Editor:

If you’ve ever had the opportunity to stop in to the Kendall Town Clerk’s Office to utilize one of the many services offered to its residents, you most likely have been greeted by Amy Richardson, Kendall Town Clerk. Her friendly smile and laughter brightens the day of many who walk through the door. She is always willing to take as much time as needed to serve the residents of this town. Whether someone needs assistance or a compassionate ear, Amy is always there to help.

In addition to being a friendly face, Amy has spent the past ten years learning and improving the position of town clerk.  She is very knowledgeable in all the facets of her job. Being a small town, the town clerk wears many hats – tax collector, comptroller, records keeper, registrar, DEC agent , and clerk to the Town Board, just to name a few. Where larger towns might have several different departments, here in Kendall we have one, the town clerk.

Another important part of Amy’s job is being accessible to all constituents. During business hours she can be found at the counter helping her deputies, chatting with residents or working hard at her desk. However, sometimes those hours are not convenient for everyone. Amy has made appointments after hours to accommodate others’ schedules. She even has opened the office on weekends for couples needing a marriage license or hunters wanting last minute doe permits.

If you have any questions about our town clerk’s attendance record, work ethic, professionalism or commitment to the residents of Kendall, I challenge you to do your own research to find out the truth, not listen to rumors and hearsay. Or better yet, come in and say Hi. You will be greeted with a smile, a kind word and prompt, professional service.

On November 7^th, vote for who you know will do a better job serving the residents of our town.

Jennifer Banker

Deputy Town Clerk, Kendall

Editor:

No longer can local governments function efficiently without forming and maintaining solid working relationships with neighboring municipalities. This is particularly applicable for town supervisors who lead their respective town councils to better provide for the health, safety, and welfare of their constituents.

I have had the good fortune to know and work with Carol Culhane since I was elected as Town of Albion Supervisor four years ago. Most people do not know that Carol regularly gathered her fellow supervisors to discuss the unique challenges towns face. It was invaluable to meet and talk with other supervisors in a purely informational manner about how we better serve our respective towns. All of us came from different professional backgrounds, yet benefited immensely from our shared experiences. Each of us walked away more capable to serve as supervisors because Carol made it a priority to bring us together.

Despite what some candidates new to local government say, no one truly knows how to handle a town supervisor’s responsibilities in their first term. This is especially so if they have, for example, not been a regular participant at meetings, served on a planning board or on town council. We simply do not show up on January 1st of our first term knowing it all or even most of the job. It is a continual learning experience and no incumbent supervisor or candidate understands this better than Carol.

I cannot vote in the Town of Gaines, but if I could, there is no doubt my vote would be for Carol Culhane. She is everything you could ever ask for as Town Supervisor. And she is everything I could ask for as a friend.

Matthew Passarell

Supervisor

Town of Albion

Editor:

I am a former resident of Medina and have had the pleasure and privilege of knowing Karen Kaiser for the past 18 years. I consider her to be an exceptionally talented, conscientious, and dedicated individual and endorse her unequivocally for Ridgeway Town Clerk.

Karen has excelled in the role of Deputy Clerk for the past 6 years, regularly seeking out and successfully participating in job growth and development opportunities including, but not limited to, tax collection, notary public, and marriage officer.

In addition to being fully trained for the position of Town Clerk, Karen has the business and banking background, maturity, and wisdom to fulfill her duties as Town Clerk with the utmost dedication to the residents she serves. She will serve all residents, not just special interest groups.

If you value experience, integrity and respect, then vote for Karen Kaiser for Town Clerk.

Sincerely,

Gina George (formerly Gina Kilworth)

Bluff City, Tenn.

Editor:

What’s up with all these big name, big shot Republican Committee candidates slithering on their bellies like a snake over to the Democrat Party for endorsements? Really?

When they run unopposed they are big time Republican rah rah party people but when they have to face some competition they show their true roots. Republican voters in the Town of Gaines don’t be fooled. Look at their ad on the Hub, it looks like a Chuck Schumer-Nancy Pelosi Ticket trying to infiltrate your Town Board.

Stick with Conservative Republican Carol Culhane for Supervisor, Sue Smith for Town Council and Debra Mitchell for Town Clerk. Those are names you really can trust – not Desperados that will grab any line to win, then say, “Look at me, I’m a real Republican.”

How far the party has fallen. The masks come off when being up against proven tax cutting , corruption exposing, problem solving Conservatives.

Paul Lauricella Jr.

Town of Yates

Editor:

I brought my 10-year-old son home from school last week, and found a flyer for a celebration October 31st: “Happy Harvest Day!!!”

Yes, this is Medina Central Schools caving in to the Politically Correct Leftist Agenda, aimed at indoctrinating our children’s minds regarding the centuries old Halloween holiday.  I was stunned.

In the cities, teachers are force-feeding our youth with “sex education”, anti-Americanism, and Socialism. Never in my life did I think this poison would reach my own community.

