Editor:

I am consistently amazed how people running for public office pull the “Lies” card, usually while they themselves are being untruthful. I have carefully read and re-read the letter from George McKenna to the people of the Town of Barre asking them to support his daughter, Kerri Richardson, in her bid for re-election to the Barre Town Board.

I find nothing in this letter which is untrue from my own experience. Then, a few days later, I receive a post card from the Pogue, Swan, and Mathes with the caption “FACTS NOT LIES.”  Upon closer examination all six of the items listed on the post card were in fact not true or framed in a way as to be vague and disingenuous.

For example, there is no question some of the people running have a financial interest to see this project move forward. There will always be items to vote on at the town board level regarding the wind project.

Electing a board member who is supposed to recuse themselves, and has not in the past, when voting on items which would result in their financial gain is senseless. And then, there is the amount of money the Town of Barre will make while changing the town completely forever.

That amount has changed so many times I can’t even keep track of it anymore. Lowering the amount of turbines to be built and then paying the town and county the same amount of money as originally stated is not how business works.

Please read Dr. McKenna’s letter again and then read the follow-up post card from the Pro-Wind folks and make an educated vote on Nov. 7.

All my best,

Jim Salmon

Barre

Editor:

We need to give our thanks to the extraordinary person who has given more of his commitment to this community than almost anyone.

Joe Sidonio has been working to help this community be a better place for decades. To list just a very few of the amazing things he has quietly achieved for us all:

Joe was the first to see the possibility to restore the old Holley High School. It was he who secured the initial funding for the very first study and brought in those with experience from far and wide – against much nay-saying.  It took years to realize and many other people’s hard work, but Joe brought the very possibility to us by his vision and leadership.

Joe works every day to lower our taxes and reign in public spending.

Joe breathed the life into Mr. Fiorito’s vision to restore the Fancher WWII War Memorial.

Joe organized the first Farmland Protection Plan in the entire of Orleans County – a plan guiding our resource stewardship for future generations.

And so much more.

Singularly Joe Sidonio has had the courage to be the whistleblower to call out the forces of corruption in our local government. He has had the smarts to identify mismanagement of our hard-earned tax dollars and the honest conviction to vote “no” on the 2024 Murray tax increases. Valuing fairness for one and all he has taken steps to stop the entrenched government favoritism that permeates a self described, self-serving elite.

All of these things have benefited the lives of each and every citizen of this town.

All of the voices who choose to continue to overlook Joe’s accomplishments, constantly and aggressively strategizing and concocting to hurt him or belittle him or misrepresent him, do a disservice to our entire region – and they have missed a beautiful opportunity to uplift our town.

But those negative voices do not define him, they cannot take away the years of work he has done on our behalf, nor the generosity of time and thought he has given to this community, nor his deep appreciation for the honest people who everyday give their all, nor his personal generosity and care – particularly for those who are vulnerable –  nor the remarkable, respectful working relationships he has formed with professional women and men including the town supervisors of Orleans County and myriad others across the entire country.

Thank you Joe Sidonio.

My vote will be for you for Town Supervisor of Murray.

Mine is a vote of confidence, respect and thanks.

Amy Machamer

Murray

(Machamer is married to Sidonio.)

Editor:

Just a quick observation from a Town of Carlton resident…

Darlene Rich has been in office as Shelby town clerk for 16 years, never an opponent. Somehow this year is different, according to some  former employees.

But according to Lori Myhill “everyone got along.” So I asked what went wrong in the last 3-4 years? Maybe you should be looking at the last 4-5 persons hired. How odd that suddenly there is dissatisfaction among the workers but they were family for 12-plus years.

And Darlene’s opponent used a STAR on her signs when the EAGLE should have been used.

Choose wisely and vote for the person who is qualified and has several certifications attached to her name.

Jeanne Crane

Carlton

Editor:

I would be proud to serve as Barre Town Supervisor. But, a few things I lack is an arrogant attitude, the ability to be self-serving, or the psychological manipulation of gas-lighting people.

I have a strong character, have served in places where even evil fears to tread, and have no need to sow self-doubt in anyone.

We live in a small town. Everyone used to get along. Think back to when it changed. Who came here and changed it?

I urge people to go back to live streaming of the Town Board meetings. I have attended the meetings in person, live, and virtually. To be attacked and lied about is ridiculous. Even if I did not attend every meeting, is that a pre-requisite to run for office?

