Editor:

The right to vote stands as one of the most fundamental pillars of American democracy, enshrined in the Constitution and protected through generations of struggle. It empowers citizens to select their leaders and shape their government.

Yet today, in the Town of Shelby, this right faces quiet erosion. The Shelby Town Board is quietly seeking to strip residents of their ability to elect certain officials, proposing instead to appoint them directly. Such a move threatens the very principle of self-governance.

Citizens have both the right and the duty to choose their elected representatives. Voting is not merely a privilege—it is the mechanism by which ordinary people hold power accountable. When boards bypass elections in favor of appointments, they reduce transparency and limit public input.

Appointed officials may owe loyalty to the board rather than the community they serve. This shift diminishes civic participation and risks concentrating authority in fewer hands, away from the will of the people. History shows that when voting rights are curtailed, whether through poll taxes, literacy tests, or procedural maneuvers, democracy weakens.

Citizens must exercise their duty to vote, stay informed, and voice opposition to policies that undermine electoral choice. Apathy only invites further encroachment.

From a military perspective, the defense of voting rights carries profound weight. Service members swear an oath to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Many have fought overseas precisely so that people—including Americans at home—can live under representative government.

Veterans understand that the Constitution’s promise of republic government rests on free and fair elections. Eroding the right to vote for local offices disrespects the sacrifices made to preserve democratic institutions. I for one didn’t risk everything so that politicians could appoint their successors and sideline the voters.

Local actions like the Town of Shelby board’s proposal set dangerous precedents. They test whether communities will tolerate reduced accountability. Citizens should attend public meetings, contact representatives, and, if necessary, pursue legal or ballot remedies to restore and protect electoral rights.

In the end, the right to vote is more than a procedural formality. It is the heartbeat of liberty. Protecting it requires vigilance from all citizens—especially those who have worn the uniform. Our republic endures only when the people retain the power to choose.

Scott Wengewicz

Former Shelby Town Supervisor and a disabled veteran

Editor:

This coming Tuesday, June 23^rd, is primary day.

To be clear, the opinions and observations are my own and not necessarily of the other Town of Shelby Board members.

In the roughly 10 month’s that I have occupied the Town of Shelby Supervisor seat I have learned a lot. Not only about how our local government is supposed to work, but also how it has not. In fact, the system has failed the taxpayers of Shelby for years.

I, and other board members, ran a successful primary and general election campaign on a platform of change and fiscal responsibility. Even though I had attended Town Board meetings for several years I was unprepared for the level of dysfunction that existed.

How did it get this way?

The Supervisor is not only the Chief Financial Officer, but sets the agenda for the board and the town. Planning and oversight, so that the path forward is clear to the other officials and employees. Unfortunately, the last 3 Supervisors quit, leaving no continuity in direction, financial controls, policies, or procedures.

Under the watch of these Supervisors the Clerk’s Office was stripped of some it is primary duties, such as document control and over time the accounting became the focus of a New York State Comptroller’s Office audit, finding it deficient. In addition, this lack of fiscal oversight allowed the Highway Department budget to become bloated.

With the help and support of the board and some employees at the town we have gradually brought the spending under control, completed an independent audit, and provided the public with a transparent local government.

But without change the past failures will return.

After extensive legal research the board passed a revised Local Law for Code of Ethics, which restricts elected officials and town employees from serving on political committees.

Why?

Unless you get the endorsement of a political committee, especially the republican committee, it is extremely difficult to get elected. Unfortunately, many people line vote, meaning they vote all republican or all democrat regardless the qualifications of those on the ballot. With an overwhelming republican registration, the republican committee endorsement almost always results in a win.

In Shelby, the Republican Committee is made up of 8 members. The Chairperson is the Shelby Town Highway Superintendent. Other members include a highway employee, the Deputy Superintendent, a former highway employee and friend who follows the Chair. This is 5 of the 8 votes.

In practice the Highway Department, through the committee, controls who gets the nod and most likely gets elected. While the committee seats are elected positions, I would challenge most people to explain to me the process involved.

