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

Editor:

I got a hold of a recent email from Save Ontario Shores, the anti-windmill and anti-solar group regarding the NYSEG land purchase referendum that will be voted on by the town-registered voters on June 20 from noon to 8 p.m. at the Yates Town Hall.

I would like to know what does an anti-wind and anti-solar group have to do with trying to influence a vote in the towns favor over whether the taxpayers will approve a land purchase?

Why is this group trying to run interference in our town over the purchase of land to expand a town park? While I have this subject up, this is the same group that has run interference in our town board elections for the last 8 years encouraging people who own property on the lake that do not live here year round to switch their address so they can vote in our elections in favor of incumbent board members with an absentee ballot while they are out of state or living elsewhere.

Who encouraged these people to get involved in a land referendum? No wonder why people feel the fix is in and do not trust their government. Vote “No” on the referendum and no to interference from SOS.

Paul Lauricella

Yates

Editor:

The New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) recently approved application for 125 MW Somerset Solar project that is notably deficient.

No consideration is given to installation of solar panels on the numerous acres of closed landfill on the North side of NYS Route 18 on the site of the now shuttered Coal Fired Somerset Power Station.

New York State policy encourages the use of closed landfills and brownfields for the purpose of solar power generation. There is no reason Somerset Solar should be exempt from this policy. A number of closed landfills in New York State are being used for solar power generation.

Somerset Solar should not be an exception. Further, all solar development should take place north of New York State Route 18  and remain within the footprint of the now shuttered Power Station. This will reduce the use of farmland for the project and preserve the existing buffer zone around the site.

The Somerset Comprehensive Plan dating back to 1972 has as a goal  “Preservation of the Rural Character of our Community.” Restricting Somerset Solar in this manner is consistent with this goal.

247 acres of prime farmland will be taken out of agricultural use for the Somerset Solar Project. It stretches the imagination to believe these acres will ever be returned to agricultural production with the hundreds of support pilings, the  five miles of crushed stone access roads and cable trenches proposed for the project. In practical terms, farmland tainted by solar power generation will never be returned to agricultural use. Claims to the contrary are unfounded and ignore the facts.

The 2022 Agricultural Census of Niagara County Indicates the average yearly value of all agricultural products sold in the County to be $1,291 per acre. The proposed  Somerset project will remove from active agriculture 247 acres. This results in a loss of $318,891 per year in Somerset agricultural production. Over the projected life of 35 years the estimated total loss in agricultural production in Somerset will exceed $11 million. Farmland should not be used for solar projects. Secured landfills, roof tops, abandoned shopping center parking lots and brownfields are more environmentally acceptable sites. ORES has been made aware of these matters and a response is overdue.

James C. Hoffman

Town of Somerset

Editor:

Thank you to all who turned out and chose to vote in the Lyndonville School Board elections. Although the outcome was not as we had hoped, it was a very close election and shows your vote does count!

We especially thank those who supported us through allowing signage in their yards, those who sought the truth, reached out and allowed us to show and prove the facts we tried to bring to light. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve in this capacity.

Our commitment to this community and school remains strong, we will continue to support the work we completed, changes we made for the better and reflect on how we can do better in the future. We will continue to strive to communicate the truth, support transparency and remain in your service in whatever capacity we can be most effective.

We encourage each one of you to become actively involved and attend regular meetings and talk to the newly elected candidates before making decisions, speaking, or writing publicly. It may make a big difference in your actions and words.

The count was close but the battle is over for now, the winners have been named. Let us reflect on how to heal, move forward, and get about the business of being good citizens. Most importantly, let us put the focus back on the children of this community, as they are the purpose and future of this town.

In service,

Steve Vann, Ted Lewis and Susan Hrovat

Lyndonville

Editor:

There is no excuse for breaking laws to bring illegal farm workers to our country. We have always had documented workers come to America to work on farms and that is the right way to insure that farms have enough workers to keep their businesses afloat. Congresswoman Tenney is on the right side of the law to defend her position.