The need for electricity in the park is not our biggest issue…and to think that our money will come from an entity that has not been given the full green-light, doesn’t seem wise. The board wisely voted against doing so.

The current town supervisor and I agree on one point, bringing in new business to our town. However, many of his supporters do not agree on this. Without encouraging a younger generation to come in with hopes of increasing a population, what new business would want to come in?

But, that is not my decision, because this is not a regime, it is a town that belongs to the people. However, it is not wise to stop progress to an aging-out population. I am not about my own agenda, I am about wanting to help people, progress as a town, help the elderly obtain the available tax credit, and help the Cold War veterans obtain their veteran’s tax credit.

I never, ever said that I will stop wind turbines from coming into the town and I never, ever threatened to sue anyone using your money, my money, or anyone else’s money to do so….that was from an election years ago where I was not involved and am offended that this has been an accusation on my running for election. I wish people would stop grasping at straws.

I am honest, I am transparent, and I am kind, but I am not weak. The handouts were from the primary election and only says that I was backed by Republicans and endorsed by the Conservative Party. What about that makes me dishonest and how is that cloudy?

I was never approached and told to move a sign. I never, ever threatened to sue anyone for touching signs. Another grasp to tell a falsehood to discredit my good name. We did find that, due to modern technology, signs disappeared and signs were moved around.

What evidence shows that I lack willingness to learn about the position? Where is the evidence that I alone can halt the installation of wind turbines? The damage for this agenda has already been done. I do not support the turbines, but if they were to be forced upon this town, then I would work diligently with the board and with the townspeople to protect everyone’s best interests.

The harmony in this town, at this time, does not seem too promising…if you continue to vote for the person that brought the discord in the first place.

I am asking that you vote for me on the Conservative Party line, because I do care about what happens in and to this town and about you.

Semper Fidelis,

Scott Burnside

Barre

Editor:

Wow! There sure are a lot of controversial issues raised by other Orleans County towns related to their upcoming elections. Call me glad to be a resident of Kendall!

There are three candidates running for two spots on the Kendall Town Board. I strongly support the re-election of two current members, Barb Flow and Margaret (Lynn) Szozda!

Both have been Kendall residents for over 37 years, and both play a very active, considerate, and professional role on Town Board matters and are protective of both individual and community concerns and issues.

Their concerns are driven principally by two factors, costs to residents and what’s best for the community as a whole. They are important cogs in what I see as an extremely well-functioning, innovative, hardworking, and, most important of all, a successfully-operating Town Board. Losing either Barb or Lynn on the board would be a great loss!

I have found the Town Board, Planning Board, and Assessor’s Office to always be responsive to concerns or questions I have raised, and always willing to call me back and/or sit down and discuss any issues. There is no lack of transparency on the part of town officials, and Barb and Lynn will continue this tradition.

As for the need for “change,” I would say why in the world would we want to tamper with success! Let’s return these ladies to the board, as a measure of our thanks for their fine participation in the past and our confidence they will continue their excellent work.

Please take the time to vote, for Barb Flow and Margaret Szozda at the Town Hall on Tuesday. We owe them at least that much!

Jay Dorney

Kendall

Editor:

It has been my pleasure to serve on the Town of Yates board over the past four years. Working with Jim Simon, John Riggi, Harold Suhr, Terri Chaffee and Shelly Harling has been extremely productive and rewarding for our community.

Although we may not always agree on “how much, what, where and when,” this team sees differing viewpoints and opinions as an opportunity for growth and change. Difficult discussions, although often passionate and loud, are encouraged and carried out.

In this election year I’ve read a few editorials which caused me to pause and think, people don’t really believe this do they?

It is easy to attack and throw out campaign slogans… “reduce taxes, stop the tax and spend” etc…. The reality is that with inflation, there is an increase in costs to maintain equipment, snowplows, fire trucks, and the buildings in which our town workers operate. Our town employees deserve to receive raises in order to continue to work in the community and provide for their families.

In making decisions with regard to who I want leading my country, my community and my employment situation, I look to how potential leaders manage their own lives, their money, their homes, their families, and what they produce from their words and actions and daily living habits.