So the flyer from my son’s school requested “treats” for the ‘harvest-what-about-ism’, a cancer of holiday degradation spreading throughout the country, much like the atheists attempts to ruin Christmas with “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas” … apparently this anti-holiday has spread to my own suburban county in rural WNY!

I’ve had it!! I mean, if the PC police can infect Medina, we are done as a country. And I refuse to bend to this, by stating the historical FACTS (cue screaming liberals):

The fact is, October 31st is the eve of the Feast of All Saints Day, an ancient holiday celebrated by Catholics for a millennium: Kids would go door to door asking for “Soul Cakes”, a treat the bereaved would offer to them if they prayed for a deceased loved one’s soul in Purgatory. The following day is the Feast of All Saints, November 1st. The day after (November 2nd) is the Feast of All Souls, a holy day of obligation in the Church, explicitly insisting we dedicate the day to praying for the dead, which Our Lord Jesus Christ insisted upon during His Life.

So if the school district really wants to celebrate Halloween (or All Hallows Eve, from the words “Hallowed be Thy Name”, stated in the Lord’s Prayer), it should instead go back to the origin of the holiday instead of minimizing the Catholic Faith by labeling it “Harvest Day”, whatever the heck THAT has to do with the Saints!

Kimberly Kennedy

Medina

Editor:

As a citizen of the Town of Ridgeway, I am interested in the issues of the local campaign for Ridgeway Town Clerk. Rather than listening to hearsay of the past many weeks about some serious concerns brought to my attention, I went to the proper officials and departments, both local and county, for answers.

I am concerned about the questions relating to the costs of training a newly elected Town Clerk, as opposed to a person temporarily acting as such. I learned from town officials that regardless of who wins the election, the training and costs will be the same. The training for this position is ongoing every year and is a consistent line in the budget. It will not be a financial burden to the Town.

After a close primary election between the candidates, I am pleased and relieved that we still have a choice in November. It was brought to my attention by several fellow citizens that the practice of handing out political advertisements during working hours at the Town Hall has been a practice of late.

Town officials were not aware of such a practice, but a representative of the Board of Elections was notified by concerned citizens. When Town officials were notified by the Board of Elections, it was stopped. By that time, damage had been done to an opposing campaign. This practice is unethical, illegal, speaks to character, and should not be tolerated.

There is a better option for the people. Yes, experience counts, but not always most important, integrity is priceless. Being in a particular position for six years does not mean you are the best for that position or the next, there is much more to it.

I am proud to say that I am supporting Tara L. White for Ridgeway Town Clerk. Tara is a candidate with formal education and professional experience that will surely contribute to her ability to do what is right and fair for her constituents, implementing new ideas and services, and serving with honesty and integrity.

It is time to pass the torch and utilize the energy and talents of the next generation.

I ask you to please join me in voting for Tara L. White for Ridgeway Town Clerk, a candidate for all of the people.

Patricia (Patty) Woodworth

Ridgeway

Editor:

I have known Gaines Town Justice Bruce Schmidt for over 20 years, beginning when he and his wife moved into our little neighborhood. I have known him to be an award-winning attorney in the State Attorney General’s Office and the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office.

I have known him in the capacity of a private attorney and also the judge in the Gaines Town Court. He has been and still is a member of various community organizations. He has always been a loving spouse, father and grandfather.

But, above all, I came to know him when he worked with my husband as an attorney for Orleans County Child and Family Services, advocating for many children and adult victims.

To this day Bruce continues to be an advocate for justice.

On Nov. 7, 2017, please join me in voting to keep Judge Bruce Schmidt for justice of the Town of Gaines Court.

Gloria Neilans

Albion

Editor:

I was greatly offended by the fact that Ms. Smith admonished our Hub editor, Mr. Tom Rivers. I have met Tom and talked with him on several occasions and found him to be very personable and knowledgeable on many subjects. A good reporter reports both sides of a story and I feel Tom as done that.

Funny, Ms. Smith, you admonish Mr. Rivers for reporting “rude remarks” made by Donna Bane and Apex supporters, but forget about the many “very rude remarks” by SOS and Mr. Riggi against Donna and the many Apex supporters.

Ms. Smith stated Riggi ran on a platform with different planks. I find that his platform is actually one 4’x8′ sheet of 3/4″ treated plywood with one mission: stopping wind projects. The rewriting of the Town of Yates Wind Law is proof of that. I know because I was a token member put on the committee at the last minute. In fact, a Town Board Meeting was held at 7:30 on a Saturday morning to approve me as a committee member. One thing to note about the committee is that I was the only member on the committee that wasn’t SOS affiliated.

If one of Riggi’s planks for running was to bring economic development to this town, why hasn’t there been a single penny of revenue since he was elected. In the year and a half that Riggi has been on the board, he hasn’t brought a single penny of revenue into this town.

Now, he is asking for a lawsuit that the Town of Yates can’t afford. As stated at the meeting, all the requirements for the application of the MET tower have been met. Questions have been answered. Apex has done everything right in their MET tower application and they have the right to sue the town. Lucky for Yates, Apex is trying to work things out peaceably so there can be another vote, and the town can avoid a lawsuit. Apex has been more than patient with our town board.

