Editor:

Christmas Day is not supposed to be a day to hate. I’m sure around the country there are tables with missing people or people biting their tongues or people arguing. Christians are not being Christians. It is sad.

Christmas, like the rule of law, and democracy are not defined by hate, suspicion, close-mindedness to the wonders of a greater world, narrow-minded or uninformed notions of certainty, inability to accept differences, delusions of superiority, and inability to forgive and forget.

Historically it appears the three wise men came from Iran and were Zoroastrian believers in one God. Their superior knowledge and acceptance of differences is revered despite their self-apparent difference.

What I’m saying is that Christmas marks several things about our better selves. And whether it’s around the table or in politics or between people of different backgrounds and aspirations, or about rejection of the carefully crafted laws and institutions we have to developed to advance democracy and fair administration of justice, the spirit of this day should be a universal, constant and a lesson for all of us.

We should rejoice in those lessons and be mindful of them in every aspect of our lives.

Respectfully Merry Christmas to all,

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

This year’s American Legion oratorical contest for Orleans County featured several outstanding teenage speakers from Albion, Medina and Kendall.

Each took to the stage without a microphone to deliver her, or his, original address calling attention to the importance of the United States Constitution. Each deserves credit for developing a speech pertinent to the topic and putting himself, or herself, out there to be judged on the basis of content and delivery. The winner now moves on to the regional competition in Kenmore.

Kudos to the Legionaires, but especially those of the Jewell-Buckman and Butts-Clark posts and Chuck Eberhardt in particular for orchestrating the competition on Thursday, December 21st at Kendall High School. It was Legionaire Eberhardt’s final year of leading the event and he did an admirable job in my view.

Thanks as well to the teachers and administrators who promoted student involvement. Rich Gannon and the Driesels were heavily involved.

As one of five judges, I was impressed with the students’ knowledge of the Constitution and the Framers’ intent. The manner in which the Constitution’s provisions were placed into historical context was laudable as well.

Very truly yours,

Gary Kent

Albion

Editor:

I have seen a letter from Steven Kast who stated COVA had been looking for help for 2 years. I also saw a letter from multiple citizens concerned over not having enough ambulance service for 7 towns.

As a former COVA member who held many positions within the organization I would like to clarify a couple of things. First COVA had been asking the towns within the center battalion for financial assistance for many years. (Some meetings in which I was present) only to be turned down.

I fail to understand how they can contract for an outside agency for $300,000 instead of helping COVA who had been here for all the residents of the center battalion (and beyond when needed) for all these years.

Secondly, regardless of who the towns are contracted with the residents are not obligated to use the contracted services and can request COVA to come to their aid (which is what I would do for myself or a family member).

I am not willing to take the chance of an ambulance being tied up or an extended response time when we have a more than capable ambulance and personnel right here down the road in town.

Craig Wilston – former COVA member

Albion

Editor:

As we take some much-needed time to celebrate the holidays with our family and friends, it’s also just about time for a new legislative session to begin. I head back to Albany at the beginning of January and the moment the session begins, so does the fight to Rescue New York.

As you may be aware, a super majority of Democrats and progressive socialists exists within the New York State Assembly and Senate, which makes my job as Minority Leader and your representative at times exceptionally difficult and more important than ever.

I will continue to try and make the necessary changes our state, and our community desperately needs. As the New York State Senate Minority Leader, I am proud to represent you and stand up for common sense legislation – fighting for our farmers, protecting your Second Amendment rights, working to keep criminals behind bars, and illegal immigrants out of our backyard.

It is clear, the legislative majority conference want the opposite – they remain obsessed with the rights of criminals instead of your rights.  They refuse to amend the senseless cash bail reforms, and what’s worse, they’d like to take away their criminal history with bills like the Clean Slate Act (Senate Bill S.7551), which would automatically erase the records of convicted felons after a period of time. I will continue to advocate for common sense laws that keep criminals behind bars.

At the same time that Democrats are letting more and more dangerous individuals out of prison, they are also attacking your right to protect yourself, with unconstitutional laws and regulations affecting your second amendment rights. You have likely experienced this if you’ve gone to purchase ammunition recently.

What was once a quick stop at the gun store has turned into long delays and an infringement of your rights. It’s created an unnecessary strain on our already overburdened State Police as they are now tasked with carrying out these invasive checks each time you wish to buy ammo.

Albany Democrats, some of whom have likely never even seen or held a gun, are incorrectly focused on law abiding gun and ammo purchases instead of illegal guns and those who possess them. I will continue to fight and oppose this latest infringement, along with our lawsuits against the majority’s attacks on lawful concealed carry.

New York State has completely failed as a sanctuary state for asylum seekers and illegal immigrants. The open door policies set in place by the majority and leaders in New York City have completely backfired, causing chaos to shelters and budgets not only in one of the largest cities in the world, but across our great state.