The Town of Yates council members deal with the reality of current fiscal issues and put into action the ideals of responsible stewardship, transparency in governing, building of future generations and collaboration with all aspects of what community means while being as financially frugal as possible and taking in the big picture of what is best for all community members.

This group has taken action. We have worked hard to close the gap with an inherited unhealthy budget to get finances back on track. We continue to work to ensure our town workers receive adequate salaries to commensurate with their work and dedication, and to retain our quality employees and community members so they may provide for their families.

We continue to support ambulance and fire services. We support the parents and youth of our community through summer programs and work collaboratively with the school district to support the growth of future, productive and healthy citizens.

We continue to look for ways to ease the high cost of living for all community members, while being responsible stewards of what we currently have.

I encourage each and every one to review some of our efforts on the town website. We are experienced and educated, and we’ve produced measurable recorded results.

I ask Mr. Lauricella and Mr. Colon – What is your plan? What is your vision? What is your past experience with money and budgets entrusted to your care? What is your experience dealing with conflict successfully? What ideas do you have to benefit everyone in the community financially? How will you maintain your “stop the tax and spend” slogan during the next four-year period? Will you put a stop to maintaining buildings, purchasing needed equipment, maintaining roads and paying our employees the wages they deserve?

The challenge of managing the money of others is enormous and a great responsibility, often immersed in conflict with difficult decisions to be made. How are you up for the challenge?  You have shared your displeasure in the current board by citing half-truths, I am open to learning your specific plan.

Although this is an “off election year,” it is an important election year. These are the years when the “nuts and bolts” of governments are established. I encourage everyone to educate themselves on the facts, reach out to current board members with any questions, and please get out and vote on Tuesday, November 7.

Respectfully,

Susan Bennett Hrovat

Town of Yates Councilman

Editor:

Recent actions, or rather inactions, by both the Orleans County and Shelby Republican committees are painting a concerning picture ahead of upcoming elections. Citizens eager to volunteer as poll watchers on Election Day are being ignored.

Overt and repeated avoidance of civic participation raises a critical question: why are these committees hesitant to undergo public scrutiny?

This issue is not a standalone occurrence but a recurring pattern that threatens the transparency and integrity of the electoral process. In 2021 and again in 2023, Republican candidates intending to run for office in Shelby were startled to receive calls from GOP members immediately after visiting the Orleans County Board of Elections. Information had leaked from within the BOE before the candidates had even returned home, indicating a serious breach of confidentiality and possible internal coordination.

These are not simply procedural missteps; they’re signs of a deeper problem that threatens the democratic process. The evasion of volunteer poll watchers and premature disclosure of candidate information raise red flags. Are there ulterior motives at play? Is there a concerted effort to control or manipulate the electoral process to favor a specific outcome?

Voters have a right to a transparent and accountable election process. It is the responsibility of elected officials and party committees to restore faith in the system they are entrusted to uphold and take corrective measures to protect the integrity of elections.

Andina Barone

Mindful Media Group

New York City

Editor:

This past week I sent a letter to the residents of Barre asking for their support for my daughter Kerri in this upcoming election. I described her attributes and why I felt she was not only the best candidate for councilwoman but also the best councilperson presently that Barre has, including myself.

At the end of the letter I stated that if anyone had any concerns or comments, I would happily address them. This response is my obligation to happily address the opposition’s comments, and to turn the other cheek after being called a liar, desperate and shameful parent!

A lot of what was shared, Kerri has already responded to (see her letter to the editor where she factually corrects the misinformation from the postcard). There are however a few additional comments and clarifications that I would like to add.

The opposition states my claim that the Heritage Wind proposed funding continues to go down is totally incorrect. The fact is the host community agreement is based on the nameplate capacity which at the time of signing was 200 megawatts. Technology or not the nameplate capacity that is being proposed has gone down. Now they are proposing 168 to 173.6 MW which also decreases the amount that we as a town would receive.

The opposition states that I was wrong in saying Kerri is harassed and insulted at meetings and in fact it is Kerri who is disrespectful!  I can only say if you view the recordings and you see Kerri being disrespectful, I will donate $100 to PAWS Animal Shelter per incident. Don’t worry PAWS just for using your name Iva and I will make a donation.

Kerri does have to speak assertively to sometimes get her point made and understood. A perfect example of this was when Kerri emailed and requested the estimated column in the tentative budget, Sean said he wouldn’t. She again requested this information at the workshop.

