I feel a bit like Mark Twain when he said, “The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.” There are some confusing “reports” concerning me and the upcoming Town Clerk election. I generally do not like responding to hearsay, but feel I must.
The tales about my health, while possibly well-intentioned, are unfounded. I did have a rough time last year, but missed fewer than five days of work after successful cancer surgery, and am healthy. Any more said is gossip at its worst. Also, I have NO plans to move from Kendall. This story really surprised me!
Please know that I am running to retain my position as Town Clerk, and that there is no Primary in Kendall. I am the Conservative and the Republican candidate in November.
I appreciate the opportunity to serve in this capacity, and have more to contribute to our community as Kendall’s Town Clerk.
Many thanks to those who have contacted me for clarification, and for the wonderful words of encouragement.
It is difficult for me to understand how anyone, much less a conservative, could applaud President Trump’s pardon of Sheriff Arpaio.
No doubt some will dismiss what I intend to say here as some sort of “fake news”.
As I understand it, Arpaio defied a Federal Judge’s order to stop racial profiling in his efforts to enforce Arizona’s so-called “Papers Please” law. In July 2017, Arpaio was convicted of contempt of court and might have faced up to 6 months in jail had he not received a Presidential pardon.
Why should people who love this country care?
For one thing, the manner in which Arpaio enforced the Arizona law—if not the law itself—was arguably un-Constitutional. One’s complexion does not constitute probable cause. Under the Constitution as it is normally understood, law enforcement must have a reason—probable cause—to detain a person. In a free society with a Fourth Amendment, the notion that someone “looks foreign” is not a suitable substitute/excuse for pulling him/her over. There is no way of determining whether a person is a citizen/legal by looking at him/her.
Secondly, a court order is a court order. Obeying one is not optional. Certainly a sheriff should know that a court order must be respected if the rule of law is to be respected. The notion of what it means to be an example comes to mind. It is important that both sheriffs and Presidents are good ones.
Perhaps most important in my view is that this pardon is unfortunately consistent with President Trump’s record of disrespect for an independent judiciary. When a court has taken a position that he disagreed with in the past, he often suggested it was biased, the judge was a conservative or a liberal, depending on the issue, or the judge was of Hispanic descent, or whatever. Such comments encourage disrespect for an institution—the judiciary—that civil society depends on. Now that he is President, this becomes increasingly important.
There is no doubt that the President has Constitutional authority to issue pardons. Nonetheless, Danielle Pletka of the conservative American Enterprise Institute, speaking on Meet the Press, expressed alarm over the pardon of Sheriff Arpaio—in very strong language—for some of the reasons mentioned above.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Runners wait for the start of the 10-mile race on Aug. 19 in front of Bullard Park in Albion.
Editor:
The 2017 Metro 10 Race proved the third year is the charm with an increase of 100 runners and the look and feel of a great event. Tentative plans are underway to continue the event in Albion, we have an initial commitment from the Village of Albion to secure Bullard Park for Saturday, August 18, 2018. The Village Government and Village Police Department have been tremendous supporters of Metro 10.
There are scores of people to thank, starting with the great water stations brought together by volunteer coordinators Wayne Litchfield and Erin Smith. The Albion Cross Country Team, Jen Higgins and her Girl Scout Troop, and the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern joined us for the third year in a row, Weed Man was with us for the second year in a row and Orleans Community Health joined us for the first time. We receive 100% positive feedback on our water stations, they are the best in the region!
Behind the scenes, Jack Burris has filled in all the gaps and allows us to store and stage all the things we need to get things up and running. Mike Neidert is another person who helps with a slew of things. This year he stepped in and helped with parking when Bullard Park was filling up. Both of them seem to be in the right place at the right time.
Rick Newbould and his daughter Amanda have set up and torn down all the tents for three years. They do a ton of work and are responsible for the look of the post-race. Brad London and John “JT” Thomas provided us with sound. My good friend Preach Freedom provided the perfect vibe for the day with his amazing music, and another good friend Bryan DeGraw returned for a third year with mead from 810 Meadworks. We also welcomed Pastor Randy Lebaron who graciously prayed with our runners at the start and Gary Withey for singing the national anthem. Paul Sottnik sang for our runners at mile 5 and was fantastic.
