Editor:

I don’t remember a race for the Orleans County sheriff’s position, maybe because I was too young, busy with the business, or just plain apathetic at the time, which is prevalent in today’s society.

At any rate, the Orleans County Sheriff candidate forum on Wednesday at the Albion Elks Club on West State Street was an event to behold.

First, thanks to the Elks Club for making their club available to Orleans County SCOPE and NY Revolution at no charge. And a big round of applause and thanks goes to Mattie and Joel Zarpentine of NY Revolution, David and Marsha Thom of Orleans County SCOPE, and Steven Aldstadt of NY Scope for their dedication to a good Constitutional government, and all of the work and detail that went into hosting this forum.

Also kudos to Tom Rivers of Orleans Hub, Jim Krencik of the Batavia Daily News, along with various other photographers, etc. for the covering of this important Orleans County event.

Now, down to the “nitty gritty.” It is my opinion that Randy Bower, during the Question and Answer period, clearly knocked it out of the park, and the other two candidates are still looking for it.

Randy Bower was clear, and precise with his answers, not differentiating from his views and plans, the same ones that he had started his campaign with. Randy Bower pointed out that the Orleans County Legislature had passed a resolution calling for the full repeal of the SAFE Act. Therefore it was the will of the Orleans County citizens, and if he is elected sheriff, he would not enforce the unconstitutional law.

The Democratic Party candidate for sheriff would enforce the SAFE Act, spend whatever it would take to keep up with “the Jones” (my words) and create professionalism within the Sheriff’s Office in order to make the employees want to come to work. Really!

The former Republican candidate, whom Randy Bower overtook in the Primary election, said he also would not enforce the SAFE Act, and stated that he would administer a more employee-employer friendly atmosphere within the Sheriff’s Department so the employees would look forward to starting their shifts each and every day. I ask, what has happened? Why hasn’t it been a decent place to work all along?

Along with the everyday problems, changes, and decisions that confront all of us, the deputies are dealing with a larger more critical issue, which I won’t expand on, but they have taken an oath, and are dedicated in maintaining the safety of the Orleans County people. They don’t need to go to work and start their shift at having to deal with a sour-pussed, disgruntled superior.

We know by their endorsements: the Orleans County Deputies Association, the NY Deputies Association, and the Orleans County Sheriffs’ Employees Association have all lined up and are standing with Randy Bower.

With smiles on their faces, and hope in their hearts, they are looking to the Orleans County voters to elect Randy Bower as the new sheriff.

Let us not fail them, or ourselves. Get up, get out, and vote for Randy Bower on Nov. 3.

Vote on the Republican line (2nd line down on the ballot) or the Conservative Party line (3rd line down on the ballot) for Randy Bower.

Being the Orleans County Conservative Party Chairman at the present time, I am biased, and would like to see the votes on the Conservative line, but in this case, either the 2nd or 3rd line down “Randy Bower for Sheriff” would be just fine.

Regards,

Allen Lofthouse
Kendall

(Mr. Lofthouse is chairman of the Orleans County Conservative Party, which endorsed Bower for sheriff.)

Editor:

Over the last several months I have absorbed the political propaganda being advanced regarding the race for Orleans County Sheriff.

Police protection is a fundamental responsibility of government. As citizens we have a right to expect that in our time of need law enforcement will be there to protect us. It is essential that we as voters get it right relative to who is best prepared to serve as the top law enforcement person in our county.

As a former Chairman of the Orleans County Legislature overseeing the Public Safety Committee, I know firsthand the importance of having a competent sheriff in office. Not only is the sheriff charged with ensuring the safety of our county by administrating and coordinating the efforts of our law enforcement officers, he manages the county jail and annually oversees a multi-million dollar budget.

Our sheriff needs to be an individual of strong moral character with solid and mature judgment who knows more about law enforcement than those in his employ. Come Jan. 1 there is no room for on-the-job training. When dealing with a crime, there are no second chances and people’s lives, reputations and livelihoods are at stake.

We are very fortunate to have three fine individuals pursuing the position of sheriff this year and each candidate has made a considerable effort in doing so. Despite this, we are witnessing the most contested race in years.

