Editor:

Let it be known that Mr. Riggi’s views are not shared by many of his constituents in the Town of Yates. I am deeply troubled by his recent letter to the Orleans Hub, in which he reviewed the PSC comments regarding Apex’s Lighthouse Wind Project.

His confident assertion that the comments “show a clear, ongoing and massive opposition to this project,” is misleading. Although the PSC is an important forum for voicing opinion, it is worth noting whose opinion is being voiced and at what frequency.

A closer look at the 776 comments now submitted reveals that 390 comments (over 50% of the total collected), were submitted by a mere 40 households (59 individuals). In fact, 35 comments – nearly 5% of the total counted – were submitted from one individual alone, a collection which reads more like a private diary and less like a public discourse.

When considering Mr. Riggi’s numbers, consider the number of hours many farmers work in a day, in a week, in a season. Although we are all given the opportunity to comment, sharing our opinions at such a statistic-bending frequency requires a lot of time, a luxury many of us cannot afford.

I spent this past weekend at the Orleans County Fair, a beloved event attended by a proper sampling of our towns.  This is the second year running Apex has supported the 4-H in Orleans as a top level sponsor. Not only did the Apex employees have an informational tent at the fair, presenting a genuine and respectful face to the community, but also I saw their plans widely embraced as “common sense” and “about time” by swaths of farmers and others alike.

It is a long time for both voices in this fight to be heard, and for the slanted and misleading arguments to be exposed.

Sincerely,

Howard Pierce
Lyndonville

Editor:

With the proposed Apex industrial wind turbine project in Somerset and Yates there are those who are opposed and those who support the wind turbines. This is normal.

However, as one who is opposed to the project, along with many others, we have placed signs on our property which display our opinion. Supporters of the project have also placed many signs along their property.

I am writing to document the fact that many of the SOS anti-wind signs are being removed by persons unknown. This has been reported to the sheriff and steps are being taken to identify the thief (or thieves).

For the record, no one opposed to the turbines has removed one pro-wind turbine sign. We respect the right to free speech. We respectfully ask that Apex and Lighthouse Wind do the same and publicly request people to cease and desist in unlawful removal of signs which are in opposition to their project.

I also ask those who have had their signs removed to report this to the sheriff.

Sincerely,
Susan E. Dudley
Lyndonville

Editor:

I am not surprised of the one-mindedness of the Murray Town Board. Perhaps that is what has bolted them into the limelight this past year with discontent from 2nd Amendment advocates and those who were woken up over excessive taxation.

They seem to be obsessed with Mr. Sidonio having the gall to aspire to run for a position on the Town Board. Maybe it’s because he’s not of the same mind. Politicians seem to fear that and will go through lengthily effort to ward off that kind of evil.

I see nothing wrong with what Joe (Sidonio) wrote. He speaks the truth. Mr. Morgan is not a small government advocate. He has endorsed probably one of the most progressive big government Legislatures in the history of Orleans County.

This legislative body is constantly spending money and growing the government complex. Under Mr. Chuck Nesbitt’s leadership the citizens have gotten one tax cut in 11 years. None of the legislators bat an eye – not even the lone Democrat.

Always blaming Albany. Yet every year new projects to expand continue to take place. Never giving it a few years’ rest out of decency to show the people that they count, too. I’m not speaking of basic functions and repairs but genuine expansion that would make Chuck Schumer smile.

I’m told every time I question these undertakings it will make money for the county. Yet no tax cut. Where is all this money generated by government? Last Wednesday at the county meeting I’m told that the free software from the State is no good that’s why we have to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for it from private companies. While I agree some may be better, shouldn’t the tax payers be put first? I believe it’s just preference or maybe use of a favored company. At any rate it is a matter that this Legislature should address but probably won’t.

Exposing what political figures in high positions take advantage of every day in our government is quite admirable. While what Republican Party Chairman Ed Morgan has taken advantage of is perfectly legal, does it pass the test of the appearance of being ethical? This is more a reflection on the character of the Town and Country Governments that it is on Mr. Morgan.

While I would deny no person the opportunity to take health care from an employee I do not condone paying someone not to take it if one already has it. I do not condone the giving of longevity bonuses when few ever leave a gravy, pension guaranteed, paid holiday, sick day, recession-proof and depression-proof government job.

