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

Editor:

Regarding the Shelby resignations, Scott Wengewicz is a disabled veteran who served his country. He then became the head of the Air and Marine divisions of the Rochester Border Patrol – 30 years of service. This is a man of honor and integrity who loves his country and loves Shelby.

His integrity was constantly called into question by board members and newly nominated candidates through innuendo, behind-the-back activities, and flat-out falsehoods. He didn’t stand at meetings and scream and holler to defend himself because as a man of honor. He allowed his actions to speak for themselves. It’s too bad a lot of people drank the cool aid.

Steve Seitz is a man of honor and integrity. I have had years of personal and business dealings with this man and have never heard a disparaging word said about him until this Town Board came along.

He worked for the town until he retired and became a councilman because he loves Shelby. His integrity and honor were called into question constantly by the same people.

Jeff Schiffer is a close personal friend. I have never met a more honest and loyal person. If he senses a conflict or problem arising, he goes straight to that person to discuss it man to man or man to woman, whatever the case may be to straighten it out. He will listen and if he finds that he was wrong he will apologize or change his stance on a subject.

He always got the pulse of the citizens and voted that way even if his personal opinion differed. He is a man with 3 degrees and retired as the Head Counselor at Attica. His integrity was constantly called into question by the same people mentioned above.

These three men could not take the backhanded actions and lies used to run them down by people who lack the integrity that they possess. They did not resign to create turmoil as some suggest, they just couldn’t continue to be degraded by people with no honor.

Now there are rumors of several other town employees who are going to resign for the same reason. Maybe instead of finding fault with them, you should look at the real reasons for this exodus.

I am and always will be proud to call these three men my friend. I could not ever be friends with the deceitful, conniving, self serving people who brought them to make this decision for their own piece of mind.

James Rogenmoser

Shelby

Editor:

What follows is intended to be a reminder. It is not meant to lay a guilt trip on anyone.

My wife and I just saw a report regarding the spotted lantern fly, an invasive insect that can devastate trees—one of our principal allies in the fight to reduce carbon pollution. The sweeter a tree’s sap, the more likely lantern flies are to attack it.

What we heard suggested that lantern flies haven’t become a big problem in Orleans County yet but could eventually ravage some of our more desirable trees and become a major headache for fruit farmers.

Among our natural allies in dealing with spotted lantern flies are native birds. Those mentioned in the piece we heard included birds as diverse as catbirds and cardinals! The preying mantis and yellow jacket were among the insects that evidently feed on them. Healthy environments typically have an abundance of such creatures.

Providing habitat for their enemies helps control lantern flies. Avian enemies of other harmful insects—as well as rodents—include kestrels and screech owls as well as many songbirds such as orioles and bluebirds (the hawks and owls include some insects in their diets, while songbirds generally do not go after rodents).

As cardinals are mainly seed eaters, we were surprised that they take lantern flies. Presumably seed-eaters would use these insects and others primarily to feed their young.

The report we listened to provides another example of how a bird-friendly environment can be beneficial to us.

Thanks to the many people here who work to provide such habitat.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent

Albion

Editor:

The July 3rd Independence Day Celebration, sponsored by the Village of Albion Recreation Department, drew thousands of people from all across the region for an afternoon and evening of family fun and relaxation.

People came to Bullard Park from the neighboring counties for the annual chicken barbecue, to hear the music from the three bands, to purchase food and beverages from the many vendors, to visit the artisans who set up their business, and of course for the fireworks which capped off the evening. We would like to see this celebration every July 3rd moving forward and in many years ahead. It took a supportive community to make all this come together.

I was asked by a reporter if I was shocked to see the park packed with people. I responded with NO. I knew it would be packed because Albion has been craving this for several years.

I should apologize before I start naming all those who contributed to this event. I am sure I will leave names or organizations out.

Special thanks to June Persia and Jeff Holler who chaired the food vendors and artisans. Thanks to Chief David Mogle and the Village of Albion Police Department, Jay Pahura and his Village Street Department, Village of Albion Office Staff, the Village Mayor and Board of Trustees, GACRE Committee, Village Recreation Committee, Albion Fire Department, Bernie Baldwin, Diana Grillo who assisted on a daily basis, Tom O’Hearn and his cookers consisting of Dusty DeCarlo, Gary VanWycke, David Vagg, Dean London, Andrew London, Mark Restivo, Ray Stefani, and Kevin Sheehan. They cooked the best chicken barbecue around.

To the servers consisting of Theresa O’Hearn, Nicole DeCarlo, Denise London, Annette Grillo Finch, Laurie Tully along with the members of the GACRE and Recreation Committee, Tom Brown and Mark Johnson for providing golf carts, John Bigley and Mike Beach for staying to the end, GO Art! for the grant, Terry Wilbert and Dick Remley with the Town of Albion, Village Recreation Park Staff, to all the businesses who allowed donations jars at their locations, to the fabulous donors who contributed to the cost of the fireworks, Young Explosives for a fine fireworks show, to the bands consisting of Ryan and Company, 104 Country and the Who Dats for the wonderful music, Brad London, Tom Rivers and Natalie Baron from the Orleans Hub, Ron Albertson and Keeler Construction for the lighting, and Dora and Partick from Save-A-Lot.

Once again, I apologize if I failed to remember others.

We are still collecting donations for next year, 2026. Send checks to the Village of Albion, 35 East Bank Street, Albion, NY 14411 and make checks payable to the Village of Albion with a memo of Fireworks.

This community should stand proud. Thank you for all the support.

Sincerely,

John J. Grillo

Village of Albion

Recreation Director