Editor:

We are writing this letter in support of our friend, BILL WOLTER, for the position of Shelby Highway Superintendent.

Bill has done lots of landscaping work for us over the years when we built our home and also at our cottage on the lake. His work ethic is phenomenal.  He is always on time when he says he will be there.

He’s such a hard worker and has proved that at his job at the Shelby Highway Department over the years. Safety is his main concern at whatever job he is on. Bill is very knowledgeable, capable and a pleasure to do business with.

He is more than qualified for the position of Town of Shelby Highway Superintendent.

Sincerely,

Thomas C. Mack and Janice Kelly-Mack

Town of Shelby

Editor:

Shelby voters have a fabulous opportunity to re-elect Darlene Rich as their Town Clerk. She has aptly served the residents for 16 years with compassion, kindness, knowledge and professionalism.

With the office of Town Clerk being the hub of the town, Darlene has and will continue to be a dedicated public servant stressing that the residents are number one. She has been answering your needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Whether at the supermarket or a community event, Darlene has and will continue to be available.

Darlene’s resume speaks for itself.  She has continued to be educated in the regulations and laws to benefit the residents of Shelby, having earned the prestigious designations of Registered Municipal Clerk, Certified Municipal Clerk and Master Municipal Clerk. Years of public service and numerous hours of extensive education is needed to receive these honors.

It has been my honor to have worked with Darlene over the years, while serving as Somerset Town Clerk.

To continue the exemplary service you have been receiving for the past 16 years, vote to retain Darlene Rich as your Town Clerk.

Rebecca A. Connolly, MMC/RMC

Retired Somerset Town Clerk (Niagara County)

Editor:

Today, I am reaching out to express my support for Bill Wolter as the next Shelby Highway Superintendent.

Having known Bill personally and professionally for over 23 years, I can vouch for his outstanding character. Bill is, without a doubt, one of the most reliable, trustworthy, and honest individuals I’ve had the privilege of knowing. In all my years in business and life, I’ve found no one more honest than Bill.

In our many years of collaboration, Bill has always been committed to doing his best. He tackles challenges with determination. Often, when faced with a problem, he’ll say, “Let me think about it and get back to you.” And he always comes back with a top-notch and affordable solution.

His tenacity, combined with his dedication to providing quality results, makes Bill an ideal candidate for Shelby Highway Superintendent. His ability to always find a way to get things done, while also ensuring affordability, is precisely what every town needs.

I urge citizens to cast their vote in favor of a candidate who embodies reliability, honesty, and a commitment to excellence. Please elect Bill Wolter for Shelby Highway Superintendent.

Pat Fox

Medina

Editor:

I commend John Pratt’s honesty and echo his frustration about how the Town of Shelby is being run. Everything and more that John said is true.

The town’s advisors have, on more than one occasion, provided inaccurate information to the board and the community. This has influenced certain voting decisions, causing board members to unknowingly support resolutions contrary to their views.

Not only have consultants provided misleading, and at times, untruthful information to both the board and the public, but certain officials have also exerted undue influence over them. It’s concerning that taxpayer dollars, which should be directed towards the betterment of our community, are being used for questionable purposes under such influences.

I believe in real transparent governance, not just loose references to it, and feel it’s our duty to keep the public informed of these alarming developments. The integrity of our town’s operations is at stake, and I urge Shelby’s citizens to stay vigilant and hold those in power accountable.

Ed Zelazny

Shelby Town Councilman

Editor:

Hi friends, our names are Paul Lauricella Jr. and Steven A. Colon.

We are hoping to earn both of the councilman seats up for election in the Town of Yates. Next year reassessments are coming (could be 20 to 50 % increases) and the town budget is up about $25,000 from last year. Someone has to put their foot down with these no-end in sight tax increases. That is why we are running.

We want government to take less of our money. We don’t want you to have to choose between paying out-of-control taxes, putting food on your table or giving your family a nice Christmas. We want you to be able to stay in your home, maybe pass it down to your children, but the taxes are not affordable right now to many.

Will your children be able to afford the taxes down the road? Will you or they have to sell or worse lose the lifetime of sacrifice to taxes? The property tax is most immoral and despicable tax ever inflicted on mankind.

That is why we will put “You the Taxpayers First,” meaning there will no support for any spending that is not absolutely necessary for the town to function. All spending will be put under the microscope of  “Can the taxpayers afford it?”