Sean condescendingly asked her how long she has served on the board, and expressed that there has never been a column like that. Kerri stated that she would pull up the previous year’s column and show him. Quickly, Kerri had the 2023 budget pulled up on her computer showing the estimated column!

Sean walked over, looked at what she was talking about and then blamed the accountant! Saying he didn’t know why she would not have included it! No apology was given.

While I have your attention, I would also briefly like to address Sean’s letter to the editor. First, I find it interesting; that he actually does not address or comment on any of Kerri’s points in her letter to the editor, because it is the truth.

Second, you will find that all of the candidates are actually integral community members and avid volunteers, and this was never anything that was brought into question. In this particular matter, however, I believe (this is not fact, simply my belief) that the Heritage Wind project was the catalyst for everyone running in this year’s election to run.

There are two big differences. First, one side, Kerri Richardson and Scott Burnside, are not accepting funds from a national corporation that would like to be in our community. While two of the candidates on the other side are, and everyone who has publicly endorsed these candidates as well (Ronald Harling, Chris Loss, Michael Van Lieshout are all leaseholders and are encouraging you to vote for these candidates as they believe they provide the best opportunity to ensure that this project comes to our community to their financial gain without hiccup).

Can you rest assured that they will be a watchdog and ensure that the company is doing what they have said? Or that the modifications are appropriately vetted? Second, Kerri and Scott want to work with others, and will listen and reach out to ensure that they understand everything that is brought before the board, and are making well-informed decisions.

Wouldn’t it have been nice for the whole town to have a vote on the Heritage Wind matter?  Pogue was part of the reason you didn’t get a say on the matter. The reason that was provided by the town board to change the wind ordinance in favor of the developer was that it “aligned with the comprehensive plan.”

However, the most recent comprehensive plan had zero questions about industrial wind, so in their mind there was no objection to industrial wind (Kirk Mathes was on the planning board during this time, who facilitated the comprehensive plan).

I will end this editorial by sharing how disappointed I am in being accused of lying in my letter by Pouge, Mathes, and Swan, and this incorrect postcard being sent not just to the residents of the Town of Barre who can vote, but sent to Town of Albion residents as well (which brings me to question their financial responsibility even with their campaign, and or what their goal was with their postcards).

I want to say I forgive you. I also want to state that Iva and I are unabashedly proud of all of our daughters. That is a great word Iva suggested and it fits perfectly in this case.

Thank you,

George McKenna DVM

Barre

Editor:

There a lot of things being said about the people involved on both sides of the ballet in this town. I think we all have to keep in mind that in a small community it’s hard for good people to sometimes see the where the legal and ethical lines are and not cross them.

We trust them, they trust themselves, but doing things by the book can be an entirely different thing. Whether or not it makes a difference we sometimes only know later if something is missed. And even then, we don’t know if it’s intentionally or simple human oversight.

Unfortunately, I have not been able to read all the agreements that affect the Town of Barre. I did get to see the host agreement and it’s worlds better than the one that was for circulated a couple of years ago.

Nevertheless, I’m concerned about several things including that it implies we’re guaranteeing zoning results and indemnifying the company if we breach the agreement. I don’t know if that extends to the other agreements or not but it appears to. Contracting away ordinary municipal functions over zoning and input into the PILOT but seem to be contrary to public policy but could be the grounds for a lawsuit.

I have been told the host fee is being paid instead of a Town Of Barre portion of the Payment In Lieu of Tax. I have looked but do not find that that is the case yet.

It would be a terrible idea with Barre’s host fee tied to power generation output. If power generation goes down, there would be a possibility that Barre could be stuck with a lot of unfunded costs.

It does not appear that there’s a signed PILOT  yet, but if the power generation goes down, it seems entirely appropriate for what Barre to receive an increase portion of the PILOT. Could vary. Insist on that, I don’t know without possible litigation.

I see that the company may fund a spec building in which the county can later devote to a new business which would be located somewhere in the county. But depending on the profits being projected that does not seem enough. With electric ever more dear, with the weather we are experiencing and with our country’s move away from fossil fuel, it seems there should be a way to provide some businesses with reduced electric rates as is done with the Niagara Power Project.