Since the beginning of this crisis I, along with many other representatives in the minority conference have called for the end to these sanctuary policies and a stop to bringing in more individuals and families our state does not have room or money for.

But the majority ignores our pleas and doubles down on policies that aren’t good for New Yorkers. Their solution? Raise taxes and slash budgets already in place designed to offer essential services to tax paying residents.

Our state cannot handle our own homeless population. There are veterans who fought for our freedoms who find themselves on the streets, ignored and forgotten – yet the majority is willing to spend billions to fund programs for illegal immigrants.

I am proud to represent a region that stood up to New York City and State leaders and said no to allowing illegal immigrants to stay in Niagara and Orleans counties. Not too far away in Erie County, they allowed the illegal migrants to come by the busload – and quickly regretted it. The National Guard was called in following several violent crimes and now taxpayers will have to help foot the bill for those legal costs.

Residents also have to pick up the tab for the children of illegals to attend our public schools, regardless of their vaccination status. The hypocrisy of Democrats has never been more apparent – It was just a couple of years ago when Albany mandated all students must be vaccinated, regardless of religious or political ideologies – yet they allow illegal migrants to enter our school systems with no medical records, no immunizations, and no concern of putting other children at risk of catching previously eradicated diseases.

We desperately need a voice for change, common sense, and to Rescue New York – and I am proud to represent that for you in Albany. If you need to reach me, have any questions, comments, or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out at 716-434-0680, via email at Ortt@nysenate.gov, or stop by my office located at 175 Walnut Street in Lockport.

State Senator Rob Ortt

North Tonawanda

(Ortt represents the 62^nd district which includes all of Niagara and Orleans counties, and the towns of Sweden and Ogden in Monroe County.)

Editor:

Lynne Johnson, the chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature, and the county legislators have important information.

They know how to reduce taxes, they understand the process to make this happen and know the people in the State of New York who will help. It is called consolidation. Why have they not told voters the benefits of consolidating the 10 town governments into the county government?

To date, 25 NY counties have consolidated town and village governments into their county government. They say it makes government more efficient and reduces taxes. These counties are:  Delaware, Greene, Broome, Jefferson, Madison, Allegany, Onondaga and 18 more.

Perhaps it is time for county residents to ask Johnson and the other legislators why they have kept this important information from voters. I invite Johnson to respond via the Hub.

Jack Capurso, a member of Albion’s Class of 1960

Ashburn, Va.

Editor:

So for the past 2 years COVA had begged for financial support to keep their free ambulance service going. After numerous requests for financial assistance, the county and all of the town governments let them fail.

Now you are under contract for $300,000 for way less service, less ambulances, and very long response times. What were you thinking?

This is the second travesty to Orleans County after selling the county nursing home. What are you people thinking? You should all be ashamed of yourself for not doing what is best for the residents that need emergency and long-time comfort care.

Steven Kast

Churchville (former Albion resident)

Editor:

I have been meaning to write this for some time, but like many, I tend to get busy doing things that are maybe not quite as important.

So, I would like to encourage you to consider donating blood. I started donating more than 40 years ago, probably for the sake of feeling that by doing so, I was helping someone who may be in need. I have continued all this time, as it is simple, not time consuming nor painful, but more importantly, because it helps me feel good about doing something important.

I know that there is a blood shortage, and will probably always be a need for blood, especially with all the disasters that seemingly have increased in numbers in recent years. I have also discovered that the Red Cross estimates that only about 3% of the population actually donates.

So, would you consider donating in the next few months, which if you do not know, you can donate every 56 days? For those of you who have never donated, you can find a donation site close to home (click here). This means that you can likely complete the donation process in an hour or less.  And, to save even more time, on the day of your scheduled donation, you can log onto the Red Cross website and complete “Rapid Pass,” which is a series of pre-donation questions which you must answer before the actual donation.

The following are some of the donation sites in the next few months which are close to home: December 16th at the Hoag Library in Albion; Dec. 18th at the Middleport Fire Department, Jan. 19th at the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church, Jan. 23rd at the Albion Elks Club, and Sacred Heart in Medina In February.

I realize that many people work during the day. Most sites schedule donations as late as 6 p.m.  This does make for a longer day, but I’m hopeful that the feeling of satisfaction that you are doing something to help someone in need, will make it worthwhile.

And, maybe your employer would give you time off every two months to attend the local donation site. Or, if you work at a site, that employs enough people, might your business be willing to consider serving as a donation site for its employees? I know that the Red Cross staff will be glad to talk to your employer about that.

Tom Robinson

Medina

Editor:

Those responsible for the historic marker memorializing the guys from Holley who gave their lives fighting for us in Vietnam have every right to be proud of having gotten the job done.