On primary day you have the choice to make a change in one of the 4 districts. You can vote for the Superintendent who would continue as the chairperson, or a former board member, who was one of those who quit last July, depriving the town of a quorum and costing thousands in legal fees and other costs. Or there is a third choice, someone who attends almost every board meeting, speaks his mind (not always agreeing with me) but is passionate about his community.

More recently the board has proposed two new local laws. One to abolish the elected position of Town Clerk and the other to abolish the elected position of Highway Superintendent, replacing them with appointed positions. There would be no impact to the current Clerk or Superintendent for the duration of their term.

In the future the Town Board would post these jobs, review their resumes, interview applicants, and appoint the most qualified candidate, just as any business would do.  Because these applications would not be limited to anyone based on their political affiliation, a broader source of qualified people would be available.

So why now?

These jobs are complex, not easily learned in a few months or even years. Having served 18 years, the current Town Clerk has made it clear that she intends to retire next year at the end of her term. The Deputy Clerk has made it clear that she has no desire to assume the Clerk position and most likely be leaving soon.

It is the desire of the current Town Clerk to bring someone else in, getting some experience before she leaves. However, with the current system there is no guarantee that this trainee would get a political endorsement and without it, would they run a primary campaign. I can tell you from experience, it is not for the faint of heart. After digging out from the years of dysfunction, the Town of Shelby cannot afford to have either of these positions filled by unqualified individuals.

I will share a little about what I have learned about elected positions, mine included. While mine, as Supervisor, is designed as a part time oversight position (the last Supervisor rarely showed up at the town hall), the Clerk and Superintendent positions should be full time.  But, for all elected positions, there is no requirement that you do your job.  Unlimited vacation, good retirement, no boss, and according the New York State Town Laws an elected official does not even have to show up and there is nothing anyone can do about it until the next election. In fact, I know of a case where a highway superintendent has another full-time job, but gets full time benefits of the elected position.

The board has scheduled public hearings for these two proposed laws on June 30th at 6 p.m. and at 6:05 p.m. I am sure we will hear from many who have strong opinions on this subject. We will hear from the political parties who wish to maintain control, from associations that represent these positions and collect dues.

We will hear from concerned citizens who feel that it takes the public’s right to choose, to which I will say, three of the 5 board positions come up for vote every 2 years, so you have more control over the affairs of your town. Shelby is not the first, nor the last municipality to follow this path.

We are facing challenging times. Increasing costs, stagnant revenue, and increased taxes. Many who voted for me said they wanted change, but change is not easy or always popular.  I have no agenda other than to make the local Town of Shelby government a more efficient, fair and in a better place than when I walked in the door. I welcome the chance in the public hearings to hear your concerns and hopefully explain the reasoning behind these actions.

Jim Heminway

Town of Shelby Supervisor

Editor:

A message to the residents of Clarendon, I am honored to be running for re-election as your Town Supervisor in the Republican Primary.

My family and I have proudly called Clarendon home for the past 34 years. For more than 13 years, I have served our community on the Town Board, and since becoming Supervisor in 2025, I have worked every day with one goal in mind: putting the people of Clarendon first.

As a retiree, I have the time and flexibility to serve our community full-time. My door is always open, and I believe local government works best when residents know they can reach their elected officials and be heard.

I believe taxpayers deserve a representative that is honest, efficient, and fiscally responsible. That is why I worked to keep the 2026 budget increase under 1% while remaining under the tax cap. Every dollar we spend is your dollar, and I take that responsibility seriously.

During my time as Supervisor, we have made meaningful improvements that strengthen our community and protect our residents. We secured nearly $928,000 in grant funding for the proposed Water District 14 project, with additional funding opportunities that could further reduce costs to taxpayers.

We also brought all Town facilities up to fire and safety standards and established an emergency station at Town Hall equipped with lifesaving resources, including a First Aid Cabinet, Narcan Station, and Automated External Defibrillator.

We restored accountability by retaining a Town Attorney who now attends all Town Board meetings, ensuring residents receive sound legal guidance and transparent government.

I continue to pursue additional grant opportunities that will benefit Clarendon residents. One will help complete the long-awaited Hillside Chapel Restoration Project, while another focuses on addressing flooding, drainage, and stormwater issues that affect many homeowners throughout our town.