If I am reading the IDA minutes correctly, they have not rushed into this and are methodically going one step at a time. I do not see how involved they are in the environmental aspects however. I think they’re trusting the state and not hiring their own consultant; I may be wrong.

Perhaps the host agreement had to be nailed down first. Maybe it was a way to lock us into a contract with open questions. We won’t know until push comes to shove, if it ever does. This is such a new area of law there are going to be oversights and many specialties of law should have been involved.

But whatever the case, my conclusion is that Barre has to closely be involved with the IDA to be sure that it’s interests are properly protected.

Barre residents have to vote for whoever they think can do that job the best. It’s going to require hard work and clear eyes. I am not endorsing any candidate but whoever is elected, I think may have address some land mines out there as there’s clearly more to be done.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

With each new post of Colon and Lauricella, I feel sad that there are people who are so misguided that are running for public office.  And I would feel worse for the Town of Lyndonville if they are elected.

Likewise, after reading John Riggi’s responses to their blather, I see balanced, intelligent remarks that espouse the type of character that I would want to see in an elected town official. In his last Letter to the Editor, John Riggi logically refuted all of Colon’s inaccurate and slanderous comments.  Fortunately, our Democracy gives us all a choice on who we trust to guide our towns, county, states, and our country.

The people of Lyndonville deserve good governance, not conspiracy theorists who spew falsehoods.

John Fredericks

Albion

Editor:

One of the things I value most about living in a small town is the sense of “community,” the knowledge that I have neighbors who support and watch out for me and my family, and are always willing to lend a hand with no questions asked and without expecting anything in return.

I have lived in the Town of Barre my entire life, and chose to raise my children there as well because I wanted them to have that same feeling of community and to learn about small town values. Kirk Mathes is one of my closest friends, and I consider Sean Pogue and Margaret Swan good friends as well. It is people like them who make Barre a great place to live.

Several years ago I wrote my first letter to the editor regarding the proposed windmill project in the Town of Barre. My concern with the project at the time was the impact it might have on our rural community’s culture and the potential for neighbors turning against neighbors.   Unfortunately that fear has become reality.

Earlier this week a letter was sent to select Barre residents by Dr. George McKenna in support of Kerri Richardson for town council. Rather than identifying himself as Ms. Richardson’s father, Dr. McKenna began his letter by noting his position as a member of the town council, and proceeded to mischaracterize and attack the  character of fellow council members and a town planning board member.

While this type of campaign strategy would not surprise me at the national level, I’m extremely disappointed that it’s happening in our small town. I have always believed that political candidates should focus on their own positive attributes rather than attacking their opponents and attempting to “scare” their constituents into voting for them.

My parents always taught me to look for the best in people and to value our neighbors and treat them with respect. I learned by example, watching them support and be there for neighbors and community members, no matter what the need.

My father actually helped Dr. McKenna pursue a career in veterinary medicine and hired him after graduation, mentoring and supporting him along the way. After working for my dad for several years, Dr. McKenna used the knowledge he had gained first-hand of how a successful vet practice was run to set up shop right around the corner. While this was very upsetting at the time to myself and a number of my siblings, my father reminded us to “take the high road.”  He never publicly attacked or spoke poorly of Dr. McKenna, reminding us that he was our neighbor.  It’s disheartening that the same respect is not being given to my personal friends and neighbors, Sean, Kirk and Margaret.

While the windmill project certainly deserves careful consideration, it is not the only issue in Barre. If voters want candidates who were involved in the town long before this project came about, and who are willing to focus on ALL issues for the benefit of the majority, the choice to me is clear.  Sean, Kirk and Margaret have dedicated countless hours to this community, carefully considering the issues that have come before them and doing what they felt would best serve the community as a whole.

As far as I’m concerned, the only “agenda” they bring to the table is the desire to see the Town of Barre move forward in a positive direction. They are good people who understand the importance of “community” and don’t let personal feelings interfere with their decisions on behalf of the town.

There is nothing wrong with having a difference of opinion. Some of my best friends and neighbors have wildly different views on life, but we respect each other’s rights to have these opinions and don’t let them interfere with how we feel about one another.

When we start to attack our neighbors for not thinking the same way, our community breaks down and we are left with an environment that no one wants to be part of, much less live in.  Please don’t support this type of negative campaigning in our small town. We need to appreciate and respect those who live here and recognize that each and every person serves an important purpose and has value, even when their views don’t align with ours.

