Editor:

In his recent letter (“The ‘Right’ ignore statistics, common sense when it doesn’t align with views”), Matthew Ballard takes a victory lap on behalf of academic studies and government statistics, dismissing anyone concerned about public safety as operating purely on “fear and anecdote.” It’s a clever piece of satire, but clever rhetoric doesn’t make a neighborhood safer.

Mr. Ballard mocks for questioning “ivory-tower research” on bail reform. But the frustration with bail reform in Upstate New York isn’t about being “anti-education”—it’s about the disconnect between official data and lived experience.

When shoplifting spikes, small business owners stop reporting every incident because they know repeat offenders are processed and released before the paperwork is finished. When police departments report lower numbers, it often reflects fewer arrests being made under new legal restrictions, not fewer crimes occurring.

Pointing out that “crime is down on paper” rings hollow to a community watching local quality-of-life offenses go unpunished. That isn’t “ignoring common sense”—it’s observing reality.

Furthermore, Mr. Ballard criticizes for objecting to partisan labels, yet his own letter relies heavily on broad brushstrokes and personal jabs like “orange demagogue.” If we are going to debate policies like criminal justice reform or regional economic health, we should be able to do so without treating every local citizen who voices concern as an uneducated partisan.

Academia and statistical models have their place, but they shouldn’t supersede the firsthand experience of local business owners, residents and crime victims. Dismissing genuine community concern as mere “fear-mongering” does nothing to address the actual problems facing Orleans County.

Paul Lauricella

Yates

Editor:

President Trump has usurped the Constitutional authority of Congress by declaring emergencies where none exist. These actions align with Nazi theorist Carl Schmitt who argued that the power in a democracy can be exploited by using emergencies to create exceptions to the rule-based Constitutional order.

Republicans, including Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and Congressman Nick Langworthy, have not only acquiesced, but have enthusiastically encouraged this behavior.

Mr. Trump has declared emergencies, where none exist, to deploy troops to American cities. Declaring an emergency, again where none exist, to levy tariffs. Tariffs are taxes, we the people pay, bypassing our representation.

Mr. Trump has declared that there was an imminent threat from Iran to justify military action, despite U.S. intelligence assessments that indicated Iran had not started a nuclear weapons program, contradicting any imminent threat claims.

Mr. Schmitt also wrote that self-determination should be erased. That the individuals should be one with the state. This explains why any criticisms of Mr. Trump or his administration is seen as criticism of the state; as Mr. Trump says, “the free press is the enemy of the people.”

It is interesting that Vice President J.D. Vance cited Carl Schmitt in an interview with Ross Douthat. This explains the recent court documents where government lawyers told the judge that this administration has withheld millions of Congressional approved funds from states for purely political reasons. States that didn’t vote for Mr. Trump need to be punished by withholding moneys for disaster relief, healthcare and education.

Our Constitution gives the power of the purse, and right to declare war to the people through their Congressional representatives. As a result of Ms. Tenney’s and Mr. Langworthy’s actions their constituents have higher gas prices, higher grocery prices, increased unemployment, weakening GDP, inflation and above all pervasive corruption throughout the government.

Ms. Tenney and Mr. Langworthy are surrendering their responsibility and our Constitutional democracy to give Mr. Trump the authorities of a king.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

It is important to put the proposed data center at the STAMP site in Genesee County into the  broader context of artificial intelligence (AI).

AI technology in the US is experiencing a huge economic bubble, with investments far out of line with likely future profits. That financial bubble is likely to pop, thereby devastating the current AI landscape and dramatically reducing the need for new data centers. This vulnerability of AI has been overlooked in the irrational rush to invest in the technology.

AI depends on data centers. They hold the expensive, power-guzzling hardware on which the AI software runs. They are the physical brains of AI.

Very legitimate arguments against data centers like the one proposed at STAMP cite inefficient land use, excessive power use, large tax breaks for the ultra-rich, few jobs created, noise, infrasound, heat, air and water pollution, risk to wildlife, and quality of life effects on local residents.

Decent arguments all. However, to these we must add another: Data centers and the companies that build them are part of a looming AI crisis that could leave locals with a huge mess to clean up. We need to consider the economics of AI.

Consider the two “rock star” AI companies, OpenAI and Anthropic. Both are developing cutting edge LLM’s (large language models), both are privately held and lavishly financed, both want to go public via IPO’s, and both predict that an overwhelming demand for AI computations will ultimately flow through their systems.

