Editor:

Things Joyce Riley has left off her accomplishments list:

Approximate Result of attempted Police Defunding: $7,500 to PBA attorney, $30,500-plus in village attorney fees, and $20,000-plus for auditor, plus monies resulting from back pay due to the unauthorized and illegal pay change.

Three police officers quit with one as a direct result of the defund attempt and another two resulting from fear of no growth (loss of SRO because of inability to work with school on negotiating) or further hostilities from the board.

The water plant operator and an employee quit as a result of verbal berating and constant micro managing including comments to the effect of “they knew what the job was and if they don’t like it then they can leave.”

Several personal harassment and other investigations.

Pricing a not-for-profit out of a rental unit then saying good luck finding a new place cheaper than what we’re offering. And ridiculing other board members when attempting to correct the situation. And the rental unit is still empty, costing the village to continue on missing out on income.

Constant rhetoric of just cutting services and leaving them fall to the county with zero concern about their budget or impact on county-wide constituents.

Overly aggressive communication to the point where unless you agree you’re wrong.

We don’t need to continue with those accomplishments.

Please get out and vote for Tim McMurray on March 18th for mayor.

Geno Allport

Albion

Editor:

It was voted yes to construction of another Dollar General next to Cone Zone and across from the school in the village of Albion.

Why?

There was already a Dollar General on West Avenue near Tops from 2006-2019 that closed because it couldn’t compete with Dollar Tree, Walmart and Family Dollar even Save-A-Lot and Tops. The lease had expired and Dollar General left which was the easiest way to when it was the least performing store in the area during those years.

Why attend public hearings? When I’ve attended public hearings in the past and had valid concerns, I was told by elected officials that everything will be okay and to just deal with it, and brush us off.

So here we are its 2026 and the change certain people ran on to bring change to Albion and were bringing back something that’s already failed and the competition that led to it leaving is still here.

You drive down Main Street in Medina and see a street full of businesses and people and you go down Main Street in Albion and you see well a lot less then Medina.

So whoever thought this was a great idea bringing back Dollar General for a second time, the only thing you brought back what could be in the future is another empty store front, an empty parking lot, or another bottle can return. I say give it 5 years.

I don’t see change when it comes to this idea. I just see a band-aid fix to losing to another village that’s flourishing.

Aaron Vosburgh

Albion

Editor:

It is a privilege for me to write this letter of support for the re-election campaign of Mayor Marguerite Sherman in Medina. She is an exceptional individual and a public servant of the highest caliber. As a long-time resident, I have seen many mayors and trustees come and go – Marguerite Sherman is one of the best.

She possesses an impressively sound command of the issues and takes a wide-ranging, creative approach to seeking common sense solutions. Over the years, I have come to see that what makes a truly exceptional public servant – what sets her apart from others is what she possesses beyond those basics.

She is a professional, competent, and capable individual, and is also a good and decent human being. She is energetic, passionate, dedicated, creative, empathetic, collaborative, communicative, engaging. In short, she is everything a good public servant should be.

Further, Marguerite understands that good governance demands a broad perspective. She understands that when politics becomes fixated on a single issue, it turns destructive – pushing a narrow agenda at the expense of the many complex needs of a community. The result is dysfunction, deepened division, and the complete erosion of any realistic chance for meaningful compromise.

Medina needs people who engage, cooperate, and communicate. People like Marguerite Sherman.

I could write far more at the risk of losing the most important part of what needs to be said:

Marguerite Sherman is extremely dedicated to her office, public service and this village, and has proven herself to be an invaluable asset to the community. The Village of Medina is indeed lucky to have her.

Sincerely,

Darlene Rich

Medina

Editor:

As a resident of Genesee County, I am hopeful for the possibility of AI when used to solve problems and further progress for us all. However, I have serious concerns about US Stream Data Centers and their proposal to build a massive data center complex at the STAMP site in Alabama, NY. I also have several unanswered questions.

Just last month, I attended the Stream open house at the Alabama Fire Hall; I arrived open minded and eager to learn, but left deeply disappointed that there was no formal presentation from the company and no space for meaningful public dialogue.

All conversations were one on one or in small groups. It was a spectacle that struck me to be as disingenuous as it was strategic. When I expressed my concerns to Stream, I was told by two representatives that the engineers do not feel comfortable presenting to a large public group. I have to ask: How is it that a company that is planning to make a 19-billion-dollar investment can’t figure out how to hire someone to moderate a presentation or panel discussion with the engineers?

