Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thom Jennings

Oakfield

Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

Sarah Woodin, BSW

Director of Social Work

The Villages of Orleans

Albion

Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

David Wagenhauser

Waterloo

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

Editor:

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

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

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

We have a candidate who believes accountability is for others.

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Gary Kent

Albion

Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for your time.

Christopher Bourke

Orleans County Sheriff

Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shirley A. Gorman, Esq.

Spencerport

Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

James Punch

Medina

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

Editor:

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

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

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

Scott Schmidt

Medina

Chief Coroner-Orleans County

To Whom It May Concern:

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

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

Sincerely,

Christopher M. Bourke

Orleans County Sheriff

Editor:

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

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

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

Fred Seeman

Clarendon

Editor:

I felt compelled to write to let people know that Susan Howard for District Attorney’s campaign removes any content from its Facebook page that is not aligned with their views resulting in what is called “Viewpoint Discrimination” and my post was not the only one removed.

This occurred on Monday, June 3 – not even 24 hours after the Orleans Hub posted an article related to John Sansone’s press release opposing the creation of a district court in Orleans County.

Susan Howard’s campaign misrepresented facts on a Facebook post claiming that John Sansone was a “politician” denying the public from voting on the issue of district court.  In my response, I merely notified them that the Hub article, in quoting John Sansone, accurately pointed out he opposed district court, but that he was “happy the will of the voters will decide this issue.” His direct quote is clearly contrary to the spin on her Facebook page in a weak attempt to make John Sansone look bad to potential voters.

Instead of owning up to the intentional distortion of facts, my post was removed and I was blocked from her Facebook page. One of the most important rights that separates the U.S. from third world countries in the right to free speech. The fact I was right, and any person could confirm that by reading the June 2 Orleans Hub article on John Sansone opposing district court, my right to free speech was infringed and abolished.

In this crucial election on June 25 for a person who will be the leader of law enforcement as district attorney ask yourself this: Do you want a district attorney who hides from tough questions, runs from uncomfortable situations and infringes on the simplest of your rights or do you want someone who will firmly take a stand and fight head on to ensure what is right is ultimately done?

John Sansone took a firm position on the potential district court and didn’t waiver. His opponent however has done the opposite.

Tim McMurray

Albion

Editor:

Are New York residents aware of this? By the end of the June 6 session, some of our elected legislators in Albany are trying to push through legalization of prostitution in our state.

Why doesn’t our New York State radical-left governor, Hochel, stop such legislation to further demoralize NY?

I honestly do not understand!

Sandra Shingleton

Albion

Editor:

It seems there is a consensus that we need to have an immigration system that allows properly vetted, legal immigrants to work on our farms and industries. That was the reason why eight Senators worked to reform our immigration system in 2013, (the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013).

Again in 2024 a bipartisan group of Senators worked to resolve these issues: (the Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024). In both cases Republicans in the House refused to bring these bills to a vote. Republicans, like Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, could bring this legislation to the floor for a vote if they really wanted to have legally vetted immigrants, instead of using it as a campaign issue.

It is also important to correct the idea that non-citizens vote in federal elections. It is illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal elections in every state. The Bipartisan Policy Center reported: “The Heritage Foundation’s analysis of legal actions regarding election conduct found only 24 instances of noncitizens voting between 2003 and 2023. A study conducted by the Brennan Center for Justice analyzing 23.5 million votes across 42 jurisdictions in the 2016 general election concluded that there were approximately 30 instances of noncitizens casting votes.”

President Trump created a commission to root out illegal voting but it was disbanded when there was no evidence of non-citizens voting. Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson, (R-LA), admitted that there was no evidence of undocumented immigrants voting; he told reporters “We all know, intuitively, that a lot of illegals are voting in federal elections. But it’s not been something that is easily provable. We don’t have that number.”

Numerous studies do have the numbers and the fact is undocumented immigrants do not vote. We can continue to be ruled by our fears and prejudice or we can solve issues with knowledge and intelligence.

Ms. Tenney is choosing demagoguery, victimization and fearmongering. Ms. Tenney does not represent the citizens of Western New York.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

I would like to personally thank Susan Howard for taking the time to introduce herself to my family and me. Her resume is very impressive.

She was appointed Assistant District Attorney in 2005 and promoted to 1st Assistant in 2011 by District Attorney Cardone. Currently she has 25 indictments pending and 64 felony cases. If you think she’s not tough on crime because she’s a woman think again.

She has incarcerated criminals for a cumulative 150-plus years She prosecutes all of the assault and contraband cases from Albion and Orleans Correctional Facilities. The list continues and includes every aspect of every imaginable issue including supervision, budgeting and human resources for the office.

I was unaware that her opponent was only part time, recently changing his address to meet the residency requirements for the position should he win. Susan on the other hand is a lifelong resident of Orleans County, raising her children here. Furthermore she’s passionate about hiring local and former Orleans County residents, encouraging them to return whenever she can.

Recently SCOPE met with both Susan Howard and her opponent. The SCOPE membership diligently applied standardized rating procedures and engaged in extensive deliberations to determine the following District Attorney candidate gradings: Susan Howard – B, John Sansone – C.

As you can see Susan was given a better rating and this is important if you are a gun owner who believes in the 2nd Amendment.

It is imperative that the integrity of the District Attorney’s Office remain independent and never used for political purpose.

In speaking with Ms. Howard she has impressed me with the knowledge, experience and values necessary to uphold the office. If you have any questions or concerns contact her as I did.

As a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Army’s 23rd Infantry Division, I encourage all Orleans County veterans and voters to vote for Susan Howard for District Attorney starting with the primary election on June 25th.

Jim Johnson

Murray

Editor:

I would like to announce my support for Susan Howard for Orleans County district attorney. I am a retired State Police investigator with 24 years of service and currently employed as a security contractor for the US Marshal Service at the Robert H. Jackson Courthouse in Buffalo, New York.

I have worked with Susan in my capacity as a State Police Investigator. I have worked with Susan on many serious criminal cases including homicide investigations. In each instance she provided the necessary guidance and was very instrumental in providing law enforcement all the tools needed to successfully prosecute these case.

I found Susan very knowledgeable and extremely supportive of law enforcement. Susan is hard working, and has the integrity and character needed to run the office of District Attorney.

Susan’s lengthy experience in her current position as assistant District Attorney has prepared her to assume charge of the District Attorney’s Office. I believe Susan is worthy to represent the citizens of Orleans County and deserves their vote.

Darryl O’Shei

Lancaster

Editor:

Union Boss Chris Caufield’s recent letter reminds me of NYC Democrat Union Bosses flexing their muscle and cutting backroom deals. While I respect rank and file members of correction officers and law enforcement, I do not appreciate Union Bosses meddling in politics to achieve their agenda.

Mr. Caufield is also the Clarendon Republican Party Boss and a Clarendon Town Councilman with obvious conflicting political aspirations. Who does he represent, when and why?

To support a political candidate is one thing, but to bully is another. Thankfully we have Primary elections to allow voters to choose their candidate, not the stacked, self-serving committees with its membership comprised of Union Bosses, elected and appointed officials manipulating jobs, endorsements, and power.

A troubling question to raise: Why is the Republican Party approving of the 2024 “Back the Blue Rally” at the very crime scene of a known felon? When I see the list of guest speakers to include Sheriff Bourke, Assistant District Attorney John Sansone and Murray Supervisor Gerry Rightmyer, I ask, of all the places to hold the event why at the residence of a convicted felon.

One thing is certain. Union Bosses and politicians alike want a payback.

I’d like to know what’s in it for the citizens.

Mark Taylor

Murray