President Biden recently put tariffs on electric cars coming from China, (just to get more votes from auto workers), however he has never given anything to farmers except for higher fuel prices, higher equipment prices and higher taxes on farm land. Not to mention having to pay higher wages for farm labor. All resulting higher food prices!

There is a problem in our country with people who make excuses and “look the other way” to allow illegal activity to occur. We are a nation of laws that must be respected and followed, for all Americans to live together in peace and harmony.

Those who “look the other way” are guilty of ulterior motives to support their reasoning for breaking laws. In this case, illegal workers (holed up in sanctuary cities and not looking for farm work) are being solicited and brought here by left wing extremists to vote for Joe Biden in the 2024 election! This is an extreme breach of our immigration laws!

People are being flown in or brought here by the cartels, given food and shelter and the promise of citizenship if they “vote for Joe.” At the moment, these migrants are being taken care of by many UN-sponsored, non-government religious organizations who get billions in taxpayer funding to take care of them. When the extremist politicians win in November, these migrants will be cast aside to fend for themselves, with no further government support. Therein lies the problem.

Politicians who desperately hatch these plans, seem to have no ability to project the long-term outlook resulting from their flawed schemes. Corrupt government, and those who “look the other way” in support of it, have become the real enemies of the people. They will leave many Americans defenseless against desperate migrants, who will stop at nothing to survive. “Preppers” will be glad they took the time to protect themselves against the onslaught of thefts, murders and other unspeakable crimes that will befall many American citizens. All of this misery brought on by corrupt cheating officials determined to “win” at all costs!

Americans would be wise to “toughen up” against this affront to their freedom, even if they have to work on farms to harvest food for themselves. Lazy Americans, who depend on the government to survive, will meet their demise when the inevitable occurs. Sadly, it will be too bad for them.

The downside to breaking our immigration laws to bring in millions of people illegally for their votes, results in human trafficking, rapes, murders, fentanyl deaths and many other unfortunate outcomes. All for the sole purpose of winning, so they can steal our country from us! Of course, the Democratic Party does not care at all about what is happening.

The Democratic Party, taken over by extreme, left wing anarchists, is hell bent on winning the election this year. There have never been so many immoral, ruthless, cruel, self serving, brutal people full of hate who are conspiring together. Their love of money and continued power will destabilize our country and ultimately destroy everything we have to live for. All Democrats need to distance themselves from this despicable cancer that has pervaded from within their group. Normal, caring, patriotic Democrats are not like them!

The Democratic Party has failed everyone in America, except for the rich elites, who think they are better than everyone else! Don’t let them win in 2024. Vote as though your life and your family’s lives depend on it! Push back against the corrupt, extreme left with all you have, to save your freedom and your way of life, for the future of your children and grandchildren.

Gary Deiboldt

Albion

Editor:

Sandra Shingleton in her thoughtful letter on May 21 noted the U.S. needs a better system for bringing immigrants into the country. She is correct.

The system at our southern border is not good, and a group called the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) in Chicago appears to have some answers.

One of the many ideas they advocate would create Reception Centers (RC) for those caught illegally trying to enter the country, rather than putting them is a jail-like situation.

A number of European countries have already adopted the RC idea. Judging from their website, it sounds like they would welcome suggestions.

Jack Capurso

Ashburn, Va.

Mr. Capurso is a 1960 Albion graduate.

Editor:

In response to the letter to the editor penned by Mr. Pratt, perhaps he should heed his own advice and fact check before writing his letters.

If you did proper fact checking, you’d learn that former County Judge James Punch wrote a letter endorsing Susan Howard for District Attorney. If you dig deeper, you’d find that Howard (if elected) intends to appoint Punch’s son as her Assistant District Attorney. I’d write a letter of endorsement too if my son stood a chance to gain such an appointment.

Our union, Council 82, Local #2966 (not the good ole’ boys club) is the 2nd largest law enforcement union in the county of Orleans behind the union representing the NYS Correction Officers at the two local prisons.

I am glad to take this opportunity to let you know how our endorsement process went for the Orleans County District Attorney election. We invited both candidates to speak to our members and afterwards, we had a discussion and voted unanimously to endorse John Sansone (a resident of Holley, NY – Orleans County). Mr. Sansone represents all the qualities we stand for and take an oath to uphold. He is fair, firm, and consistent, while ensuring that the proper form of justice is applied to each case.