We will put priorities first. For instance we must build up our equipment reserves. We need to put money away to paint the water tower that is coming soon.

We will work with the businesses here in our town, all of them. They provide much-needed jobs and income to many of our residents. We are a farming community first and foremost. We need to get out of the “Real Estate Business, the Manure Business, the Entertainment Business, the Litigation Business and the Legacy Building Business.”

We need to get back to “Doing the People’s Business.” We say this because we see your money being wasted on these things with no shame or regard for you. We will leave all that to the entrepreneurs and farmers by clearing the way for them.

It is essential that you not sit this one out and vote for the two of us. There are part-time residents that have switched their addresses to try to influence our local elections for team incumbents.

Every single vote will matter. Do you think that if more taxation is collected by our town government that they will do the right thing with it? Cut your taxes? Do you think they will just spend it and beyond? Coming back the following year for more. Grow government. We know you are smart enough to figure that one out. That is why we want to earn your trust and to elect both of us to those seats so we can make a difference and bring some balance.

For fiscal responsibility, sanity, and limited government please get out and vote early, send in your absentees, or vote in person on November 7th for Paul Lauricella Jr. and Steven A.Colon on the Conservative Party Line or the Taxpayers First Line. Thank you for your support.

Paul Lauricella Jr.

Steven A. Colon

Candidates for Yates Town Board

Editor:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney is purposely spreading false information about the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) proposed Secure Docket Cards. The cards are provided to undocumented immigrants after they have passed secure background checks and are to be used by DHS agents.

The purpose of the cards is to increase efficiency of the immigration system. I repeat, the cards are provided to undocumented immigrants if you have one of these cards you are an undocumented immigrants and therefore cannot be used as identification for voting.

Ms. Tenney knows this. Beyond this disinformation (deliberately intended to mislead and intentionally mis-stating facts), there is no evidence that voting by non-citizens has ever been a major issue; Ms. Tenney knows this as well.

Spreading mis-information is all that Ms. Tenney has to show for her time in office. Ms. Tenney voted against the Infrastructure Act (H.R. 3684) and the CHIPS and Science Act (4346), which creates jobs in Western New York.

Ms. Tenney voted against lower the cost of insulin and medicine (H.R. 5376), which will benefit her constituents. Ms. Tenney also voted against the PACT Act (H.R. 3967), which will benefit veterans who defended this country.

Purposely spreading mis-information to create fear and divisions is what Ms. Tenney thinks will win her votes. It is obvious that voting for her is a vote against the interest of citizens of Western New York.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

My name is John Pratt and I have had the honor of serving as a board member for the Town of Shelby. As my role winds down this year, I feel compelled to share my observations, concerns, and hopes for the future of the town.

For too long, I have witnessed an unproductive level of aggression and unprofessionalism within our town government. This adverse environment has infiltrated every facet of operations, making it a challenge to progress forward for the benefit of all residents. Even more concerning is the clandestine nature of many decisions that are made behind closed doors, far removed from the eyes and ears of the community we are sworn to serve.

It’s worth noting that our current leadership has often paraded the word “transparency” as a badge of honor.  Yet, in practice, their actions have made a mockery of it, using the term carelessly without truly embodying its principles. Alarmingly, there have been evident breaches of ethics by both current and former leadership, all under the less than watchful eyes of the town’s legal advisors.

Our taxpayer dollars have, unfortunately, been funneled towards consultants to seemingly advise on how to dance along the edges of the law, and at times, potentially step over it. It frustrates me that these funds have indirectly or directly supported operations that cater to the personal whims and often the wallets of certain officials.

It pains me to disclose that the town’s consultants have provided misleading, and at times, untruthful information to both the board and the public. This has unfortunately led to board members voting in favor of resolutions they would not typically support.

I have also been deeply disturbed by instances of women being verbally harassed, degraded, and disrespected by officials, both in the office and in public settings. To make matters worse, the outside consultants, funded by our own tax dollars, have at times remained silent during such offenses, or even worse has assisted in their cover-up.

With regards to our town’s finances, there are glaring inconsistencies in the bookkeeping, and deliberate efforts to withhold vital records and information not just from the public, but also from duly elected officials. As a means of remedying this, I strongly call for a forensic audit of Shelby’s finances. This will help shed light on any discrepancies and ensure the proper use of our taxpayer dollars.