Both put out incredible hype about the capabilities of their systems, how they will fundamentally change the world. Both downplay the obvious and well-documented risks of their systems (hallucinations, urging users to commit suicide, the recent major security breach, and many others). They also downplay the fact that for the foreseeable future, they are unlikely to generate any profits at all.

Right now they are losing large amounts of money by selling  computations  (or “compute”) for far less than their actual cost (Estimates: $13 of compute sold for $1 to $3). Customers have chafed at attempts to raise prices. Moreover, AI, unlike so many modern technologies, does not “scale.”  Making it bigger does not mean that the cost per customer will go down.

 When OpenAI and Anthropic go public the stockholders will demand profitable operations.  There is no evidence that either company can deliver the promised value to their customers and still make a profit for their shareholders. This could pop the AI bubble, send the country into a recession, and leave the skeletons of half-built data centers across the USA.

So when you go over the list of reasons why the proposed STAMP data center doesn’t make sense, don’t forget to add the uncertainty of the future of AI, and how it may affect data center construction. The AI industry appears to be far less robust than its leaders would have us believe. Don’t be taken in by their hype.

Dave Giacherio

Kent

Editor:

I have to ask: what has education ever done to Paul Lauricella that he treats it like a personal enemy? At some point one has to wonder if he skipped the units on self-awareness, because he seems remarkably unable to hear himself.

He bemoans Mr. Fine for “throwing around labels” and attacking people who raise “valid, common-sense concerns,” a sentence so rich in irony I nearly needed a moment to compose myself.

I’m confident that if the Orleans Hub search bar were a bit more forgiving, we’d unearth a small library of Mr. Lauricella’s past letters, glowing with admiration for his favorite orange demagogue and his “America First” agenda. Funny how so many on the Right adore a man who “tells it like it is” right up until the truth doesn’t flatter them, then suddenly it’s someone else who’s being “divisive.” A moral high ground claimed several years and several letters too late.

And remind me again; who’s the snowflake?

As for bail reform: multiple studies – yes, those dreaded “ivory-tower” studies – show it hasn’t driven crime rates up. Crime statistics, reported not by professors but by local law enforcement agencies across Upstate New York, show crime rates are down. So, are we to conclude our own police departments are cooking the books? My mistake, I forgot that research only counts as legitimate when it happens to agree with the populist talking point of the week.

But who needs facts when feelings will do? It’s certainly easier to build an argument on vibes, and plenty of Right-wing policy proudly stands on a sturdy foundation of fear, anecdote, and the ever-reliable “many people say…”

Credit where it’s due, though: not once did Mr. Lauricella reach for “Communist,” “Marxist,” or “Socialist.”

Matthew Ballard

LeRoy, NY

Editor:

The 2026 County Wide Recreation Day was another incredible success, welcoming our largest crowd yet! We estimate that more than 600 children and family members joined us for a day filled with fun, laughter, and community. It was wonderful to see families from across Orleans County and beyond enjoying everything the day had to offer.

We were especially excited to welcome children who traveled by bus from Byron-Bergen, Elba, and the Liberty Partnership to be part of this special event.

An event of this size takes months of planning and the dedication of many individuals, organizations, and volunteers. We are truly grateful for everyone who helped make the day possible.

A special thank you goes to Jami Allport and the staff at the Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern for once again partnering with the Village of Albion Recreation Department. Your commitment to creating opportunities for local children and families is deeply appreciated. Thank you as well to Rosie Friedl for your assistance throughout the day.

We are grateful to the many community organizations that participated by sharing information about their programs and engaging children with games and activities. Your presence helped make the event even more meaningful for the families who attended.

A heartfelt thank you to Ann Vail of the Salvation Army and the Knights of Columbus Council #1330 for their continued dedication to serving children and families throughout our community. Your ongoing support never goes unnoticed.

A huge thank you to Albion McDonald’s for bringing the Hamburglar and Grimace, who were a tremendous hit with the kids. Magic by Patrick once again entertained and amazed audiences throughout the day, while Rowdy Rentalz kept children smiling with their water slide and bounce house, which stayed busy from start to finish.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to the Albion Police Department, Albion Fire Department, our local ambulance personnel, and the Village of Albion Department of Public Works. Your support, assistance, and commitment to keeping everyone safe are invaluable and greatly appreciated.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the Village of Albion Summer Recreation staff and counselors, who did an outstanding job supervising activities, ensuring safety, and creating a welcoming and fun environment for every child. Thank you also to Rome for leading the popular rock painting activity and to our staff members who spent the day creating smiles through face painting.