Furthermore, we have had numerous opportunities to watch both candidates operate in the courtrooms of Orleans County and how they interact with law enforcement professionals when handling cases. It was very obvious to us which candidate has the ability to lead and organize the District Attorney’s Office appropriately; couple that with the fact that there are many negative ideas and themes that take direct aim at the justice system in New York… that is why we endorsed John Sansone. He is without a doubt, the right one for the job.

Lt. Chris Caufield

Union President – Council 82, Local #2966

Editor’s Note: The Orleans County Sheriff’s Employees Association represents about 50 corrections officers, public safety dispatchers, sheriff’s office clerks, and jail cooks.

Editor:

A huge American flag thrills us on the horizon! As we drive east on Ridge Road and approach Peter Smith Road two miles away, there it is!

At nighttime, lit up, sometimes in the rain, its furling and unfurling causes us to think of the comfort it must have brought to the troops fighting for our country. It included many of my relatives, including Great Uncle Michael Malloy at the Battle of Gettysburg, who gave his life as a flag-bearer.

Since we live north of the Ridge and often go to Brockport or Rochester, we have the pleasure of seeing it often coming each way. Especially, having served in the US Army, I always feel it in the pit of my stomach.

Thanks to Peter Mills for doing this for us. As a member of the Knights, we buy flags to fly and honor our troops on the Courthouse lawn. We know how expensive they are and they only last about six months. Can you imagine the maintenance on that huge flag pole as well?

Thank you again Peter.

Bob and Margaret Golden

Kent

Editor:

Congratulations Lyndonville!  I know little about your School Board politics but I did see the incumbents use scare tactics, attack ads and shameless fear mongering.

The voters rose above these tactics and soundly defeated the perpetrators. Good for you.

In the interest of full disclosure: I have been the beneficiary of “White Privilege” in my lifetime.

Gerard M. Morrisey

Albion

Editor:

I was pleased to hear that Medina had been approved for state funding to install DC fast charging for electric vehicles. Being an EV owner myself, I found myself sometimes frustrated that the only options for charging my vehicle in Medina was at the station in Burger King, which has been, in my own experiences, inoperable on multiple occasions.  More frustrating still is that there are currently 0 fast charging locations in all of Orleans County.

Though I moved away from Medina about 10 years ago, I have seen considerable growth and improvements to the village as a whole when I return for visits. Adding DC fast chargers is the next logical step towards making the village, specifically the Canal Basin, more visitor-friendly.

There are many villages and towns in Monroe County that I am confident could serve as a guide for how to implement these in such a way that does not put undue strain on Medina’s budget.

In time, as EV use becomes more widespread, I would hope to see even more installed throughout the village. In my years of EV usage and charging, publicly available chargers controlled by the village/town are far more reliable than those controlled by private businesses.

I am excited to see my hometown and its leaders are eager to embrace this technology, and I will absolutely be using these stations once they are implemented.

Best regards,

Matt Kline

East Rochester

Mr. Kline is a 2009 Medina graduate.

Editor:

Elections in November are less than six months away. At the national level we are hearing so many political promises, statements, and accusations from the candidates of the participating parties we do not know what to believe. The confusing part is that we need to fact check every one because so many are false or misleading.

At the state level we are at the mercy of Albany. Policies issued state they benefit all the state’s population but end up benefitting the NYC majority and the upstate area is left out once again.

We have a Republican primary in Orleans County on June 25. Promises and statements are being made on a regular basis which suggest an individual can solve all the problems that exist in the hopes of getting elected.

An example of misleading exists locally where Mr. Sansone, the Niagara County resident running for the Orleans County DA position, mailed out his latest political postcard. He states that he is the only candidate endorsed by local law enforcement. That referred endorsement comes only from the Orleans County Jail union, a very small group of employees belonging to “the old boys club.”

Our local Sheriff’s Department, all local county police departments, the NYS State Police and the corrections officers in the NYS prison system are not endorsing any candidates in this primary.