Had only one American died there it would have been one too many.

I can tell you unequivocally that George Fischer was as fine a human being as I have ever known. I will not elaborate on his exemplary life. The way it ended, however, saddened this good friend as few other things have.

George’s life was cut short by a war which brought an end to the lives of nearly 60,000 Americans.

Thanks so much to the people who succeeded in getting these people this recognition.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent

Albion

Editor:

Why is Orleans County trying to stop the STAMP project sewer project?  The completion of this project will create jobs and opportunities for the surrounding areas.

The people employed will have to live somewhere, support local establishments for their needs, dine out and generally live in this community. The added sales tax alone should make up for any discrepancy.

The question of additional water to Oak Orchard Creek is mind boggling. The state has already delayed closing the Erie Canal to provide more resources to the creek. Why not allow a year-round source?

The question of limiting the Medina area of future growth is questionable. Medina should provide the industry needs to support the STAMP project.

Jim Raymond

Albion

Editor:

I want to reach out to extend my thanks to voters in Shelby for the support and trust shown to me during my campaign.

Although we didn’t cross the finish line as we had hoped, the journey has been nothing sort of remarkable because of your involvement and encouragement.

It’s been inspiring to see so many of you actively engaged and contributing your perspectives. This experience has been more than just an election; it’s been about a community with a common goal.

I want to assure you that my commitment to Shelby doesn’t end here. My dedication to our town and its residents remains strong and I look forward to being a part of ongoing efforts to make Shelby a better place for us all.

The conversations we’ve started are important, and I hope we keep them going. Shelby is defined by its people, and your voices are necessary to shaping the future. Stay alert and speak up for safety.

Bill Wolter

Shelby

Editor:

I want to express my thanks to voters in Shelby. I am honored that the community has expressed their confidence in me with such a significant show of support in the recent town council elections. I am grateful for the opportunity to begin serving our residents and businesses.

As we move forward, I am dedicated to focusing on fiscal clarity and upholding accountability. These principles will guide my actions on the Shelby Town Board.

Keeping your needs in mind, I am prepared to work diligently alongside my colleagues. I have also committed to January enrollment in the state training courses available to all municipal officers and employees.

Please know that I am accessible and willing to hear your thoughts and concerns.

Thank you again for your confidence in me.

Sincerely,

Linda Limina

Shelby

Editor:

Public Defender Joanne Best and District Attorney Joe Cardone have made an excellent suggestion: consolidate the 10 town courts into one.

As they both stated, fewer attorneys would be needed, and it would make it easier for both offices to do their jobs.

At a time when the Hub is filled with pleas from the public to reduce taxes, consolidation of the expensive, duplicative town courts into one makes good financial and

administrative sense. And with one location, fewer attorneys and reduced costs, it would  end up reducing taxes.

Perhaps Best and Cardone could provide details on how much would be saved by their idea.

Jack Capurso

Albion High School Class of 1960

Ashburn, Va.

Editor:

Picture it, 2024 we live in a small rural community in western New York, 45 minutes from the closest acute care hospital. Someone in your family or yourself is having the worst day of their life…a serious medical emergency and your family needs an ambulance.

If you are lucky, one is available but if someone else in a 7-town radius is also in need of an advance life-saving ambulance you do not get one in a timely manner. Your local fire department volunteers show up to assist in any way they can. Ultimately your family sits waiting hoping another ambulance will come available.

The question is, why is it OK to leave our community with one Advance Life Support Ambulance to service the entire area of Albion, Barre, Carlton, Clarendon, Gaines, Kendall and Murray? This is less service than what has ever been provided to our towns in the past for free let alone now with a $300,000 contract.

Days of the past are gone. An ambulance service for this community needs to be a top priority. You do not see one sheriff deputy serving, you do not see one fire department serving, why is one ambulance acceptable to service our entire community?

The request for ambulances in Orleans County continues to rise and the final decision being made is not an acceptable one. Fellow residents, we need to stand up and make our concerns known! It does not matter whose name is on the side of that ambulance when it pulls into your driveway as long as there is one coming to save your life!

We are this community and we deserve a say.