The food crew provided nearly 1,000 tacos, first to the Community Kitchen on Friday night-a wonderful organization that allowed us to use their kitchen- and then to the runners, walkers and volunteers. The group includes my wonderful wife Tracy Jennings, my amazing niece Sue Zeliff, and our good friend Renee Rowley. Jessica Downey was not only part of the cooking crew on Friday, she organized the Micro 10.
Jim Salmon is another three-year veteran of the event. Not only is he a champion of Orleans County, he is a one-man promotional team for Metro 10. Jim is a vital part of our post-race and always arrives with a huge smile.
The volunteers from The Warrior House, especially Ed Spence, have been an amazing addition to the event. Ed loaned me his truck for an entire day, allowing us to pick up all the food and drinks without having to rent a vehicle.
We cannot forget our team captains, Vickey Beaver and Marissa Pace, who are incredible ambassadors and helped us even out the teams this year. Over 80% of our participants are from out of the county, which provides a clear economic boost.
I have an amazing group of family members who helped pull off the event including my nephew Pete Zeliff Jr. and his mom, my sister-in-law Kathy, and my brother-in-law Mike Zeliff. My son Thom Jr. set up and monitored the course, and my sister Kathleen and my brother-in law Jack came up from Savannah, Georgia to help with everything as well.
Kara Richenberg and Rhyn McDevitt from the O.M.G series helped with securing and distributing beverages at the finish and are a pleasure to partner and work with. Tim Elliot of Medina helped us secure a bunch of ice from the Medina V.F.W on race morning.
Everyone who helped with the Micro 10, including Homestead Wildflowers, Energize Albion, Della’s Chocolates and the employees of Rosicki, Rosicki and Associates and Steve and Jessica McClary. We had a beautiful day to send little Baylee her love notes.
Thanks to the Orleans County Health Department for the misters, COVA for being there a third year in a row, and all the guys from the Village of Albion DPW for extra help setting things up and moving them around and getting us the power we needed to run everything and cleaning things up when it was all said and done.
Special thanks go to Watt Farms Country Market who allow us to route through the apple orchard, and that part of the course is by far the most commented on in our post-race survey. We appreciate the fact they prep it for our participants, and everyone loves it!
Our third year sponsors include Fleet Feet (our very first sponsor), Bentley Brothers, Batavia Downs, The Town of Albion, and Oak Orchard Health. We are so grateful for your continued support and we know there is no Metro 10 without all of your support.
Our second year sponsors include Intergrow, Tops, Modern Corporation, RTS Orleans, The Insurance Center in Batavia, Orleans Community Health Foundation, and Genesee Beer. Most of our second year sponsors significantly increased their support this year to accommodate for the growth of the race. Intergrow not only provided the most cash of any organization, they also donated tomatoes for the tacos.
Our first year sponsors include M&T, Lawley Insurance, Apex Wind, Christopher Mitchell Funereal Home, ARG Disposal, Labatt, and Road ID. With all of your support you helped us balance the books this year, we look forward to growing with you.
A group of friends that not only help me get through Metro 10, they help me through life, Terry and Laura Stephens, Bobbi Houseman and Chris and Megan Dix all showed up to assist because that is what friends do. Megan recently passed away, and while she may not be with us on earth she remains in all of our hearts as she flies with the angels.
Finally, thanks to everyone who supported in any way, big or small way, especially local and regional media outlets that help get the word out. As you can see, The Metro 10 is truly a community effort and I hope it is a source of pride for all of us.
My name is Carol Culhane, and I am running for re-election as Gaines Supervisor. I am a 38-year taxpayer of the Town of Gaines. I served on the Zoning Board of Appeals and was the chairperson of the bicentennial in 2009. I am running on my record, which I am very proud of.
I have worked hard in my 5 ½ years as Supervisor to make Gaines more accountable, transparent and accessible to the people. One resident summed up my philosophy this way: “Mrs. Culhane runs an open door policy with her ‘coffee pot on,’ ready to discuss questions/concerns.”
