Editor:

As I spent the day before the primary working on the Town of Gaines budget, I couldn’t help but reflect on the campaign. The new people I met, the neighbors I have had the privilege to serve and the hope for the future. My blessings are many and my faith is strong.

Thank you for your time, your confidence and your care and concern for our beloved Town of Gaines. Let us keep moving forward making Gaines the “diamond of the Ridge” one step at a time. Working together for our town but also for the greater good.

Sincerely,

Carol Culhane

Town of Gaines Supervisor

Editor:

Apparently while the challenger for Murray Town Supervisor noticed unfair enforcement during his 12 years on the Planning Board, he never mentioned it to anyone or did anything about it. In fact, during his years on the Planning Board he complained about property maintenance violations on many properties. He called me numerous times to report what he perceived to be violations on other properties, but he objected whenever the violations were to his family.

His issues with me start with the parking along Ridge Road in a 55 mph zone where the required parking was not being provided. Safety is a responsibility of the Town no matter what your name is. He brags about mowing the roadside, but doesn’t mow the abandoned houses on the road his family owns, because they were “too wet”, the only properties on the road “too wet” to mow.

I am a Code Enforcement Officer, simply I enforce Codes. That doesn’t make me popular. As code enforcement officer I am not the final decision maker in any enforcement action. I first send violation notices, then if there is no compliance I write an appearance ticket. The judge decides guilt or innocence. The District Attorney reviews my prosecutions. I have never had a case overturned or had any court rebukes for misconduct.

I make a convenient target because I have to enforce codes, that doesn’t make everyone happy. Codes are enacted by the state of New York and the Town of Murray. The job includes plan review and building inspection as well as Fire Marshall. I am trained in building codes which are there to protect the homeowner. The property maintenance codes are there to protect the resident’s quality of life.

I am a Civil Service Employee, I can’t be removed without cause and a hearing. The Town Board has reviewed complaints about enforcement, the process is not done in public. When I was hired, there was a concern that there had been little enforcement and there were numerous complaints about property conditions. I was asked by the board to take a measured approach, but to follow the law.

Every violation notice that is sent has a picture of the violation in the file. Every violation comes with the text of the code section being violated, a time to correct and the consequences of continued violation. The last line of every violation notice says that if you believe you have received the violation in error or need more time to call.

I am also the Chairman of the Republican Party for the Town of Murray. I was elected by my fellow committee members. Joe was a member at the time but never nominated anyone else. I have never used my job as code officer to influence an election.

The Republican Committee takes its responsibility to endorse seriously and we investigate our candidates. Their past, their knowledge of the issues in the Town, their record of public and community service. On all these issues we are satisfied that our endorsed candidates meet the high standards for our endorsement.

I have a felony conviction. It was 30 years ago, but the answer when asked is yes, I have one and it has always been yes.

He says I am misrepresenting an episode in his past. When he asked the Republican Committee for an endorsement for the seat now held by Bob Miller, I asked Joe if he had ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony. After some delay he said no. Explaining the delay he said he was thinking back to bar fights. The episode he was involved in was no bar fight. He was in fact convicted of or plead guilty to both misdemeanors and a felony. The Committee, in endorsing candidates, checks their backgrounds prior to endorsement. The voters can decide for themselves whether this episode is a factor in his qualifications for office. The Committee felt that his honesty and integrity was an issue.

He has lied repeatedly to the committee and to the public. He said he wasn’t convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, a lie. He said he wasn’t carrying a petition to force a primary, a lie. He said there was no allegation of violence in his past, a lie. He said he doesn’t steal political signs, a lie. There has been a steady stream of violations since he announced his candidacy, a lie there was one violation to his mother in law regarding the early placement of political signs, and a ticket for not mowing, the violation was sent before his announcement.

On his signs he says working together. With who? He has demeaned every board member, employee or elected official in the Town.

I’ve worked for municipalities for 21 years now. I’ve seen what happens when a disruptive person gets elected, everything stops and nothing gets accomplished. There were no controversies in Murray before Joe. It’s him, the controversies, the financial problems are his creations, and yet another series of lies. Take a look at his supporters and ask why they support him. Is he trying to fight the status quo or reestablish it so those who are his friends and family are exempt from the rules?

I know Mr. Lofthouse will want the last word but just a quick observation. He calls out a Gaines Council Candidate for not attending many Board meetings, but supports a Murray Candidate who is only listed on one sign in sheet. Apparently his standards are different from ours. He refers to our Town Republican Committee as a “goon squad” and accuses us of defacing signs. I personally don’t know of one committee member who would even consider doing that.