That brings me to my next question: Do New Yorkers really want to fund a for-profit company with our tax dollars? A recent article in the Batavian announced Stream donated $50,000 to the Oakfield Alabama School District. But this comes on the heels of them requesting $1.4 billion in tax subsidies. More than that, the average expenditure per student in Genesee County is just under $23,000 per year and in Oakfield Alabama is around $24,000 per year (data.nysed.gov), so what they’ve donated equates to chump change. To me, it speaks to how little they value the community’s future and their partnership with it. Sure, they donated $50,000, but they are asking for  $1.44 billion dollars, which averages to $46 million a year over 30 years. Are we really supposed to play along or pretend we don’t see how lopsided this agreement is?

Another question I have is about the future price we’ll be paying, not just with our tax dollars, but with the increases in electricity rates over time. The 500-megawatt demand the data center would place on the grid will mean more electricity would be used. Unfortunately, with the way power is delivered and priced, such a huge increase in demand will pass on that cost to all end users. For those already struggling with the cost of gas, groceries, and their current electric bill- we do not need our finances to be stretched any further by private for-profit companies over-using our shared utilities.

I encourage the GCEDC to reThink STAMP and for all who want to learn more and/or lend their voice to their public hearing on the financial incentives on March 19th at 7 p.m. at the Town of Alabama Fire Hall 2230 Judge Rd Basom, NY. I will see you there. For more info, check out Allies of TSN’s website, Facebook group STOP the STAMP Monster Data Center. Call / text: (585) 300-4925.

Very truly yours,

Em Grant

Bergen

Editor:

This could be a typical writing about all the intentions if elected Mayor but that’s not me, instead let’s talk about “We.” This village, this community, this group of individuals and families that collectively have one thing in common which is where we call home.

This is about more than an election; it’s about rediscovering who we are as a community with neighbors, friends, and families connected by roots and shared hopes. It’s about getting back to the basics where caring for one another, stepping up to help/volunteer, and remembering that each of us plays a pivotal part in the strength of our village.

It’s not about titles or positions; we thrive because people care enough to volunteer, to show up and to put in the work. It’s the hands that set up tables at the Strawberry Festival or HomeTown Holiday, the voices that cheer at our children’s games, the neighbors who lend a tool or a smile. That is the heartbeat of our community.

If we want our future to shine brighter, we must roll up our sleeves and invest in each other. It takes courage to take chances on new ideas, on each other, and on the belief that together, we can do more. The foundation we need is already here; it just needs all of us building upon it with our time, energy, and our love.

So yes, this is about coming together not just for an election, but for a renewal of our sense of belonging. Let’s remind ourselves that the power of “We” is greater than any single “me.” When we choose community over competition, connection over criticism, and action over apathy, we don’t just preserve what’s special about this village; we make it even better.

On Wednesday the 18th let’s vote for Character, Compassion and Commitment and begin the rebirth of togetherness within our community.

Tim McMurray

Concerned resident and Village of Albion Mayoral Candidate

Editor:

My name is Joyce, and I have had the privilege of serving the Village of Albion as a trustee for the past four years. I have lived in Albion since the age of 10, educated here, and raised my family here and retired here to be near family and friends.

Albion is not just where I live — it is who I am. Now I am asking my neighbors for the opportunity to serve as your next Mayor, and I want to share a little of what we have accomplished together.

When I took office, I stepped in to close out a critical Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) that was in jeopardy. With no prior experience in that process, I learned what was needed to successfully and appropriately complete all required reports and paperwork and got it done in time – protecting the village and program participants from losing their financial investments.

I stayed current on communications and, as a result, entered the Village into a class action suit regarding PFAS contamination. Many said we would not qualify. I believed we could, because we test for it and it is not present in our water system, but present in some neighboring farmland. After our department head completed the required paperwork, approximately a year and a half later, we received $75,000 — with the prospect of additional payments for up to ten years. I was also instrumental in the purchase of two new dump trucks that were aged from 1992, that were a risk to the drivers and the public. We secured a USDA grant for $50K and bonded the remainder.

I collaborated with the Town of Albion to establish a shared code enforcement agreement, writing the Memorandum of Understanding myself to ensure both municipalities benefited fairly. I am currently working with the Town of Gaines on a water billing collaboration and grant that has the potential to expand to multiple municipalities — reducing personnel costs, improving reporting accuracy, and revenue generation.

I have written multiple grants for this community: Music in the Parks (twice), a $5,000 GO Art! grant for a local artist Bill Schutt to create a solar-powered lamppost from 100-year-old steel salvaged from the Main Street bridge, and a second artist grant for a new gateway sign on the east side of town celebrating Albion’s connection to Charles Howard — the original Santa Claus. Our staff at the Pollution Control Facility crafted a park bench from that same historic steel, complete with a time capsule, now registered in the International Time Capsule Society. The lamppost and bench are both on display as part of our new Erie Canal Park.