We are incredibly grateful to Jeff Holler and the Albion Masons, who generously served food and refreshments to hundreds of attendees throughout the day. Thank you as well to Jeff and Vicki Elsenheimer for warmly greeting families and helping manage registration as everyone arrived.

Most importantly, thank you to the families, volunteers, sponsors, and community members whose continued support makes County Wide Recreation Day possible year after year. Seeing so many children laughing, playing, and making memories together reminds us why this event is so important.

We are already looking forward to making next year’s County Wide Recreation Day even bigger and better.

Sincerely,

John J. Grillo

Village of Albion

Recreation Director

Editor:

Good for Gov. Kathy Hochul on the moratorium on permits for data centers. I have no idea if this effects the proposed center near in the Town of Alabama near Oakfield. Also, I don’t quite understand why these centers are so huge and need so much power and cooling water.

I spent my entire working life, 35 years, designing, building and repairing computers for the USAF, NASA and, lastly, when they computerized in the 1980s, the National Weather Service.

So, it’s obvious that my knowledge of computer systems is very out of date. I do know that many of the billionaires behind these centers are those who refuse any regulations of the social media platforms they run. I also know that Sister Delores’ Green Orleans folks are against the data center project. I trust their judgement.

Dennis Seekins

Lyndonville

Editor:

Paul Lauricella accused me of “outright hostility towards his neighbors,” and using words like “racist, bigoted, and hateful.”  Those are lies. I have never used those words or been disrespectful in any of my letters; never.

It is interesting that Mr. Lauricella attacks me, personally rather than the facts or my arguments.  It is also very disappointing that the Orleans Hub prints such a libelous letter.

Crime has always been a problem and is a problem everywhere. It is  an emotional issue and not all crime can be stopped. Universities have established programs to study the causes of crime and ways of reducing and hopefully preventing crime.

We have a choice, we can continue to use an emotional response for crime issues, or we can use what has proven successful through actual study and facts.

Bill Fine

Brockport

Editor:

The July 3rd Independence Day Celebration again drew thousands to Bullard Park for an afternoon and evening of free family fun.

The park was packed with people who came from all around the surrounding counties. The celebration started with the delicious chicken barbecue from 4 to 6 p.m. with another sellout.

The celebration continued into the evening with food and beverage vendors, artisans, and ended with a spectacular fireworks display. This celebration will be every July 3rd moving forward. It took a supportive community to make all this come together.

Several people commented that this year’s celebration drew more than last year. There were many free activities for the adults and especially the children. The weather was hot with threatening storms, but we were lucky that it went to the south and north of us. The Splash Pad was filled with people of all ages. For the next two years, this celebration will start at 11 a.m. and conclude at the end of the fireworks. It will be an all-day affair.

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

Special thanks to June Persia and Jeff Holler, who chaired the food vendors and artisans. They did a super job of making sure this celebration had everything for the people.

A huge thank you goes out to our Diamond Sponsor ARG Disposal. The fireworks were dedicated to ARG Disposal for their generous contribution and thoughtfulness. We cannot thank them enough for their loyalty and generosity.

Thanks to the Village of Albion Mayor, Tim McMurray, who was there from start to finish assisting in many ways. Thanks to Chief David Mogle and the Village of Albion Police Department, Chris Bourke and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, Jay Pahura and his DPW staff, Aric  Albright, Chris Kinter, Jeremy Graham and the Albion Fire Department, Village of Albion Office Staff and the Albion Village Board of Trustees.

Thanks to the GACRE and Recreation Committees who helped sponsor the event, to Bernie Baldwin and Diana Grillo for their support, energy, and effortless time assisting me. Also to John Bigley who took care of a lot behind the scenes.

Thanks to Master Chicken Barbecuer Tom O’Hearn and his cookers Dusty DeCarlo, John Sacco, Gary VanWycke, Gary Moore, Dan Conrad, Ray Stefani and Kevin Sheehan. This group volunteered and cooked the best chicken barbecue around. Thank you to the servers Theresa O’Hearn, Nicole DeCarlo, Denise London, Annette Grillo Finch, Kim Remly, Holli Nenni, Mike Beach, John Kurtz and Brian Quinn.