Service to this community has been a lifelong commitment. For nearly 20 years, I have proudly served as a volunteer firefighter with the Clarendon Fire Company, including serving as Fire Chief, Vice President, and a member of the Board of Directors. Having been involved in the fire service since 1988, I understand the importance of protecting our families, supporting our volunteers, and preserving the strong sense of community that makes Clarendon special.

I believe local government should be guided by common sense, experience, integrity, and respect for the people it serves. A Town Supervisor must understand town law, manage taxpayer dollars responsibly, and always put the community’s interests ahead of politics.

My record reflects a commitment to accountability, transparency, and honest leadership. I will continue working hard every day to keep Clarendon a safe, strong, and financially sound community for future generations.

I respectfully ask for your vote and continued support.

Thank you,

Marc Major

Clarendon

Editor:

On June 23, I am asking for Shelby residents support electing me to represent them in District 1 on the Shelby Republican Committee.

Shelby deserves steady, informed, and accountable representation. That starts with showing up, listening, and paying attention to the decisions being made on behalf of residents. For that reason, attending town and other local municipal meetings has become a regular priority for me. Staying informed is the best way I can understand local issues and how decisions affect my family, my neighbors, other taxpayers, and businesses.

Orleans County has always been home to me, and Shelby has been home for more than 20 years. My family’s long business ties in the area have also shaped a deep respect for the people, values, and traditions that make this community strong.

Community involvement has always mattered to me. That includes being a member of and supporting local organizations such as the American Legion, Jr. Wilsons Club, VFW, Sacred Heart Club, and Knights of Columbus. These groups bring people together and reflect the kind of service, respect, and commitment that help keep our community strong.

Local government works best when it is open, accountable, and responsive to the people it serves. Shelby residents deserve to know how decisions are made and who is being recommended for elected positions that affect how the Town of Shelby functions.

If elected, I will take accountability for the individuals I recommend for Town positions. I believe Shelby needs more leaders with professional skills and real-life experience that can help the Town get ahead.

Candidates endorsed by the committee should be chosen for their skills, merit, integrity, and accountability, not by the “good old boys” mentality.

Shelby needs more independent thinkers who ask questions, review the facts, and make decisions that are best for the community. And voters should also have more information and a better understanding of the Shelby Republican Committee’s work.

That is why I am running for the District 1seat.

I respectfully ask for your support on June 23rd and for the opportunity to serve Shelby residents on the Shelby Republican Committee.

Sincerely,

John “Yonic” Parada

Shelby resident, District 1

Editor:

The Town of Shelby is considering a change for the Highway Superintendent position to go from elected by the people to appointed by the Town Board.

The New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways, Inc. (NYSAOTSOH) opposes this change. Currently, the Highway Superintendent is accountable to the people of the town and should remain that way.

Voter Accountability: According to the State Comptroller the single largest expense in New York State’s towns is maintaining their local infrastructure. By having an elected highway superintendent the voters decide directly the person who will administer the largest share of their tax dollars.

As a full-time elected official with this sole purpose in mind, highway superintendents are constantly in touch with their constituents’ needs. If the position is no longer elected town residents will lose the ability to make a direct change for themselves.

The Bottom Line: It does not seem wise to take the power from the people to elect and transfer that power to the Town Board.

Keep your power to choose!

The New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways, Inc. is the State’s largest transportation association representing Highway Superintendents in 933 towns responsible for maintaining local transportation infrastructure.

Sincerely,

James A. Dussing

President of New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways

Highway Superintendent, Town of Clarence, Erie County

Editor:

Tuesday is election day in the Village of Holley. I am running for trustee.

I have been a trustee in Holley before and was also the Coordinator and DPW Chief.

I am running because I believe there needs to be a refocus of priorities. The taxes have increased 25% over the last 3 years, utility rates have gone up multiple times, and additional fees have been added.

No roads paved because the money to do that was taken out. Police building in deteriorating condition because the money to fix it was taken out. Veterans Drive unusable because no one addressed it.

