Editor:

What process goes into the endorsement of a candidate from the local Conservative Party? For incumbents who return, were they ethical? Did they properly put services up for bid? Have they hired competent people to provide services? Have they spent money foolishly?

Did they put the taxpayer first prioritizing needs over wants? Did they work for the people or did they work to keep power? Did they fill positions with friends and family? Did they regulate at will and the worst offense of all to a conservative committeeman is have they voted to raise your taxes?

You should now get the Idea. For new endorsements, will they keep their promises? We are the conscience, the commonsense for the Republican Party that in many cases commit Democrat offenses.

For Barre Town Supervisor first-time endorsed Scott A. Burnside. An impressive life’s work. Homeland Security, ICE, Marine Corps and Army, Combat Veteran Bronze Star. His views on raising taxes, regulations, voter referendums on expensive projects, oath of office, fidelity to the Constitution and his just plain commonsense approach and knowledge of budgeting makes him the hands-up choice to run the Town of Barre. He knows how government works. He got a majority thumbs up from the Conservative Party committee. We believe he will be a competent supervisor working in the interest of all residents of Barre.

This is why we endorsed Joe Sidonio for the third time to pilot Murray’s ship on a straight course. His record stands on its own, like him or not. He has cut taxes both terms. He has rooted out unethical practices. He has vastly improved the water problem. He saves the taxpayers money. The man creates smart budgets. You would think that his board of (Republicans?) would love him. Sadly in this county many elected Republicans despise true Conservatives. It interferes with their inner Democrat.

For Murray Councilman, Erik J. Collyer. A first-time endorsement. A no-nonsense tell-it-like-it-is man. Ask him a question you get a straight answer with no sugar-coating. An impressive candidate to come before our committee. Committed to making Murray a better place to live. If I was assembling a dream team of commonsense Conservatives to run limited government both he and Sidonio would be on it. A much-needed addition in the town of Murray.

For Town of Shelby Highway Superintendent, Dale S. Root. Second-time endorsed candidate. Why? Because he kept his promise to save the taxpayers money while providing a good service to the people that pay the bills. You. He went to straight salt in the winter saving the taxpayer tens of thousands of dollars and achieving the same results without the expensive additives, safe roads free of snow. In-house repairs to equipment. His private sector experience and knowledge of budgeting has saved the Shelby taxpayer plenty. He has done the work of applying for a grant for a new truck. Using the grant process frugally so it will benefit everyone in the town and could be a savings of $300,000. He has come in under budget every year. No matter what question the committee asked him you got straight answer with no excuses or back pedaling. Dale has done a stellar job for residents of Shelby. Whether it’s on water, paving, plowing, working with others or hands on labor, he is a fiscally conservative leader and deserves a second term.

The Conservative Party Committee of Orleans County believes that these are the best “limited government” candidates to move your town forward in a professional fiscally responsible manner. With respect to oath of office and fidelity to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Please consider voting for these candidates early or on the June 27 Primary day.

Respectfully,

Paul Lauricella Jr.

Orleans County Conservative Party Chairman

Editor:

I see we’ve printed another hit piece on Joe Sidonio in regards to secret tape recordings in which Joe was enticed into saying some not-so-nice things. If I recall, the Hub interviewed Joe and he apologized for his comments and he apologized to the Town for his actions.

The one thing I don’t recall is the fact at why a person, pretending to be his friend, would stoop so low as to record Joe and then run to the Town Board boasting of his “deed.” Why would a person do this ?

I guess we’ll never know but the bottom line is it’s over. Joe Sidonio apologized publicly and it’s behind us. The tape was released over a year ago, town business is being conducted and Joe Sidonio is still working for the people of Murray.

Now the person who sent this letter in was just another hit man (woman) for those who are determined to destroy Joe. I don’t know this woman as I’ve never seen her at a Town meeting. She mentions that she heard the tapes on the “Murray NY Community for Truth forum” which is a Facebook page set up by the very same person who did the secret tape recordings. And I’d also like to mention that you are not allowed on this page unless your part of the Sidonio hater’s club. They have several of these pages, which consist mostly of town employees.

In closing, the voters know who the better candidate is and I’m sure they will do the right thing for the Town of Murray.

