Editor:

I am writing to endorse Dale Root for Shelby Highway Superintendent. I have had the pleasure of knowing Dale for several years now, and I can confidently say that he possesses the necessary qualities and skills to continue excelling as Shelby Highway Superintendent.

I believe that it is essential to elect leaders who are committed to improving our community and Dale Root is one such leader. He has demonstrated his commitment to public service over the last 3 ½ years and I believe he will continue to work tirelessly to make our community a better place.

I strongly urge you to vote for Dale Root in the upcoming election. I am confident that he will have a positive impact and work towards the betterment of our community. Please join me in supporting Dale Root and re-electing him as Shelby Highway Superintendent.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Tim Petry

Shelby

Editor:

As the Republican-endorsed incumbents of the Yates Town Board, we’d like to thank Yates voters for their support these past few years and ask for your vote this election.

We support economic development while remaining prudent stewards of the taxpayers’ money. We remediated a negative general fund balance while simultaneously maintaining necessary fiscal support to all municipal departments. Our combined town & county tax rates for 2023 are the 3rd lowest of 10 towns (outside) and the lowest of 6 towns (inside).

We pride ourselves in preserving the rural farming nature of our community as well as our beautiful Lake Ontario waterfront. With the Town of Somerset, we began exploring the feasibility of a biodigester for dairy farmers. We facilitated the beautiful $2.5 million, state-funded upgrade to our Town Park – the best little town park on the Great Lakes!

We will always protect our constitutional right to home rule by fighting against state or federal overreach. We successfully defeated Lighthouse Wind, and we continue to fight against the NYS Office of Renewable Energy alongside other towns and organizations in a lawsuit against draconian regulations. We will not allow big government to tread on us.

We try to enact local laws that uphold the values and character of our community. We led multi-year efforts to completely revise the Western Orleans Comprehensive Plan and the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program. We held a very well-attended town hall meeting to better understand how best to update our short-term rental law while balancing individual property rights with being good neighbors in a civil society.

We orchestrated the Town of Yates 200th anniversary celebration last year. We successfully held multiple events including a “Family Fair,” and a “Street Dance” in the village, as well as an official capstone ceremony and a fun birthday party at the newly transformed Yates Town Park.

Working with the Village of Lyndonville and the Lyndonville School District, we are expanding our Summer Youth Program for over 100 kids to include swimming and enhanced support to developmentally challenged youth in need of unique services and personal aides.

We believe an essential goal of local government is to ensure emergency services for residents. We negotiated the ambulance contract with the Medina Fire Department, and we supported the establishment of the Lyndonville Joint Fire District.

With our professional backgrounds in medical device/pharma quality assurance and regulatory affairs as well as social work and law enforcement, we strive to serve all Yates citizens: Democrats and Republicans, progressives and conservatives, new residents and 5th generation families.

Here’s the bottom line: we work for you, the people. For us, “taxpayers first” is not just a slogan or a way to have two lines on the election ballot – it is our operating principle for every fiscal decision we make.

Finally, we have discovered that the Conservative candidates for Yates Town Board have published, in the Hub, an editorial that proclaims them as Republican candidates for Yates Town Board. This is not truthful.

In an effort to be transparent, Jim Simon, Susan Hrovat and John Riggi are the only endorsed Republican candidates for Yates Town Board. Integrity and transparency are critical to successful local government and we strive to do our jobs as such. We are grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve you, and we hope to continue to do so.

Councilman John Riggi and Councilwoman Susan Hrovat

Town of Yates

Editor:

After reading Mr. Colon’s latest post in this forum, my immediate thought was, “That is someone who should never hold a public office.”

He stated in his recent post that, “We believe in the rule of law and stand proudly for our flag and our brave men and women in uniform.” Does he forget that the attempt to overthrow our government despite there being no evidence of election fraud led to the deaths of four men and women in the Capitol Police force on Jan. 6, 2021 because of him and people like him?

If he gets elected and doesn’t like a town policy, is he going to attempt to overthrow the Town Board?

The last line of his recent post said, “Actions define a man or a woman.” That is true, and his attempt to overthrow the freely elected government will define him as a traitor to this country who tried to overthrow a valid election because of his extremist and nonsensical views.

