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

Editor:

I have read Mr. Lauricella’s and Mr. Colon’s latest missive about what the current Town Board of Yates is doing wrong and found it quite amusing.

They seem to provide documented examples of bio-digester project failures, but have not referenced any of this information on failures in any way that someone could follow up to determine the accuracy of their assertions.

Frankly, I’m curious as to why Mr. Lauricella and Mr. Colon did not work with the Board on these “research” results. It would have been easy enough during privilege of the floor opportunities at any town board meeting. We would have been happy to accept this information and research further.

Instead, Mr. Lauricella and Mr. Colon decided to “stir the pot” in the Hub.  “Stirring the pot” just to “Stir the pot” is not becoming of persons running to represent the constituency.

Interestingly, they did not provide any examples of successful bio-digester projects globally.

In any case, yes, the Board is investigating the possibility of a bio-digester project for the Town (along with the Town of Somerset).  Mr. Lauricella and Mr. Colon would know, if they were more than just spotty attendants at Town Board meetings (only 8 appearances over the last 20 months) that we have made no decision and in fact are only researching the possibility right now.

I’m sure it will disappoint Mr. Lauricella and Mr. Colon to know that we are only interested in generating renewable energy with the bio-digester project. Clearly, anyone moving to a rural area understands that our neighbors, as a part of their operations, generate the smell of manure.

Having grown up in a farming community and worked on farms as a young man, I consider those smells to be fresh country air. It’s about renewable energy Mr. Lauricella and Mr. Colon, and as we’ve stated many times, if there is not a benefit to every constituent then we will not move forward with the project.

Which brings up another point: The Board has been very clear that the project cost estimate is approximately $20 million. In 2022, Mr. Lauricella heard this number at one of the few board meetings he attended and promptly posted another “stir the pot” editorial that stated the project would cost $200 million!!! I was the person who contacted the Hub to have the number corrected. Mr. Lauricella did not correct his own “mistake.”

Which brings up the final point regarding the bio-digester project: There has been no stated opposition from our dairy farmers regarding the bio-digester project. In fact, they have all been very cooperative in supporting our research work.

The farmers, the Board and in fact all constituents should have a “let’s wait and see what the data tells us”-view of the project.  As far as I know, this is where we all stand on this project so far… except for Mr. Lauricella and Mr. Colon.

This “pot-stirring” by Mr. Lauricella and Mr. Colon was exposed for all to see at the April 2023 Town Board Meeting (Mr. Lauricella and Mr. Colon in attendance) where they finally said it out-loud (Reference:  Town Board Meeting Minutes, Privilege of the Floor, April 13, 2023) and I quote from the minutes:

“Paul Lauricella, Town of Yates”…”He doesn’t believe that he said anything wrong at the last meeting to lead up to what happened; especially over campaign rhetoric from 2 years ago. Not everything that is said is true, it may be believed to be true, but after the election you move on and forget about it.”..

I restate:

“Not everything that is said is true, it may be believed to be true, but after the election you move on and forget about it.”…

In this statement, Mr. Lauricella and Mr. Colon finally stated their truth. I, for one, have not forgotten.

I can tell you this with certainty: the Yates Town Board has striven, at every juncture, to be honest and transparent with the constituency and we will continue this tradition into the future.

You have a choice on Tuesday, November 7th.  Jim Simon, Susan Hrovat and myself respectfully ask for your vote so that we can continue the good work we have begun.

Thank you.

John Riggi

Councilman/Deputy Supervisor for Town of Yates

Editor:

Fiction is the art of crafting narratives, weaving tales of individuals and events in imaginative, fabricated, or even storybook-like fashion. I have no intention of descending to the level of the McKenna family. However, when stories are spun, it becomes imperative for someone to champion the truth.

Our opponents may attempt to persuade you that we lack the best interests of Barre’s residents at heart. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Both Mr. Mathes and Ms. Swan have deep roots in our county and town. Their families have been dedicated contributors to school projects and 4-H initiatives for years, always ready to extend a helping hand to their neighbors.

Growing up in a close-knit community, I cherished the idea of rekindling that sense of “home.” With over four decades of experience in the Rochester City School District, predominantly in an administrative role, where I collaborated with community groups, agencies, youth, and adults, my aspiration was to continue serving my community. This motivation guided me to pursue the position of your Supervisor, with the aim of making a positive impact.

Now, let’s shift our focus to my opponent. While he has served our government and country in various capacities over the years, we should appreciate his dedication. However, my commitment to understanding the town’s affairs was evident as I attended nearly every town board meeting for over two years before announcing my candidacy for Supervisor.

In contrast, my opponent attended only two meetings per year, except for this year, where he increased his attendance to 4-5 meetings. He claims to find ways to cut spending, but we have been responsible stewards of our finances, especially in the wake of the economic challenges posed by Covid.

Regarding increasing revenue, we have diligently invested your tax dollars in New York State-approved depositories for many years. He makes a misleading statement, suggesting that I intended to use $50,000 of your tax dollars for town park improvements.

This is incorrect; my proposal was to use the funds received from Heritage Wind upon signing the agreement with them. Regrettably, the board members rejected this idea, leaving us with the need to use your tax dollars to bring electricity into the park. I proposed an alternative solution – utilizing the American Relief Funds (ARPA) to spare the use of tax dollars.