Even when they do attempt to leave, many don’t and continue on double dipping. I have been told that these people have valuable experience and expertise. Perhaps, but anyone in the know knows it a payback for being a good soldier programmed to doing what they are told, never questioning anything and keeping it in La Familia – the power families.

Our local governments are an organization run much like the mafia. Certain families in the County and Towns hold the power and can bar the door if an outsider tries to come in with common sense, and fresh ideas that may put the money back in the peoples’ pocket, instead of lining theirs.

If I lived in the Town of Murray, I would vote for Joe. We need more Joe’s. Be a Joe. What a great bumper sticker.

Paul Lauricella Jr.
Lyndonville

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Editor:

Melissa Ierlan and Linda Redfield Shakoor are owed the gratitude of all Orleans residents for their tireless work done in the interests of making Orleans County a better place in which to live.

Melissa’s efforts to recondition numerous historic markers should be appreciated for the labors of love that they are. This area’s history is very real and warrants greater attention than it gets. Melissa has supported several other historical projects including the refurbishing of the fox that famed naturalist Carl Akeley reportedly mounted as an Orleans County teenager.

Linda has made a tremendous difference in the lives of dozens of first generation immigrant residents of Orleans County. Her dedication to the realization of their dreams has made it possible for them to accomplish far more than might have been possible without the fluency in English and encouragement she and the World Life Institute provided.

Thanks to both Melissa and Linda for their contributions to the quality of life in Orleans County.

Sincerely yours,
Gary Kent
Albion

Editor:

We feel compelled to respond to a letter published in the Orleans Hub on July 25, 2016 written by Mr. Joe Sidonio.

While we respect Mr. Sidonio’s Constitutional right to criticize the policies and practices of this Town Board and Town Boards of the past, we are concerned when his statements attack the personal character of any one individual within the Town of Murray. While Mr. Sidonio may not like the employment conditions of our Highway Superintendent (Mr. Ed Morgan), let it be known that Mr. Morgan has done nothing wrong and simply receives the compensation and benefits that are rightfully due him in his many positions.

It’s well known that Mr. Sidonio plans to run for public office in November 2017, and has publically stated his interest in becoming the next Supervisor of the Town of Murray. It’s unfortunate that he chooses to attack a single individual in this Town in his belief that such allegations will strengthen his candidacy for this position. Perhaps the behavior and comments made by political candidates at the national level has also become the model for accusations that can be made here in Orleans County and the Town of Murray.

While we will no longer debate Mr. Sidonio in this, or any other publication, we do understand he can make comments as he chooses. We only ask Joe, that you keep your remarks focused on the workings of the Town Board rather than any one individual working within the Town. Is that too much to ask?

Town Board of the Town of Murray,

John Morriss, Supervisor
Ed Bower, Councilman
Kathy Case, Councilwoman
Lloyd Christ, Councilman
Paul Hendel, Councilman

Editor:

In January I wrote of the 15.5% Murray Town Tax Rate increase we experienced. At the 2016 budget hearing Supervisor John Morriss stated “it’s the best we could do”. Highway Superintendent Ed Morgan added “It’s really not that bad” and Councilman Paul Hendel commented “we are going to either raise taxes or cut services in 2017 because we spent all our savings.”

The most recent New York State Comptroller’s Audit Report is clear. “The Supervisor did not adequately oversee and monitor the book keeper’s work, which resulted in significant problems with accounting for and reporting of capital project activity, as well as the use of certain debt proceeds.” A representative of the Attorney General’s Office described our situation as the result of “fiscal mismanagement and or irresponsibility.”

Town Governments are beginning to think about budgeting and I’d like to suggest a simple way to save the taxpayers a few bucks. STOP FRIVOLOUS SPENDING. For example:

Our Highway & Water Superintendent earns a salary of $89,307.00 including a stipend of $1,200.00 a year for his private cell phone and collects his pension of $37,370.00. He has been absent at four Town Board Meetings this year perhaps as he is a member of multiple boards including Soil and Water and Regional OTB Board of Directors. OTB Board of Directors receive a nice five figure salary to boot.