Later in his post he tried to paint this issue as he’s a Republican and he will be the right candidate because of that. But his candidacy is not about Right or Left, it is about Right and Wrong! He is a danger to our society and should never hold a public office because of his extremist views that almost ended our democracy.

As he referenced his co-candidate Paul Lauricella again in his post, we can assume that he espouses the same views and we should think twice about electing him to hold a government office as well.

John Fredericks

Albion

Editor:

When you have to lie about your neighbors, when power is more important than being kind to get elected, you have lost in life.

I won’t do any of this but be honest and vote to help the people of Shelby. These lies without explanation and proof are sickening. Totally disgusted with all of this.

I promise I will never participate in this insanity. We can and will be so much better. Watch and see the progress in the near future. People who were on the board and did nothing are now whistleblowers? That’s the question.

If you want someone honest and only cares about Shelby, please vote for me.

Jeff Schiffer

Town of Shelby Councilman

Editor:

Claims of “nepotism” have been raised about my family and me during this election season. My brother-in-law is on the Town Board and my sister serves on another committee. Shelby is a small community.

It’s worth noting that a letter criticizing me was signed by three former deputy clerks, two of whom are related to my opponent. The lead signatory of the letter also held the position of water clerk and failed to report water readings over a period of 10 years, costing the village at least $80,000. This individual is related to a member of the planning board.

I’ve always run a clean campaign, focusing on the issues and my qualifications. These tactics are nothing I’m used to. In 16 years, I’ve never discredited anyone. I just want to continue serving the community with integrity and enthusiasm. I hope Shelby voters can see through all this and make an informed decision.

Darlene Rich, MMC/RMC

Shelby Town Clerk

Editor:

Guess what? It’s not too early! After my previous letter to the editor regarding Albion becoming a Christmas destination, that we should bring back the magic of the season, I received many enthusiastic messages from members of the community.

This confirmed that I am not the only one who feels the Christmas Spirit is alive and well, just waiting for a chance to shine! There are so many great ideas out there.

Please bring any and all of your suggestions and ideas to the Hoag Library on Monday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. Let’s talk and make this happen!

Lori Laine

Kent

Editor:

In August, a town legal consultant provided misleading information to a Shelby resident who inquired about the STAMP wastewater pipeline.

Prior to this incident, the town supervisor had pledged in person to assist residents facing eminent domain due to the pipeline construction but ultimately chose not to do so.

In contrast, the town clerk took the initiative to guide affected residents toward local agencies that could help.

Both the supervisor and deputy supervisor were well-aware of the project’s impacts and were encouraged by local agencies to assist residents for more than six months. They chose not to act. Other board members were left in the dark.

These same officials restricted local department’s access to public documents that should have been made publicly available under the Freedom of Information Act.

Following the Investigative Post’s publication of details regarding the STAMP Sewer Works pipeline, the town—co-owner of the project alongside the Town of Alabama and GCEDC—has opted to use taxpayer funds to sue itself to save face. I voted no to this spending.

At this juncture, we must ask ourselves: What is the Town of Shelby doing and why? What are officials hiding?

Ed Zelazny

Shelby Town Board

Editor:

I would like the opportunity to put to rest any fears of myself or Paul Lauricella, God willing, to win a Town of Yates Council seat.

I am a registered Republican believing in the NY Republican mission statement: “The New York Republican Party is the party of taxpayers and common sense. We are fighting to stop the tide of outmigration and end New York’s status as the highest taxed, least business friendly state in the nation. We believe in a limited government that is effective and efficient.

“We believe in the rule of law and stand proudly for our flag and our brave men and women in uniform. We believe in creating more school choice and parent’s rights. We believe that through smart Republican policies of lower taxes and less onerous regulations, we can unleash New York’s economy and create prosperity for generations of New Yorkers.”

I am proud of the National Republican Party who initially united in 1854 by the promise to abolish slavery. The Republican Party has always stood for freedom, prosperity and opportunity. It was the Republican Party that had the first black US Congressman.

Today, those principles come under attack from the far-left. I promote election integrity. My principles as a Republican recognize the God-given liberties while promoting opportunity for every American.

As a Republican I believe in liberty, economic prosperity, preserving the American values and traditions, and restoring the American dream for every citizen of this great nation. I would look for policies that seek to achieve those goals.

