Editor:

If you haven’t yet attended a performance of the Hoag Music Series you’ve missed some wonderful entertainment. From March until December on scheduled Saturdays at noon Jim Doyle arranged for some great music for our community.

On October 10^th, the concert featured Evie Ladin who sang, played the banjo and did some percussion dancing that was awesome. She performs all over the country, is based in NYC and Jim promises that she will be back. You should not miss her.

Os Pipe and Fiddle Witch Duet will be here on Saturday, November 7^th for a blend of East and West.

The Rochester Ukelele Orchestra will be at the Hoag on Saturday, December 5th at noon. Bonus: Gary Simboli will lead a Christmas Carol sing along at 2 that afternoon too!

All performances are free. December 5 closes the series for 2026. Jim promises that next year’s series, starting in March, will be awesome too. Look for them, put them on your calendars and enjoy!

Catherine Moore

Albion

Editor:

I am writing to encourage residents, veterans, and local organizations to petition Orleans County school districts to hold public hearings on the newly authorized property tax exemption for permanently and totally disabled veterans under New York State Real Property Tax Law §458-a(11).

This legislation gives local governments and school districts the authority to provide a full property tax exemption to qualifying veterans who have been permanently and totally disabled as a result of their military service. However, each taxing jurisdiction must decide whether to adopt it.

Monroe County has already adopted the exemption, and some school districts have begun taking action. Yet here in Orleans County, there has been little public discussion about whether our school districts intend to offer this benefit.

I am a permanently and totally disabled combat veteran who served in Iraq. I live within the Kendall Central School District, which does not currently participate in the Alternative Veterans’ Exemption. I recently contacted the district’s Board of Education president to ask whether the new exemption had been discussed or would be considered. I was informed that the board had not discussed it and that there was no timeline for doing so.

This raises a larger question: Why should disabled veterans have to appear personally before a school board just to get elected officials to discuss a benefit that the state has already authorized?

Many permanently and totally disabled veterans live with serious physical injuries, PTSD, anxiety, and other service-connected disabilities. For some, appearing before a room full of people to publicly discuss their disabilities or advocate for themselves can be extremely difficult.

These veterans have already demonstrated their disabilities through the Department of Veterans Affairs. They should not have to stand before another government body and explain why their sacrifices deserve consideration.

I recognize that adopting this exemption has financial implications for school districts and taxpayers. Those implications deserve an open and informed discussion. That is precisely why I believe public hearings are appropriate.

I am calling on the Boards of Education in Kendall, Albion, Holley, Lyndonville and Medina to publicly consider this exemption, hold hearings, and give residents an opportunity to understand its potential benefits and costs.

I also encourage local veterans’ organizations, including VFW and American Legion posts, to help organize petitions and advocate for these discussions.

This is not a demand that school districts automatically approve the exemption. It is a request that they put the issue on their agendas, examine the facts, and make a decision in public.

Our disabled veterans should not have to fight another battle simply to have their needs considered.

Respectfully,

Dan Brundage

Kendall Central School District resident

Iraq War veteran

Editor:

My name is Kathy Harnischfeger, and I am a write-in candidate for Clarendon Town Supervisor.

I am writing in response to the SCOPE article. If elected, I will take seriously my oath to uphold the Constitution and will base my decisions on evidence, facts, and the best interests of our community—not on personal opinion.

I did not attend the SCOPE debate or respond to Mark Allen’s questionnaire because I have been focused on listening directly to residents and understanding their concerns through my door-to-door campaigning.

Across the community, people have consistently raised issues such as high taxes, rising energy costs, public safety, sewer infrastructure, and other local priorities. The Second Amendment has not been among the concerns most frequently raised with me.

For the record, I am a gun owner and support the right to bear arms. I also strongly support the First Amendment freedom of speech. These rights carry important responsibilities, and they should be approached with care and respect.

I encourage Clarendon voters to look beyond distractions and misinformation and to focus on the facts. This is an important moment for our community and an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to honest, responsible local government.

Every eligible voter has a voice in Clarendon’s future. Please make a plan to vote and participate in this important election.

Sincerely,

Kathy Harnischfeger

Clarendon

Editor:

These are the times that try America’s soul.

Our great Republic is at a major fork in the road. One path is staying with our Constitution, Rule of Law, Free Market Capitalism and Individual freedoms. The other is for big government (Democratic Socialism), Rule by Law, government owning everything and people are nothing more than servants to the government with no individual freedoms.