I worked with many boards. Mrs. Formally attended the meetings for the Power Authority and made sure our electric bills stayed stable. Mayors Carpenter and Passarell did streets and water, built the park and did some sidewalk. Mayor Sorochty got the deal to rehab the old school and did major water and sidewalk in Main Street.

Now the focus is on a covered bocce courts, decorations and festivals.

My focus is on cutting taxes, repairing infrastructure and reducing costs.

I also will ask the state to put a crosswalk near the Dollar General to facilitate the pedestrian traffic. I will oppose regulations which make life difficult for the few remaining businesses.

Please consider voting for me.

Ron Vendetti

Holley

Editor:

For more than a century, Catholic Charities of Buffalo has stood beside our neighbors in their most difficult moments — offering not just assistance, but dignity, stability, and hope. Every day, Catholic Charities is often the first place people across Western New York turn to when they are facing hunger, mental health struggles, family crises, addiction, isolation, or the uncertainty of tomorrow.

Today, that need is growing at an alarming rate. More families are struggling to afford groceries and utilities. More seniors are living alone and vulnerable. For many households, one unexpected medical bill, car repair, or lost paycheck can spiral into a devastating crisis.

In Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties, Catholic Charities provided hope and help to more than 2,500 people last year, through programs that are lifelines for our neighbors. Services include basic emergency assistance; multisystemic therapy for youth; and home visitation and friendly phones programs for seniors.

But none of this work happens without community support.

We’re in the final month of Appeal 2026, with a goal of raising $8 million by June 30. Every donation helps keep hope alive for someone in crisis.

Western New York has always been strongest when neighbors help neighbors. Supporting Catholic Charities is one of the most direct and meaningful ways to do exactly that.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call Catholic Charities at 585-343-0614. If you are able to give, now is the time. Our community’s most vulnerable neighbors are counting on it.

Katelyn DiSalvo

Tri-County District Director, Catholic Charities

Editor:

As retired educators, we support the candidate with the experience and passion to reverse the assault on public education in America: Diana Kastenbaum.

Historically, the expansion of education and democracy went hand-in-hand; a defining feature of American democracy is the right to vote. Diana will protect mail-in voting, early voting, and other measures which make casting a ballot by legally registered voters less, not more, arduous.

Wealthy campaign donors and Political Action Committees shift the focus of officials elected by “dark money” to school choice, culture wars, and divisive policies, often fracturing local communities. Diana’s engagement via Concerned Citizens for NY24, her opposition to taking corporate PAC money, and her commitment to undo Citizens United are specific examples of her leadership.

Our Founding Fathers believed an educated electorate was essential to a stable democracy. Diana demonstrates that conviction as a SUNY Genesee Community College Trustee and appointee to the Association of Community College Trustees Rural National Advisory Council. She serves as a member of the Government Relations committees on both the national and state associations of community colleges where she advocates for our students, educators, and institutions in Albany and Washington.

Diana Kastenbaum is highly qualified and the right choice to represent NY-24 in Congress; we urge Democrats to vote for her in this month’s primary election on June 23rd.

George Ann Carter of Warsaw

Peggy Fusco of Canandaigua

Dr. Gregory Geer of Williamson

Dr. Michael Glover of LeRoy

Edward Orman of York

Loren Penman of Batavia

Editor:

State Senator Rob Ortt wrote an illogical letter opposed to State Senate Bill S399A which is designed specifically to address Glock pistols that can easily be converted into illegal machine guns.

In his unhinged rant he claims that banning this pistol would “strip New Yorker of their freedoms.”  This proposed legislation does not ban the sale of handguns by other companies. It does not increase regulations or create a burden on gun owners or those wishing to buy a handgun.

Mr. Ortt even acknowledges that: “By law, the very thing Democrats are trying to prevent is already illegal.” Since it is already illegal how does it “strip New Yorker of their freedoms” or chip “away at the constitutional rights and liberties of responsible citizens?”

Mr. Ortt’s logic further falls apart when he criticizes statements made by Governor Kathy Hochul in her state of the state address as “complete nonsense” and then, in the very next sentence, writes that what she said, “may be factually true.”