Like Donna Bane, I too thought Riggi’s outburst at our August town board meeting was very inappropriate, especially for a board member. As a constituent, I would ask that he refrain from that behavior in the future.

SOS has made numerous presentations to the town board. By looking at many board members expressions, I’m sure by now they find them very boring. Every time someone from SOS would present misinformation, there was clapping and cheering from the SOS supporters.

I found this behavior inappropriate, and after thinking it over, I sent Town Supervisor Jim Simon an email stating my objection to their behavior. Simon must have agreed because he started the September Town Board meeting with a couple of statements. He asked those present speak and act with civility toward the Board and each other and to try and direct their comments to the Board only. He also asked the audience to limit their reactions of the testimony of each speaker so as not to disrupt the meeting. Thank you, Jim, for taking control of the Town Board meeting again. I would hope that respectful behavior can be maintained not only from the public in attendance, but also from Mr. Riggi.

In closing, Ms. Smith, I would like to remind you this is “A Right to Farm Town.”

Howard L, Pierce

Lyndonville

Editor:

Thank you for the feature story on Jacki Mowers-Sciarabba, Ministry of Concern Client Advocate, that appeared in the Orleans Hub on October 11.  We were all so pleased that Jacki’s work was recognized by the presentation of a Community Service award by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.

Unfortunately, there was some inaccurate and confusing information concerning services provided by the Orleans County Department of Social Services (DSS).  Excerpts from the interview questions and answers are followed by the correct information.

Interview Question: People might think there is Section 8 and welfare that cover all of the needs?

Answer: There is, but there is a waiting period for everything. If you go in and apply for Medicaid, you have a 45-day wait.

Correction:  There is a 30-day eligibility determination period for Medicaid.

Interview Question: Do you sometimes function as a connector to other agencies?

Answer: I never send someone out without having someone else for them to go to for the assistance that they need. We don’t help with rent or security deposits and that is an issue. Nobody in this county helps with security deposits. Community Action and DSS do first month’s rent, but there is limited funding.

Correction: The Orleans County Department of Social Services can provide landlords with a security deposit waiver agreement in which DSS will pay the landlord for any damages and recoup that money from the person receiving DSS benefits.

Interview Question: So people could need $500 or more for a security deposit?

Answer: Absolutely. The typical one is generally between $500 and $700. and then there is the matter of finding apartments. The landlords are often booked.

It is very difficult. They have to go through the application process. There is nothing quick when it comes to housing. So therefore how many nights can we pay for someone to stay at Dollinger’s? We used to have a rule for one night and you have to have a place to go by 11 o’clock the next morning. So if they needed one night’s lodging before they could move into their apartment, that was fine. But that is so often not the case. If the people are being evicted on a Thursday, they won’t get into DSS until Monday. What do they do for the weekend with their kids? What are they supposed to do?

I’m not one to encourage people to sleep in their cars. It’s not the heating season so DSS won’t help them with emergency housing. It has to be 40 degrees or lower for them to help with emergency housing. That displaces a lot of families.

Correction: DSS provides emergency shelter to families with children on the same day they apply. Single individuals are offered opportunities to rent through arrangements with local landlords. Once the temperature falls below 32 degrees, they may be placed in emergency housing until permanent housing is secured.

While we regret that these errors occurred it has afforded us the opportunity for a productive dialogue with the Department of Social Services. Both organizations are committed to working closely together, and with other organizations, to maximize limited resources and prevent any duplication of services.

Sincerely,

Nyla J. Gaylord

Executive Director

Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern, Inc.

Editor:

Last April I submitted a request to change my party affiliation. For the last 39 years I registered as an Independence party member, but I almost always voted conservative or republican.

I opted to change my affiliation to the Republican Party so I could better participate in what is essentially a two-party system.

During this past primary in the Town of Murray, I was surprised to find out that I was still registered as an Independence Party member. I’m not sure if my paperwork was lost or if the republicans didn’t want me.

Either way, I was a little relieved. I was relieved because I spent most of the last primary season nauseated by the campaign practices of the Town of Murray Republican Party.

To be fair, I doubt that most of the Murray Republicans approved of the sophomoric tactics employed by the party’s choice for Supervisor. I know and trust some of the members of the Republican Committee and two of the elected officials. I bet they were just as appalled as I was to see new lows in campaign ethics.

I implore all Republican and Conservative candidates to remember that you are on the same team; that you have the same goals. Conduct your lives and campaigns with dignity and grace.

Embrace the opportunity to serve the public. Earn the trust of your neighbors. Unite in our common belief that a just, efficient government can exist. Stun us with your magnanimity.

Put your egos aside. Live by the same rules as the rest of us do. Improve our systems, our methods and our community. Be honest and forthright. Give credit where credit is due. Do what you say you’ll do.

We’ll be blown away.

Chad Fabry

Murray