Our Superintendent receives a payment in Lieu of health insurance stipend of $5,000.00 per year for not taking the Town of Murray’s health insurance. The Town of Murray enacted a local law providing the payment. In documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, Orleans County pays a maximum of $2,500/year for their stipend. Here in the Town of Murray we pay double that to our Highway Superintendent. It’s worth noting he is the only highway person to receive such a generous benefit by our Town while his highway workers are now required to contribute to their insurance policies, essentially taking a pay cut.

The $5,000/year payment wouldn’t be under such scrutiny if his spouse wasn’t an appointed official at the County eligible to cover his health insurance needs. Well there’s your taxpayer funded double dip. Our Town tax dollars pay him not to take health care while our County tax dollars can cover him. But let’s not stop there.

There’s a triple dip on the menu. Both are covered by the third taxpayer owned entity Off Track Betting. Our Superintendent is entitled to lifetime health care on the taxpayer as a member of the OTB Board of Directors. It appears that our elected highway superintendent has multiple opportunities to obtain taxpayer funded health care. Why then does the Town of Murray pay him $5,000 not to take our health plan? Simple: fiscal mismanagement and or incompetence.

To think the Murray Town Board rewards so generously its Highway Superintendent who’s water department has budgeted for a $66,000 loss this year is unfathomable. Furthermore, the Town has been overtaxing water district residents for years as acknowledged by Supervisor John Morriss in April. The Town owes its water district residents a refund for over taxation since the Town didn’t use the money for its intended purpose.

Our Highway Superintendent is also Chairman of the Orleans County Republican Party. It seems hypocritical to represent Orleans County Republicans at the Republican National Convention in Ohio carrying the flag for less government, low taxes and free enterprise while using our cell phone and knowing back home the taxpayers of Murray and Orleans County are paying handsomely for the triple dip on health care.

To add insult to injury our Highway Superintendent refuses to have Town of Murray decals on his new 2016 pickup truck. Since he is authorized to use it for personal use at our expense you would think he’d at least acknowledge the Town of Murray taxpayers who bought it for him while cruising around in his political circles.

Status Quo….Where your Taxes Go!!

Joe Sidonio
Republican
Town of Murray

Editor:

I wish to thank the Orleans Hub for providing a closure article to compliment your original article on the Circle of Love Memorial Garden. Your news coverage really helps the gap in local coverage!

I would also like to thank the the gals who pushed through and brought the Garden to completion. Your dedication was remarkable. Thank you for including me as the concept originator. I have to give credit to Tim Bensley, his wife and the Kid Corp! The young people who worked for Mr. Bensley did the majority of the heavy lifting, spreading and leveling stone and filling the gardens with dirt.

I would be remiss in not mentioning Ms. Hannah Pollard who organized and ran a large fund raiser to benefit the Garden, as well as, letting her business be a drop off point! Laura Fields created and maintained collection jugs in local businesses to raise money as well. Renee Lama for creating the labels for collection Jugs. Local businesses Medina Lumber for discounts on wood for entry way, Shelby Stone and Art Hill Construction for materials. Of course, Jenn Thom who got the charitable status for the Garden. Our plaque maker, JC, and goodness knows how many community members who gave change and more serious donations to make this Garden a reality. Lynn Stanley for the Angel and the late Irwin Mattoon for the birdhouse (currently occupied)!

It truly takes a community to undertake a project like this. There where hiccups, however, it is done and it is beautiful. Praise the Lord.

Dayton Hausman
Medina

Photo by Tom Rivers – A big crowd watches the fireworks in Lyndonville on July 4, 2016.

Editor:

The Lyndonville Lions Club held its 42nd Annual Independence Day Celebration on Monday, July 4th. The fireworks display, which culminated the festivities, was by far the greatest expense for the Lions Club on this day.

It is only with the response and support of area businesses, organizations and the general public that these fireworks are possible. I would like to thank each of the nearly 50 businesses and organizations that contributed to this year’s show.

In addition, thanks to all those individuals who bought raffle tickets throughout the year, who placed money in the Lyndonville Lions Club Independence Day Firecracker Cans and who donated money in the firecracker barrels on the LCS grounds.

Again, without the tremendous community-minded support of each and every one of you, a display such as this would not be possible. With your continued support, I hope for an even bigger show next year.

Sincerely,

Wes Bradley
Lyndonville Lions Club
Fireworks Fundraising Chairman