While there has been recent push for a local ethics “law,” I believe it’s unnecessary given the state of New York’s Article 18, which provides clear guidelines on ethics for municipal employees and officials. The  town’s employee handbook also outlines ethical expectations.  Adding another layer of law only serves to give more power to a voting majority that has misused it in the past and could potentially do so again in the future.

I urge Shelby residents to become more involved, attend meetings, learn about how local municipal government works, and bear witness to the operations of their town government.   Genuine openness can only be achieved if there is active public interest and informed engagement.

Sincerely,

John Pratt

Shelby Town Board member

Editor:

I am writing this on behalf of Darlene Rich, the only Shelby Town Clerk I’ve known.  She has been in the position a long time and knows the job inside and out.

I have never gone in with a question that she hasn’t been able to answer immediately and professionally. I hope to see her happy smiling face after November 7th.

Thank you.

Paul McPherson

Shelby

Editor:

Look! The apocalypse did not happen! The drag queens came, they provided entertainment to over 175 adults over the age of 21 at The Lockstone in Albion for a few hours, and they left.

No children were harmed in the event, no clergy were harmed either. The general public was not harmed either and a local business was able to host a great event.

I kept thinking that this was going to turn out like the movie “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar,” starring Patrick Swayze and Wesley Snipes. I was waiting for something like “Strawberries are Red,” and dancing on a set of picnic tables….if you know you know.

I am happy that all went off without a hitch and the village of Albion is better for it! Albion can hold a progressive event that focuses on fun, entertainment, and most of all some fabulous wigs! I know that all that attended had fun and some fantastic food!

Thank you to The Lockstone, Ms. Darienne Lake, Mrs. Kasha Davis, Ms. Aggy Dune and Ms. Ambrosia Salad! Brava! Come back soon to where so many people need you to spread the word of love and kindness. It will always dispel the darkness!

As Mrs. Kasha Davis would say, “There’s always room for kindness!”

Jason Helsdon

Brooklyn, formerly of Lyndonville

Editor:

Hello again fellow Shelby voters, my wife Margaret and I, former owners of Lakewood Village, are fully endorsing Bill Wolter for Town of Shelby Highway Superintendent

In our view, Bill’s years of hands-on experience, forward-thinking approach and qualified background position him as the ideal candidate to guide Shelby’s Highway Department toward improved safety and operational excellence.

When casting your vote, we invite you to support someone wholly dedicated to elevating the quality of life in Shelby. Bill Wolter is hard-working, honest and highly qualified for the position. We can always depend on him, and you can too.

Sincerely,

Jim & Margaret Lustumbo

Medina

Editor:

I continue to stand as a candidate for Shelby’s Highway Superintendent, fully committed to our community’s well-being.

With 12 years of experience as a Motor Equipment Operator (MEO) within the department and 20 years as a local business owner, I’ve gained valuable insights into the workings and challenges that face us. It’s clear to me that there’s room for improvement in a few key areas that affect the well-being of our residents.

From water issues to road work and equipment maintenance, there are areas where I know that I can make a difference:

Water Quality and Safety: A clean and safe water supply is crucial. I will ensure that we don’t compromise the health and safety of our residents under the guise of “saving money.”

Road Safety: Improving road safety is a priority for me, from tackling potholes and overgrowth to enhancing snowplowing. There’s more we can do to make our roads safer. I am committed to a proactive approach for regular maintenance and improvements.

Equipment Maintenance: Proper maintenance isn’t just about the longevity of our machines; it’s about ensuring that our team can work safely and efficiently. I propose a more structured approach to equipment care that protects both our budget and our employees.

My experience is backed by a strong list of credentials, including a NY Class A Commercial Driver’s License, NY Right-of-Way Pesticide License, and NY Grade D Water License, among others. I am the only member of the department with NY U-Dig Excavator certification. These are not just pieces of paper; they represent a commitment to ongoing education and adherence to regulatory standards that benefit us all.

Thank you for considering my viewpoint. If residents have questions, they can contact me at wgw112023@gmail.com and read more on: Facebook.com/wgw2023.

I look forward to the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to serve the community better.

Sincerely,

William G. Wolter

Candidate for Shelby Highway Superintendent

Editor:

I’ve had the privilege of serving as town clerk in Shelby for the past 16 years. This year, I am running for re-election, and I would be honored to continue serving our community.