While Dr. McKenna identified himself as a Barre Town Council member in his letter, please do not take this to mean that he speaks for the Town Council as a whole. The views he expressed on behalf of his daughter were his alone, and should not be construed as a public endorsement of Ms. Richardson by the Town Council.

I would also encourage you to fully exercise your right to vote rather than casting one vote for two open positions as Dr. McKenna recommends. I’m not sure how promotion of this personal agenda and manipulation of the vote is in the best interest of our town.

I also don’t understand how it could be publicly encouraged by someone who identifies himself in the same letter as a council member, who by implication is sworn to serve the Town of Barre in its entirety.

You find what you want to find and you see what you want to see.  As I said before, I choose to see the good in people. I believe Kirk Mathes, Sean Pogue and Margaret Swan are good people.  I appreciate their long-term service and dedication to this community and hope Barre voters will join me in supporting them at Tuesday’s vote.

Sincerely,

Steve Harling

Barre

Editor:

I have spent a lot of time examining which candidates will best serve Shelby. Here are the conclusions I’ve reached:

People who have not earned their position or held it responsibly will not get my vote, even if they run unopposed. An absence of votes is a statement in itself.

Linda Limina has my vote. She is not afraid to speak up. And she knows numbers. Considering the NYS Comptroller’s scathing audit in 2021, this is a critical need. I am very confident she will be taking a fine tooth comb to the bookkeeping, especially the missing past reports.

Darlene Rich has my vote. When I went to the town this summer to ask for help regarding the STAMP wastewater pipeline going through my yard, my emails to the current supervisor went unanswered, even when I gave him a print copy asking many questions. At the end of meetings, he is the first one to leave; he never stays long enough for people to speak with him.

Saying you are transparent and being transparent and available are two different things. But Darlene has been transparent and has helped me as often as she’s able, or pointed me in the right direction to people who offered help. She has always had a friendly word for everyone and responds to questions even at night on her own time. She sees the good in everyone. I’m certain that’s why she was so defensive when her former deputy endorsed someone else, though I am saddened that the conflict arose between them.

Maybe things are difficult for employees in Shelby because they regularly endure a power structure that seems insurmountable. Maybe it is more peaceful to just go along with things. But sometimes a person should challenge such structures, and they should question an impropriety when they see it. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, they say.

I will be writing in candidate John Pratt, directly under the name of Jeff Schiffer, not because I hold any personal animosity towards Mr. Schiffer, but because his silence and acquiescence to the current supervisor speaks loudly enough.

I was also put off by his most recent letter to the editor, in which he argued that all claims of harassment were “lies” – How does he know? I thought the investigation had not yet begun. A better official statement would be that you yourself did not know of harassment, but welcome any investigation. Also telling was Mr. Schiffer’s comment to, “Watch and see the progress in the near future,” as though that is our role as citizens: to sit back and watch things unfold; in other words…more of the same; it is like saying, We know best. You just don’t understand. It is up to us to decide these matters.

Such a tone is paternalistic and patronizing.

A lot of us have been doing more than just watching. We’ve tried to speak up and say, Please stop pushing through pet projects without the input of your constituents.

My other reason for writing in John Pratt is that he and Ed Zelazny are the ones on the board to most frequently ask hard questions and propose solutions promoting transparency and ethics. The Republican Committee decided not to endorse John this go around, leaving him to pay out of pocket for his own campaign. Maybe that is because John Pratt is not a yes man who will just go along with whatever proposal comes down the pipe. So to speak. That is the number one reason why I will write in his name on the ballot–write-ins are allowed at the bottom of the ballot under any open position.

And lastly, I’ll be voting for William Wolter. He’s a man of integrity, character, and hard work, and he knows his field, from how to run and maintain the equipment, to his know-how, to his depth in understanding the town’s varied needs.

While I can readily acknowledge Dale Root’s love of the community and certainly respect his large family’s standing in it, I do not believe he is the best person to be highway superintendent. Nor do I share Mr. Root’s philosophy regarding landowners’ rights.

Sometimes, the people in a town and their rights must be considered too, in my estimation. Billy Wolter’s background, training, experience, work ethic, and think-of-everyone philosophy make him an excellent candidate, and very well-suited for the job.

