Editor:

Having served a 4-year term on the Shelby Town Board (2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023), I would be honored to be elected to work with the new board on the issues involving our town and to help move our town forward, keeping our spending and taxes down.

I am the endorsed Republican candidate for councilman in the Town of Shelby where I have been a resident for 37 years. I have attended board meetings and workshops for the last 10 years and have always had a great interest in our town.

I would like to thank everyone for the talks we had as I canvassed the town over the last few weeks. To those of you I didn’t get a chance to speak with, I am always open to your questions.

So Town of Shelby voters, as it comes to Election Day on Nov. 4, please exercise your right to vote and make things right in Shelby!!

Please vote Line B, the Republican Line, and choose Jim Heminway – Supervisor, Larry Waters – Councilman, Ed Zelazny – Councilman, and John Pratt – Councilman.

Thank you.

Your support would be greatly appreciated.

John Pratt

Shelby

Editor:

As a proud Clarendon resident and mother of four, I care deeply about the future of our community. Over the past several months, I’ve spoken with many residents, and one message comes through clearly: people want a town government that listens, communicates openly, and keeps residents informed.

If elected, I’ll work to make local government more transparent and accessible. I’ll promote clear communication about town decisions, encourage public participation, and ensure that every resident’s voice is valued.

As the wife of a veteran and a working mom, I believe in practical, respectful leadership that puts people above politics. Clarendon deserves representatives who listen, act with integrity, and serve with accountability.

I would be honored to earn your trust and your vote. On Tuesday, November 4th between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m., don’t forget to cast your ballot at the Town Hall at 16385 Church St, Clarendon, NY 14429.

Respectfully,

Cecelia Pacheco Stevens

Democratic Candidate for Clarendon Town Council

Editor:

Shelby voters, I would like to tell you a few things about my friend and fellow committeeman Mark Wambach.

First off, Mark is not a politician. When the former councilman abandoned his seat and made the seat available to the three parties in Orleans County, Mark stepped up without hesitating. He felt it was his duty to help his town out of a bad situation.

Mark pays attention to the smallest details. Mark is a problem solver and will bring that with him to be an asset to the three candidates that won the primary in June of this year. Mark’s insight will bring fresh ideas to Shelby’s town government.

Mark understands that with an aging and tax stressed population in your town that keeping taxes flat or reducing them is paramount to a thriving community. Mark also understands that allowing new business and reducing the government stresses on existing ones will only make for a better vibrant community.

Mark will work with other towns and their leaders to get the best deal for you. It’s constituents first and foremost. Mark has a great respect for the farming community that is the backbone of the town.

Mark has attended workshops and meetings and is well versed on what is going on in the town. He will come in if elected with a good understanding of the problems that need to be addressed. Mark is a very approachable person and willing to listen. Mark is not afraid to admit if he is wrong and will make a concerted effort to change course.

Mark above all is honest and hard working. His word is his bond. He will be very frugal with your tax dollars and only spend what is absolutely necessary to keep government working. Only needs over wants. Living within the means of the money collected.

He knows what a burden it has become for a good majority of you coming up with the money for that tax bill. I truly believe he will work hard to make the town of Shelby a better place to live for all of its residents.

Folks it’s time to elect people who have true conservative principles when it comes to your money and quite frankly the party that has been in control has violated that trust. Please vote for Mark on Row C the Conservative Party line and vote for all the conservative party-endorsed candidates right across the line.

The team of James Heminway for Supervisor, Lawrence Waters, Edward Zelazny and Mark Wambach as your town councilmen are a dream team for all the taxpayers in your town. They will work for you. No agendas. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Don’t sit this one out. Go vote.

 Paul Lauricella

Orleans County Conservative Party Chairman

Editor:

Congratulations to the Tonawanda Seneca Nation for their second massive legal victory against STAMP and the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC).

Through their ligation they forced the US Fish and Wildlife Service to retract a key right-of-way permit that would have allowed STAMP to run a waterline through the swamps into Orleans County. It would have dumped up to 6 million gallons of phosphorous-laden waste water into the already endangered Oak Orchard Creek.

While many Orleans County residents only learned about it recently, the Nation had been fighting it for years. The hydrogen globes stand idle with no ability to channel waste water. Their desperate attempt to divert the waste water through Oakfield will likely fail.

Having failed here, GCEDC attempted to push through a massive data center using an outdated and insufficient State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) like they have done in the past.