This race has divided our political parties, our criminal justice system and our community. The winner will not only be tasked with responsibilities of being sheriff, but also with unifying and gaining the trust of a fragmented community.

With my many years of experience in county government and in Orleans County politics, it is apparent to me that only one of the candidates has significantly distinguished himself from the others in his preparation for the job of sheriff.

It is indisputable that only one of the three candidates has received vast training and certifications in various aspects of law enforcement and has a substantial amount of actual work experience as a road patrol deputy, investigator and administrator of a law enforcement agency with budget planning and oversight.

In dealing with this candidate over the last 12 years I have witnessed his leadership abilities, his unquestionable character, his dedication both to law enforcement and to his family.

As a life-long resident he has made the protection of this county his career. He has a long established rapport and working relationship with law enforcement agencies throughout Western New York, as well as with local judges, prosecutors, probation personnel, lawyers and others associated with the criminal justice system in our county.

The other candidates have worked hard at their campaigns, but colorful shirts, road signs and stickers cannot mask the lack of experience. I trust that informed voters will make their way through the colorful clutter.

I trust once they get beyond the baseless rhetoric, they will see a lack of qualifications, a lack of experience and no proven track record. I trust voters will clearly see Tom Drennan for the position of sheriff in our county.

Tom Drennan knows what it takes to make our community safe. He understands and knows how to by patrolling our roads, coordinating investigations, collecting evidence, question suspects and witnesses, preparing and execute search warrants, make lawful arrests and comfort individuals and families who have been victimized.

Becoming sheriff is also about leadership and knowing how to develop and impart knowledge and experience to subordinates who will be delegated these responsibilities.

It is inconceivable to me that the Republican and Conservative candidate has no
experience in performing key components of the duties of sheriff and that candidate believes he is qualified for this position when Tom Drennan has performed these duties hundreds if not thousands of times.

It is not acceptable to tell the public that you don’t need that kind of experience to be sheriff and that you’ll have to rely on your undersheriff. If that’s the case, why do we need you? No disrespect intended but Mr. Bower’s proposed undersheriff has never been an investigator and as a lieutenant has limited administrative experience.

In a few weeks, we the voters are going to have the ultimate say. It is important we get this right. Make your own choice, but please take a little time and do some research. Attend the candidates’ public appearances, read the ads and materials and above all ask questions.

The safety of our community, your family and you depends on your diligence to insure you make an informed choice on election day.

Henry Smith, Jr.
Gaines
Former Orleans County Legislator

Editor:

The cognitive dissonance of the New York Revolution and the Orleans County chapter of SCOPE, as well as two of our candidates for Orleans County Sheriff, has been quite the sight to behold.

These citizens have constructed organizations dedicated to defending the constitutions of this great state and nation, and yet they call for a sheriff who would ignore a law that was written, passed, and (mostly) upheld by the legislative and judicial processes established by both of these documents.

And Mr. Bower and Mr. Drennan, who have campaigned so passionately, say they would defy one of the very laws that one of them will likely soon swear, under oath, to uphold and enforce.

At Wednesday night’s forum, Mr. Bower pointed out the Orleans County Legislature had passed a resolution calling for the full repeal of the SAFE Act. This resolution represented the will of the people, he said, and he would use this as his grounds for ignoring the SAFE Act.

Mr. Drennan too declared he would ignore the SAFE Act. Surely one of the well-versed constitutionalists in attendance could have explained that a local resolution does not supersede state law just as state law does not supersede federal law.

Mr. Bower and Mr. Drennan: Are there any other laws you disagree with and intend to disregard? Do you think it is the job of law enforcement officials to pick and choose which laws should be abided? Do you not believe impartiality to be a core tenet of the position you seek?

It is our right to disagree with our governing bodies. It is our right to organize and make our voices heard by our elected legislators and executives. It is our right to contest our grievances in court, where the legality of this law will ultimately be decided.

It is not our right to ignore the rule of law. And it is absolutely unacceptable for sheriff candidates to declare they will decide what is and is not the law of our land.

Mark Armstrong
Albion

Editor:

If you were to drive around the Village of Lyndonville and the Town of Yates, you would see many political signs endorsing candidates, many would say more this election than previous ones.