At every level of government, we want the most qualified. In the case of the District Attorney’s position show us your accomplishments, let us know of your years of experience in the field of criminal prosecution, then make your promises. Based on these facts you will earn my vote.

It only takes a few minutes to voice your opinion, so feel free to do so by your letter or your vote. Be heard!

Thank you,

Jim Pratt

Albion

Editor:

With all due respect to Mr. Capurso and Mr. Fine, yes, the immigrants who work tediously hard jobs – farming and raising our crops – must receive their due credit. Most of us don’t have the strength and endurance to do such work. All credit  and appreciation is due them.

Our forefathers, similarly, longed to live and prosper in a free land such as ours. Our forefathers did, however, enter our country legally. There was a legal process they had to enter. I think the issue here is: legal vs. illegal entry (breaking the law of the United States) even though the once national security  border has been partly removed.

Shouldn’t those entering our country be vetted for our own safety? Shouldn’t there be a better way for legal immigration, a much shorter process for them? I don’t know of any other country (and there may be) where anyone who wishes can just enter that country and become established.

I will say again, yes these workers are badly needed here and are vital for our communities.  There must be a better legal process for these people. I am not being politically minded in with my  words. I  believe that no matter what your political affiliation or no affiliation, there must be a safer and better way to enter the United States.

With all respect and sincerity,

Sandra Shingleton

Albion

Editor:

The following is my own observations and opinions. I am confident it will offend some. I make no apologies.

We are living in backwards and upside-down times. There is a lot of mental illness out there in society. The causes vary: fear, drugs, peer pressure, wanting to fit in, some of it is genuine but a lot of it is self inflicted and perpetuated by the education system, politicians and the progressive media.

Observant people have seen this for decades when a friend or family member comes home from college they are a different person as if someone washed their brain clean of common sense and traditional values and poured in a lot of garbage.

Not all, that would be saying that every young person has a weak mind. Some of this wears off when one is hit by the real world having to work and pay bills and taxes and survive but there are many cases where it stays especially in the more affluent and connected families, trust fund babies where they go from university right into high positions and take their radical authoritarian views right into the education, media and the political system.

Poisoned minds continuing the progressive poisoning of our youth K through 12 through university with the backing of poisoned politicians. Not all, but reasonable people in education and politics know who they are.

Which leads me into why I am writing this letter. School board elections are today. The decades ago and recently indoctrinated, brainwashed, whatever you want to call it are now adults, parents with children or not and some are vying to run for school board positions.

We have observed this for years with radicals taking over school boards and imposing values and a progressive agenda that does not meet the values, views or education that the parents expect. Years ago all we had to worry about was the school board member that would agree to any and all spending and the results would be a high tax bill. Not anymore.

We can no longer except the generic statements that school board candidates make in their letters they send or write to the editor. We need to know where they stand on Critical Race Theory, “White Privilege” and allowing male transgenders into the girls bathrooms, sports and locker rooms. We need to know about allowing sexually explicit books to be viewed in the school library by K  through 12 students.

Climate propaganda is another abusive poison putting fear and despair into our children when there is not one thing to worry about. The Board of Education is a reflection of the community. I know I will be having a grandson attending school soon. I want him to have an innocent childhood and protected from this kind of sickness when he is out of our hands and supposed to be learning how to competently read, write, add subtract, real science and skills useful to a self-reliant life.

He is all boy who will grow up to be a man and will at no time by our family be treated or told he is otherwise. I do not want a woke twisted board member, educator telling him or your child otherwise as no grandparent, or parent would want that.

This is all a form of delusion and mental illness. That is why it is so important to know the views of the school board candidates before you vote.

Lastly, do not raise my taxes.

Paul Lauricella Jr.

Lyndonville

Editor:

S.C.O.P.E. of Orleans County has convened with both Republican District Attorney candidates on two occasions thus far. S.C.O.P.E., a staunch 2nd Amendment Defense Organization, fervently defends the rights of gun owners in New York State to keep and bear arms.