I take responsibility as chairman for any actions undertaken by the committee. While the committee was not responsible for the mailers, I fully support the disclosure of the lies that Joe has told. He was convicted of violating orders of protection, and after years of terrorizing a woman he was convicted of stalking.  His plea agreement allowed for the felony to be removed after he completed his jail time.

While I personally find his actions offensive, the issue has always been his integrity.  After stealing the sign it is reported that he says he was only trying to return it and he going to sue.  Stand up and be a man. You did wrong in the past, you stole a sign this week. Own up to it.

Ron Vendetti

Holley

Editor:

As the GOP primary for Murray Town Supervisor draws to a close, I am compelled to address the voters personally about the path this campaign has followed, and the choice that lies ahead.

I have been direct about the failing policies of our town government, and how we must do better. The response of my opponent and the party have been shameful personal attacks against me. They even launched a swampy website with photoshopped images to paint me as a stalker and included images of my wife and daughter.

There is no doubt that Bob Miller, Ron Vendetti and ED Morgan are behind it. Just this Saturday Murray Voters received 2 mailers: one containing letters from Ed Morgan and Mr. Miller, and another from “anonymous”, slinging dirt from 25 years ago about mistakes I disclosed back in June.

Both letters hit mailboxes on the same day. Both used the exact same mail list. Even the post marks, time and address labels were identical.

There’s more. On Saturday night, Mr. Miller a retired state trooper sent two police officers to my home to issue me an appearance ticket for removing not a political sign but one advertising his smear website.

This coordinated assault by Miller, Morgan and Vendetti is below the integrity of their offices and an affront on our democratic institutions.

Although I predicted it months ago, I am still shocked that this threesome would use police-state tactics to preserve their unchecked power.

Nonetheless, I am emboldened to reaffirm what’s really important: Good Government. Accountability. Building a better future for Murray.

From the start of my campaign, I have spoken with specificity on the policies we must pursue, from fixing our failing general and water funds once and for all, to seeing that all residents get a fair shake in their dealings with town officials. We must bend over backwards to promote Murray as a place to start a business and raise a family and hold all town officials to the highest possible standards of ethical conduct.

Apparently, this talk threatens my opponents, and instead of appealing to our better angels, they’ve lashed out.

I’m the only candidate for Supervisor ready to lead Murray through these fixes, and won’t be deterred by those who have proven they will do anything to preserve the status quo.

I’m Joe Sidonio, I want to work for you, and I’d greatly appreciate your support this Tuesday.

Joe Sidonio

Murray

Editor:

I’d like to take a moment to thank all the residents of Gaines I’ve had the chance to speak with over the last month. My impromptu visits have interrupted dinners, tractor repairs, hurricane watching, desserts, and that quiet time people enjoy when they get home from a hard day at work. Everyone has been gracious and welcoming. Great discussions have happened. I’d like to say I’ve made new friends!

During my time listening to everyone, I’ve learned that our neighbors want our town government to serve them well. They want people to be respectful of others. They want information easily available. They want to be listened to when they have a problem, and everything to be running nicely when they don’t. They have busy lives. They want to feel like they know what’s going on, and get all that information easily. They usually don’t have time in their busy lives to attend meetings. They want to trust their elected officials.

This feedback lines up perfectly with what I envision for Gaines. My personal and professional experience leading, mentoring, managing, and serving others helps me learn what’s important to people. It also helps me inspire those around me to do what’s right for the people they chose to serve, which in this case, is the residents of Gaines. Together we will make a town that is a great place to live be even better!

The political process can be nasty. We see it at the national and state level. It doesn’t need to be that way here. That political process really is a lengthy job interview where there are hundreds of interviewers and decision makers. While I suppose some people at the local level enter politics for questionable reasons, most just want to serve because they have fresh ideas and feel they can make a positive impact. I am one of those who feels I can make a difference.

With that, I’d like to think I’ve been successful in my interviews with the Republicans in the Town of Gaines! I’d like to ask you to help me move toward the goal of being your Town Supervisor by giving me your support in the Republican Primary on September 12th!

Thank you!

Joseph Grube

Candidate for Town Supervisor

Town of Gaines

Editor:

Tuesday, Sept. 12, is the Republican Primary Election for our Town of Yates. Historically primary turnouts are very light.

Right now our Town of Yates is at a very important “Crossroads.” Do we want to stay “Status Quo,” or do we want to “move our Town forward?”