The Glock pistol is sought after by criminals because they can be easily modified into machine guns. Over 11,000 devices to convert semi-automatic firearms into illegal machine guns have been recovered between 2019 and 2023. These devices have been recovered from numerous crime scenes.

California, New Jersey, and Connecticut have or are considering bans on Glock pistols. Last October a New Jersey judge allowed a lawsuit against Glock Inc. to continue writing that the lawsuit: “sets forth factual claims that Glock deliberately designed its handguns to be readily convertible to illegal machine guns, marketed those products, and failed to employ responsible controls or modify the design despite numerous warnings and increased harm.”

Rob Ortt is being very melodramatic and exaggerating claims of Constitutional harm. If we didn’t have government regulations, people could sell broken glass to children, like in the Saturday Night Live sketch.

This proposed law does not affect law abiding responsible citizens. As a taxpayer and as a citizen I am tired of reading about school shootings, or church shootings, or shopping mall shootings.  And I am tired of reading that every proposed gun safety law is a Constitutional crisis. This is a common-sense law.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

Thank you to the Genesee County legislative members who took time to meet with us several months ago regarding the proposed Stream data center project at STAMP. We appreciated the opportunity to discuss our concerns and wanted to follow up with additional perspective.

We have taken note of the Legislature’s strong and public opposition to large-scale industrial solar developments in our rural communities. We understand that many of you feel these projects are rapidly transforming agricultural land and altering the character of our region in ways that residents neither expected nor welcomed. On this issue, we agree.

We also recognize that the County has gone so far as to retain a lobbying and consulting firm, allocating significant taxpayer funds to oppose these industrial-scale solar projects and advocate for local interests. That level of commitment demonstrates that the Legislature understands the long-term consequences that large industrial developments can impose on rural communities.

We respectfully ask that you apply that same scrutiny and concern to the proposed Stream data center project.

While data centers and solar facilities may appear different on the surface, they share many of the same impacts that have led the Legislature to oppose large-scale solar development. Both involve the permanent industrialization of rural land, substantial construction disruption, habitat and hydrological impacts, heavy reliance on public infrastructure and emergency services, generous subsidies and tax incentives for multinational corporations, and minimal long-term employment opportunities relative to their scale.

Perhaps most importantly, both types of projects are being advanced rapidly, with limited transparency and growing public concern from residents who feel their communities are being fundamentally transformed without meaningful local benefit.

To help illustrate these parallels, we have attached a side-by-side comparison outlining the shared impacts and concerns associated with industrial solar facilities and hyperscale data centers.

We urge you to reconsider your position on the Stream data center project and evaluate it using the same standards you have applied to other industrial developments that threaten the rural character, environmental integrity, and long-term sustainability of our communities.

We appreciate your time and consideration and hope you will stand consistently in defense of the residents and landscapes you were elected to protect.

Sincerely,

Alyssa Beuler, Alabama

Kelly Hallenbeck, Bergen

Gina Schelemanow, Batavia

Richard Beatty, Batavia

RaeAnn Engler, Batavia

Liz Thompson, Batavia

Editor:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and Congressman Nick Langworthy’s economic policies are hurting Western New York.

Their tariff policies are driving up cost of supplies and equipment for farmers. Fertilizer prices have increased between 4.7% and 37.6% according to a report from the National Corn Grower Association released last July, before the war with Iran.

Meanwhile, exports by New York dairy farmers declined by 12% in the first half of 2025 and soybean exports dropped from 985 million bushels in 2024 to 218 million bushels in the first eight months of 2025. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation farm bankruptcies in New York are increasing.

The Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Association (BNMA) survey showed that Ms. Tenney’s and Mr. Langworthy’s tariffs are increasing cost of material and supplies harming manufacturing across Western New York.

Manufacturing Association of the Southern Tier found that more than 80% of their respondents reported that tariffs were increasing cost of raw materials. Peter Ahrens, Chief Operating Officer of the BNMA, reported that “the data shows far more manufacturers are struggling than benefiting under current trade policies.”

Small businesses that depend on tourism like lodging and hotels, rentals and restaurants are significantly hurt by the Republican’s policies. New York State Department of Labor reports that unemployment is increasing in Western New York.