Lorie Soule, Carlton

Kristen Ferris, Carlton

Todd Ferris, Carlton

Amber Conner, Albion

Raquel Jones, Carlton

Emma Klaver, Gaines

Amy Luft, Albion

Rebecca Grillo, Albion

Stanley Farone, Albion

Jennifer MacFarland, Barre

Chris Standish, Carlton

Kristin Rowles, Carlton business owner

Brandi Fisher, Carlton

Danielle Ernst, Carlton

Robert Conner, Albion

Kylie Hughson, Albion

Cameron Labarge, Albion

James Fisher Carlton

Elisha Hill, Albion

Ryan Hill, Albion

Catherine Usselman, Albion

Orest Usselman, Albion

William Francis Sr, Albion

Nancy Francis, Albion

Erica Francis, Albion

Timothy Monaghan, Albion

Sabrina DeCarlo, Carlton

Christine Bloom, Albion

Nathan Bloom, Albion

Hanna Vagg, Murray

Kim Reynolds, Carlton

Karen Narburgh, Carlton

Kailee Ward, Carlton

Karli Henchen, Albion

Jennifer Stilwell, Gaines

Samantha Tillman, Carlton

Stacy Daniels, Albion

Kristen Struble, Albion

Kristin Hartway, Barre

Shirley Goebel, Albion

Cate Usselman, Albion

Chris Glogowski, Murray

Courtney Ainsworth, Gaines

Katrina Bourke, Albion

Rhonda Oliver, Albion

Lori Ferris, Carlton

Ashley Dole, Albion

Michael Stilwell, Gaines

Jessica Marks, Carlton

Jake Marks, Carlton

Sandra Patten, Carlton

Jamie Barbour, Carlton

Francis Pierce, Gaines

Ryan Brown, Gaines

Danielle LaMartina, Albion

Jeremy Graham, Albion

Nancy Maines, Albion

Walter Ferris, Carlton

Brianna Caldwell, Albion

Robert Stilwell, Gaines

Jennifer Viza, Albion

Kari Hagglund, Albion

Leslee Lockwood, Albion

Michael Babcock, Albion

Valerie Hollis, Carlton

Joni Dix, Albion

Annette Finch, Albion

Casey Jurs, Kendall

Brian J Aina, Carlton

Amy Aina, Carlton

Rebekah Tabor Beach, Albion

Austin Zobel, Albion

Chelsea Polar, Yates

Emalee Verhagen, Gaines

Eric Hackenberg, Albion

Savanna Steffen, Albion

Deborah DiMatteo, Albion

Stephanie Murphy, Gaines

Kimberly Reynolds, Carlton

Lorraine Oakley, Gaines

Garry Oakley, Gaines

Steven Jurs, Kendall

Editor:

I’m reading the county’s excuses for raising taxes 3.25 percent on the Hub and I can’t help but having sad violin music going through my head.

The tear festival of baloney – “We lost this,” “Inflation,” “The State,” “Medicaid,” “Health Insurance” – blah, blah, blah. This is the same sad song that I was hearing 20 years ago and as recent as four or five years ago when I actually would bother to go to budget hearings and the CAO would play the same somber funeral dirge PowerPoint of why they have to raise taxes. (It was like being at a funeral.)

Meanwhile the Government Industrial Complex continues to grow and grow. They know costs will rise yet they do five-year contracts. They are taking in more money than they ever have in county history, yet boohoo.

Then they go and spend $250,000 on the Bank of America building and $1.5 million on the GCC campus taking those off the tax rolls. Where did the money come from? If you’re so strapped why would you do that? No wonder people are leaving here.

Now the taxpayers have to maintain the buildings. I’m sure the legislators are all patting themselves on the back, saying this is a great budget. (Go to a meeting, back-patting is a regular performance.)

One wonders with that photo of the CAO smiling like a Cheshire Cat, is he flipping us taxpayers the bird? Nobody cares and they know that.

Paul Lauricella

Yates

Editor:

The recent article in the Orleans Hub about The Villages may sound like everything is better at the nursing home in Albion. I do not think so.

I go to see my husband, who has been a resident for five years, at least 2-3 times a week – not the same days or the same times. I see that every day is different.

There are some wonderful nurses and aides that show they care for the residents and their families. Most aides are friendly.

But, to start, my complaints are about the new aides that are hired by an agency. Some have very little training. Most wear street clothes and have no name tags. I have questioned a few who they are when they come to help my husband.

If residents need help getting out of bed or to go to the bathroom, they ring for help and when an aide comes to the room the aide will say they will be right back, only after 15-20 minutes do they return.

There are only 5-6 lifts to help residents get in or out of bed in the whole building. Aides have to go looking for one in another wing. If there is a shortage of aides on weekends, some residents have to stay in bed all day. Lately residents have been told, once you are all in and the door is closed, do not ring the bell because you should have got your snacks or drinks before you went to bed. Also you should have used the toilet before you were put to bed. Most are put to bed after supper or earlier.

The dishwasher has been broken for several weeks and they are eating off paper plates with plastic forks and knives. Sometimes the food is cold.

These complaints are made every month when there is a resident complaint meeting. I have been there for most of them.

If people would come in and stay for 3-4 hours they could see and hear what I see. The state needs to inspect this home without any notice to the owners.

Christine Yaskulski-Sevor

Albion