In a recent letter to the editor, Mr. Lauricella claimed that my opponent welcomes new businesses to our town. I, too, have passionately supported this cause for years, attending numerous County Industrial Development meetings to seek assistance. I’ve worked closely with the town and county Planning Boards to expand our business district in Barre.

Mr. Lauricella also stressed the importance of a Supervisor having no personal agenda. However, Mr. Burnside has made it unequivocal that he will stop wind turbines from coming to Barre at any cost. Who will bear the financial burden of this legal battle? Your tax dollars! To me, this sounds like a personal agenda.

Mr. Burnside asserts that he will treat residents with respect and politeness. However, his campaign signs have been placed without regard for landowners’ permissions during the primary and even now. In one instance, a landowner requested the removal of his sign from their property but was denied and even threatened with a lawsuit if they dared to touch it. Does this align with your definition of respect and politeness?

Mr. Burnside has distributed handouts claiming he is honest and transparent, listing five bullet points below that assert he is endorsed by the Republican & Conservative Parties. While he is partially correct since he lost the Republican Primary but is still backed by the Conservative Party, it is important to clarify that Mr. Burnside is not endorsed by either the County or the Town of Barre Republican Parties.

It is evident that he lacks the understanding and willingness to learn what it takes to be a Town Supervisor. It appears he has only one true agenda – to halt the installation of wind turbines in Barre.

For a promising future, choose Sean Pogue for Town Supervisor of Barre.

Sean Pogue

Barre

Editor:

This is in response to the letter to the editor that was published on October 26th by the Shelby Town Clerk, Darlene Rich.

One thing that I want to make perfectly clear, is that I in no way intentionally or knowingly “failed to report” water usage to the Village of Medina.

The other statement she made in regards to nepotism was in reference to myself having a family member on the planning board. Yes, that’s my husband. We have both been with the town for 25-plus years and over those years there has never been any nepotistic related issues.

In my deputy clerk position, if need be, any public hearings that the planning board scheduled, I typed, mailed and publicized for them and I charged my time to that department. The Town Clerk and Councilman Pratt are related as brother- and sister-in-law. By Councilman Pratt making resolutions and voting in favor of the Town Clerk’s raises, that is nepotism.

Years ago the Town of Shelby was the town to work for. Other towns couldn’t believe how well we all worked together. Everyone got along and everyone pretty much knew each other’s jobs (at least to the point that we could get an answer for a resident) and if you can have fun at work.

We got our work done but enjoyed our time being there. There was nowhere near the stress in the clerk’s office like what myself and other clerks went through. That is one of the reasons there has been so much turn over in the deputy clerk positions.

Vote for change with Pask as Town Clerk. It’s time to get the Town of Shelby back to what it used to be.

Thank you.

Lori Myhill

Retired Deputy Clerk/Water Clerk

Shelby

Editor:

We have been through a national tragedy with millions dead and all people do is fight. It’s right and just to fight back against fighting but first you have to figure out the New GOP.

I’ve heard that MAGA voters don’t know how things work in either Washington or their lives; to them everything is Reality TV. Some mention that so many of the core are short on advanced education and do not respect hard-earned expertise. Also, I’ve heard that they think they are a minority that’s being preyed upon by unseen forces. (That’s the boogeyman theory.)

I follow Fox News and understand why its stockholders are suing over billions in losses due to suits for false reporting. It’s clear to all pondering the crisis that Fox is part of the illusion causing the fighting.

Fox’s reporting ignores that $8 trillion of the $33 trillion US debt is due to Trump tax cuts. It ignores Biden’s all-nighters, his new trade deals creating US jobs that he got through a infrastructure bill that eluded four prior presidents, that incomes are rising faster than inflation and we have the lowest inflation rate in the western world. It ignores the impact of how many of our Nobel prize winners are immigrants, first or second generation, or how controlled generous immigration boosts the economy. It ignores how the world needs us with two crises that could drag us into war and a third brewing.

I would expect that bias of a single delusional politician or a fringe political party but to have both the news and a major political party in lockstep? That smacks of a conspiracy.

Then yesterday Sen. Hawley was on Fox bragging how he had trashed Secretary Mayorkas. Mayorkas would not comment on a disciplinary personnel matter in progress regarding a suspended anti-Semite. Hawley called Mayorkas a racist for not having fired him immediately.  Fox and Hawley showed one side with the questions and bragged on how well Hawley did.

In fact Mayorkas’ testimony was left out as it embarrassed Hawley. Hawley did not know that Mayorkas’ mother was a concentration camp survivor who lost most of her family to Hitler. He is no anti-Semite; he simply could not legally comment yet. Hawley intentionally insulted Mayorkas simply so he could air his insulting comments.

The entire episode was a case of losers attracting losers. That’s the sine qua non of propaganda – pure and simple.

It seems the start to understanding the New GOP starts with understanding that fools listen to fools, criminals believe other criminal’s excuses, and attack dog instincts need no refined application of knowledge and logic to real facts. Crooks and idiots are equally warped!