Mark Taylor

Murray

Editor:

I entered politics to bring about change and am proud politics hasn’t changed me. There is an old political adage, “You must go along to get along” but there are some things I just can’t go along with when not in the best interest of Murray taxpayers.

Diversity and inclusivity are necessary components of good board dynamics. Differing opinions are healthy and open doors for discussion to new ideas and possibility. Town Boards must do more than pay bills and pass resolutions. They should not make decisions based upon short-term gain. Instead, they should consider the Town’s long-term future and understand the social and economic consequences of their actions. How will this affect people’s lives? Can the taxpayers afford it? What will the next generation inherit from us?

My political opponents say I have an agenda. They are right. My agenda has been clear since inception. To encourage and educate the next generation on how to become involved in local government; to end politics as usual and move Murray forward while preserving our agricultural heritage. To balance growth and development with our rural way of life with limited Government interference.

To be specific: New York State Town Law Article III is clear: the Town Supervisor has no more leadership authority than any individual board member. However, the supervisor’s primary responsibility is to act as chief financial officer in all fiscal matters. The town board, as a group, is the executive head of the town and must function as a body. There is no individual executive in town government like the mayor of a city or village.

To suggest that as Supervisor I’m doing what’s in my best interest is absurd. My family and I own farmland. We have no interest in selling or developing our properties. Our entire landholdings are committed to the NY State Certified Agricultural District program and committed to farming for 7-year periods. We have no business or commercial properties and we respect the property rights of other landowners and homeowners.

Volunteerism has been a part of my life for over 20 years serving our Country, County, and Community including Marine Corps Service, Orleans County Planning Board, Cornell Cooperative Extension Board of Directors, Town of Murray Planning Board, and the past 4 years as your Supervisor.

My 12 years at County Planning trained me in forward thinking for our community so I volunteered to serve on the Town’s 7-member Comprehensive Plan Committee.  I presented to the Town and Planning Boards a vision for boat docks in the hamlet of Hulberton and the hope for a Quarrymen’s State Park in the old Nenni Quarry on Canal Road.

We have the first Town Ag and Farmland Protection Plan in Orleans County near completion. Other towns are now following our lead considering adopting similar plans which opens funding opportunities for tourism, generating jobs and sales tax revenue while preserving our rural way of life. The Fancher War Memorial has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places in Washington DC. This literally monumental group achievement has put the Town of Murray on the national map. We are not mired in mediocrity, rather our Town is leading by example.

We do have a good team of folks working at the Town Hall and there are a lot of people I work with professionally every day including other Supervisors, County and State officials. Town Government is town government. It is not to be taken lightly. It is serious business; it is not a family business. Some of the folks at the Town Hall need to realize this. We are not the private sector. We are accountable to you the taxpayers. You, the taxpayers are paying the bills. You, are the Supervisors of Town Government and that’s why we should be working for you, and not for any friends or cliques.

I am proud of our many accomplishments and am proud to be your Supervisor. Thank you for the opportunity to represent each of you.

Sincerely

Joseph Sidonio

Murray

Editor:

Anyone who knows me, knows I don’t often get involved in political or religious conversations. I know where my heart leads me and the decisions I make are based on my upbringing by two of the most respected, loving, God-fearing Christians that this world has ever known. That being said, I have also been brought up to stand up when it’s necessary and I feel compelled to speak out at this time.

I received a message that has since been published on the Murray NY Forum of Truth with the tape recordings of our Murray Town supervisor, Joe Sidonio, using some the most vulgar, derogatory, racist remarks I have ever heard about people in our town, and I am questioning why this man is still in charge as supervisor.

In my capacity as an educator, if I spoke about my co-workers, or God forbid, my students, in this way, I would be removed from my position immediately. I’m stunned to think that this man is still allowed to represent our community and make decisions about our town with the horrific way he conducts himself.

This behavior is absolutely unacceptable and so toxic for our town. To hold so many people in such disregard, and with such disrespect, and with such condemnation is abhorrent. Not only is he vulgar in his words, but his actions with regard to illegal hunting practices, and discussions of private matters from executive sessions warrant immediate dismissal from any position of leadership.

I, personally, do not want to be represented by a man who uses such vulgarity when speaking to and about his co-workers and the town board members, who uses racial slurs, and who disregards those with handicaps – both physical and mental. That is not who belongs in this office of supervisor.

