Editor:

I have been out of state for three days and would like to address a Letter to the Editor that was addressed to me while I was gone. The letter in question is from Mr. Bob Harker. Sir, I would like to break your letter down so I can give it the full response that it deserves:

First, you quoted my statement that “tax-savings at the expense of public safety is not a way to reduce spending.” You wondered where I got my facts. I, just like you, was at the roll out of the study regarding the sheriff’s department taking over policing within the village of Albion.

Apparently we interpreted the study much differently from each other.  The study clearly stated that “only one officer is necessary between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m., Monday through Friday.” We currently have three officers most nights (with a minimum of two).

Please correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t the study (and “projected” cost savings) based on one officer? I didn’t hear any other number of officers discussed (for the same cost anyway) between those hours. So that looks like a 50-67% reduction in services offered to our residents.

If any other officers are added, the cost rises and tax savings is reduced. There really isn’t much of a tax savings and our coverage more than likely is reduced. In fact, if you remember correctly, my last question to the moderator was, “So when it’s all said and done, there may not be much savings at all?”  His reply: “Probably not.”

Secondly, regarding your comment, “the same officers that people have come to know would patrol the same streets they do today,” I would have to respectfully disagree with that statement. Due to the two different retirement systems that cover both the deputies and any other police officer in the State of New York, you will not see a mass exodus from a police force to a sheriff’s department. They will transfer to other police departments. Talk to a police officer from anywhere about that and see what they tell you. Unless they are set on staying in this area, many police officers will move on to other police departments.

Thirdly, I feel you are quite presumptuous that anyone, union members included, has influenced my decision to worry about the safety of the residents of the Village of Albion. Since we have never met, you must be getting your false information from someone else. I wonder who that might be? Your recent letter (and your previous one) begs the question of your continued concern into this matter. You are very magnanimous to be willing to pay more in taxes so we can (allegedly) pay less. I wonder if other county taxpayers are as generous as you.

Finally, can you tell me HOW (other than increased taxes) you “firmly believe that better coverage for all county residents will be the result”? I will await your reply.

Respectfully,

Pete Sidari

Trustee for Village of Albion

Editor:

The Holley-Kendall Wrestling Team and Coaching Staff would like to thank the many people and organizations who helped organize and contributed to the growth and success of the Holley-Kendall Wrestling Program throughout the wrestling season.

Several events were conducted and without their help, assistance and support, these events would not have been successful. The following events took place where many volunteers were needed: Holley-Kendall Wrestling Tournaments, Youth Wrestling Club, Junior Wrestling Club, Gold Force Wrestling Club Tournament, Gold Force Wrestling Club Open Mats, and the Holley-Kendall Wrestling Banquet.

All your contributions, generosity, assistance and efforts did not go unnoticed. Your loyalty and dedication to the wrestling program is the main reason why programs and student athletes achieve success.

Thank you once again!

Sincerely,

John J. Grillo

Head Wrestling Coach

Editor:

I urge our State Representatives to not support the Internet Un-fairness and Conformity Act in the 2018-19 budget. The problem is not that the counties and local governments don’t collect enough taxes, sales, property or otherwise.

The problem is they are addicted to spending and growing government. We should declare local governments “a public nuisance” and file a class-action law suit against the big government counties and local governments to recoup some of the money they have wasted causing most people to have a stressful stagnant quality of life from over-taxation. This blatant desperation for money is no different than an addict smashing your car window to steal the change out of cup in your dash.

Un-elected CAO Nesbitt’s comment floored me: “If we do not modernize our sales tax system, counties will have no choice but to start raising property taxes to sustain our programs and services, and no one wants that,” said NYSAC Vice President (how did he get this position?) Chuck Nesbitt, the Orleans County Chief Administrative Officer. Mr. Nesbitt, “start raising taxes?” You have been the Un-Elected CAO for 10-12 years? You have raised taxes every year but one. Start?

I fault this crop of tax-and-spend legislators for not pulling hard on the spending reins. Yes, cut services, cut workforce and cut your desire to expand and grow government. It’s OK to do that. We do not need all the government we have and you don’t need to sustain it at the level you do.