I am in the office regularly and make it a priority to monitor the village’s general, water, and sewer budgets weekly with our clerk. When the sewer fund faced cuts that were not fiscally sound — leaving it in the red — I worked with the Supervisor to develop a PowerPoint presentation to justify a necessary increase and make the case to restore that department to a healthy footing. Our sewer team has always run lean; they deserved support from us recognizing their needs.

None of this work happens alone. I am grateful to the dedicated department heads I work alongside every day: Tracy VanSkiver (Clerk/Treasurer), Jay Pahura (DPW), Levi Boyer (Water), Rick Albright (Sewer), Chief Dave Mogle (APD), Jason Zicari (Cemetery), Chris Kinter (Code Enforcement), John Grillo (Parks and Recreation), Harry Papponetti (Animal Control) and Susan Starkweather Miller (Village Historian). This village runs because of dedicated people like them.

I would also like to recognize the community residents, schools, businesses and property owners that I have worked with on other projects, such as the beautification of the Erie Canal Park. Tim Archer and Carrie Kozody from our Middle School provided a platform showcasing the interest and talents of our youth at many venues around historical events in our town. The students’ parents showed up for them as did many others. This is how we change! Everyone doing their best in their roles in the community together.

As your Mayor, I will carry forward the same commitment to fiscal responsibility, shared services, grant funding, and community pride that has guided my four years as trustee. I will work to bring businesses to our village through the Economic Development Agency and other creative endeavors, continue expanding our pocket parks through grants, advocate for a senior center befitting our county seat, and complete a new Comprehensive Plan that will move this village forward.

On March 18, 2026, I humbly ask for your vote. I am running on both the Democratic line and the independent “Vote for Albion” line. This is not about party — it is about the place we all call home.

Sincerely,

Joyce Riley

Candidate for Mayor, Village of Albion

Editor:

March 18th is almost upon us…

I may not have known our Mayor for as long as many of you. Time alone isn’t always a fair determinant; quality of time spent certainly can be.

In my dealings and discussions with our Mayor, I have found her to be many things: honest, concerned, invested, committed, compassionate, cooperative, accepting, as well as several additional positive qualities.

At the same time, I’ve not found our Mayor to be: selfish, curt, exclusionary, negative, attacking, accusatory, hurtful, blameful, or a myriad of other traits that proliferate some in our village and society as a whole.

Leadership is an outgrowth of one’s core beliefs when put into action. Our Mayor is in fact about action. Is action swift? Sometimes, but usually not when it comes to challenges that face an entire community.

Our Mayor takes the necessary time to listen, investigate, mobilize resources, make an informed presentation of the facts, and then seek collaborative action. It is not that our Mayor can’t be swift in action, but rather chooses to lead with wisdom before, during, and after that action. Therein lies a distinct difference in the Mayoral election before us.

I urge all of you to consider our Mayor’s accomplishments and progress toward action, in spite of the challenges before her. Our Mayor stepped into her current role from her prior service to and experience with the Village of Medina.

She chose this even though she knew the challenges and issues facing her, us, and the village in the form of tax rates, personnel, equipment, infrastructure, governance, the list goes on. She knowingly asked to take on these responsibilities and she is asking yet again after a short two years as our Mayor. She wants to continue her work and we need her to do so.

Many of you have continued to ask, “What can I do?”

Here is your answer: on March 18th, Go to the polls, vote to re-elect Mayor Sherman.

Respectfully,

Brian Wiesinger

Medina

Editor:

I am writing this letter in support of Marguerite Sherman for Mayor.

I have known Marguerite Sherman since 1973 when I moved my family to Medina. Marguerite was then an elementary school student at Oak Orchard School.

Over the past 53 years I have witnessed her love and commitment to Medina and its residents.  She has worked, and will continue to work tirelessly for the betterment of Medina’s physical appearance, safety, and financial stability.

It is my opinion that Marguerite should be re-elected as Mayor.

Sincerely,

David Boice

Medina

Editor:

I am recommending Deborah Padoleski for Mayor of Medina. I’ve known Deb since Fourth Grade and we worked together at Super Duper right out of High School – me in Produce and she in the Deli.

If one wants to acquire people skills quickly, definitely work a retail or service job. Deb nailed it and taught me a few things along the way.

Later, her 41 years of experience in the Village Clerk’s Office totally prepared her to be our Mayor.

Intrinsically honest, experienced, people-oriented, and humble describes Deb perfectly.