A supervisor should be someone who works collaboratively with others to better the community. It should not be someone who uses bullying tactics, intimidation, or bribes to get a personal agenda passed.

It should not be someone who causes such a toxic work environment that people who have served their community for years feel the need to resign from their positions. To make your own decisions or to form your own opinions, I urge you to listen to the tape recording for yourself.

Our world is in a bad state and our community in Murray will only get worse, in my opinion, if Joe Sidonio remains as town supervisor.

Sue Rowcliffe

Murray

Editor:

Dear Kendall friends and neighbors, let’s dispel the false rumor going around – I am not retiring. I am running for re-election as the Republican-endorsed candidate for Kendall Highway Superintendent and I ask for your vote Primary Day, June 27.

I love our community and want to serve by continuing to run a comprehensive, fiscally responsible, diversified public works department that saves you, the taxpayer, money.

I have solidly ran the Highway Department for many years and have done my very best to look out for Kendall. I have 34 years of experience at this. I believe I am very good at what I do. I like working and serving the people.

During my 34-year tenure as Highway Superintendent, in addition to the responsibilities of normal day-to-day work of the department, we accomplished many very large projects, Pprojects that normally are outsourced to private contractors.

With my skill set, we were able to complete them in-house saving taxpayers considerable amounts of money. These include major drainage projects, several water line expansions, design and building of the salt storage and equipment storage barns using off-the-shelf or re-purposed materials. I do almost all our design work, specs and machine shop work in house. For a small community, I believe I keep the town-owned roads in good shape and well serviced in the winter.

I’ve dealt with countless storms and emergencies, from the 1991 ice storm to the 2017 lake levels at their highest in 100 years, followed by near record shore line flooding two years later. These events required vast resources: pumps, sandbags, aqua dams, the National Guard, volunteers, the multi-agency coordination of Federal, State, County and Town assets. A herculean effort from everyone involved. All the logistics of these operations passed through my office under my direction.

Under my management the department has no debt of any kind; I am thrifty with our money and get the most out of our equipment. I constantly strive to generate revenues from outside sources and not the local taxpayer for large equipment needs.

There’s a natural need to replace equipment from time to time. Some of this stuff is horrendously expensive. I make frugal choices when it comes to new vs good pre-owned equipment or to rehabilitate existing equipment to meet our needs. It has taken me many years, but as of Dec 31, 2022, I have managed to save up $650,000 (Cash) money (earned from outside sources) to replace a heavy plow truck ($320,000) and a heavy truck lifting system that aids in the repair and upkeep of equipment ($78,000).

While building and still maintaining a healthy reserve fund. Over the last few years I was able to purchase a new track skidder with attachments, some good pre-owned replacement pick-ups, a small bulldozer, roller and an excavator.

Also we run a very self-sufficient shop saving a great deal of money. I am a major factor in why the Town has been able to keep its tax rate flat.

It’s impossible to include all the accomplishments and projects over 34 years as your Highway Superintendent in this writing. What is important to know is every day I provide you steady unwavering service. I am grateful to have received recognition and awards for my work and participation in the community. More recently, I was the honored by being profiled in the industry trade magazine Superintendent’s Profile, January 2020.

As a lifelong resident of Kendall and eldest of 8 children, I started working with my father as a mechanic on construction equipment. After high school, then briefly studied some drafting, but worked my entire life in the construction and transportation industries. Encouraged by family and the love for the community I grew up in, I ran and won the election for Highway Superintendent in 1989.

Although my life has centered around work and family, I also enjoy riding motorcycles and tinkering with antique cars. I am one of the founders of the Kendall Community Band and enjoy playing free concerts in senior centers, nursing homes and other charity venues. In the past I enjoyed the fellowship of the Lions Club and received a couple very gracious awards from them. Unfortunately, with the scheduling overlap with the Community Band, I couldn’t be in two places at once.

My priority has, and will continue to be, supporting the Kendall community, ranging from the Fire Department (providing equipment and assistance wherever needed, with my main participation centered in fundraising during carnival ) to assisting Eagle Scouts (most recently equipment for the Veterans Memorial), and sports boosters (soccer field lighting) and community projects like the construction of the gazebo.