Whose words are these? They are my opponent’s, Joe Grube, in his letter to the editor dated 9/11/2016.
Mr. Grube now sees things different apparently and attacks me as running some kind of secret operation. And this seems to be his only quibble with me.
Mr. Grube hasn’t raised any other concerns with my record as Supervisor. He doesn’t complain about 4 straight years of tax rate reductions, making Gaines the second-lowest taxed town in the County. He hasn’t faulted me for discovering and then correcting the over-levying of our water districts or paying down huge amounts of debt with the savings.
He takes no exception with major reductions in water loss obtained through a lot of hard work by myself and the board. There’s no protest over our enhancements to shared services or our commitment to performing annual audits, despite a 7 year audit drought prior to my assuming office.
We have had an active and current website for years and have been on social media such as Facebook and Twitter to provide information resources. He seems to not have used these opportunities for easy access to minutes, audits, calendar, newsletter etc. He passes through our beautiful town hall, improved greatly over the last 5 years with grants I’ve secured without much notice.
Mr. Grube never attended a meeting while the board and I were toiling for these improvements until just last year. Nor has he attended any budget workshop sessions nor budget public hearings. He doesn’t seem to care about them.
He also is the chairman of the Gaines Republican Committee recently elected and endorsed himself for Supervisor. Not reaching out and finding the best candidate among our community. According to him “keeping taxes in check is smart and a high priority, but it certainly isn’t everything.” (Grube letter to the editor dates 7/31/2017.
So, what should motivate one to run for office? And what should one’s priorities be?
For Mr. Grube, his 9/11/2016 letters leaves no doubt: to get back at me for the board’s unwillingness to appoint his wife as Town Clerk. He goes on for many paragraphs about it, in the first of many diatribes against me personally. This, after no previous interest in town government nor consistent meeting attendance.
I will not get into the reasons why the board – not me acting alone- appointed Ms. Harding as clerk. Those matters are rightly confidential for the benefit of all applicants. I can tell you it has nothing to do with efforts to “backstab” anyone and that all candidates were advised of the appointment after it was done in a public meeting – not behind closed doors.
I take strong exception to an entire candidacy built on vengeance and getting even. In Mr. Grube’s case, it is crystal clear.
If Gaines residents wish to switch horses and select a candidate with no policy proposals, no list of accomplishments in prior elective office, self-centered grievances and an axe to grind, then Mr. Grube is your man. And if you think Mr. Grube will have the same zeal for government once I’m out of the picture and be more accessible while working a full-time job in Rochester and volunteering, laudably, for the Albion Fire Department, then I hope for the best.
If, on the other hand, voters want a leader with a proven and unquestioned record of accomplishments as Supervisor, time and dedication to serve the public with openness, and tell-it-as-is frankness, then I am your candidate.
Let’s keep Gaines working for the people, not the politicians. I would greatly appreciate your vote for the Republican Primary on September 12th at the Gaines Town Hall, polls open noon until 9 p.m.
I grew up in a small town in New York and I’ve lived in Yates most of my adult life. I raised my family here… my heart is here. I served my country in the United States Air Force and now I want to serve my community.
I’m tired of seeing businesses boarded up and families struggling. We’re not doing enough to attract new businesses and investment to Yates. My focus is on attracting the right investments to Yates, bringing business back and lowering taxes for everyone.
I support economic development that will work with the community and bring jobs and income into our area to lower taxes. We are a heavily taxed area.
I believe we need businesses that will work within our existing infrastructure. That isn’t an easy task since we don’t have the money to build out our water lines and drainage. We must work together to determine which new businesses can reliably operate in our town given our location and infrastructure limitations.
To bring families in, we need companies to invest in this area and bring jobs. The money invested can help us lower taxes and improve the area we live in.
Finally, I believe we need all the facts on the wind farm before we decide whether to support it as a community. At this point we don’t know how many turbines they are proposing for Yates, or what the potential economic benefit could be for landowners, the town, and the school district. We need this information to make an informed decision.