Thank you to Tom Brown who donated golf carts for the evening. Thanks to GoArt and NY 250 for their grants and George Bidleman for sponsoring all the advertising. Thank you to Terry Wilbert and Dick Remley from the Town of Albion and to the Village Recreation Staff and Counselors.

Thank you to all the businesses who allowed donation jars at their locations and to the fabulous donors who contributed to the cost of the fireworks. Thanks to Young Explosives for a spectacular display of fireworks and to the bands consisting of Ryan and Company, Feedback/Side Doors/The Road Less Traveled, and the Who Dats for the wonderful music.

Thanks to Tom Rivers from the Orleans Hub and to Brad London from Lake Country Pennysaver, to Mark Restivo and Ron Albertson for overall assistance, and to Keeler Construction for the lighting. Thank you to Dora and Partick from Save-A-Lot who made it easy for us to get items from the store.

Once again, I apologize if I failed to mention others, so many worked together to make this happen.

We will continue to collect donations for July 3rd, 2027. If you would like to donate, send checks to the Village of Albion, 35 East Bank Street, Albion, NY 14411 and make 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

Editor:

It is exhausting to read the regular contributions from William Fine, which have devolved from political disagreement into outright hostility toward his neighbors. Whenever someone in our community raises valid, common-sense concerns about the strain on our local infrastructure, crime, or public safety, Mr. Fine’s immediate response is to throw around labels attacking them.

This isn’t debate it’s an attempt to silence people. Disagreeing with New York’s bail reform or worrying about the logistical and financial strain of unfettered immigration does not make someone a bad person—it makes them a concerned citizen.

Mr. Fine loves to cite ivory-tower studies from New York City think tanks to tell us that everything is fine. But those academic statistics don’t line up with the reality facing upstate communities. Our local law enforcement, judges, and small-town budgets are dealing with real-time pressures and repeat offenders that these studies completely ignore.

We live in a community where people look out for one another, regardless of politics. It is deeply disappointing that a United States veteran uses his platform not to bridge gaps, but to express unfettered hatred for anyone who doesn’t subscribe to his specific progressive ideology. Orleans County deserves a conversation grounded in mutual respect and local reality, not partisan vitriol from Brockport.

Paul Lauricella

Yates

Editor:

There has been a lot of talk on the Hub and around town about canceling out the Water District (WD) 10.

As usual the news reports what sells.

The following is the explanation of the reason why WD 10 was canceled.

Also details how much money was spent by the town taxpayers since 2015 on WD 10. ($129,293.95) This includes hiring professional grant writing firms.

Right now there is not a debt service more than $900 per year per water district in the town of Barre.

WD 10 is a small district, there are 30 residential hook ups possible, chargeable dwelling units make it 37 total, approximately 75-83 people.

The town put in requests for grants. The town was expecting a grant for $1,624,800 from WIIA. This grant would have made the water affordable for WD 10.

We received two grants totaling $616,600 approximately. This smaller grant(s) made the debt service increase immensely.

Annual debt service could have cost this WD 10, $3,133.80 to possibly $5,000 to $6,000 annually for 38 years for each unit.

The town has asked Albany about using the grant money received of $616,600 and to let town employees start portions of the water line.

We learned, “that is not how grants work.” The town needs to take out loans and use loan money first. Once the loan money is used, the grant money kicks in.

There are more properties in the town that do not have water. More than the 30 that are in WD10.

The town is presently working on the new water tower project. The present water tower was built 30-plus years ago for the town population of 30-plus years ago.

Last spring there was a break at a fire hydrant in the town. By the time the Highway Department was able to fix it, the water tower was down two-thirds its capacity. We received many calls from residents of “no water” at the town building.

Moving forward: The town is going to be working a project to possibly get water to residents that do not have water.

The way grants work (so we are told) is the more residents and the more people involved in the area of a project, the larger the grant is for the project. This is our goal: to get water to the residents in need.

Dissolving WD 10 was not easy for the board to do. None of us took this matter lightly.

Also, a lot of controversial questions have come up  about windmills and solar fields. The town does not make any money off of these projects until the green energy starts producing MW (megawatts).

The Hemlock Solar project is anticipated to start late fall, but it won’t be until the end of 2027 that MW’s will start being produced.

The windmills are anticipated to begin construction in 2027 and also possibly start producing MW’s in late 2028 or 2029.

If there are questions please come to the town board meetings or email or call the town building.

It’s better to know facts than assumptions.

Respectfully,

Stephen F. Coville II

Barre Town Supervisor