Whomever you choose on the ballot– or purposely leave blank– I hope you will join me in expressing one of our most jealously guarded rights: On Tuesday, November 7, please vote.

Karen Jones

Shelby

Editor:

I would like to thank everyone in Shelby who have welcomed me and spent time talking to me.  I have learned a lot about your concerns and priorities. If you have any further questions or just want to talk, I am here and ready to listen.

Our town has had some ups and downs but I have tried to work with everyone. I have always kept the best interest of the residents of Shelby in mind and will continue to do so.

This year my name won’t be printed on the ballot. If you would like to see me continue working for our town, please write in “John Pratt” in the write in section, under the council member column, at the bottom of the ballot. It would be greatly appreciated.

It has been my pleasure and an honor to work for you the past four years. With your help and support, by writing my name in, I hope to continue working for you another four years. Thank you.

John Pratt

Write-in candidate for Shelby Town Board

Editor:

Greetings, I would like to respond to letters to the editor of Orleans Hub. First, I publicly announce my sympathy for John Fredericks of Albion I want to inform him that the Bible warns of the different types of fools. I pray that he would read the U.S. Constitution and the first 15 pages of the US Congressional Record of January 6^th, 2021. Then may God open his eyes to his folly.

Next I would like to address a response to the incumbent Town of Yates Councilpersons’ letter to the editor boasting of their accomplishments. It reads like a word salad. Lots of vague words with no numbers which are the meat and potatoes.

As for the bio-digester, did not the first study show that there are not enough cows to be profitable? I believe it did. To the Town of Yates voters, why spend tax dollars on a fool’s errand? $3,750 was not enough for the current Town of Yates Board who wants to continue to spend contradicting the NY Republican mission of common sense and trying to end NY’s status as the highest taxed in the nation.

Not enough cows to be profitable obviously will not deter the current incumbents who want the Town of Yates taxpayers to pay for grants to see if we add organic garbage to the bio-digester numbers if that would be profitable.

Here is the non-Republican policy: It not only would cost the Town of Yates taxpayers but every other American taxpayer. The grant writers to be paid for by the Town of Yates & the Town of Somerset taxpayer and the $1 million research money they seek would be provided by every other American taxpayer. How does that fit into the Republican mission?

Another thing: Republicans are to be business-friendly. Isn’t the Town of Yates in a court case with a local agricultural business over the use of that business’s property? Isn’t that litigation costing the Town of Yates Taxpayers tax dollars? How can you boast of being friendly to the local businesses such as those in agricultural when your actions are hindering a local agricultural business that other local agricultural businesses depend on? This fact also shows that the current Town of Yates board has abandoned the Republican mission.

I am overtaxed. I am sick and tired of the government spending my money on foreigners and follies of a few. I am tired of the government getting into the private lives of citizens. I want more savings and less spending in government.

I want the government out of private affairs. I ask every voter to exercise the right to vote, but vote wisely. Don’t vote for picked winners. Do not be tricked into giving your consent for constant spending.

Now some facts about DC, and Jan. 6. Yes some DC officers died but not because of protestors. Some of the Capitol police that died did so by suicide – I allege maybe because they attacked peaceful protestors. Also one Capitol policeman died from a stroke, an unseen health problem.

There is proof that the 2020 elections were unconstitutional, my argument. President Trump recently submitted a motion to a GA court to present evidence of alleged voter fraud in the 2020 elections. To say that policemen were killed by peaceful patriotic protesters is misinformation. WI Sheriff of Racine County Christopher Schmaling found election fraud proving that there was election fraud. To say there was no election fraud is misinformation.

As for me, I will continue to inform the public that the 2020 elections were unconstitutional in several states and the entire US Government had an obligation to investigate but did not. If the de facto government is what I have to deal with then I will deal with it with the rule of law. Given an opportunity I can prove my prima facie case. The truth is the truth. I give public notice that I am not in prison, jail or under indictment because I did nothing wrong. I am a registered Republican who would use the party’s mission statement to govern.

I never claimed to be the endorsed Republican candidate. I stated I am a registered Republican and Mr. Lauricella is a registered Conservative. The endorsed Republican candidates in my opinion do not act like Republicans. They use the Republican name as a disguise, camouflage.