I hosted and participated in every Earth Day clean up since 1990, providing facilities for class floats, Cub & Boy Scout projects and served on the Property Committee at the 4-H Fairgrounds. Also assisted churches and the Garden Club.

I have served as president of the Orleans County Town Highway Superintendent’s Association and several terms on the Board of Directors.

This job is about work ethic and commitment to the community. The friends and people I have met and served throughout the years are the real reward and whom I want to continue to serve in the future.

I would greatly appreciate your support on June 27.

Warren Kruger

Kendall

Editor:

Hi, my name is Jeff Schiffer and I am running as the incumbent/endorsed Republican councilmember candidate for the Town of Shelby.

I am currently on the Town Board since the February of 2023. I would like to continue serving the Town of Shelby with your support.

I am open to listening to all the residents and their wishes for the Town’s future. As a retired Attica Correctional facility supervising counselor, as well as the head of the Attica Hostage Negotiation team/Gang Intelligence Unit, and 10 years working at Orleans Mental Health, I have learned to have patience and the ability to adapt to many situations.

I want the Town to have the transparency the residents deserve. As a Town Councilmember I will keep the people of Shelby informed as to what is happening that will affect them and their neighbors. I do not believe in backdoor deals.

I am a proud father of two daughters and one son who have given me the privilege to be called grandpa. This is one of my greatest honors.

I am also a member of the VFW, Junior Wilson, Waterport Archer Club, Senior Citizens of Western Orleans & East Shelby Community Bible Church.

I appreciate your vote on Primary Day, June 27.

Jeff Schiffer

Shelby

Editor:

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

He is a hard-working, honest and qualified person for the job. We can rely on Bill for business or personal work. We go way back, over 20 years. We could always depend on Bill Wolter and you can too!

Sincerely,

Jim & Margaret Lustumbo

Medina

Editor:

My name is Bill Wolter, and I am running for the position of Shelby Highway Superintendent. I stand before you today, as a life-long resident and taxpayer of Shelby, to offer my dedication and commitment to serving our community in this role. I respectfully request your support.

Now, I’m sure some of you might be wondering why I have chosen to pursue the position of Highway Superintendent. And let me assure you, I am not crazy. My motivation stems from a genuine desire to do what is right for our residents. With over 12 years of experience working in the Highway Department and more than 20 years effectively managing WGW Landscaping, I bring a unique perspective to the table.

Throughout my time with the Highway Department, I have observed several areas that I believe require attention and improvements. From water issues to highway work and equipment maintenance, I can see areas where I can make a difference. While saving money is important, it should not come at the expense of safety. I firmly believe that ensuring public safety should not be solely budget driven.

One of my primary goals is to establish a revolving preventative maintenance program for all equipment used by the town of Shelby. This program will ensure that our equipment, which has been purchased with the hard-earned money of taxpayers, is properly maintained to maximize its lifespan. It is crucial for any department to utilize diagnostic-capable software to its full potential, and I see untapped potential in our current program. As Highway Superintendent, I will prioritize the efficient and effective maintenance of our equipment.

Additionally, I strongly believe in reinstating the collateral duty of Deputy Highway position to the shop. This qualified employee will be entrusted with making informed decisions on day-to-day operations in the event of my absence, ensuring a seamless workflow.

For me, highway safety means addressing issues such as filling the potholes promptly, regularly mowing our roadsides, and ensuring the roadways remain clear of snow and ice hazards.

Furthermore, I aim to consolidate the responsibilities of the Highway and Water Superintendent positions under a single individual. By doing so, we can guarantee the provision of the highest quality and safest water to all our residents. I am committed to making installations fair and equitable, addressing the needs of those in our township who still lack access to public water. I will diligently explore all possibilities and collaborate with organizations like the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the New York Rural Water Association (NYRWA) to provide the necessary access to these residents.

In conclusion, I am wholeheartedly dedicated to serving the residents and taxpayers of Shelby as your Highway Superintendent. I believe in transparency, accountability, communication and making decisions that prioritize the well-being of our community. With your support, we can work together to effect positive change and create a better future for the Town of Shelby.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Very respectfully,

William G. Wolter

Shelby

Editor:

You know it’s a shame when it all comes down to money and lawsuits. I have a news flash for Reid Petroleum. Whether or not a volunteer pumps the gas, or a car owner gets out and pumps his own, the liability is the same.