The sad fact is that people who do not break out of the Fox-GOP cycle  of nonsense will end up leading the unhappy,  frustrated, and delusional lives that the New GOP and Fox are serving up for them. They are stooges living in a dangerous soap opera. A story of a once mighty democracy slipping away.

Nobel Laureate Thomas Friedman simply sums up how they tick as “Shameful, Shameless, and Dangerous.”

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

I moved to the Town of Yates 18 years ago with my family after having served 21 years as an officer in the U.S. Air Force which included tours as a helicopter pilot, at the U.S.A.F. Academy as a history teacher, and as a squadron commander responsible for hundreds of people and a multi-million-dollar budget.

Additionally, I taught history at GCC where I was also an associate dean overseeing first the Medina campus and then both the Medina and Albion campus centers.

I was elected Yates Town Supervisor on a write-in campaign in 2016. It has been a great privilege to serve the town in this capacity.

It was love at first sight when my wife and I first drove through the Town of Yates and the Village of Lyndonville. The friendly people, the beautiful rural landscape, and the majestic shoreline held our attention then, and still do today – we have great blessings in Yates!

As supervisor, working with the town departments and the town board to decide what gets funded (or not) in a $2 million annual budget is not something I’ve ever taken lightly. When forming committees and task forces these past eight years, this town board has made a conscious effort to include people from across the political spectrum and with diametrically opposed viewpoints; the recommendations from these groups to the town board have helped us make good decisions.

From the $2.5 million upgrade to our town park and the establishment of the town’s first 5-year fiscal plan, to the expansion of the public water system and the celebration of the town’s 200th anniversary – I am proud of what this town board has accomplished.

Going forward, if given the opportunity, the town board would like to explore the possibility of a biodigester for dairy farmers, to consider expanding the town park, to establish a town-wide Water District Geographic Information System to improve water management and emergency response, and to complete a comprehensive review and deconfliction of all town local laws by creating a completely digitized and searchable zoning regulation called eCode360.

As this election cycle comes to an end, I invite all Yates residents to vote. To learn more about what your town board is doing you might want to check out our revamped Yates town website. It would be great if you were able to come to our next town board workshop on Monday night, November 6th, 5:30 p.m., and to our Public Hearing at 6 p.m. that night to discuss our preliminary budget for 2024.

For the record, our proposed budget for next year estimates that the total amount to be raised by taxes is approximately $13,000 more than last year. This would be a 1.2% increase overall.  This will amount to about 5 cents more per $1,000 of assessed value. So, if your home is assessed at $200,000, then your total town taxes will go up around $10 in 2024.

As always, you can give me a call if you have any questions about the town board’s goals for the next few years (716-946-2075).

The Air Force core values are integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. John Riggi, Susan Hrovat and I have tried to live up to this high calling.  If given the opportunity, we would be honored to continue to do our best.

Jim Simon

Yates Town Supervisor

Editor:

There are Town of Yates residents who are concerned that the biodigester project in Yates is a huge failure waiting to happen. John Riggi and the Town Board should stop pursuing the project before anymore taxpayer funds are wasted.

1. NY State comptroller Thomas DiNapoli did an extensive audit of the Village of Walton when they were pursuing a biodigester project. The audit found that if that village were to continue to pursue the biodigester project, it would be considered a misuse of taxpayer funds, as it exposes the village to significant risk well beyond the normal services provided by a local government. The Walton Village Board wisely voted unanimously to abandon the project even though Walton has a Kraft Foods plant, a much larger facility to contribute waste to the biodigester than anything in the Town of Yates.

2. A biodigester in Waunakee Wisconsin had numerous malfunctions causing 400,000 gallons of manure to leak into the local watershed. In 2014 an explosion in the biodigester tank destroyed the tank roof. The Wisconsin Dept. of Natural resources reported the operator had lost $2.8 million in the 4 years the biodigester operated.

3. On April 17th 2011 Noblehurst Farms in Genesee County lost their biodigester in a fire.

4. On June 8th 2021 a worker in Stockton Iowa, died trying to make a repair on a biodigester.

5. The town of Grimsby Ontario, a town like ours on Lake Ontario, broke ground for a biodigester in 2015. The town officials boasted it was a breakthrough and it was the first of its kind in Canada. By 2019 the town was $18 million in debt due to the biodigester and filed a lawsuit against the former mayor for mismanagement of funds. When the town was finally able to sell the facility to a private company, the new mayor said it was outstanding news for Grimsby to be out of the biodigester business.

6. Vermont Technical College got a $1.5 million grant and took out $4.2 million in debt through bonds to finance a biodigester, which was touted as a new day for energy in Vermont. By 2019, even though Vermont subsidizes the energy for biodigesters which NY state does not, Vermont Tech shut down their biodigester because they were losing money operating it.

7. Per the Owen Sound Sun Times, The Townships of Georgian Bluffs and Chatsworth in Ontario combined to install a biodigester, and it has caused each town to lose $100,000 a year. In April 2022 Chatsworth informed Georgian Bluffs of its desire to withdraw from the partnership. The towns are trying to find a private company to form a new partnership, but they have not been able to find any interest

8. A biodigester in the town of Lowell, Michigan went on line in 2015 causing horrible odors in the town for months. The town ordered the shutdown of the biodigester but prior to the shutdown, on Nov. 27, 2016, the biodigester nearly exploded due to gas build up, causing a fire and spilling thousands of gallons of waste. Despite the cost of $6.5 million, the biodigester operated for about only a year and has not been restarted.