Words without works are dead. That’s why Paul Lauricella and I are running for Town of Yates Councilman seats because we want accountability. We are business-friendly, we have common sense, we are for limited government, lowering taxes, priorities first spending, and putting the taxpayers first.

Town of Yates voters. On November 7th, vote for your wallet and for limited, common sense town government. As for myself and Paul Lauricella, we need your vote. We need you to hire us. Give us the job of benefiting you the taxpayer.

Steven A. Colon

Lyndonville

Editor:

I wanted to reintroduce myself to Shelby voters and give you facts from the Highway Department in Shelby.

In the last 4 years our department has made vast improvements around town despite Covid and cost escalation with inflation. Even though municipalities get decreased rates we are still up against unfriendly budget expenses.

In the 4 years of my term I have endured many price increases. Diesel prices have ranged from $0.90 – $4 a gallon, salt is up $10 per ton (we use on average 1,800 tons in a season), replacement parts are up 1.5-2 times in price. Black top and emulsion oil all up.

The department’s focus is always to fix roads. We have accomplished many miles with the helpful hands of shared services. The town’s equipment has a few years on it, we are in the process of updating. These machines are still very much useful, safe and ready to be used. The salt barn is currently two-thirds full, diesel tanks will be filled in the next few weeks as prices continue to drop.

At this time, I’d like to take you on a “drive around” the town. As we drive around, take a look at the road improvements. Minimal to no potholes, even widths, great water drainage, and shoulders maintained. Smooth ride, huh?!

Our first stop is the town building. Oh, look! A resident is utilizing the electronic waste program. Many pallets of E-waste get sent out monthly from our building. Take a look at our parking lot as we pull in, it has been repaved – a much needed facelift.

The town was able to save thousands in tax dollars by repaving the parking lot while the local construction company was in Medina milling and paving village roads, less time moving machinery around.

Let’s head inside to the court room. Ahh the aromas of fresh paint and carpet. Many thanks to the Job Core students who came to scrape, prime and repaint the walls! It is wonderful to meet new people and use more town resources available to us.

As we leave the building, let’s give a friendly wave to the men of my department. Without their skills life would be a little more hectic. They just returned from a water main break on East Shelby Road, our “problem child” if you will. This will be break #12 on the same line. They did a great job out in the cold. The pipe was laying on a large rock which caused the hole.

As we drive around I am constantly looking at possible safety issues and ways to make the town better. Trees needing removal, culverts, roads and roadside maintenance, and out-of-place water. We are always looking for water leaks that are going undetected, but we know they are there.

This year we found one large masked leak near a creek. The water storage tank on Route 31A was refilling daily, after the fix the tank is refilling 1.5 to 2 times a week. The weather conditions this spring/summer gave us the ability to find this leak we had been searching for. After the repair, we were back in business.

December 2022 to March 2023 we bought from the Village of Medina 18.5 million gallons of water, March – June 2023 we bought 20 million gallons, June – September 2023 we bought 15 million gallons (this number was after the leak repair). So a savings of 5 million gallons at close to $6 per thousand. One billable quarter savings about $30,000 to the taxpayer. Let’s see what next quarter does.

I will continue to seek and repair leaks as they come. I will also continue to find a way to stop flushing roughly 2 million gallons on a dead-end line.

Continuing on our ride, let’s head past the cemeteries. Looking pretty good. The town contracts out this job to save time and money. The highway team can now focus on other town jobs and projects throughout the sunny days of summer. Many residents do not know the town has 21 acres over 11 cemeteries needing timely mowing and gravestone maintenance.

As we finish this small tour I would like to thank you for riding along. I have enjoyed the 4 years you elected me to bring much needed change to the town. The residents of the town have made a large impact in what we do daily to progress the highway department forward. Please continue to wave and say hi as you see us out working.

I would like to thank the residents of Shelby for letting me place a sign in there yard, answer the door as I go door to door, and for the kind words of support for my second term. I am always available to answer questions and/or concerns.

There has been so much misinformation or ½ truths strewn about in the last few weeks. It disheartens me. The facts listed above (and on my website root4shelby.com) are some of the many accomplishments from my team and me in the last 4 years (2-plus if you remove the time for Covid shutdown). We are in the groove working together and I ask for your support November 7th for 4 more years to “finish what we have started.”

Thank you,

Dale S. Root

Shelby Highway Superintendent