I will continue to try and meet as many town residents between now and Tuesday. I promise to fight to move our town forward!

Let’s prove history wrong with a large turnout on Tuesday.  Voters, show that you care about our Town by voting in the Primary.

I am in the last box to the right of the ballot. I would appreciate your vote on Tuesday.

Thank you,

Howard Pierce

Candidate for Town Councilman in Yates

Editor:

I have been the Highway Superintendent for 24 years, and have never written response letters or engaged in political finger pointing until this current leadership in Gaines. The gross misrepresentation of facts and accusations (made in public) of employees has left me no other option in order to let Gaines people know the truth and how words are twisted.

As to the town’s water loss. The Town Superintendent was notified of the irregularity of water use/loss. For how long? I’m not sure, but I do know our department was the last to learn about this. Ms. Culhane’s knowledge of the water loss prompted an investigation – someone, somewhere was getting free water and someone was going to be held responsible. With her limited understanding of how water lines and meter pits work, I was the target of said investigation, was (and continue to be) the object of her accusations. You may have heard this “water stealing” story brought up if you were approached in recent door to door campaigning.

When our department was informed of this water situation, David Rustay (highway employee) and I checked every meter pit throughout the Town of Gaines. We found one faulty check valve in the meter pit, owned and operated by the town of Ridgeway. This was immediately turned off and the town of Ridgeway was contacted. We agreed to place a bi-directional water meter in the pit. This was installed July 8th. Between July 8 – October 24 there was 382,000 gallons of water that went through this meter. That is 382,000 gallons of water that went through the bi-directional meter was water that would have been previously un-metered.

We believed we found the loss and fixed the problem. This was not good enough. Ms. Culhane was not satisfied with this result. In her mind, there had to be employee infraction and “suspicious” water loss activities; there were violations that needed to be found. Wendel Engineers was hired to do an investigation into the meter pits. Because of the number of meter pits, this investigation was scheduled to take 3 days to complete. Well, it took 3 hours and it cost the tax payers over $9,000. The best $9,000 suggestion Wendel could come up with for an improvement was to padlock and paint inside the pits.

At the October 2013 board meeting, there were 40 people in attendance. This was extremely out of the ordinary – on any given month there are between 6 and 8. It was clearly evident that she invited people to attend and provided some invited individuals with a question. This “staged” meeting was solely for her benefit.

Want another water story? Ms. Culhane denied the continuance of shared services with the town of Murray, which we have done for many years. Murray was going to upgrade/purchase a water meter reader. Our (one time) cost to Murray was going to be $5,500. Instead, Ms. Culhane purchased our very own drive by water meter reader for $30,000. But, this reader will only be used quarterly, for approximately 10 hours per year. How cost effective is that?

Our department is a team that works well together. We are well-skilled and knowledgeable about the jobs and duties we perform. We know what we need, what is useful, what is (or is not) cost effective and what works. When I offered my opinion, based on 24 years of service to the Town of Gaines, that this purchase was not needed, necessary nor cost effective. Ms. Culhane said it was her decision.

Respectfully submitted,

Ron Mannella

Town of Gaines Superintendent of Highways & Water

Editor:

The Town of Gaines Republican Committee with Joe Grube as chairman without a platform of substance has self-endorsed to run against Carol Culhane, the current Gaines Town Supervisor. He has managed to make it to one Town Board meeting this year, and several in previous years. Carol has a record of accomplishments noted by prior letters in the newspapers, and postings on the Orleans Hub by people that do take the time and have the interest to attend the board meetings.

Tyler Allport a political newcomer with a Republican endorsement having attended very few if any Gaines Town Board meetings, also without a platform of record, is running for a position on the Town Board. Susan Smith, Town Board member with a record of serving her constituents with honest dedication, is also running for town board.

Susan Heard “self endorsed” Republican candidate is the retiring Orleans County Treasurer who is quietly running for Gaines Town Clerk against Debra Mitchell to possibly try her hand at “Double-Dipping.” She has labeled Carol Culhane as a bully. Ms. Heard along with her ilk ought to look in the mirror. People who are honest with themselves and want good fair government in Gaines, will vote for Carol, Susan and Debra. Proud to know all 3!

The Town of Murray with its adolescent goon squad is placing graffiti on some of Joe Sidonio`s campaign signs. The GOP Committee led by Ron Vendetti has managed to find a person who is politically unknown but apparently will do, for their endorsed candidate to run against Joe Sidonio for Murray Town Supervisor. Robert Miller could be the ” Rubber Stamp-Double Dipper” that the Murray Rinos are looking for. Mr. Miller’s Town Board meeting attendance has been scarce, and his platform is nil.