9. Just a short time ago on Sept. 20, 2023, the Dayton Daily News reported that after years of citizens’ complaints, EPA violations, fines of $100,000, and a lawsuit filed by the Ohio Attorney General, a biodigester in Greene County Ohio will be shut down.

10. E & E News reported on July 28 2021, that despite having invested large sums on money constructing biodigesters, several NY dairy farmers are shutting them down because the income they generate can not cover the high operating costs.

11. Cornell did a study on 7 biodigesters in NY State. The average biodigester studied only ran at a 57% efficiency.

State Comptroller DiNapoli’s biodigester analysis is summarized as follows: Biodigesters subject significant risks to local governments and therefore taxpayers. If the 3rd party users discontinue operations, move operations, reduce their size, or opt not to use the biodigester, local governments will continue to incur substantial costs without significant income. Biodigester projects should not be considered unless local governments can secure firm agreements with local companies for waste disposal. Otherwise pursuing a biodigester does not warrant the significant risks and sky-high costs involved with the project.

Per information that I have received, the Town Board does not have the support of key farmers with operations in the Town of Yates. I was told by a Yates farmer that one of the largest farmers needed to supply waste to the biodigester opposes the project and has personally gave this message to the Town Supervisor in September.

Even if there are farms that will use the facility, will these farms operate in the same fashion for the next 25 years? If we go back 25 years, Crosby Whipple had their gas station and repair shop where the Dollar General is. We had a drug store in town, Bowman Apple was making apple sauce on West Avenue and the Penny Saver Market was open.

Things change over time and we don’t need our town gambling on a project that has this kind of risk. So until the Town can produce written commitments from the local farmers then not one more darn dollar should be wasted on this – $7,500 already.

This is a complete waste of taxpayer money. We think it’s time to cut the losses and get out of this entirely. Folks, it’s a bad Idea. One of the many bad ideas that Mr. Riggi and Mr. Simon have planned for this town should he get re-elected.

All of this because he does not like the smell of his neighbors, the dairy Farmers.

Elections have consequences and keeping the incumbents in power could end up being a great liability for the town. Steve and I will not support any of this crazy spending and ludicrous ideas. We will always put the taxpayers first.

Thank you for your Support.

Paul Lauricella Jr.

Steven A. Colon

Yates

Editor:

The Town of Barre residents recently received a letter from my Dad, Dr. George McKenna, endorsing myself, Kerri Richardson for Town Councilmember. I am grateful for his kind words, and expression of appreciation for the work that I have put in and continue to do for our town. Yesterday, in the mail Barre residents (and apparently Albion residents) found a rebuttal that I would like to take the time to address.

Kirk Mathes is a financially conflicted candidate in regards to the Heritage Wind project. Sean Pogue was also listed by Heritage Wind as being financially conflicted (but no longer is).

Kirk has and will continue to receive money directly from Heritage Wind LLC personally, or to his business and Sean had a direct family member who received money from Heritage Wind LLC.

Check the link to Heritage Wind’s website where they have a list of financially conflicted town officials listed as stated by their agreement with the NYS Attorney General’s Office – Updated list as of January 11, 2023.

Kirk Mathes, the first individual listed (currently serves on the Town Planning Board), receives $5,000 to under $20,000 per year during development phase. If the project goes to operation he would receive $20,000 to under $60,000 with inflation per year during operation.

Sean Pogue was removed by Heritage Wind as having a financial conflict of interest when Heritage Wind terminated a contract with his future mother-in-law. However, he was previously on this list while he served, voted and discussed in favor of the Heritage Wind Project. If you would like documentation on this I would be happy to provide it.

NYS Office of Renewable Energy Sitting (ORES) is the one making the decision for the Heritage Wind Project. However, the town has intervenor funds that are intended to be used to review and argue any concerns that the Town has with the modified project.

This process will provide opportunity for discussion, review and quite possibly voting on how to respond. We have as a Town Board voted even this past year. It is logical to me that there will still be voting, discussion and use of intervenor funds by the Town in regards to the Heritage Wind project.

The Town of Barre agreed to receive $6,750 per installed megawatt capacity as a Host Community Agreement, starting from the Commercial Operation Date (when electricity is generated and sold on the grid).

Heritage Wind Project was approved by ORES without the 6 turbines nearest the Iroquois Wildlife refuge, or if they wanted to keep any of those turbines higher environmental monitoring standards would be enforced. Heritage Wind argued that this condition made the project unfeasible.

Heritage Wind has since submitted significant modifications to ORES which have not been accepted by ORES, one of reasons that ORES listed for not accepting the modifications was that the State was not interested in overruling the local laws further than what they have already permitted (the modifications included siting turbines closer to non-participating properties than our town law allows).

The Town Board was told that the project will once again be changed to correct this, and we were provided a tentative map, but a further redesign has yet to be submitted to the state.