It is no surprise that Moody’s Analytics put the possibility of a recession starting in the next 12 months at 49% before the war with Iran now with oil prices going up they predict a recession by more than 50%.

Farmers, manufacturing, and small business are all negatively affected by Republican economic policies. Your fuel costs are skyrocketing; food costs are increasing and the rise in inflation is eating your income.

While your economic condition worsens, Ms. Tenney and Mr. Langworthy are taking your tax dollars to fund a vanity ballroom for $1 billion dollars, a Triumphal arch for about $15 million, and their war in Iran for over $29 billion.

Now they are contemplating pulling $1.776 billion from the treasury, of your money, for the President’s slush fund to reward his supporters. Republicans are not working for the needs of Western New York.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

I recently bought a made-in-China T-shirt (accepted by USA customs and tariff paid) with the numerals 8647 included.

In my long experience, to “86” something is to discard or cancel it as useless or silly.  Any attempt to describe this as promoting murder is also silly.  We have larger free speech issues in this country without a ban on numbers.

Sincerely,

Gerard M. Morrisey

Albion

Editor:

In Albany this week, the Democratic majority put the Public Protection and General Government Bill to the floor for a vote, and despite its deceptive name, this package of bills strips New Yorkers of their freedoms.

This package aims to ban Glocks in New York State – another out-of-touch gun grab championed by Democrats, who understand very little about firearms and even less about the Constitution.

For over 40 years, Glock pistols have been known around the world as some of the most reliable sidearms. They are trusted by police departments and military branches across the globe. Our very own state police issue the Glock 47, and I carry a Glock 43.

Despite their reputation for safety and dependability with individuals and families who rely on these weapons for self-defense and home protection, we’re looking at a bill that will ban the sale of the most reliable, most user-friendly, and one of the most affordable pistols on the market.

Gun owners and licensed dealers have been anxiously watching this bill, and know full-well it has nothing to do with public safety, and everything to do with Democrats acting tough on guns.

In her state of the state address, the governor said pistol converters turn Glocks into “fully automatic machines capable of firing 1,200 rounds per minute.”  Anyone who knows guns knows this line is complete nonsense. It may be factually true that an illegally converted Glock can fire rounds faster than a semi-auto, but let’s look at reality.

In New York State, to legally obtain a Glock, you need a pistol permit – and if you don’t currently have one, there is a long and expensive process ahead of you. On top of that, it is already illegal to purchase or manufacture the so-called Glock Switch. It’s also worth noting, pistols are limited to 10-round magazines.

So tell me, how is a law-abiding gun owner a danger to public safety? By law, the very thing Democrats are trying to prevent is already illegal. I cannot, under current law, modify my Glock to fully automatic, nor load 1,200 rounds into it. Not to mention, having over 1,000 rounds loaded all at once would require a magazine the size of a watermelon.

It’s just not practical, and neither is this bill.

Democrats are targeting one of the largest and most popular gun manufacturers in an election year so it looks like they’ve actually done something. What they’ve done is hurt local gun stores who will no longer be able to sell their number one product, and are continuing to drive business to neighboring states.

The only thing this bill truly accomplishes is stripping New Yorkers of their second amendment rights and Constitutional liberties. But as usual, Democrats in Albany who know nothing about guns and less about the United States Constitution, are more concerned with taking away our freedoms instead of going after criminals.

As a State Senator, a taxpayer, and a gun owner, I am tired of seeing our state place greater burdens on law-abiding citizens than on those who break the law. New Yorkers deserve leaders who will hold criminals accountable and protect public safety without chipping away at the constitutional rights and liberties of responsible citizens.

Rob Ortt

New York State Senate Minority Leader and representative of District 62

Editor:

What’s the tradeoff? Are data center jobs worth the mental anguish and harm?

At each of the recent public hearings on the STREAM Data Center at STAMP, the only supporters have been a handful of union construction workers. Their support is understandable.

Large data center developers, including STREAM, promise lucrative construction jobs. But are these jobs worth it?