But this time, in a masterly move, the Nation joined forces with the Sierra Club and challenged the dubious SEQR in court. Knowing they didn’t have a leg to stand on, GCEDC voluntarily retracted project approval requests. They tried to spin it that the reason was because they intend to build an even larger data center.

But the reality is that all environmental reviews of future projects won’t sneak through behind closed doors and will be thoroughly reviewed and a larger data center would have an even bigger influence on the environment. To date the Stream U.S. data center has not completed a purchase and sale agreement for the land and it remains in doubt.

The Nation and the Sierra Club have dismissed their litigation with prejudice which allows them to return to court with the same issues in any further projects. Victory!

STAMP’s placement of the 1,263 acres in agricultural land, surrounded by a network of protected land that encompasses ecologically rich wetlands and forests that provide critical habitat for a diversity for birds, plants and animals borders on criminal.

It is plausible that STAMP would have no footprint there at all if they had followed legal guidelines like consulting with an adjoining sovereign nation as required by law. But they have chosen to conceal their actions from the public from day one until the present with the hopes of progressing without public knowledge or challenge.

The terrain of the STAMP land and its water runoff leads directly to the Tonawanda Creek where any harmful drainage or spills will affect the people of the Tonawanda Rez directly. They have wells not city water. The ancient Big Woods located between the Rez and STAMP has long been a source of medicinal plants and a valued hunting ground is at risk. They are fighting for their way of life over land that was once part of the reservation and stolen from them.

After 20 years and more than $410 million in subsidies paid by us, the taxpayers, GCDEC has struggled to get viable tenants. Currently, only Edwards Vacuum is under construction. It’s time to cut our losses and stop using tax payers’ money to keep it propped up.

The Tonawanda Nation has not won the war. But they have won some key victories and will continue to fight until their land and way of life is secure. The People of the Longhouse have a belief that they should look seven generations ahead when making decisions and that is what they are doing.

I celebrate their victories and you can too. There is a Victory Rally at Batavia City Hall on November 8th at noon to celebrate No Data Centers at STAMP. Everyone is welcome.  You can also follow them on Facebook on their Allies of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation.

Arthur Barnes

Shelby

Editor:

To all Barre residents, we humbly request your vote on Tuesday, November 4th. The three of us have been volunteering for various boards in the town now for many years. We have also been endorsed by the Republican Party and would greatly appreciate your vote to continue serving the town as Councilmen and Supervisor.

This upcoming election is not about green energy or wind turbines. It is however about electing three new people to the town board who bring passion, dedication and open mindedness. Our goal is to serve the town of Barre and you the residents in the best way possible.

We thank you in advance for your support.

Please use this email to contact us with any concerns we may address as your future town board members: Barreny2025elc@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

Stephen Coville, running for Supervisor

Wes Miller, running for town councilman

Dave Allen, running for town councilman

Editor:

I am seeking re-election as Town Council member and humbly ask for your vote once again. My first term has been a great experience; I am blessed to serve on a Town Board that cares deeply about our town. The board does not always agree, but we are always respectful of each other’s ideas and opinions.

For those residents who may not know me, I am 47 and have lived in Clarendon for over 36 years of my life. I grew up here, got my first job in town, and my wife and I are currently raising our two children here.

I am currently employed as the Jail Superintendent for Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and at one time, served as Union President of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Employees Association.

In these positions I’ve been tasked to create, examine and implement policies. I train, counsel and manage employees, while also being charged with the care, custody and control of the incarcerated population.

I have taken part in contract negotiations, mutual agreements and grievances. These experiences have allowed me to develop the skills, knowledge and awareness to serve in the role of town councilman.

I will continue to be a dedicated servant, represent our town with pride and will be available to hear the concerns of Clarendon residents. I have an appreciation for this community and most importantly, I care.

I would be honored to earn your support when you fill out your ballot this election cycle. You can find me on the Republican line.

Respectfully,

Chris Caufield

Clarendon

Editor:

In the darkness of night on Sept. 30, 2025, approximately 300 federal agents, in full tactical gear and face coverings to prevent accountability, some even rappelling from Black Hawk helicopters, attacked a Chicago apartment building with 130 units.

Carrying fully automatic weapons, they threw flash bang grenades and chemical agents, breaking down doors, zip-tying residents, separating children from their parents, and detained residents, including some U.S. citizens, for hours.