Reality is that this project is still changing; and there is still no guarantee as to if it will in fact be built in our community.

What we can say is that the numbers have been going down and not up.

Here is a statement that was in the postcard from Sean, Kirk and Margaret: “Kerri Richardson was not the great overseer of funds that George (father) had suggested. One of the first items she pushed through was to fire the Town Attorney and hire another one at three times the cost.”

I was elected in 2019 and I was installed at 2020, previous town attorney was voted by the board in 2022 not to be reappointed (I had been serving for 2 years).

We, as a Town Board, unanimously voted at the beginning of this year 2023, including Sean and Margaret, to continue with our current Town Attorney, at her current rate; because we felt that she does a high quality job, although her rate is higher (not 3 times higher; I am not sure where that number came from).

From February 2023 Town  Board Minutes: RESOLUTION #10 Appointment/Town Attorney Margaret Swan made a motion to authorize Supervisor Pogue to sign the 1 year Retainer Agreement for the position of Town of Barre Town Attorney, seconded by Kerri Richardson. Vote 5-0, passed.

I believe in saving the town money, and sometimes that means investing in high quality that will save the town money over time.

The postcard stated that I am not harassed at “every” Town Board meeting, and that is correct. However, that is a misrepresentation of what was written in the original letter. Here is the direct quote: “Kerri also doesn’t relent when numerous insults and harassing remarks are thrown at her by the current Barre Supervisor, Sean Pogue, in an attempt to belittle her. This can be seen time and time again during the board meetings. She holds firm. She isn’t seeking personal financial gain but rather diligently seeks to bring the truth to light. This is the kind of person Barre needs in office!”

The example that best stands out of the hostility that I have seen as a board member was our meeting February 2021 where at about 10:15 p.m. (the meeting started at 7 p.m.) I made a motion to adjourn the meeting and reconvene the following week to be better able to think clearly, and due to a personal physical condition that the rest of the Town Board was aware of. I could not get anyone on the board to even second my motion (including Margaret), and Sean shared that going above and beyond was part of being an elected official. Click here to an Orleans Hub article documenting this occurrence.

I believe that the Town of Barre has a bright future, I love the Town and the people, and I hope that you can see that I care and want what’s best for the Town as a whole. I know that Scott Burnside (Town Supervisor candidate) feels the same way, which is why I ask for you to vote the conservative line on November 7.

Please feel free to reach out to me should you have any questions or concerns at richardsonforbarre@gmail.com.

Thank you!

Kerri Richardson

Barre

Editor:

On 22 October 2023, Mr. Fredericks of Albion, in an excellent letter to The Hub, said he was shocked and dismayed to see Steven A. Colon running for Yates Town Councilman. As Mr. Fredericks noted, Mr. Colon, on 12 June 2022 stated in The Hub that “I, Steven A. Colon, declare to the people that I went and was at the Capitol Building on Jan 6, 2021.”  Mr. Colon  went on to state he was at the Capitol protesting voter fraud.

The more I read Mr. Colon’s letter, the more questions I have. He did not say he actually went into the Capitol Building itself, only that he “was at the Capitol.” The Capitol consists of 58 acres of land, on part of which sits the Capitol Building.

Mr. Colon provided no proof he entered the building, displayed no photos of him breeching the ranks of guards, provided no videos of himself in the building, nor furnished any testimony from others proving he was really there.

First, I call on Mr. Colon to provide evidence he was part of the mob that broke into the Capitol on 6 January 2021. As he noted he “was at the Capitol Building,” which could also mean he spent time walking the grounds, chatting with tourists, visiting the Smithsonian Museums and feeding the ducks in the Reflecting Pool.

Second, what was the purpose of the 12 June 2022 letter? Was he seeking forgiveness or simply bragging? Perhaps the ducks know.

Jack Capurso

Albion HS Class of 1960

Ashburn, Va.

Editor:

This letter is a recommendation for William “Bill” Wolter to be elected Town of Shelby Highway Superintendent.

We have known him since his high school years in Medina and have watched him grow his business as we continued to depend on his services.

Over the years, he has worked for us as a landscaper. He has been prompt, dependable and talented. He understands what needs to be done and he explains the job details. He has proven to be responsible, resourceful and knowledgeable.

Bill keeps costs in mind when he plans and executes his projects and clearly communicates that to us.

He has the skills and talents necessary for a Highway Superintendent.

Jack and Cynthia Kiebala

Medina

Editor:

The Orleans County Conservative Party has a stellar lineup to offer you this year of Conservatives and Republican candidates that have earned our prized endorsement.

I will start with the candidates that are running with challengers first. In the Town of Barre, Kerri A. Richardson, a registered Conservative, is running town councilman. She embodies everything the Conservative Party strives for. She has fought the Windmill Giants while making sure the Highway Equipment accounts were flush and the rest of the town government ran efficiently while keeping taxes low and those in check who would spend foolishly. She is never one to waste taxpayer money and always putting the people ahead of self interests. Her faith and honesty has made us very proud to have her in on your side.