Given that public officials are mandated to swear an oath of allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, prioritizing it above state laws, the candidates’ proposed actions to uphold this oath were given significant weight in the membership’s assessment.

As Benjamin Franklin astutely remarked: “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” In addition to this fundamental principle, several other critical factors were taken into account:

• Empowerment of the Second Amendment.

• Dedication to the community and the people of Orleans County.

• Resistance against unconstitutional laws such as ERPOs (Extreme Risk Protection Orders) or “Red Flag” laws.

• Initiatives aimed at enhancing safety within our community schools.

• Opposition to new bail reform and discovery laws.

• Focus on addressing problem areas in the community, such as the impact of drug-related issues.

• Commitment to implementing programs that raise public awareness and promote safety.

The S.C.O.P.E. 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

It’s important to note that the above grade does not constitute an endorsement. S.C.O.P.E. represents the diverse membership and gun owners of Orleans County, comprising of individuals, families, sportsmen clubs, and companies that play a crucial role in supplying materials necessary to defend our Second Amendment rights.

S.C.O.P.E. of Orleans County remains steadfastly committed to fostering ongoing dialogues with all elected and unelected officials of Orleans County. We encourage active participation in our monthly meetings, held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7 PM, at the Hoag Library, 134 South Main Street, Albion, NY. Please note that our meetings are open to the public.

With utmost honor and respect,

Mark Allen

Chairman, Orleans County SCOPE

Editor:

Ted Lewis, Steve Vann and I are running for re-election to the Lyndonville School Board. This year’s election has been very heated. When casting your vote this year I encourage you to ask questions and verify the answers you receive.

This year we have two school board members on the negotiating committee for the teachers’ contract: Steve Vann and Ted Lewis. The school board decided this was necessary to maintain a clear understanding of the fiscal workings of the school for which we are responsible.

It seems as if three issues we support – affordable health insurance, resistance to radical social agendas, and parental involvement – are considered by the leadership of the Lyndonville Teachers Association (LTA) as enough of a threat that they publicly endorsed candidates for the first time in my over a dozen years as a board member.

The three of us, Ted Lewis and I, led by Steve Vann, have spent many hours researching and learning about various health insurance programs in an effort to provide quality insurance at the most reasonable price in keeping with our responsibility to be good stewards of the financial resources we are provided by the taxpayers to utilize.

Currently, the highest paid teachers in the district have better plans that newer teachers cannot participate in. In speaking with a newer teacher in the district, she is struggling to make ends meet due to one large burden in her personal budget – health insurance. We are seeking to rectify this and find good quality options for all employees, not just the highest paid.

There has been much misinformation about the potential change in health insurance. Health insurance cannot be changed under New York State law, unless it is comparable or an upgrade. When you understand this fact, it could appear the current chaos over healthcare is simply a smoke screen for the fact the LTA does not want School Board members on the negotiating committee.

We believe schools are a place to learn critical thinking skills through mathematics, sciences, English, foreign languages and history. We strongly support music and the arts as well as the opportunity to engage in individual and team sports. Our school is not a place to introduce radical social agendas. Our children are precious and parents trust schools to teach their children, not indoctrinate them. We believe all children have God-given dignity no matter their race, religion, or any other unique differences.

We believe in being fiscally conservative and we will continue to work to represent the taxpayers by being responsible stewards of their money. We will continue to look for ways to ensure affordable and quality healthcare insurance which is equally available to all staff.

We will resist an agenda to change the school climate as stated by the LTA president (which included threats and bullying within the school as reported by teachers who have chosen not to participate). School is not created to parent your children. There are those who believe they know better and desire more and more control within the school at the expense of parental involvement.

The position of school board member takes a significant amount of time, and experience in order to gain insight to the complexity of the school board process. Feel free to contact us with any questions about this letter or comments made by others who do not feel it is important to get both sides. We are happy to back up our statements and intentions with facts. We desire to keep the school and the many employment and social opportunities it offers right here in our town for as long as possible.

Please consider voting for Steve Vann, Ted Lewis and Susan Hrovat. Keep a Conservative Board.

In your service,

Susan Hrovat

Lyndonville