They kicked down doors, emptied bookshelves and overturned mattresses. The operation was filmed for propaganda purposes showing residents terror-stricken and humiliated. They arrested 37 people.

Aid groups, lawyers and journalists are having a difficult time identifying and locating those taken by federal agents. Federal officials have not identified those arrested nor stated where they are, making it impossible to verify claims that those taken were immigrants with criminal records.

The New York Times reported that at least three people identified as being arrested in the raid had no criminal record. The Associated Press reported that “only two of the 37 immigrants arrested were gang members.” The Trump administration claims that they are arresting criminals including rapists, murderers and child predators.

But the government’s own evidence and the data demonstrate that isn’t the case. ICE’s own statistics show that 71.7% of those detained had no criminal records. The only logical explanation I can come up with is to terrorize citizens.

Thomas Jefferson stated: “When government fears the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.” This administration wants us to fear the government. Furthermore, these actions violate the Constitution of the Unted States in several ways.

One of the ways these actions violate the Constitution is the Fourth Amendment. At no time did these agents present a warrant for their searches, seizures or arrest in clear violation of the Constitution’s Fourth Amendment.

“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, homes, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated.” The Constitution is clear about this; even those in the country illegally have protection of the Fourth Amendment.

The Fourth Amendment grew out of resistance to King George III’s use of general warrants, called Writs of Assistance which allowed customs officials to search homes and shops for contraband and smuggled goods. General warrants were used by the King to go after his enemies, real or perceived.

In 1761 Boston merchants filed a lawsuit against these general warrants in a case called Paxton v Gray. James Otis, a prominent lawyer, was hired to represent the merchants.  In attendance at the trial was John Adams, who took copious notes and recalls Mr. Otis’s fiery defense using the impossible to verify claims that those taken were immigrants with criminal records.

The new phase “A man’s home is his castle,” and “Taxation without representation is tyranny.” Years later, Mr. Adams recalled “American Independence was then and there born.”

While he lost the case, the freedoms he fought for were enshrined in the Constitution’s Fourth Amendment rights. The Trump administration with Republican enablers, are intentionally, deliberately and knowing violating our Constitutional rights.  That is why we protest at no-kings rallies.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

In today’s world, local government is the most important. While the Federal Government is “shut down,” locally, our government is producing!

We at the County level manage not only NY State-mandated services and programs that are typically unfunded, resulting in higher taxes to our residents, but we also balance quality-of-life desires that are funded through our sales tax revenues, various grants, and other creative funding streams.

To suggest that Orleans County is a “business as usual” organization is misleading. While I have been a County Legislator, primarily representing the residents of the 4th District of Carlton, Kendall, Murray, the Village of Holley, as well as the rest of the County, I have entrenched myself into being a quite vocal voice to see my home county prosper.

As a retired Correction Officer, while simultaneously operating a successful business and developing a new tourist destination on the banks of the Erie Canal, I believe in leading by example. I believe that community growth starts with economic growth. That is why I not only sit on the Orleans County EDA Board of Directors as the Treasurer, I am also the current Vice-Chairman of the Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council, so that I can bring back to this County, ideas and insights that may help us prosper.

In the past four years, I have also represented my district by regularly attending monthly board meetings, providing input to County activities, and also receiving feedback to help with more local concerns.

I’ve participated in the Lake Ontario State Parkway Study, the Kendall, Yates, Carlton Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan (LWRP), the Orleans County Erie Canal LWRP, and am currently on the Carlton Master Plan Steering Committee.

In order to maintain meaningful dialogue with the other leaders of the county, I am also the Co-Chairman of the Orleans County Association of Municipalities. As the current Chairman of the Administration and Finance Committee for the Legislature, which not only details internal department operations, we are also responsible for developing the County Budget.

Again, due to the unfunded state mandates that are placed upon us, our ability to generate the necessary revenue through property taxes, which are capped at 2% annually without penalty, and sales taxes that are not a set figure, we have transformed from an organization that “was used to doing things because that’s the way it’s always been done” to one that does things because it’s in the best interest of the community.

While I’m sure that there are things that may not appear that way, I, along with the other six Legislators, have always been approachable to explain our decisions. Thank you to the voters of my District and to the rest of the County residents for the faith you have placed in me, and I hope to continue to earn your vote this election cycle.

Respectfully,

John M. Fitzak

Carlton

Editor:

“They have no money. They have nothing,” Trump said this week. “They’re fighting so hard to survive.”