I want to restore HOPE and PROSPERITY to our hometown…for our families…
The Rebuild Bullard Park/Rock The Park Committee would like to thank the following people and organizations for their assistance and sponsorship for the Fourth Annual Festival that was held on Saturday, August 5th, at Bullard Park.
Thank you to the following Bands: Mister Revelator, Zero, Rock Creek Mansion, Justin Crossett Band, Koko and The Moon Crickets
Thank you to the following Sponsors:
AJ Farms, Albion Betterment Committee, Albion VFW, Christopher Mitchell, DK Automotive, Albion Lions Club, Waters Auto Body, Bernie Baldwin, Snell Realtors, A&D Insurance, Albion Class of 2007, Steve Hawley, J-Co Driveway Sealing, Jonathan Doherty, Arnold’s Auto Parts/Napa Auto Parts, Neil Lewis, Lynn’s Salon, Cobblestone Federal Credit Union, Krantz Furniture, Morrison Realty, Hojack Bar & Grill, Lake Country Pennysaver, Keeler Construction, and 39 Problems.
Thank you to the Village of Albion DPW, and to all those who contributed to the growth and success of the festival.
This event will tentatively take place next year on Saturday, August 4, 2018, at Bullard Park in Albion, NY.
Sincerely,
Rebuild Bullard Park/Rock the Park Committee Members
I am quite disappointed in my opponent’s Letter to the Editor, posted August 17, 2017, in which he chooses to target my family in his campaign for Murray Supervisor. It’s obvious he was prompted by GOP leaders, headed by Ron Vendetti, who are desperate to maintain their grip on the Town.
This is nothing new in Murray. Since the start of my campaign, Mr. Vendetti has issued multiple violation notices and appearance tickets to my family, and is slinging dirt from 25 years ago. Why side-step the real issues and use your public office as a personal political weapon?
The answer is simple, and sad: Mr. Vendetti and my opponent are using the same play book to protect the Status Quo. This is the root cause of what’s holding our community back. I’ve tried to work within our system to bring about change in our town, but was rebuffed at every turn by our leadership.
My opponent’s statements about me are desperately unfounded. His letter is a manuscript of his personal dislike for me and my family, full of red herrings. Yes, we receive excellent water service from Holley. But we also pay thousands of dollars a year to multiple Murray water districts. As fruit farmers, our mature fruit trees support our family, and we were rightly compensated for their removal when public water was installed.
I have been loyal to our party, and carried petitions for endorsed GOP candidates this year. Our GOP Chairman, on the other hand, bucked the party by not backing the candidate endorsed by Murray Republicans for Sheriff, and instead funded the challenger’s primary campaign. Why does my opponent overlook this?
At least we agree on one thing: our water department is losing money. In 2017, the town budgeted for a loss of $66,901.00, which is offset by using our bond repayments to keep us afloat.
If my opponent believed in debates, we could explore these issues more. But sadly, he does not. So, I’ll be posting the hard facts on my Facebook page, JOE SIDONIO FOR SUPERVISOR, that prove my points.
I’m an imperfect man who’s made mistakes, which I have acknowledged in this forum. I’ve learned from them. I refuse to be drawn into the gutter by Mr. Vendetti and my opponent, and will keep focused on the issues that matter to the people.
I recently shared in this forum that my opponent will not be able to separate his party loyalty from the important reforms that lie ahead. I could not have imagined that he would confirm my suspicions so soon, and so publicly, by his blind appropriation of the bully tactics of Mr. Vendetti.
I trust my neighbors in Murray will see it the same way on September 12.
With the expected opening of one span of the Tappan Zee Bridge this week, the questions revolving around how we’re paying for it echo even louder throughout New York.
The bridge is a main artery from downstate into the city and Gov. Cuomo’s project is siphoning over $4 billion to it. From adding LED lighting to the bridge to calling in a special session to rename the bridge after his father, the governor is showing that the bridge is all politics and wasting money. We’re all in favor of improving our infrastructure but policy must be accompanied by fiscal responsibility.