I agree with the National Party platform of stimulating economic growth for all Americans, protecting constitutionally-guaranteed freedoms, ensuring the integrity of our elections, and maintaining our national security.

Working to preserve America’s greatness for our children and grandchildren. I state publicly that as a Republican, I was proud to peacefully and patriotically defend America’s values on January 6, 2021.

As the left attempts to destroy what makes America great, the Republican Party, myself included, are standing in the breach to defend our nation and way of life. I ask the Town of Yates voters to get out and vote on November 7th, 2023 for myself as a Republican and a concerned taxpayer and my friend and running mate, Paul Lauricella, for two of the Town of Yates Councilman’s seats.

We both will put the taxpayer first. On the ballot we are on the Conservative line and the “Taxpayer First” line. I also ask that the Town of Yates voters not to vote for those who have no one running against them because they can not lose. Beware of RINOs aka Republican In Name Only. Actions define a man or a woman.

Steven A. Colon

Lyndonville

Editor:

The United States of America is the finest country in the history of the world. We have our flaws, but freedom and democracy still remain the hallmark of our society. Our election system, complete with all of its flaws, is still the best way to select leaders for our towns, villages and for our country.

When an issue arises, such as the 700 to 800-foot-high wind turbine project slated to be built in the Town of Barre, it is very important to make sure the people who would financially benefit the most from this project are not the people in charge of decision-making.

Electing someone to the Barre Town Board who has a lease related to the turbine project makes no sense for the people, businesses and future of our town. The will of the people, all of the people, should decide if this project moves forward and when, not just a small percentage with a significant monetary gain.

I have lived and conducted my small business in the Town of Barre since 1985. Over the past few years, I have been approached by two people who will greatly benefit from this project. Both times it was said to me, “You are in business in this town, and you better know what side of this you should be on.”

In my opinion, re-electing Kerri Richardson to the Barre Town Board and completely changing the landscape by electing Scott Burnside as supervisor will remove any chance of a conflict of interest when making the decisions for all of us in our town, not just a few.

Please only vote for one Town Board member, which is like two votes for Kerri Richardson, whom I whole heartedly support in this election.

When you cast your vote on November 7th, remember the “Future for Barre” party really means a better financial future for the people with wind turbine leases, not the rest of us!

These projects never work out the way you have been led to believe. The town torn up for years, the project not taxed anywhere its real value, and the tax benefit you were promised somehow was never what you thought.

The result will be completely changing the Town of Barre, New York forever. Please think hard before you vote.

All my best,

Jim Salmon

Barre

Editor:

I’m writing in support of Dale Root for Shelby Highway Superintendent. I have worked for Dale for the past six years and have known him for many more than that.

As a past deputy Orleans County Highway Superintendent, I know a little bit about the qualities needed to be a good highway superintendent. Honesty, integrity and a willingness to learn, to name a few. Dale possesses those qualities and many more.

I have never known Dale to shy away from a task even if it requires him to do research to find the best way to accomplish the task at hand. He’s thorough and does his homework as needed. If Dale says he’s going to do something, he is going to get it done “come **** or high-water.”

He is compassionate and truly cares about the people and his community which is why you should vote “Root for Shelby” on Nov. 7.

Mike Cliff

Waterport

Retired Deputy Highway Superintendent for Orleans County

Editor:

On November 7th, please be sure to vote for Sean Pogue for Barre Town Supervisor, and Margaret Swan and Kirk Mathes for Councilmen.

They would like to improve life for Barre residents in a number of ways! They want to lower your taxes, provide high speed/low cost internet for as many residents as possible, further develop the Town Park, and encourage new businesses to come in to town. And they will continue to find ways to make improvements and cut costs.

Sean Pogue, current Barre Town Supervisor, has been a strong leader for this town for six years. He’s always seeking to make this community one that residents want to live in now but also will prosper for the years to come.

Sean has accomplished much for this town, including an increase in water districts and electric for the Town Park! The Host Community Agreement that he championed could mean paying reduced town property taxes for 30 years! The opposition candidates may claim that they care about the financial burdens on the community, but no one has come up with more “real” plans to lower taxes than Sean. And make no mistake, he’s the one who will make sure that residents get the maximum benefits.