And for a second I thought he was describing Americans—either the million federal employees furloughed or working without pay, or the soybean farmers and cattle ranchers whose industries have been decimated by tariffs, or the millions whose health insurance will become so unaffordable next year they’ll lose coverage—but he wasn’t talking about Americans.

“They are dying,” Trump said of Argentina. “We’re going to help them survive in a free world.”

Nearly 6.6 million New Yorkers rely on marketplace insurance, with almost a third of them enrolled in the Essential Plan or a subsidized ACA plan. Republicans and Democrats knew in January that ACA subsidies would run out this year, but in March, when they passed a continuing resolution on the budget, they did nothing.

Then, the “Big Beautiful Bill” passage in July not only again ignored ACA subsidies, but enacted cuts that would strip millions more Americans of their health insurance. Democrats were right to realize that what shred of respect their voters still had for them would be lost if they didn’t stand up for underinsured Americans just trying to survive, so they said no, Mike Johnson: fix this problem, or we’re not voting for your budget.

And yes, the ACA is broken. Even at its current prices, I still spend well over 10% of my income on a premium for coverage and can’t use. But even though I won’t lose the subsidy because I don’t qualify for it, my insurance premium will rise next year by 14%. If the ACA subsidies are not revived, every one of the 6.6 million citizens living in NY will see record high increases in their premiums next year.

The only good thing Republicans have done this year was stop telling the American people the lie that this budget fight was about “giving illegal aliens healthcare,” but their new talking point makes no more sense. Paying for ACA subsidies is too expensive? Americans’ lives are too expensive?

If Trump took Argentina’s $20 billion (which offers zero benefit for Americans, for no reason other than to prop up the craven and dying philosophy of libertarianism) and added one year of new spending on his private militia (ICE – $18.7 billion), he’d have more than enough to pay for a year of ACA subsidies. At least that would get him through the midterms.

But Mike Johnson and the other weasels propping up the dying philosophy of “America First” don’t need popular support for the midterms. All they need to do to keep power is redraw states’ district lines, strip out the Civil Rights Act, and terrorize poor and working class Americans into silence with these military occupation “practice” runs.

To Mike Johnson, John Thune, and Claudia Tenney—what is your answer on our broken healthcare system? You whine that the ACA should have never been passed, because the only salience you ever have with your low-information base is playing the victim.

You control every branch of government. You have all the power you need to deliver solutions on Americans’ access to quality, affordable healthcare. You have no ideas, except that the poor should die because they didn’t work hard enough. When that begins to happen, you won’t even hear Trump admit, “They are dying.” He’ll say, just like he did when asked about Charlie Kirk’s death, “Have you seen my new ballroom?”

Sincerely,

Tyler Barton

Hamlin

Editor:

The Orleans County Democrats are proud this year to be able to give you some choices for the November elections.

We have Fred Miller, Legislator for District 3, towns of Albion and Gaines; Cecelia Pacheco Stevens who will represent the Clarendon Town Council well; Marlene Seielstad who will be an outstanding member on the Carlton Town Board; and a well motivated Jeremy Ross who is a write-in candidate for Legislator District 4, towns of Carlton, Kendall, and Murrary (all but District 5).

Check out their resumes. They are all well qualified and ready to make some needed improvements in Orleans County.

Please exercise your right to Vote.

Jeanne Crane

Carlton

Editor:

Orleans County voter, do you want an end to “business as usual” on the Orleans County Legislature?

Jeremy Ross is a Town of Murray resident with a job, a wife and two young children—as well as a sound mind—who would be up to the challenge of serving as county legislator for District 4 (Carlton, Kendall and Murray). He and his family have a home just east of the Village of Holley.

A George Bower/Rich Bennett-type candidate doesn’t come around that often. Want a legislator who thinks for himself and bucks the party line when conscience dictates?

Perhaps it’s time for an infusion of fresh ideas on our Legislature. We believe giving Jeremy Ross serious consideration for District 4 county legislator when you vote in November would be a good idea.

Sincerely yours,

Aggie Recco of Lyndonville

Gary Kent of Albion

Richard Della Costa of Kendall

Editor:

My name is Ryan Woolston, and I am proud to be running for the Carlton Town Board. Carlton has always been my home—I was born and raised here, built my home here, and now my wife and I are raising our family in this community that means so much to us.