The taxpayers can no longer afford an Un-elected CAO that uses every excuse to raise taxes. There needs to be a referendum for the voters to make the CAO position an elected one. Legislators do your job, yeah right.

The Conservative and Republican committees are reorganizing this year. You want change? Get a petition and run for the committee in your town. They are the ones who have given us this bunch of tax-you-to-death politicians. Change the committees and you can change the candidates. Keep your hands off the Internet. I can’t believe any Republican would support this.

Paul Lauricella

Lyndonville

Editor:

I write in response to Mr. Sidari’s letter regarding the option of consolidating law enforcement in our county.

Mr. Sidari states that “tax-savings at the expense of public safety is not a way to reduce spending.” I question where Mr. Sidari gets his facts. The three possible scenarios presented to the public involved absolutely no reduction in law enforcement coverage.

The plan that I believe makes the most sense would establish three zones with stations established in Medina, Albion, and Holley. With the same staffing levels (if not increased) as village residents enjoy today. In many cases the same officers that people have come to know would patrol the same streets they do today.

I question what influence the local police unions have had on Mr. Sidari’s comments. Granted, village police officers may experience a slight reduction in take-home pay if this smart plan comes to fruition.

As a resident of the town of Clarendon, I will likely see a slight increase in taxes as we do not have a local police force. I will gladly pay that as I firmly believe that better coverage for all county residents will be the result.

Respectfully,

Bob Harker

Clarendon

Editor:

When I read the letter entitled “Shelby town government needs fair process for filling vacancies” I could not help but think, here, again, is an example of what is wrong with our political situation in Orleans County.

It seems every state audit of the towns in our county is revealing something that is critical. The problem, I believe, can be traced back to term limits. If anyone, or any “good old boys club” is in power too long, this is the result.

The incumbent party has their anointed ones that they want to run and God forbid anyone should try to challenge their plans. If you do not believe this is true, talk to anyone who has had the audacity, in recent years, to force a primary.

I believe this recent event in Shelby is a new low. To not even have the class to respond to someone that wants to serve is extremely disappointing. To me, it simply shows the disdain these committee members hold those (us) who are not part of that good old boys club.

The one good thing this letter brings to light is the place to make changes and that is at the committee level. The Republican and Conservative party committees are reorganizing this year and that is where real changes can happen.

The Conservative Party committee will not endorse anyone who has more than 12 years in office. This is the only way term limits are going to ever become a reality and term limits are the only way real changes are going to take place in the politics of this county. If interested in joining a committee, call Al Lofthouse (Conservative Party chairman) at 659-8382

Ken Longer

Kendall

Member of Conservative Party committee

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Editor:

This is a response to Peter Sidari’s recent letter to the editor. We disagree with how he has framed the policing issue that has become a part of this village election.

We have not advocated some kind of wholesale reduction in law enforcement inside the village. And the recent study that was performed did not present that as an option either. The question on the table is whether our community should look into shifting headcount out of local police departments and into the Sheriff’s Department. Would a single department be more efficient, spread costs more fairly, and be better enabled to deploy resources wherever there is a need? Given the decline that we are seeing in the village, should we not even explore the option?

An example was made of responding to a school emergency – implying that perhaps 3-4 officers could respond today, but perhaps only 0-1 officers could respond if we make a change. Why not ask the question do you want a local department of 10-12 officers leading a response or an improved, centralized department of 50-60 officers doing so? And who should be paying to protect schools, stores, churches, and parks – locations that have many people from outside the village? Is it right to focus the burden on village residents, who tend to be significantly less wealthy than non-village residents?

If a local police department is always the right answer then why doesn’t Barre have its own police department? Or Carlton? Are students in Medina, Albion, and Holley protected, while students in Lyndonville and Kendall are being left to the wolves?

Every year our village has seen our share of the tax base get smaller. People are making their own choice – which is often to move to a home outside of the village. We need to be making smarter decisions so that it makes just as much economic sense to build a new home in the village as it does to build one outside.

