viable alternative to the destruction, famine and death occurring now.

We might do well to check out what the president of Doctors Without Borders has to say on the subject and reflect on her take on the deplorable situation.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent

Albion

Editor:

As a voting member of the Town of Shelby Republican Committee, I find it deeply concerning that I was not notified by Chairman Dale Root of the committee meeting held on July 23 at 6 p.m. at the Shelby Town Hall.

I have served on the Shelby Republican Committee since June 2019 and currently hold the position of treasurer. I am responsible for all financial reporting to the New York State Board of Elections, as well as oversight of the committee’s banking activities.

Despite my official position and voting status, I was neither contacted about the meeting nor given the opportunity to submit a proxy vote in advance – an option I am entitled to exercise under committee procedure.

I ultimately learned of the meeting through other means and arranged for my proxy vote to be submitted by another committee member. However, at no point did the chairman reach out to me before or after the meeting.

This lack of communication raises serious concerns. It gives the appearance of an attempt to exclude certain voices and manipulate outcomes within the committee. In my view, the current leadership has failed to operate with transparency and fairness.

It may be time for the Town of Shelby Republican Committee to consider new leadership.

Jim Zelazny

Shelby

Editor:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, in a pitiful attempt to show that her time in Congress is not wasteful, has proposed a series of legislative bills.

For example, in her press release she claims: “The Safeguarding Trust in our Politics Act which would amend the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit 501©(3) tax-exempt organizations from funding or administering election-related activities, putting an end to private funding schemes that undermine public confidence in our electoral process.”

According to the IRS website, all 501©(3) “organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office.”  Her legislation will not affect “private funding schemes” or dark money that is undermining confidence in our elections.

Ms. Tenney is also wasting her time and our tax dollars with a frivolous bill to end birthright citizenship. Birthright citizenship is enshrined in the Constitution and upheld by the Supreme Court. If the Constitution could be changed by legislative action, then the next Congress can do away with the 2nd Amendment. Instead of working for her constituents, Ms. Tenney’s time in office is characterized by her waste, fraud and abuse.

Willliam Fine

Brockport