I believe Carlton has incredible potential, and I want to help guide us toward a stronger future. That means:

Supporting Local Business – Our small businesses are the backbone of Carlton. From Point Breeze to Oak Orchard Creek, we have unique assets that bring in visitors. Let’s make sure those tourism dollars stay here and strengthen our economy.

Enhancing Our Town Park – The park is the heart of our community. Coaches, families, and kids already spend countless hours there. With the right improvements, it can become an even greater place for recreation, connection, and pride.

Creating a Future Where Families Can Thrive – By investing in our infrastructure, supporting growth, and keeping Carlton safe and welcoming, we can ensure that future generations will be proud to call this town home.

I would be honored to earn your support this November. Please follow my campaign on Facebook to stay connected!

Together, we can build a Carlton that works for all of us.

God Bless, go Bills!

Ryan Woolston

Carlton

Editor:

This is a message for my Carlton friends and neighbors. I am a candidate for our Town Board. I firmly believe that this election is about you!

This election isn’t just about who’s on the ballot—it’s about you, your family, your future, and the community we’re building together.

I am running for the Carlton Town Board not to gain power, but to serve with a purpose.  I will listen, act, and be the leader who’s always believed that progress starts with people. It begins with transparency and common sense. It begins with educated decision making.  It begins with listening to you.

Historically I have served on the Albion CSD Board of Education, the BOCES Board of Education, the Orleans Cornell Cooperative Extension Board of Directors and numerous other boards and committees. I have decades of leadership experience. I completed Leadership Orleans in 2022 with a new outlook on Orleans County and the need for us to step up.

Integrity. Empathy. Vision. These aren’t just words—they’re the principles that guide me.

Want a local government that listens and acts?

Want leaders who are truly accessible and transparent?

Want a future built on collaboration, not division?

Then let’s talk. Let’s ask questions. Let’s get involved.

Stop by 13399 Callard Drive on October 25th anytime between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. for a Meet and Greet. Let’s talk about what is important to us. I want to earn your vote!

Not registered? You can do that today!

Regards-

Marlene Seielstad

Carlton candidate for Town Board

Editor:

The statement “youth have seen enough tobacco” is the slogan for Seen Enough Tobacco Day, an annual day of action held on October 13 in New York and led by youth members of Reality Check.

It highlights the billions of dollars the tobacco industry spends on marketing, which studies show increases the likelihood of young people starting to use tobacco products.

Despite federal regulations on tobacco advertising and sales to people under 21, the tobacco industry continues to use sophisticated and targeted marketing tactics to attract young people.

One deceitful tactic involves using appealing flavors in their products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, to attract new, young users. The vast majority of underage e-cigarette users report using flavored products. You can’t miss the huge window ads and counter displays in convenience stores in our area, bombarding young people who shop there with an ever-increasing number of enticing flavored tobacco products.

The tobacco industry also heavily promotes e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where age restrictions aren’t closely monitored. Studies show frequent social media use is linked to a higher risk of youth starting to use tobacco products.

In stores, tobacco products are often placed in highly visible areas, like near candy displays, or promoted with price discounts that appeal to younger people. The industry uses bright, colorful imagery on packaging and has historically used branded promotional materials and sponsorships of social events to appeal to youth.

The Seen Enough Tobacco movement is part of broader anti-tobacco efforts that have been successful in reducing cigarette smoking among youth. However, the rise of new products like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches presents a new challenge. Join the voices who have seen enough tobacco marketing and are saying something  about it – on October 13 and beyond.

Brittany Bozzer

Reality Check Coordinator for Tobacco-Free GOW

Editor:

As a lifelong resident of Clarendon, I have been an active member of this community since I was 10 years old. I have raised my family here and my grandchildren are also being raised here.

Being a member of Boy Scout Troop 59 and doing community service projects to helping my father mow the town properties and pioneer cemeteries from the age of fourteen has only increased my devotion to the town.

I am a member of the Clarendon Fire Company and have my own landscaping business which serves many members of the community and local area for the last 30 years which gives me the perspective of the residents in Clarendon as I know my customers and talk to them.  I volunteer at the Clarendon Historical Society, Orleans County Historical Association, local parades and cemetery clean up events to name a few.

I have been serving on the Clarendon Town Board since June and have become well versed in the issues and concerns facing the town and the challenges it brings, from the budget process to being aware of the resident’s needs, wellbeing and safety.

I would appreciate your support in the upcoming November election so I can continue to serve the town I’ve called home all of my life.

Sincerely,

Fred Seeman

Clarendon Town Board candidate