I also believe any of Mark Prawel, Dean Bellack and Jeff Wagner deserve your votes for Village Trustee. All of them are disciplined critical thinkers and doers.

I co-own a business on Main Street and I know that our Business District is the envy of small towns for miles around.

But as one travels outward into Medina’s neighborhoods, there is not so much to envy. As a Realtor, I can see the tax burden wearing on our village.

Over the past several years, there has been much talk, but very little results from the mayor’s office. It’s time to change.

There comes a time for every organization where a “Great Disruption” is needed to break the chains of status quo. I believe that time for Medina is now.

While serving on the MCSD Board of Education, I often reminded myself of that famous saying, “Good is the enemy of Great.” Most recently we’ve heard it in reference to the Buffalo Bills. It means that we sometimes get so comfortable being good, that we stop striving to be great.

This is a transformational election for Medina. It is very important to choose wisely on March 18th.

It isn’t high school student council. This is real life and real consequences.

Not just for us, but for our heirs and beyond. It’s our legacy we are voting on.

Let’s get the right people in place to bring a culture of discipline and accomplishment to Medina government. It’s time to break free of the same old visionless bureaucracy.

It’s time for Medina to be Great!

Deborah Padoleski for Mayor of Medina.

David Sevenski

Medina

Editor:

As Medina residents who have raised a family in this community, we care deeply about the direction our village takes and the kind of leadership guiding it. In a small community like Medina, leadership is measured not only by words but by actions. Over the past several years, Mayor Marguerite Sherman has demonstrated both.

She has consistently shown a commitment to preserving the things we value most about Medina while also encouraging thoughtful progress and new ideas. Medina has a proud history and a strong sense of community. Mayor Sherman understands that protecting that character is important, but she also recognizes that communities must continue to move forward. What stands out to us is her ability to balance those priorities. She respects Medina’s past while working to position the village for a stronger future.

Another quality that deserves recognition is her understanding of the financial pressures residents face. Taxes are a real concern for many families, and Mayor Sherman has made it clear that reducing the burden on taxpayers matters. At the same time, she has actively pursued grant opportunities and outside funding for projects that benefit the community without placing additional strain on residents. That approach shows both responsibility and creativity.

We also know Marguerite as an outstanding schoolteacher and a dedicated advocate for students and families. Her background in education has shaped her ability to listen, empathize, and problem solve—qualities that translate directly into her work as mayor. She has always put people first, and those who worked with her in the school community know how deeply she cares about helping others succeed. That same commitment is evident in how she leads our village.

Leadership also means having a clear plan and the experience to carry it out. In this election, it seems clear that there is one candidate who has both a vision for Medina and the track record to back it up.

For these reasons, we encourage our fellow residents to support the re-election of Mayor Marguerite Sherman.

David and Melissa Cotter

Medina

Editor:

I am writing this letter in support of Debbie Padoleski for mayor of the Village of Medina. I have known Debbie for over 45 years and worked with her on a day-to-day basis for 25 of those years. She has been totally committed to her work and spent 41 years in service to Medina.

Debbie has a complete understanding of the functions and management of Medina. She has spent much time on research before making decisions and recommendations. I don’t know anyone that would have a better understanding for the best outcome for Medina. Debbie also has the best knowledge of the finances and taxes in Medina.

I encourage your support in electing the best-qualified candidate: Debbie Padoleski.

Thank you,

Edward Houseknecht

Retired DPW superintendent for Medina

Editor:

On March 18th, Medina residents will elect a mayor and two village trustees. Medina is at a crossroads. Taxpayers are overburdened by increasing costs spread across a shrinking tax base.

As a village taxpayer and Shelby town board member, I am glad there are choices in this election. The range of candidates this year gives voters the chance to consider the different strengths each person would bring to the village.

Serving on Shelby’s town board, I know how important it is to have people with different opinions and skill sets in public service. We need people with knowledge of infrastructure and technical systems. We need people with finance experience who can understand municipal budgeting practices, interpret the numbers correctly, and make disciplined decisions that control costs and protect taxpayers over the long term.

We also need people who understand professional workplace standards and have a proven ability to lead, train, and manage staff. Those elected next week must be ready to step in at once and make budget and operational decisions that safeguard the village’s financial future.

Social media has been loud during this election. Much of it has not been helpful or productive. Differences in perspective are part of any strong board. They force a closer look at the facts, the costs, and the long-term impact of each decision.

Public service will always involve differences of opinion. Moving forward, I hope officials and residents alike can publicly exchange ideas respectfully, even when we disagree.

If you have been unable to attend or watch the village meetings online, I hope you research the candidates. Learn what each person brings to the table.