Around the country, workers are raising concerns about the labor practices of Apollo Global Management, the private equity firm backing STREAM. Critics have named a litany of workers’ rights violations involving Apollo-owned companies.

Additionally, research increasingly shows that data center construction and operation jobs involve serious workplace hazards, including electrical dangers, arc flash risks, excessive noise, and fall hazards.

Should communities be forced to choose between economic opportunity and protecting their land, water, health, and future? At the three public hearings on the data center proposal, opponents have presented extensive testimony and evidence from doctors, lawyers, economists, environmental experts, hydrologists, urban planners, and sound specialists bolstering their concerns with the environmental, economic, and social impacts of the proposed data center complex.

While STREAM trumpets its intent to hire “local” workers, GCEDC in fact defines local as encompassing a 14-county radius. Do the jobs promised by STREAM meaningfully follow through on GCEDC’s original promise of 9,000 jobs for the GLOW Region? We think not.

In their recent testimony and other public statements, citizens and leadership of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, along with scores of local residents, have objected to large numbers of outside laborers benefiting from a project that has the ability to harm them and has already caused such mental anguish. They fear this monster could permanently affect their health, well being, harm the delicate local ecology, and ruin their way of life.

In addition to criticism of its labor practices, Apollo also faces mounting transparency and accountability concerns. Former CEO Leon Black was forced to resign because of his deep ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Now, shareholders have filed a class-action lawsuit accusing Apollo of deliberately misinforming them about the documented connections of current CEO Marc Rowan to Epstein.

For many residents, these controversies deepen concerns about placing long-term environmental and economic risks in the hands of a multinational investment firm with no connection to the community – in fact, a track record of harming local workers.

Increasingly, workers are grappling with the moral conflict – and tradeoff – of building projects meant to support their families today while fearing those same projects could create a less secure and less humane future for their children and neighbors tomorrow.

Organized labor is not the problem. Workers deserve respect, fair wages, and safe jobs. But communities also have every right to question whether massive industrial projects backed by billion-dollar corporations truly serve the public interest.

As residents and citizens of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation have urged, we ask union members and public officials alike to be good neighbors. Consider how this project would affect future generations: permanently altering the rural landscape, threatening the way of life of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation and the quality of life of local residents, and harming our irreplaceable local environment.

Kelly Hallenbeck, Bergen

Christine F. Zinni, Batavia

Richard Beatty, Batavia

RaeAnn Engler, Batavia

Editor:

When farmers can not afford to buy fertilizer and their bankruptcies are at all times high, people in this rural community have to know the cows are out the gate and going down the road.

Despite very clear  warnings we are now into an era in which a few hundred mega billionaires and election denying politicians would rather burn the country down if it means they get ahead. I have seen the propaganda build for decades as voodoo economics and divisive political pandering  became accepted articles of faith.

The Secretary of Energy Chris Wright admitted in testimony that the President knew oil prices (and profits) would go up if he went into Iran. The new nominee for the FDA sells aphrodisiac tinctures on TV.

Theft of public money is going without investigate and criminal and (terrorist) court cases lost as experienced FBI investigators and senior DOJ are either driven out or leave with middle finger salutes.

The man who spat on Obama’s Iran deal (not the best but working) just made a first offer to Iran which is much worse.

Our friends who have financed our budget (tax) deficits, are being treated like dirt while our  enemies sneeze and we jump. They are findings ways to cope by starting new trading blocks which collectively dwarf our economy. That is permanent lost business.

This plot to break up our country is like a toilet flushing and is going to accelerate.  Government by tweet is not government. It’s like dealing with someone in the early stages of dementia.

To remain a strong country we need to preserve our economy, our science, our universities, our health, our election system in which all could be elected and we could go to the polls without fear, our homeland security spends its time and resources defending from terrorism.

We can build back better but everything was either known or foreseeable by any leader (politician) worth their salt. People got gaslit like a deaf, dumb and blind monkey. I have friends who were that naive. But it’s a form of suicide to reelect leaders who participated, and still participate, in this gaslighting and destruction.

Massive turn out can still beat a stacked deck no matter how fast or underhanded the shuffle.

The danger is in not loving either your country or your future enough to stand up and shout.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Barre