The last time the socialist movement in America was this big was during the 1930s’ Depression. This election is critical to what path, as a nation, we will go down, affecting not only us but future generations of American. It is critical to the future of our nation that all American Patriots vote. Socialism has never worked. It is not utopia. It only leads to death, poverty and the collapse of the country.

When our nation was being founded, one vote decided our national language. If any one of those who voted for English had voted the other way we would be speaking German today.

In the 1960 Presidential Election, if Richard Nixon had received one more vote in each election district in Illinois, he would have been President. One more vote. Think how that would have changed our history.

Vietnam, JFK assassination, riots and protest of the sixties, Kent State would not have happened. Johnson would not have become President and one of the most destructive big government programs in American history, The Great Society, would not have happened.  This program was the most socialist takeover by government since Roosevelt’s “New Deal.”  It destroyed low-income families, created government housing that is nothing but cesspools for gangs, violence and drugs.

The Great Society was the biggest takeover of our health care system. This takeover cost Orleans County taxpayers $10 million a year. Be very careful who you vote into office. Just one more vote would have changed the history of our great Republic.

Unfortunately, too many people feel that their vote doesn’t count. The opposite is quite true, every vote does count. The whole of anything is made up of the sum of the parts. The final count of any election is made up of every individual vote. How would history have changed and made America different, if in any of the examples above one vote had been different?

When Election Day comes, remember your power to make a difference.  Your vote is deciding the course of history and the direction of your country, either individual freedoms or servants to big government’s ruling class.

News media and polls want to demoralize you, to make you think the election have already been decided, to stop you from using your power. Statistics can be manipulated to get the results you want by manipulating the numbers and half-truths as facts. Don’t let a handful of people who control the news decide your fate. Take the horse by the reins and decide on your government’s future.

You have the freedom to decide which path our nation takes, to march into the future as free citizens or kneel beneath the boot heels of tyrants. Show the politicians that you are watching, because nothing scares them more. Everyone is equal inside that voting booth.  Remember always, the real power of our country is in your vote!

Donald Allport

Gaines

Mr. Allport is an Orleans County legislator in an at-large district.

Editor:

I ran for the office of the Town of Shelby Supervisor, not for power, not for ego, certainly not for money. I ran because it appeared that our municipal government was a mess and just maybe I could use my years of experience in the private sector to help.

Upon taking, office I found that things are much worse than I imagined. Failed accounting practices, wasteful spending that had depleted our reserve funds, outdated or no policies and procedures, contracts with vendors and other municipalities that hadn’t been renegotiated for years (one dating back 15 years).

Like every other municipality in New York State, we are struggling. The costs of providing the level of service you deserve keeps increasing, while our sources of revenue stay flat.  For example, the day after we received a contract to increase the Town’s reimbursement for plowing and mowing the county roads by 30%, we received notification of a 25% increase in the cost of salt and we all know what’s happening to the price of fuel.

Then there are the increasing costs for energy, gas and electricity, equipment and labor. Unlike a business, we cannot increase our sales to make up the difference. Instead all these increases fall squarely on the backs of us taxpayers.

The world and the workplace has gotten ever more complex. The office of Town Clerk and Highway Superintendent are not immune to the increased complexity of everyday operations.  Beyond the usual job functions, they must have the ability to operate in the age of computers, internet, online reporting requirements to the county and state, email, databases, spreadsheets, document control, and more.

However, for these elected positions, any one – regardless of qualifications, other than being a Shelby resident – can run for office. No experience or resume or interview required.  Once elected, they are set for 4 years. No boss, no limit on vacation or time off. In fact I was informed by the Orleans County Office Personnel that by municipal law they only need to work an hour to collect full time pay.

So your representatives on the Shelby Town Board are proposing an idea that the positions of Town Clerk and Highway Superintendent be changed from elected to hired.  We are not looking to take away your right to vote. In fact this idea is on the ballot come next Tuesday.  If you have already voted or not interested in understanding our reasoning, then ignore the rest of this letter.  But if you truly want to cast an educated vote then click here to read the analysis done by another town in New York State.

I don’t expect that reading this will convince everyone, but rather than listening to the uniformed opinions on social media or letters from outside interest groups, you will have employed your best efforts to make that educated vote.