If you believe that village residents should have a say in the decisions that directly affect not only our security but the future of the village, then on March 20th please vote for Riley, Dragon and Walter.

Thank you.

Jason Dragon

Sandra Walter

Albion

Editor:

To the Village of Albion residents, I have watched these three candidates – Joyce Riley, Jason Dragon and Sandra Walter – run a clean campaign. They have visited every business and resident of this village and they want to represent each and every one of you, the taxpayer.

Now it is up to you, the voter, to cast your vote on Tuesday for these three people who understand your needs and what needs to be done for the betterment of this community.

Do your civic duty and vote for Riley, Dragon and Walter. They will serve you best.

Jeanne Crane

Carlton

(Crane is chairwoman of the Orleans County Democratic Party)

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Editor:

I would like to reply to the letter from Sue Smith. My problem isn’t so much that someone from outside the village is voicing an opinion. My problem is when someone from outside the village has an agenda that they are pushing and it could very well be detrimental to the safety of the village of Albion residents.

And as someone who “ shops in the village (or tries to), drives through the village, or has children and grandchildren that go to school in the village,” you should also be concerned about public safety concerns (especially reduction in police services) to said village.

Would you rather have three officers and a chief responding to an emergency at your child’s or grandchild’s school or possibly one officer (if they are in the area)?

Tax-savings at the expense of public safety is not a way to reduce spending! There are other areas that are always being looked at and a lot has happened in those areas. Yes, much more needs to be done.

I’m sure the next sitting board will also be looking into ways “outside the box” to try to reduce our heavy tax burden. Since you and the others are that concerned about the village, I invite all of you to our next workshop meeting on March 28th at the Village Hall. It starts at 7 p.m.  Hope to see you there!!!

Respectfully,

Pete Sidari

Trustee / Village of Albion

Editor:

As I read all the misinformation that is flying about in my name, I have decided to lend my own voice so that you can hear from me. The most important people to me are the villagers, not someone who is fighting to maintain the establishment and the status quo.

My first statement of fact is that I did not say I would get rid of the Police Department. Safety is the constitutional right of everyone. We need our police walking in our community and helping us form neighborhood watches.

Fairness is the second issue of concern that I raised at the forum and did not have the time to elaborate on. Fairness encompasses the selection process of village employees. All jobs need to be properly advertised so that all interested applicants can apply for them.

Fairness in code enforcement. The community wants to present its best self to all who pass through the village and that entails consistency and equity in application of the codes for single family dwelling, multi-family dwelling, businesses, and unoccupied homes.

Election Day is Tuesday, March 20, at the Village of Albion Offices 35-37 E. Bank Street from noon to 9 p.m.

I am a retired Registered Nurse with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, who has managed over 200 staff and multiple departments. Unlike my competitors, I would be a full-time Mayor for the village.

A vote for me and my team is a vote for energizing our community through needed improvements such as sidewalks, roads, increasing businesses and working with landlords to improve their compliance with codes. We need and want our employees to serve you. I am asking for your vote this Election Day.

Respectfully,

Joyce Riley

Albion

Candidate for Mayor

Editor:

We are in the final days of the Village of Albion election campaign, and voters have clear choices for the future direction of the village.

However, we are also seeing some fear mongering about the process of looking at all possible solutions for handling a declining tax base and its implications for what a viable Albion will be for the next generation.

The incumbents claim that we are on a sustainable path for the future, but without a comprehensive plan we are simply paying our bills as they come due. Too much of the cost of local government is placed on village residents, which discourages people from buying village homes and results in stagnating property values for those of us committed to living here. I don’t see that the current board has a plan to change this situation.

It seems to me planning for the future will require more candid assessment of our resources, to determine how services can be best delivered given the change in the amount of money we can fairly raise in taxes. We need to be realistic without being overly optimistic.

I believe that Joyce Riley, Sandra Walter, and Jason Dragon will provide a fresh perspective and the needed leadership to explore the best options going forward. Together they bring a combination of experience and skills (administration, finance and technology) that can help us solve the challenging problems ahead. Please plan to vote on March 20th and consider voting for change.

Sincerely,

Pat Cammarata

Albion