Margaret Swan, currently a Barre councilman, has served on the board for four years, and among other contributions, has worked on ideas for developing the Town Park and researching the ambulance service projects. She has had involvement with District Court meetings. Margaret also helps out in the community in any way she can, including delivering meals to residents.

Kirk Mathes, running for Barre councilman, has been an active member on the Barre Town Planning Board since 2007 and was a member of the County Planning Board for many years. Kirk has been involved and helping out with almost every  event in Barre, including the Barre Bicentennial Celebration. And according to “Doc” Harling “If he is half as good a councilman as he is a neighbor you’ll never find a better one!”

Sean, Margaret and Kirk want to work for all the Barre residents! With them on the Barre Town Board, there will be real positive progress! They are the best team for the job!

Chris Loss

Barre

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Editor:

In response to Mr. Smith’s letter, I wish to clarify that I was not invited to Saturday’s forum.

Shelby’s MEOs don’t have access to the GPS tracking of town vehicles. MEOs can access a vehicle’s service records. There’s a difference.

Contrary to claims, no diesel fuel was ever disposed of in the refuge. While patching on Southwood and Tibbets Roads, I left some blacktop in the turnaround when cleaning out the tailgate. I continued patching throughout the day and forgot about it. It was later cleaned up, and there was no ill intent.

When I was acting water superintendent, I started a spreadsheet to log the work performed in the town’s water districts. It saved time. Prior to that, people wrote everything long hand and later gave it to the water clerk to decipher and type into the system.

The laptop I used worked perfectly fine, and the data was backed up on a flash drive. I didn’t have a problem with the computer. Maybe there was a computer glitch or a lack of technical ability on someone’s part.

For over a year, the public has been told the town can’t generate supervisor reports and other compliance documents because of the software or computer system. Ongoing issues with generating reports seem to be a common theme in Shelby. I don’t think it’s a “me” problem.

I was surprised to read yesterday that I was “relieved” of my duties as water superintendent. I don’t recall it being that dramatic. I was told they needed me to do more repairs in the shop and that’s how I took it. There are meeting minutes online that say the same.

In my 12 years working with the highway department, I believe I have a strong rapport with my colleagues. While the work environment has changed since 2019, it doesn’t affect my job performance.

I have butted heads with the current highway superintendent, particularly on the importance of flushing water lines. I view it as essential for maintaining water quality and preventing bacterial contamination. He thinks it’s a waste of money. This year, water quality tests for Ryan and Salt Works Roads failed multiple times, and calls from concerned agencies were ignored.

It’s telling that the official who profited personally on wind, solar and wastewater, gave us towering windmills, and an influx of wastewater from another county is now trying to discredit me. I must be on the right track.

Bill Wolter

Candidate for Shelby Highway Superintendent

Editor:

I want to commend Mike Sidari for his service to the Village of Medina. His recent announcement of a decision not to run for re-election brings his era to a close at the end of this term.

He was elected to serve a deeply divide village after the failure of a dissolution referendum. He has worked to unite and progress the village to a good position during his administration.

Our local ambulance service is the best in the county.  Our parks are vibrant and being used. Medina has become a destination to visit in Western New York. With a national hotel chain locating here and the Bent’s Opera hotel, we have more places to welcome visitors.

Streets are being paved and water lines are being maintained (despite an aged and failing status that will be the next issue to be dealt with). Mike has also led the way with strong communication, Facebook and the txt/e-mail alert system to keep us informed.

The village web page allows reading of meeting reports and other information. He leaves with more advances on the horizon with the build out of the $4.5 million grant for downtown, a new fire hall and a much-needed new custom-built ladder truck on the way.

The next mayor will have big shoes to fill. The current progress must be maintained while watching the bottom line in a small tax base. The new mayor must partner with businesses and community organizations to further our desirability.

Thanks again Mike Sidari with your vision and achievements. You have served us well.

Dayton Hausman

Medina

Editor:

We would like you to join us in our support for Christine Pask for Town Clerk in Shelby. We feel she is better suited for creating a more cohesive work environment since there has been an increased turnover in the office.

The current clerk’s campaign ads are misleading and the “exemplary service” you’ve been receiving over the past 16 years has been largely due to the dedicated and competent Deputy Clerks that were on staff.

It is time to take a stand and make a change for the better!

Thank you!

Lori Myhill

Hannah Forder

Dorothy Nolan