Joe Sidonio who has been working very hard the past 2+ years to post the short comings and problems within the Town of Murrays` government out in the open and in a way that the people can understand. Vote for Joe Sidonio for Supervisor of the Town of Murray. He has demonstrated his ability, his knowledge, dedication, and commitment, with a solid fiscal platform having attended all town board meetings. Mike Whalen a conservative minded Republican is running for a seat on the Murray Town Board. He would be a good change on the board. Joe and Mike will give Murray’s people good honest government and deserves your whole-hearted support and vote. I have known Joe for a number of years but have recently got to know Mike. Proud to support the both of them!

The so-called Republican Committees in some towns have a way of making a person feel unwelcome and intruding on their time during the endorsement application process, and the interview itself. They already have a candidate lined up beforehand.

Robin Nacca, a successful business woman with businesses in Erie County and elsewhere and makes her home in the Town of Barre, is a candidate for Town Supervisor running on a platform of open and fiscally responsible government. Robin carries the Conservative endorsement and deserves your vote in the Republican Primary. She is her own person, and not a former government employee potential “Double-Dipper.” Robin is hard working, honest, and forthright with qualifications to serve her constituents well. Having known her and her husband Alex for a number of years, I support her proudly. Vote for Robin Nacca.

Richard DeCarlo Jr. Barre Town Justice is seeking the same position in the upcoming elections. Good man. Vote for Richard DeCarlo Jr.

In Kendall there is a race for the Town Clerk position. It is said that a technical glitch took place at the Orleans County Board of Elections that gave Amy Richardson, the current Town Clerk, the unearned Republican line on the ballot. This information reported by Republican Chairman John Becker of the Kendall GOP Committee. Becker also stated that Amy did not approach the committee seeking support or an endorsement. Amy has a mind of her own and supports the people she feels are the best for whatever position. The committee has a problem with that and Amy knew she wouldn’t get their support. By not asking for their support, it allowed the committee to endorse a person more to their liking without having to feel guilty.

I would think that the Endorsed Candidate must feel used by the Kendall Republican Committee with their inability or wherewithal to get her name placed on the Republican line. It worked out OK in my eyes, but I would think as a whole, the people that make up the committee should feel pretty small. Chairman Becker knows all about glitches during his political career and one in particular that cost the tax payers a large sum. I have known Amy and her husband Jim for years and fully support Amy. Vote for Amy Richardson Kendall Town Clerk.

In the Town of Yates, the Republican Committee in trying to throw a road block in front of Paul Lauricella Jr, who will be running for a seat on the Yates Town Board. The Committee found it necessary to endorse Harold Suhr, a Democrat, to run on the Republican line. Paul, who is a registered Conservative, is fiscally and smaller government minded, and will work hard to control spending in the Town of Yates. I have known Paul and his family for about 7 years, and I fully support him. Vote for Paul Lauricella Jr. Yates Town Board. Jim Simon is the endorsed Conservative Candidate for Supervisor Town of Yates. Vote for Jim Simon.

Please vote for all the Conservative-endorsed candidates and hopefully this might begin to change the political landscape in Orleans County, which suffers from being the highest taxed, and close to the highest unemployment rate, and the lowest per capita disposable income in New York State.

Note: The Conservative Ad in the Lake Country Pennysaver was paid for by the Orleans Co. Conservative Committee, and not by myself.

Allen Lofthouse

Chairman of Orleans County Conservative Party

Editor:

This letter is written for Gaines Republican voters.

The campaign process has been and continues to be a humbling and rewarding experience. I am truly honored to be your endorsed candidate for our Town Board, and hope to remain your choice after this Tuesday’s Primary Election.

As the Hazard Insurance Manager and Banking Officer at a major national bank, I have great experience in budgeting, leading, and aggressive problem solving. All qualities that we desperately need and should demand of our elected officials. Unfortunately, this has been lacking in recent years.

We need a group of leaders that will have our best interests at heart, and will do what is necessary to implement long term solutions to the very real problems that face our Town.

I make the pledge now, that if I remain your nominee, I will not bring nonsensical lawsuits against citizens at the expense of the tax payer. I continue to promise not to treat my constituents as second-class citizens, or force out fellow Town Officials, if things do not go my way. I will not hide behind my title or create excuses when tough situations present themselves, rather create actual and sustainable solutions that benefit all constituents.