Trust me if a customer gets out of their car and gets hit buy another car, spills gas on themselves, or whatever, the lawyers are going to reach into the deepest pocket they can blame.

Between the lawyers and regulators we’ve seen too often something good get shut down. COVA, the nursing home, even volunteer fire departments are struggling to keep up with insurance liabilities and regulations that just cripple volunteers.

Now we are going after small-fry volunteer groups?

Tell Mr. Kent here’s how to work this problem. Stand out on the sidewalk and have the volunteers hop in the senior’s car as they are pulling in. Now they are a guest of the customer. Not a thing the greedy and politicians can do about that.

Mike Clemons

Dansville, former Albion resident for 35 years

Editor:

My name is Linda Limina and am one of the Republican-endorsed candidates running for Shelby Town Councilmember.

My family has been a part of the Medina community for over 100 years. My three sisters and I were born and raised in Medina, children of John and Lorraine Limina, who owned Limina’s Jewelry Store on Main Street for 46 years.

My father was also born and raised in Medina by his parents who immigrated from Sicily to Medina in the 1920s.With these deep roots in our community, I am passionate about keeping Medina the best place to live.

After graduating from Medina High School, I earned a BBA in accounting from St. Bonaventure University. In my 35-year career in business management, accounting and human resources, I’ve honed many skills that make me the best candidate for the Shelby Town Council position, namely: budgeting, open-mindedness to consider all options; the ability to research these options thoroughly; and the application of sound judgment to make logical decisions. I have been commended for my integrity, attention to detail, and ability to lead and collaborate with others. I’m a fiscal conservative, always looking for ways to do more with less.

I am excited for the opportunity to apply these skills as a Shelby Town Councilmember to help serve the residents of the town I love. I would appreciate your vote for me on election day.

Sincerely,

Linda Limina

Candidate for Town Council in Shelby

Editor:

Upon reading about the Town of Yates proposed law on short-term rentals, the proposal is overreach in my opinion.

I am a Constitutionalist, and believe in personal freedoms and the standing that any government in the United States is bound to leave me or any other man or woman alone as long as I or my fellow Americans do no harm to any one or any one’s property. The government in the United States should be bound to limited power over the people’s lives, spending their money frugally for their benefit.

However, just above Mr. Paul Lauricella’s letter are opinions concerning Donald J. Trump and his hardships caused by prejudice in the United States as the Department of Justice, Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, N.Y.C.D.A. Alvin Brag, N.Y. A.G. Letitia James, Atlanta D.A. Fani T. Willis and God knows what other person suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome.

About the “documents” that require one to look no further than the U.S. Constitution, U.S. Court precedent and U.S. Executive Order 13526. All protect the “Don.” He is in great shape. I predict he will be vindicated. It looks like all pending cases will be adjourned until after the 2024 U.S. elections.

Truth be told I have no respect for any alphabet agency, Biden or Harris.

Steven A. Colon

Lyndonville

Editor:

Dear fellow Republicans in the Township of Murray, on June 27, we are asked to come out for our choice for Republican candidate for the supervisor of the Town of Murray.

My family and I couldn’t be prouder of Mr. Joe Sidonio, our present supervisor. He has promised to work on a number of things that needed correcting and has either corrected them or is in the process of doing so.

When he first ran for town supervisor he brought to everyone’s attention that every two gallons of water we were purchasing we were only getting paid for one gallon. That’s a 50 percent loss. Working with our water department, he was able to get our losses down to 15 percent. Wow, wow, thank you Joe. And he is still working on it!

Mr. Sidonio also worked to re-finance our water districts so that when they come to the end of our pay period on the bonds our little town will have saved $630,964.52. Another wow for Joe with his leadership.

Mr. Sidonio also, as one of his future projects, wants to work to bring tourism here because the extra money brought from it would bring taxes down!

Since he has been in office, he has worked on our Soldiers Monument in Fancher – getting it repaired and brought to the National Register of Historic Places out of respect for the many soldiers that gave their lives or were wounded in the last wars.

Before Mr. Sidonio was in office he was instrumental in getting one of the little country cemeteries on Route 104 refenced and having the stones reset out of respect for our forefathers. (Note: He suggested that we use the Boy Scouts which saved the town money.) He has always had a deep respect for the town.