For Barre Town Supervisor: Scott A. Burnside. Scott came to us with the willingness to “Step Up” for his town. His views strongly align with the Conservative Party’s platform. He welcomes new business to come and set up in Barre to see the town grow, for the people to prosper. Understanding that with power comes great responsibility, to harness it for the people and not one’s own agenda and desires.

The sacred trust of the people should never be breached. Our committee believes Scott to be honest and truthful. His dedication to the United States of America in the Marine Corps, the US Army, the Department of Homeland Security, and a Deportation Officer make him not only the qualified candidate for Town Supervisor but “thee” candidate for Town Supervisor. We feel this Republican deserves to be called Conservative and are very proud to have given him this prized endorsement. Please vote for Kerri and Scott for a better Barre.

For Town of Murray Town Supervisor: Joseph Sidonio. Joe in his time as Supervisor has done a great job for the people of Murray. Truth be told as a Republican that actually put forth conservative policies he faced staggering opposition and vicious hostilities from the majority of the board.

Power and control seems to be the only thing of interest to them and there has been no bar on how low they will stoop. A few of these people I am embarrassed to say were given the Conservative Party’s endorsement some years back. Sometimes the people you think you know are really not what they appear to be.

In spite all this he has put Murray first. Fixed the water-loss problem, produced budgets that cut taxes, cleaned up unnecessary perks that take advantage of the taxpayers. Respected and helped to restore the clock in Fancher that was dedicated to the fallen WWII veterans. Too many accomplishments to write in such a short time. The Conservative committee is proud to have him as a candidate and proud the stand by him for another term for Town Supervisor. Joe you have earned this prized Conservative endorsement for never wavering on conservative principles or selling out on the values of the Republican Party.

For Town of Murray councilman seat: Eric J. Collyer. Here’s why you should vote for Mr. Collyer: The man thinks for himself. He has strong conservative views and principles and is not afraid to tell it like it is. He understands that it’s not the government’s money it’s yours and that it is reluctantly taken.

He is not afraid to tell you what’s on his mind and does not believe in squandering the taxpayers’ money. He understands how government works and will make it work for you, not the party or the establishment. He will bring balance, ethics, and most of all common sense to the town board of Murray. Our committee was very impressed with him. The type of candidate we hope for. Murray will be better off for it.

For Shelby Highway Superintendent: Dale S. Root. Dale came before the committee, I believed him to be a no-nonsense straight shooter. No dancing around questions. No stammering. Just plain honesty. I met Dale over 20 years ago in a business transaction. Same guy now as he was then. A hard worker, puts in hours and time that would kill most men today.

I believe Dale to be the type of man that his word and a handshake is all you would ever need on anything. He has done a good job for the people of Shelby. He has done the best job for the dollar and has saved the taxpayers a lot of money. I believe the taxpayers in Shelby are smart cost-conscious people and will return Dale to work for them another four years.

For Town of Yates councilman seat: Steven A. Colon. Steve came to the committee and is stepping up because someone has to stop the never-ending yearly tax increases that our local government keeps imposing. Along with the tax increases there is a habitual thirst to spend money on things that are not essential to make the government run.

His strong disciplined Republican and Conservative principles make him the perfect candidate to serve in public office. His views on limited government, the Second Amendment and Constitutional law are impressive. We seek candidates like this that are independent thinkers with our conservative values. You will never go wrong electing a principled Conservative. Steve is a strong Republican and we feel deserves the prized Conservative Party endorsement.

For Town of Yates Councilman Paul Lauricella Jr. Now this guy I know. He is the Conservative Party Chairman. He has strong, unwavering conservative principals and views. He is not afraid to take the fight to anybody on the political stage. He does not like to see the public’s money spent foolishly.

He believes taxpayer money to be sacred as it was taken from the blood and sweat of the people without consent. He believes that government is an evil necessity and should be bound and shackled to the most limited as humanly possible. He will spend the money with shame and great humility as he knows it is not his. He wants nothing for himself but wants the people to be free and to pursue happiness.

He believes that your word is your bond and great dishonor should come by not keeping it. He will not turn his back on dishonorable practices. His many years attending workshops and town meetings has not brought him around to the governments way of thinking but has sickened him so that he has to step up whether he wins or loses to try to make change for the good of the people who are his equal.

He is only accountable to God almighty and the people. At the end of the day when he looks in the mirror he wants to see his own reflection looking back not that of a monster, so hideous, frightening and inhuman, as so many in politics become. Please elect a registered Conservative, Paul Lauricella Jr., to Yates Town councilman. Elect both Steve and myself for true change.

The following Republican candidates are proudly endorsed by the Orleans County Conservative Party but have no opposition and will win re-election. While I have many good things to say about all of them I will keep this brief.

For Town Of Albion Highway Superintendent: Michael Neidert

For Town of Clarendon Highway Superintendent: Tracy B. Chalker

For Town of Shelby Town Supervisor: Scott R. Wengewicz

For Town Of Shelby Town Justice: Edward J. Grabowski

For Orleans County Sheriff: Christopher M. Bourke

This is the lineup for the November 7th local elections. Early voting has started. It is very important to get out there and vote even though it is not a presidential year election for the local elections matter just as much if not more as all politics are local and affect you greatly. Vote for your candidates Republican or Conservative on the Conservative Party Line. Send a message where you stand.