Our next leadership will be faced with issues that stem from the failings and shortcomings of current leadership. We will have to find ways to increase and retain the Town’s population. We cannot remain on the path of continuously losing residents and expect there not to be long-term financial consequences.

The next leaders will need to appeal to businesses to locate in our Town to increase cash flow for all. We have the people, talent, and location to be the Town that other areas wish to emulate. I promise to do whatever it takes to make this happen, as this is my home, and I want to see us all prosper.

Thank you for your support,

Tyler James Allport

Republican-endorsed candidate for the Gaines Town Board

Editor:

My name is Jerry Culhane.

I’d like to tell you about my wife Carol. I know her better than anyone.

As a Marine Corps combat veteran, I have earned the right to call someone a patriot. My wife, Carol is a true American Patriot. She serves her Country every day while at her post as Gaines Town Supervisor.  She is not a politician but a community servant working for you and not for the power, the pay or the prestige.

As Supervisor, Carol has demonstrated her loyalty to the Town of Gaines, the Republican philosophy and the voters. When she is asked, what party are you she always says the same thing, “I love my God, I love my Country and I believe in the Constitution.”

Leading by example, she has streamlined government, reducing spending and cutting taxes. Managing the water sales, making sure everyone pays for the what they use, getting rid of the over levying of the water districts and on and on. You are paying less today for the same high level of governmental services than when she began 6 years ago.  Under Carol’s leadership Gaines is the second lowest taxed town in the county.

Carol is a caring and compassionate woman. She has dedicated her life to her family but can also be tough as nails, a courageous fighter. We operated a Christmas tree farm for 18 years and felt we served our community well. She has been a great support of the local communities all the way to Washington, DC with her services to the military and the veterans. Carol has donated, worked for, assisted and given to many, many charities and causes over the years.

We as a family have seen some wonderful times together and some very trying times as life happens but she is always there. She’s loyal to a fault, hardworking and devoted. Gaines is our home and Carol has committed herself through dedication and duty for the betterment of our town for all of us.

I was asked just recently, after 32 years of knowing Carol, what does she mean to me? My response is “everything.” I fully support her loyalty to the Town of Gaines and all the good work she has done.

Respectfully,

Jerry Culhane

Gaines

Editor:

I am writing this letter to let the Town of Gaines residents know that our town does NOT need to be rescued and repaired. Why would you want to fix something that is not broken?

The Town of Gaines is in great hands and doing well!

1. Our budgets are consistently balanced. A flat tax will only raise taxes and discourage new businesses and new residents. Gaines is the 2nd lowest town for tax increases in all of Orleans County for the past 10 years! Your town is in great fiscal shape!!

2. All budgets follow NY State Controllers guidelines. The baseline is the Supervisor’s budgetary item with all Elected Officials. The steps in reaching a final budgetary decision involve accountants and all elected officials as it moves through its process. The entire procedure is open to the public ending with final approval following a public hearing. Decisions are reached by consensus, as what is financially correct for the Town of Gaines.

3. All Town Board members receive all incoming information from the Supervisor as she receives them. All information is addressed and dated with all board members names to review. All of us have the power to table if we feel unprepared or need more time to research subject matter. All vouchers are reviewed and audited mainly by all Town Board members on a monthly basis before meetings take place. You can find all information on line at our website (click here). We are also on FB and Twitter.

4. We started with few businesses in the Town of Gaines and have grown today. The Master Plan Goals you gave us continue yesterday, today, tomorrow.

5. “The New York State Comptroller is the State’s Chief fiscal Officer who ensures that State and local governments use taxpayer money effectively and efficiently to promote common good” (osc.state.ny.us). We are not even close on their radar for towns that are in fiscal stress.

Attending meetings on a regular basis prepares and informs all interested residents the Town of Gaines Goals, and the process it is incorporated in running our Town Business. Fact: The Gaines Republican Nominating Chair/Gaines Supervisor Candidate has only attended one meeting in the last 10 months and not one budget public hearing. Republican Nominating Committee member/Town Clerk candidate attended 2 meetings the last 10 months. The youngest endorsed Gaines Republican Councilman Candidate has attended 0 meetings.

If any doubts have entered your mind about the Town of Gaines please call Supervisor Carol Culhane or any of the Council people including myself. Our names and numbers are listed on our Town’s web page.

Susan Smith

Gaines

(Smith is a member of the Gaines Town Board)