This election is critical. It calls for voters to look past personal likes and dislikes and focus on who is prepared to make sound decisions that will impact residents for the next 5-10 years.

Please vote on March 18th from 12 noon to 9 p.m. Make your voice heard. Medina’s future depends on it.

Sincerely,

Linda Limina

Medina

Photo courtesy of Heather Colella: Firefighters remove a tree from a road in Clarendon.

Editor:

I wanted to share a quick community shout-out after an incident tonight that really impressed me.

With the high winds we have been having, I was at home cooking dinner when I heard a tree come crashing down. At first I did not think much of it, but after a minute I realized it sounded like it may have fallen across the road. Our driveway is several hundred feet long, so I drove down to check, and sure enough, a tree had fallen and was blocking the roadway.

I immediately called 911. By the time I got back to the house, grabbed our truck with the emergency light, and headed back with cones, police were already on scene. The fire department arrived right after, and the entire area was cleared in about 22 minutes from the time I first contacted the 911 center.

It was honestly impressive to watch. Everyone moved with purpose, worked together seamlessly, and had the road reopened in no time. It looked like a pit crew in action—everyone had a job, and they handled it quickly, safely, and professionally.

In a time when people often only hear complaints, I thought this deserved recognition. I just want to publicly acknowledge the excellent response and teamwork from the local emergency crews.

Thank you,

Heather Colella

Clarendon

Editor:

I am writing to share why I have decided to run for Village of Albion Trustee.

Albion is more than just the place I live it is the community that helped shape who I am. I graduated from Albion High School, I work in the village, I coach and volunteer in the village, and most importantly, I am raising my family here. Like many residents, I care deeply about the future of our village and the people who call it home.

I chose to run because I believe our community deserves leadership that is present, engaged, and respectful to everyone. Local government should be approachable, transparent, and focused on listening to the people it serves. Everyone in our village deserves to feel heard and valued, regardless of their background, opinions, or circumstances.

Through my work as the Executive Director of a nonprofit organization that assists individuals and families in need, I am acutely aware of many of the systemic challenges that people in our community face. That experience has shaped my perspective and reinforced the importance of approaching decisions with compassion, understanding, and a focus on the real lives affected by those decisions. I believe bringing a person-centered viewpoint to the board is essential in ensuring that policies and decisions reflect the needs of the people we serve.

I also strongly believe that elected officials work for the residents of the community, and that input from those residents should be welcomed and encouraged. Some of the best ideas and solutions come directly from the people who live, work, and raise their families here. Creating space for respectful dialogue and community engagement is something I view as a key responsibility of local leadership.

If elected, I will do my best to represent all residents with fairness and integrity. I will show up, listen thoughtfully, and work collaboratively with fellow board members, village staff, and community partners. While we may not always agree on every issue, we can still treat one another with respect and work together toward solutions that benefit the entire community.

Albion has always been a place where people care about their neighbors and take pride in where they live. I believe that by working together, we can continue building a village that residents feel proud to call home and that future generations will want to be part of.

I am not asking for support simply because people know me. I am asking for the opportunity to serve because I believe in this community and in the importance of thoughtful, respectful leadership.

Thank you for taking the time to read and consider my perspective.

Sincerely,

Jami Allport

Candidate for Village of Albion Trustee

Editor:

If you have children attending the Albion Central School district, live in the Albion area, a neighbor, or if you are another community stakeholder, please attend the meeting in regards to the proposed  327 East Avenue Dollar General store site on Thursday (March 12) at 5 p.m. at the Albion Village Hall.

There are very real concerns about student and public safety at this site as well as declining quality of life issues it will bring.

The first concern is that of students and others jaywalking back and forth on Route 31 to shop at the store regardless if there is a  school crossing guard available. There are many after-school, after-dark activities (i.e. football games) which will make crossing The Avenue even more dangerous.

Secondly, truck deliveries with tractor trailers, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, will be attempting to turn in or out of the store, which will block traffic as they do so. This will not only cause traffic backups, but will also block emergency vehicles. Additionally, there will  be various delivery trucks in and out of the store throughout the day. The aforementioned issues will be further exacerbated during after-school events, many taking place during the evening hours.

Quality of life issues include the creation of food deserts, lost tax revenue, and the lowering of property values. Dollar stores cut into nearby grocery stores’ profits, forcing them to close a few years later, creating a food desert.

Once closed, tax revenue from the former grocery store will be lost. The presence of the dollar store and the lost grocery store will, in turn, drive down neighboring property values.

Please come to the Albion Village Hall on Thursday, at 5 p.m. if these issues concern you or if you have your own concerns.

Sincerely,

Annette M. Piano

Albion, affected resident of East Avenue