At the end of the day our right to vote is the bedrock of our democracy.  Next Tuesday make sure you get to the polls, make your voice heard.

Jim Heminway

Town of Shelby Supervisor

Editor:

Orleans County residents have a unique opportunity to elect Anne Joynt, formerly of Medina, to the New York State Supreme Court’s 8th Judicial District.

Anne was raised in a family that taught in Medina as well as Albion. The 8th Judicial District encompasses an area of our state not acknowledged enough for its history, resources and hardworking, talented people.

Anne’s resume reflects numerous accolades and awards. View her profile on her worksite: lipsitzponterio.com. Her accomplishments as a lawyer have changed the lives of real people. She can make a difference in our court system.

As she was raised by a Democratic father and a Republican mother, she had an opportunity to hear a variety of perspectives. In my view she is an ideal candidate.

The “Republican Mom” is casting her vote for the person she believes is the best candidate for the position – her daughter, Anne. Please join me in voting for Anne for New York State Supreme Court on November 3rd.

Sincerely yours,

Grace Kent

Albion

Editor:

This letter serves as a follow-up to our previous correspondence regarding the Town of Clarendon Supervisor candidates.

Shortly after the publication of write-in candidate Kathy Harnischfeger’s letter, we contacted both candidates to provide them with a questionnaire and information about our public meeting.

Candidate Kathy Harnischfeger did not return a completed questionnaire or attend our meeting. However, I did have an opportunity to speak with her on her porch and discuss Second Amendment issues.

Candidate Fred Seeman completed the questionnaire and attended our meeting. His responses were reviewed, and additional questions were asked and answered during the discussion, allowing our membership to gain a clearer understanding of his positions.

I also attended the Oct. 16 question-and-answer session at the Clarendon Town Hall.

When a candidate states, “I am a moderate Democrat who believes in the Second Amendment,” that position should be supported by a clear record, specific answers, and a willingness to defend the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022) established important constitutional principles governing the Second Amendment. In Heller, the Court affirmed an individual right to possess firearms for lawful purposes, including self-defense. In Bruen, the Court established that firearm regulations must be consistent with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.

The protection of arms in common use for lawful purposes is a fundamental part of the Court’s Second Amendment jurisprudence. Government restrictions cannot simply be justified by asserting that they promote public safety; they must withstand the applicable constitutional analysis. The precise legal outcome depends on the regulation and the relevant precedents.

Supporting bans and infringements on firearms protected by the Second Amendment is not consistent with an uncompromising commitment to that constitutional right. Candidates who claim to support the Second Amendment should be prepared to explain how their positions on firearm restrictions align with these Supreme Court decisions.

Public officials swear an oath to support the U.S. Constitution. That oath carries a responsibility to respect constitutional limits on government authority, including those established by the Second Amendment.

Accordingly, the candidates’ stated positions and willingness to uphold their constitutional obligations were given significant weight in our membership’s assessment.

Following a review of the available information, the candidates’ questionnaire responses, participation in our meeting, and extensive membership deliberations, S.C.O.P.E. of Orleans County assigned the following ratings:

Fred Seeman: B

Kathy Harnischfeger: F−

These ratings reflect our membership’s assessment of the candidates based on the information and engagement available to us. The difference in participation was a factor in our ability to evaluate their respective positions.

These ratings do not constitute an endorsement of either candidate. They represent S.C.O.P.E. of Orleans County’s assessment of the candidates’ demonstrated positions and engagement on Second Amendment issues only.

S.C.O.P.E. represents a diverse community of members and gun owners throughout Orleans County, including individuals, families, sportsmen’s clubs, and businesses that supply the equipment and materials necessary for lawful firearm ownership and the exercise of our constitutional rights.

S.C.O.P.E. of Orleans County remains committed to maintaining an ongoing dialogue with elected officials, candidates, and other public servants throughout Orleans County. We believe that open discussion, accountability, and a clear understanding of constitutional principles are essential to protecting the rights of our citizens.

We invite the public to attend our monthly meetings, held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Hoag Library, 134 South Main St., Albion, New York.

Please note that regular monthly meetings are not held in December or January. Our meetings are open to the public, and we welcome constructive discussion with anyone interested in the Second Amendment and the constitutional rights of New Yorkers.

With respect and commitment to our constitutional principles,

Mark Allen

Chairman, Orleans County S.C.O.P.E.