As a lifelong resident of Shelby, I’m fully vested in our town’s well-being. Together with my husband of 50 years, Mike, we’ve raised four children here and now have four grown grandchildren. This community is dear to my heart, and my commitment to serving you as town clerk stems from that deep-rooted connection.

In my role, I’ve taken great pride in ensuring that all administrative tasks are carried out efficiently. This includes managing marriage, dog, hunting, and fishing licenses, as well as building permits and handicap permits. I also serve as a tax collector, handling significant sums every year. My dedication to transparency and accountability is evidenced by the clean audits I’ve received, both from our town’s financial auditors and the New York State Comptrollers.

The clerk’s office operates independently of other town departments and experience really does matter. Besides these routine duties, I work diligently to keep my skills and knowledge current. I consistently attend educational events and have earned multiple credentials, including Registered Municipal Clerk, Certified Municipal Clerk, and Master Municipal Clerk. I’m one of only 23 individuals statewide to hold the Master Municipal Clerk designation and the only one in Orleans County. These aren’t just titles; they signify my commitment to being the most qualified person to serve you.

Should you have any questions, I’m always here to help! Feel free to contact me by phone (585-520-4201), email (darnmike1@yahoo.com) or Facebook.com/shelbytownclerk.

I am eager to continue my service as Shelby Town Clerk and respectfully request your support and vote in the upcoming election.

Sincerely,

Darlene Rich

Shelby Town Clerk

Editor:

In response to Mr. Colon’s post about the U.S. providing aid to the Ukraine, I need to correct some of his factual inaccuracies. His statement that, “Congress wants to borrow $25 billion from China, give that $25 billion to Ukraine and have the American taxpayer repay China,” is totally inaccurate.

Of the nearly $30 trillion of debt that the federal government has, China holds just over 3% of it.  American people and corporations hold over 70% of the debt, so the fact is that we are mainly repaying ourselves.

Sam Bankman Fried is in jail for fraud charges for bilking customers out of money, but there is no credible information that he laundered money to Congressmen. Also, isn’t Congress’s job to audit Federal spending, that is done by the General Accounting Office which is a branch of the Federal Government.

Furthermore, Colon posted previously on the Hub that he was a part of the attempted coup of our government on January 6th, 2021 and he has made numerous false statements about the validity of the 2020 elections. Those comments are not only egregiously harmful, but they also have been refuted numerous times.

Those who went to the Capitol that day with the intent to overthrow our freely elected government are not good Americans, and being proud of such actions is truly traitorous and endangers our democracy.

John Fredericks

Albion

Editor:

My inclination to write this stemmed largely from years of working together with others in the pursuit of common interests, goals, and things bigger than what I individually cared about.

Working with people who shared similar objectives gave me many opportunities to experience the satisfaction of accomplishing things I would have otherwise found impossible. Where their families came from and what they looked like mattered not at all. We put aside any differences we may have had in the interests of achieving together what we otherwise could not.

What I have been hearing and observing lately suggests younger people are keeping increasingly to themselves. If that is the case, they are depriving themselves of opportunities to revel in the pleasures of teamwork and celebrating the contributions of every member of a like-minded group to that group’s success. Teaming up also presents us with unique challenges and chances to enjoy what others bring to the “table.” And there is still is much truth to the adage, “The more the merrier.”

We often cannot get much of anything done working alone.

So, should we not be encouraging people to band together in the interests of getting more accomplished? The idea that a school cannot field a soccer team for lack of participants is truly sad in my estimation. Someone recently told me that a local baseball team only had 12 players. Those of us who know what there is to gain from working together can contribute by promoting involvement in group activities.

There really is much that we can add to our lives by working with people who share our values and interests. The benefits of setting aside individual aspirations in hopes of securing a common objective are significant and produce a lifetime of memories.

Furthermore, when we gain happiness by setting others up for success, we all win.

Sincerely yours,

Gary F. Kent

Albion

Editor:

I would like to suggest a Biblical response to drag queens: 2 Samuel 6 tells how King David welcomed the Ten Commandments:

“14  And David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.

“15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.”

Surely, a local pastor can slaughter a bull and go “Leaping and dancing before the Lord” in a loin cloth to welcome the Ten Commandments to Albion. I think this Biblical reenactment would outdraw the drag queens.

Gerard M. Morrisey

Albion