As many are aware there is a huge controversy over the proposed wind turbine project slated for this area.

At Town Board meetings our elected officials have remained neutral on their opinions regarding this project, stating until the town survey is completed as to how the entire town feels they will not go on record with either supporting or not supporting the project.

If that is true than I have to ask myself why are there so many signs supporting John Belson for supervisor next to “Fear Not The Wind” signs? This would lead me to believe that he supports the wind. Why else would they be there?

If he truly wants to remain neutral, then I feel they should be removed so not to influence anyone who is not sure how they feel.

Somerset did a survey over the summer to see how the town felt about the project. We are still waiting for our survey.

Why does this take so long to compile a few questions to see how the people feel? Why the delay?

Judy Esposito
“Full-time resident”
Lyndonville

Editor:

Wednesday night (Oct. 21, 2015) I attended the Orleans County Sheriff’s forum organized by the New York Revolution and the Orleans County chapter of SCOPE at the Albion Elks Lodge.

It was a very well organized forum and both groups should be commended for their professionalism and attention to detail to make this a wonderful educational event. I went there to learn more about the two candidates who are opposing Tom Drennan for the Orleans County sheriff’s position before I cast my vote on Nov. 3.

After an hour and a half of watching these three men answer the questions submitted by the attendees, it reinforced my decision that Tom Drennan is the clear-cut best choice for the sheriff’s position. He answered each question cleanly, professionally and honestly.

There was no dancing around the issues or political rhetoric. There was no “telling the people what they want to hear” and no false promises. His answer to the last question of the night and his closing statement are what left a lasting impression on me as I walked out the door to go home.

The last question of the night was “Why do you feel your choice of undersheriff is the best man for that position?” There was no collective sigh or dramatic pause from Tom Drennan when he stated the name of Brett Sobieraski as his choice for undersheriff. Don Organisciak’s answer was impressive and he simply stated that “You’re not voting for the undersheriff. A sheriff needs to lead by example. You’re the sheriff.” A straightforward response.

Drennan expanded on that statement after Organisciak’s spoke by stating that he wanted this election to be about the sheriff, nothing else. When he felt that by him not naming an undersheriff had become a distraction, he disclosed his choice. He then went on to tell the crowd a brief history of Brett Sobieraski’s background and their plan for the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department. He made it clear that the undersheriff will work for him. Their 50 years of experience between the two of them make them an impressive duo.

In my opinion, Tom Drennan’s closing statement was unmatched by either candidate. You could tell that the longer that he spoke in his closing statement, it became evident that he was proud of what he’s already accomplished for our county and wants the chance to do more.

He is a calm, cool and collected man by nature and for him to show the passion that he displayed while speaking in his closing statement, well that spoke volumes.

This showed me how much he loved his job, this county and how much he wants to serve as sheriff to make it a safer place for all us. He then went on to state his qualifications, his training and how he worked his way up through the ranks to get this opportunity to be sheriff.

My late father always said “The only job you should ever start at the top is when you’re digging a hole.”

Simply put, Tom Drennan has done it the old-fashioned way: He’s worked for it. Please vote for Tom Drennan on Nov. 3.

Sincerely,

Timothy Jurhs
Kendall

Editor:

I am a 38-year resident of Gaines, NY. As a homeowner and taxpayer, I want to applaud Allen Lofthouse and the Moshers for their letters supporting Carol Culhane as town supervisor. I agree with everything they stated.

Going to the monthly board meeting when I can, I have seen the change in management. I have seen my water bills reduced. I have seen fraud exposed and I too, applaud Carol for bringing these issues to the front. Her accomplishments include involvement of every aspect of running a town. She is accessible to the residents all day and into the night.

For many years, I registered as Independent. A few years ago, I realized, being independent doesn’t allow you to vote in the primaries. This is the bottom of the chain and this is where our politics start. So, I changed my registration.

The Gaines Town Board needs a supervisor who will work for the residents. We have that supervisor in Carol. I am only one little voice, but I pray that my neighbors in Gaines will support Carol Culhane as supervisor in the upcoming election.