I’ve joined with my colleagues to call for a concrete financial plan for the bridge many times in the past but the governor’s office has yet to provide one. With the bridge being partially operational it’s past time for answers. If taxes are going to be raised on upstate residents who won’t even see the bridge or, tolls being drastically hiked after 2020, we don’t know, but something is definitely rotting under this bridge.
The Thruway Authority exists to serve the entirety of the state, not just New York City. If there is even a chance that tolls upstate will be funneled to support the project then we have to know about it. If that’s the case then Upstate New York should not have to pay the price for something the majority of its residents won’t even use. It’s sacrificing the wants and needs of the people in service to Gov. Cuomo’s grandstanding and political ambition.
My name is Gerry Zinkievich and I am running to be one of the next Town Council Persons in Shelby. You might remember me as having been in the Town Offices as a deputy town clerk, assessor’s clerk, court clerk, and lastly as the Shelby Town Clerk. These jobs gave me much insight and knowledge to most areas of the workings of the Town of Shelby.
Recently, I decided to run for Council Person as I became aware of several situations that I felt were not fair to the residents of the Town of Shelby. It is not my top desire to get involved in politics again, but I cannot sit on the sidelines and just express concern.
So I decided I had to step up and run for this position with hopes of bringing about some changes which are beneficial to the residents of the Town. I feel there needs to be more transparency with the Board so that Town residents are aware of what is going on and how it pertains to them.
The lack of a local newspaper has made it hard to communicate with residents. The Hub is a great place to read the news, but unfortunately, not all residents have computers. I would like to check in with the Hometown Extra paper that has been showing up in our mailboxes to see if we could get information out that way. The people need a reminder of when the meetings are so they can attend if they wish. If any major happenings are occurring within the Town, the residents should be kept up to date.
My late husband and I raised our 4 children on a dairy farm on Fletcher Chapel Road. My 4 children have blessed me with 14 grandchildren, and, in turn, the grandchildren have blessed me with 3 great-grandchildren. Three of my children live in the Town of Shelby and are raising their families here. Therefore, my interests in making Shelby a better township are both personally motivated as well as caring for the residents which I used to serve as Town Clerk.
I am a member of the East Shelby Ladies Auxiliary and attend the East Shelby Community Church. I have involved myself in the raising of funds for the Knights Kaderli Memorial Fund by doing a Wine Tasting in memory of my husband, brother in law and mother in law. I am not afraid of putting in extra effort to accomplish whatever needs to be done.
I tried to be a Town Clerk that was there to serve the residents to the best of my ability and to give them the work ethic they expected from me when they elected me. I start this venture with the intention of carrying through the same work ethic and service that you, the residents, expect of a person they have put their trust in by voting them into office.
With all this being said, I am asking for your vote in the September 12, 2017 primary. Polls will open at noon and close at 9 p.m. You can cast your vote at the Town of Shelby Hall on Salt Works Road. Please take a moment to care as much as I do, and even if you choose not to vote for me, at least exercise your right to vote.
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Karen Kaiser and I am running for the office of Town Clerk for the Town of Ridgeway. I hold the endorsement of both the Republican and Conservative Parties.
I have held the position of Deputy Town Clerk for the Town of Ridgeway for the past six years. During my time as Deputy Town Clerk, I have successfully learned the responsibilities of the Town Clerk through hands on training which includes, but is not limited to: D.E.C. System – issuing hunting and fishing licenses; Issuing Birth, Death and Marriage Certificates and Certified Transcripts; Records Management; Prepare Payroll and Vouchers for payment; Preparing and Collecting data for the establishment of Water Districts.
During the past six years I have accomplished many things such as attending NYS Town Clerk’s Conferences, where I participated in continuing education classes. I was instrumental in helping to acquire the credit card system that is now in use. I am the Town of Ridgeway Marriage Officer and I have received my Notary Public commission.
I am confident that I have built a strong foundation to be Ridgeway’s next Town Clerk. I am thankful to Barb Klatt for appointing me and believing in my ability to perform the duties of Deputy Town Clerk.
I respectfully ask for voters’ support on Primary Day, Tuesday September 12th,
I promise to continue serving the town residents with respect, integrity, and honesty.