There are also two ballot propositions. The State and Orleans County Conservative Party urge you to vote NO on both of these propositions. Both have to do with lifting the debt cap from small city schools (under 125,000) from 5 to 10%  and exclude sewer construction costs from municipalities debt limits. Not taxpayer friendly and should be paid out of savings.

On behalf of the Orleans County Conservative Party Committee,

Paul Lauricella Jr.

Orleans County Conservative Party Chairman

Editor:

I am writing regarding the upcoming election for various positions in the Town of Shelby. Though many of us wish there were more options, and even wish they had the time to fully commit to the work and run themselves, we cannot.

However, running for office is not the only way to be involved. Another way to contribute is by being actively engaged in town politics, which I am. I regularly go to meetings and attend them virtually if I can’t in person. I listen, read, and research. Often, I call elected officials. And sometimes, I speak up at meetings.

For me, the number one issue Shelby must confront is what to do about the proposal that surfaced first in the board minutes in May of 2022 (linked here) and then one month later in June. there had been board minutes prior regarding something called a “Met Tower,” I had no idea what it referenced.

I thought it had something to do with maybe getting a better cellular or signal. But it wasn’t: the tower was linked to a proposal, it turned out, for two giant 640’ industrial wind turbines, the site of which was going to be the (now former) Supervisor of Shelby’s land, about a mile from Route 31, on South Gravel Road. To put it more generally: the turbines (nearly twice the size of the ones in the Southern Tier) would loom directly over the Village of Medina.

The public hearing that June (here’s the video of it) was firmly in the “This is a really bad idea” camp. The more people I talked to about it, the more dismayed their reaction. “How tall?” they’d ask. “Wait–you mean the orchards behind Tops?” and “When would the shadow flicker be? Would it be on the kids’ playing fields? The golf course? The windows at Orchard Manor?”  When I’d mention the blinking red lights that everyone would see, every single day and night, basically forever, that got their attention, too.  Other residents spoke up about the harm of low-frequency vibrations and the negative health impacts.

The number one reaction though was, How come none of us even know about this? How come no one even asked any of us what we thought? After that June public hearing, more people started attending Town Board meetings.

In August and September of 2022, even more spoke out against the turbines, demanding that the Town correct the multitude of inaccuracies in their draft environmental statement (the SEQR). In fact, the September meeting lasted almost three hours (here’s the town’s link to it), and then-Councilman Ryan Wilkins tabled the discussion.

The minutes for that meeting read, “Councilman Wilkins said considering the time and how long we have been here and haven’t gotten through the rest of the meeting would like to table the 2 resolutions for SEQR Resolution 98-22 and Resolution 99-22 until a later date and also table the rest of the SEQR process until a later date.”

If you watch any of the 2022 summer board meetings or read the minutes, you’ll see that there were indeed those of us who questioned the ethics of Supervisor Smith proposing such a momentous tower, when it would directly benefit him personally. Saying he recused himself didn’t mean he wasn’t aware of and responsible for brokering conversations regarding the matter, and even instrumental in ushering it through more quickly. How could he say he had recused himself when he was the very person in Borrego’s promotional video, talking about how great it was for Shelby?

The timeline that he and Borrego proposed (with plans to break ground as soon as the spring of 2023, for example!) seemed designed to stifle public comment and input. And though he claimed that he recused himself, I know that Mr. Smith was present at Work Sessions where it was discussed, and he did not leave the room. He led the discussion at the October 2020 Work Session, linked here, where he discussed the SEQR process for the wind turbine, the STAMP wastewater pipeline, and the Barre Solar Panels, all of which he himself personally benefited.

It was in the early fall of 2022 that I and others submitted FOIL requests, asking to see documentation of just when the supervisor and other board members communicated with Borrego or our then-attorney at the time regarding the matter, as well as requesting information related to the STAMP project. But of the materials we paid for, most of the emails with Genesee County to our board members or to the supervisor I received were blacked out almost in their entirety, with the claim that they were privileged documents. How so? They were not in regard to private matters involving personnel.

In the fall of 2022, everything shifted:

At the October 4 work session, it was announced that council member, Ryan Wilkins, had resigned.

At the October 11 regular meeting, supervisor Jeff Smith resigned. In the town’s minutes, it reads that Smith said that “the attacks against former Councilman Wilkins and himself were untrue which resulted in the former Councilman to resign. He says he has recused himself in all the dealing about the Shelby wind and the Barre/Solar projects. He said many anti-wind turbine people drew a conclusion that he was using his position as Supervisor to his own benefit.”

On December 5th, the board interviewed candidates for the position of Supervisor; on December 13, they appointed Scott Wengewicz to fill the position.

At the January 10, 2023 meeting, a new attorney was listed in the board minutes as the town attorney: Jeff Clark, rather than Bethany Centrone, who had been the attorney in the prior year’s minutes. Presumably, she, like Wilkins and Smith, resigned.

On Feb 7, 2023, a special meeting was held to appoint Jeff Schiffer to the position vacated by Mr. Wilkins. Two councilmembers spoke up asking to wait another week to learn more about the candidate. But after discussion, that proposal was denied and Schiffer, who was not even in attendance, was appointed.