Are we perfect? Not by a long shot however, this community is the best place to live and the people are wonderful.

Please elect Carol in our upcoming election. She is truly doing a wonderful job.

While I am at it, Mary Nealans was largely responsible for the Comprehensive Law and Dick DeCarlo initiated and got the water in the town of Gaines. They also have my support and my vote.

Sincerely,

Katherine Marsh
Gaines

Editor:

This letter is in response to Tanis Bolick’s letter that was posted Oct. 22.

The assertion that if the Town of Yates Town Board “really wanted the truth, they would have conducted their own survey in what should have been a timelier manner,” could not be farther from the truth.

Our board is acting like responsible government and weighing all the facts before coming out with their stand for or against the wind turbine project.

They have been actively working to create a survey that is impartial and fair. There is a member from SOS (the group against the turbines) as well as a member from Apex (the company proposing the project) and a Town Board member. This is fact. This is the only way to produce a survey that is not skewed to one side or the others’ views.

As to the assertion in the letter, “Why are these candidates and board members so reluctant to support the will of the majority of their constituents?”: They can not support the majority of their constituents until they get the results of the OFFICIAL survey after it is sent out.

In answer to his statement, “If Mr. Belson is not in favor of the APEX Project please explain to me why ‘Fear Not the Wind’ signs and his re-election signs are systematically aligned on almost every road in our town,” I would ask if Tanis Bolick feels that the only issue in our town is the wind turbines?

Many people here support John Belson and it has nothing to do with whether he supports the turbines or not, it has to do with the kind of man he is and the fact that we KNOW he loves our town, knows the history and heartbeat of our town and is one of us. John has no control over what other people support and the fact that his signs are in lawns with the Fear Not the Wind signs has nothing to do with his position on the subject of the wind turbines.

I also wonder that if his assertion that there are Fear Not the Wind signs on almost every road in our town how he can say “Why are these candidates and board members so reluctant to support the will of the majority of their constituents?” Because obviously many, many of the constituents do support the turbines.

John and the rest of the board know that their personal position, (when they do reach a decision on the subject) has nothing to do with whether the turbines come to Yates or not. Like good government officials should they are waiting to get a comprehensive, fair and unbiased view of the ENTIRE town from the results of the official town survey that will go out when all three entities that are creating it can agree on the content.

That is the kind of representation I want in my government, not someone who will bow to special interest groups.

Thank you,

Susan Campbell
Lyndonville

Editor:

I would like to address Mr. Smith’s scathing response to the survey sent out on behalf of SOS. Mr. Smith’s assertions could not be farther from the truth.

In fact, if the Yates Town Board really wanted the truth, they would have conducted their own survey in what should have been a timelier manner. It would seem to me that the information derived from any survey would be imperative to have prior to our upcoming election.

The survey itself, paid for by SOS and distributed and calculated by Lumsden & McCormick, LLC, received a 34 percent response. That response garnered a 77.9 percent response against the APEX Wind project.

All of the responses are available for review by any interested party. Many residents have repeatedly requested that the town conduct a survey such as what was done by this firm and continue to be told they are working on it. I wanted to know before the election what the constituents want and how the candidates feel about those issues.

At the last Town Board meeting, I personally asked Mr. Belson and Mr. Bradley to help me make my decisions for the upcoming election by stating their direction, commitment and position on pending issues before our town. They both would not commit to any direction as a Town Board member.

I understand the neutral direction of the Town Board. However, as a candidate for office, I would expect that the candidates would have some type of position or direction they would want us to know prior to the election.

I was further told that they would have an insert in the Lake Country Pennysaver stating their position. I have reviewed each publication since without finding a position paper for either of these gentlemen.

Back to Mr. Smith’s comments on the survey, unfortunately there will be some people who will believe his untruthful and no fact based assertions. To those folks, I submit, why are these candidates and board members so reluctant to support the will of the majority of their constituents?

We need to ask ourselves, what’s in it for them. As I travel around our town I question the positioning of Mr. Belson’s signs seeking re-election. If Mr. Belson is not in favor of the APEX Project please explain to me why “Fear Not the Wind” signs and his re-election signs are systematically aligned on almost every road in our town.