Editor:

Town of Shelby voters have an important decision to make in this year’s election. Will the Shelby residents allow the Republican Town Board to make a decision regarding how the Town Superintendent of Highways and the Town Clerk positions are selected?

There are 10 towns in Orleans County and presently all towns make this decision by having candidates on the ballot. Why does this all-Republican board want to take away this right from the citizens?

Every voter needs to be aware that they will no longer have a choice in this process. Why? Remember, it is doubtful that qualified candidates will be chosen unless you are a registered Republican. No Democrat, Conservative or other parties will ever be considered. Do not let the Town Board make this decision for you. It is not a fair process.

Exercise your right and vote.

Jeanne Crane

Carlton

Editor:

I read, with interest, Mr. Steven Colon’s notice of write-in candidacy for the post of Town of Yates Supervisor.  I’d like to commend Mr. Colon for his willingness to step up and stand for this leadership position.

Mr. Colon, however, seems a bit misinformed as to the candidate endorsement process and how it functions. My view of the endorsement process is quite different than Mr. Colon’s.  I served as Yates Town Councilman from 2015-2024, successfully running three election campaigns for that position. The process for endorsement was the same in all three:

1. A Letter of Consideration for Endorsement was written by myself to the Yates Republican Committee. The Letter of Consideration included my views on the Town and what was needed to ensure a prudent path forward for the Town of Yates, not only now, but into the future.
2. The Yates Republican Committee assessed each Letter of Consideration and interviewed each candidate.
3. Based on the Letters of Consideration and the interviews, the Yates Republican Committee discussed and voted on the candidates to be endorsed.

In my view, the endorsement process illustrates our representative democracy and clearly does not bypass the democratic process. It certainly does not take place behind closed doors.

By definition, a representative democracy is one in which citizens elect officials to make law and policy on their behalf with those elected officials accountable to the electorate.  That is the reason for public comment during privilege-of-the-floor sessions at Town Board meetings.

Regarding hand-picked candidates, as mentioned by Mr. Colon in his editorial, I’ll again reference the reader to the endorsement steps listed above. There is no hand-picking in the endorsement process. It is accountable, transparent and ensures a competitive candidate endorsement determination.

Lastly, the retirement of the current Yates Town Supervisor, Mr. James Simon, opens the seat for Supervisor. As such, a sitting board member has expressed interest in the Supervisor position and has moved through the endorsement process as described above. However, that person is still a sitting Town Board member and therefore that person’s seat is not open for election.

If, and only if, the board member is elected to the Supervisor position does the board position become vacant. In that case, the Board is within its legal purview to interview and select a board member replacement to serve the remainder of the, now vacant, term. Again, there is nothing surreptitious, cloak and dagger, or “smoke-filled back room” about the process.

Both board member endorsement and replacement processes are transparent, competitive and ensure essential accountability in local government.

I wish Mr. Colon well and best of luck in the upcoming election.

Thank you,

John Riggi

Town of Yates

Editor:

With early voting beginning October 24th and election day right around the corner, it is important for voters to know who is on the ballot in their community.

In the Town of Yates, there is an election for the Yates Town Supervisor, and Sue Hrovat will be on the ballot. Sue (and many others) passed petitions by going door to door, discussing issues, and meeting with registered Republicans throughout the Town of Yates.

The petition process is unique and indicative of democracy in our country. It provides any person the ability and opportunity to pass petitions to force a primary for a political party’s line if they are not nominated by a political party, in accordance with state laws and filing deadlines.

Our democracy also provides the ability for candidates to seek elected office as a write-in candidate. This is one of the great parts of our democracy—the ability to give voters a choice. I have no problem with this; I have personally been elected as a write-in candidate myself.

Having a choice is healthy for democracy. While having a choice is vital, selecting a candidate with proven leadership is equally important, which is why Sue Hrovat stands out. She is highly qualified, motivated, and capable to lead the Town of Yates as Town Supervisor, possessing the exact experience and expertise needed to manage town government.

Sue has been involved in our community for decades, taking on roles in various organizations well before she ever sought elected office. I went to school with her children, and looking back, she was always a reliable and steady presence in the community—attributes that continue today.

Balancing community needs with regulations, labor laws, and financial constraints is a demanding and often thankless responsibility. I am thankful we have someone like Sue Hrovat willing to step up, and I am proud to support her as our next Yates Town Supervisor.

Respectfully,

James C. White

Lyndonville