I do not fault Mr. Smith for considering proposals that might benefit his family’s farm, nor for taking care of his family members who wanted help dealing with Genesee County and the STAMP project. All of us understand how important it is to look after one’s family.

The ethical question is, how can you be looking out for Shelby when all of these ventures –turbines, solar panels, and wastewater – offered direct financial gain to you, whereas the benefits to the town were more of a maybe? (e.g., Maybe down the road, the town can be signed up to get a deal on their electric bill, versus having to sign up for such a thing themselves.) These questions are not attacks. They are pointed, important questions a citizen is entitled to ask elected officials about why it is okay to allow special use permits to groups who clearly violate our zoning rules (height of towers, etc).

Here are some further questions:

How were the two people appointed to council positions selected? Neither one of them has been in attendance, ever, at Shelby board meetings in the past few years.

Why did the committee ignore female candidates, both of whom were polished, professional, business savvy, and incidentally, registered Republicans? There was talk at the February 2022 work session regarding the supposed “bias” that “she” had because she had dared to speak up at a public hearing and ask questions regarding the wind turbines.

 At that meeting’s conclusion, which you can watch here, Linda Limina asked why stating a position or asking a question at a public hearing should disqualify a person from being appointed for office. Her question was a good one.

Why is it that since the current supervisor was appointed, there have been almost no supervisor’s reports at all?

Why is it that since the board has filled the vacant seats, the board no longer has public work sessions?

Why are meetings that happen prior to the official meetings always held behind closed doors? Personnel matters? Every month? For the entire conversation? It is more likely a work session behind that closed door. This violates Open Meeting Law.

If an elected official has said on many occasions, as Mr. Wengewitz and Mr. Root have, that a landowner should be able to do what they want on their own land… does that mean they think a 640’ wind turbine is fine if that is what the landowner wants? Do they care what residents think?

If some of the candidates running for this election have their election sign on Mr. Smith’s property at Ledge Rock Farms on Rt 63, where the two turbines are slated to be sited, does that mean that he has their tacit blessing to go ahead and build two wind turbines there, dwarf the town, and bathe it in shadow flicker, blinking red lights, low-frequency hum and vibration? How are we to know? It may be worth asking such individuals for their thoughts on this issue if you know any of them personally.

Is any candidate committed to seeking town and village input regarding monumental proposals prior to Shelby officials signing on for such projects, unbeknownst to its citizens? Asking residents for their input and assistance, as a community (such as by sending out a survey to all residents and asking!) is important. It’s how Shelby successfully defeated the proposed Frontier Stone quarry, and how it came about that they built the Wildlife Overlay District that eventually triumphed in NYS Supreme Court. They sent out a survey, and they enlisted a huge number of regular people to help. And we did.

Will town officials commit to sending out a similar survey to all residents of Shelby and Medina regarding these 640′ wind turbines?

Knowing the recent history of how the Shelby Board came to be is very important. I hope voters keep it in mind as they choose candidates.

Sincerely,

Karen Jones

Shelby

Editor:

Orleans County sold off the Infirmary (sad day) with promises of a smaller County government. Later built the $10 million administrative building.

Now the County is buying a bank building for $250,000 (not awful). Then $1.5 million for abandoned GCC campus and vacant land. Why?

What political party does the seller belong to? Taking buildings off the tax rolls hurts a struggling Village.

All County legislators made sure they were running unopposed before announcing this. Is anyone embarrassed?

Gerard M. Morrisey

Gaines

Editor:

Darlene Rich is a dedicated professional who has served as the Shelby Town Clerk for the past 16 years! The office of the Town Clerk is the heart of the town, and this position requires someone who is a dedicated public servant who is devoted to their community.

The Town Clerk position requires continuous training to keep current with our ever-changing rules and regulations.

Darlene and I attended Cornell University together where we earned our prestigious Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) designation through many years of extensive training. This is the highest level of education and designation that a Town Clerk can achieve, and your Town Clerk has  put forth the time and effort it takes to obtain this goal to better serve the Town of Shelby residents.

You should be proud of her accomplishments and commitment on behalf of your community.

It has been my honor and pleasure to attend training classes and work with Darlene through the years while serving as the Royalton Town Clerk. Knowledge is critical in the Town Clerk position and Darlene Rich is the best candidate for the continuation of exemplary service for the Town of Shelby residents.

Marie L. Little, MMC/RMC

Royalton Town Clerk (Niagara County)

Editor:

I am writing this letter in support of William Wolter for Shelby Highway Superintendent. I have known Mr. Wolter for 20 years and have had opportunities to work with him on numerous projects throughout this time.

He has always been totally prepared for working at and completing each commitment. I am certain he will take that same approach for the Town of Shelby.

For the Highway Superintendent position, Bill has several pertinent licenses and certifications he has obtained that are important to Shelby’s daily operations. He has great communication skills. It has been my experience that he listens carefully to an individual’s concerns, then makes sure any issues are addressed in a courteous and timely manner.

I have already taken advantage of the Early Voting opportunity and encourage your support in electing a well-qualified candidate: William Wolter.

Thank you,

Edward Houseknecht

Shelby resident