I would guess if he is not going to put out any type of position paper in a timely manner then his sign placement speaks for itself and I for one have my answer.

Tanis C. Bolick
Lyndonville

Editor:

The “survey” about wind turbines only got an 80 percent against result? It should have been virtually 100 percent!

First of all, it was sent only to pre-selected residences: the hard core NIMBY’s along West Lake Road. Line all of SOS’s public pronouncements, it was not intended to reflect anything approaching the truth.

Why, SOS leadership? Didn’t you want the true affected population- the entire Town of Yates voters to participate in the “survey”? Who determined whether a select residence got one vote or two votes or three or four votes? The SOS leadership of course. Truthfulness was sacrificed to assure a pre-determined result.

Secondly, the format follows the infamous “push survey” format used by political hacks (ie: SOS leadership) throughout the country. The wording was incredibly biased against the windmill project and reflected the half-truths and outright propaganda SOS has been peddling since day one.

If any responsible public body gives any validity to this “survey” shame on them. The results belong in the waste basket, not the in basket.

The real survey will occur on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Thinking voters in the Town of Yates will be voting to retain John Belson as Supervisor, and to “bullet vote” to retain Wes Bradley as Town Council member. Even though there are two council vacancies, vote ONLY for one council member.

Fear Not The Wind.

Ralph Smith
Lyndonville

Editor:

I urge Republicans, Democrats and independents to vote for the Conservative-endorsed candidates. Many of you are disenchanted and frustrated with the candidates that are chosen for you and the incumbents that work for their own self-serving interest.

As a resident of the Town of Yates I can’t tell you how incompetently our town has been run for decades. Finally this wind project has brought to light how incompetently, unethical and out-right in violation of town and state law that some of the dealings of this board has been undertaking.

Decades of no supervisors reports, a bookkeeper on the town payroll as an employee that receives all the benefits of a municipal employee yet pays someone else in her firm to do our town books that is NOT a town employee as admitted by the town supervisor in front of a crowd of at least 50 people last meeting.

An unopposed Highway superintendent that for 20 years left the roads in this town in the winter time in such a dangerous, deadly condition. Many accidents were never even reported.

I kept writing letters to the town pointing out how incompetent this man is, and only then did the roads improve. You could eat off the roads last winter and that is because of me and my letter writing to the town.

The town has even had to hire an engineer at taxpayer expense to advise this man what should be done. Why hasn’t anyone stepped up to challenge this incompetence? There are certainly more qualified people in this town who can do that job better than him.

Whether you are for the wind turbines or against them, every single member of the current Town Board should be voted out of office – not because I don’t like them personally. They have only been elected because they are popular old boys and the public has never seen them in action till now.

They act like they don’t know what they are doing and they seem not to care because only I have been questioning them until now. Many people have seen them in action now and the opinion of this board has changed and rightly so. It is overdue time for a change in the Town of Yates.

The Conservative Party is endorsing Glenn Maid for Town Councilman. Glenn is very competent man with fresh ideas. He is a retired police officer and most importantly he has ethics. He will have no tolerance for corruption and underhanded dealings. His slogan is “Effective Leadership.” I truly believe this man will do a stellar job like this town has never seen before – for the people of this community.

Folks it is time for change. Not just for the sake of change but because we need it for a better future. As the vice chairman of the Orleans County Conservative Party, I highly endorse Glenn Maid for Yates Town Councilman. He will fight for you. He is a leader. You can find him on Facebook to hear more of what he has to say at Glenn Maid for Yates Town Board. You will be impressed at this man’s intellect.

Please write in Jim Simon for Town Supervisor, and vote for John Riggi for Town Councilman. The entire board needs to be changed and now is the time to do it. These men will steer this town in the right direction.

Vote Randy Bower for sheriff.

Don’t forget to vote for Paul Lauricella for Legislature District 2 and don’t forget to vote for James White Legislature at Large.

We are the candidates of change up at the county. We will not be the rubber stamps that our opponents are. We will work for you and a better Orleans County.

Thank you for your consideration.

Paul Lauricella Jr.
Lyndonville