I could go on and on with his accomplishments, but I would ask you to look at your town tax. He has kept them down. The last year alone where President Biden says we are entitled to 8.5 percent increase in Social Security, our town didn’t go up one penny. Wow, thanks Joe!

We are fortunate to have a man like Mr. Joe Sidonio who joined the Marines knowing that if we go to war that’s who they send on the front lines to do battle. Joe loves his country and served us well. Joe went from there to take on accounting which is a blessing for us to have him in leadership. He also went on to be a successful businessman. I noticed Joe spends about double the time working in the office and holds more workshops than we are normally used to.

Yes, I believe Mr. Joe Sidonio wants to serve with all of his heart and do the best job he can do. I also understand he has not requested a raise in pay since he has been our supervisor.

I would ask my fellow Republicans to come out and vote for this man that is taking good care of your money.

David Piedmonte

Murray

Editor:

Joe Sidonio has proven over and over that he truly cares for our community. He’s not part of the establishment and has no interest in being so.

The only thing he cares about is making our community great, creating a government that can be trusted to do the right thing regardless of the opinions of those that want him gone.

He’s faced ridicule, false accusations, and been much maligned. The childish actions of others toward him is something akin to grade school behavior. One of his detractors actually told me after a meeting one night that my nose was as brown as brown can get simply because I support Joe. So be it.

Say what you will about me, I don’t care. This is an example of the childishness and just imagine what is said to and about Joe if that was said to me! More has been done toward Joe than this!! Still, he keeps pressing on for our best interest even in the face of hate. Joe has my support and vote.

Donna Smith

Holley

Editor:

It’s your choice….

My name is Gerry Rightmyer and I’m running for Supervisor in the Town of Murray. When I first made my announcement to run for Supervisor, people said to me… “Why in the heck would you want that job?”

Well, after some careful thought and introspection I said… “ Because I care.” I care about our Town, I care about the people that live in our Town, and I care about the people who work for the Town.

After 32 years of public service in both Orleans and Monroe County, I retired a year and half ago. My dream was to buy our family farm, move back to the Town of Murray, and live the rest of my life there. It’s where I grew up. It’s where I want to be.

I made a choice.

We all make choices. We choose where to live, we choose our profession, we choose to have a family, we choose who we associate with… the list goes on and on. We also choose who represents our community in government. I must admit, I’m not a big “Government guy,” but I also appreciate the role government plays when it comes to making decisions for communities and how those decisions affect the residents. Those decisions are made by a group of individuals that are elected by the people. The people that live in our community.

The Community makes a choice.

I have been a Town of Murray board member since November of last year. I have listened to Murray residents at board meetings, I have listened to the people that work for the Town, and I have listened to the current leadership within the Town.

You see, governing is not about getting your way, or having an agenda, or doing what your friends want you to do… it’s about listening. It’s about being humble. It’s about doing the right thing… not what’s best for you personally, but what is best for our community. That’s what a true leader does.

It’s about choices.

Does a leader choose to do what’s best for themselves or what’s best for the residents? Some people struggle with this question… I don’t. We have a great workforce within the Town of Murray. We have a great Town Clerk, we have a great Highway Superintendent and Highway crew, caring clerks, fair assessors, and knowledgeable code enforcement officers.

The Town of Murray has the tools it needs to be an asset for the residents of Murray for years to come. There’s just one more part to this equation that remains to be determined…. Who will lead this group and make the right decisions for the residents of Murray?

It’s your choice.

I respectfully ask for your support now and on June 27th. The choices we make will determine whether our Town moves forward, or remains mired in mediocrity. Do we make choices that benefit ourselves or ones that improve the quality of life for everyone in Murray? If you think your vote doesn’t count… think again… our local elections have had razor-thin results in past years. The Town of Murray deserves a good leader. Now the choice is up to you.

Sincerely,

Gerald E. Rightmyer

Town Board member

Murray

Photo by Tom Rivers: A new bronze statue of Santa Claus was unveiled on June 10 in honor of the late Charles W. Howard. The Albion Betterment Committee spearheaded the project.

Editor:

On behalf of the Santa Claus Oath Foundation and the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame, we would like to extend our congratulations to the community of Albion, New York on the dedication of the Charles W. Howard statue. And a very special thank you to all that has made this dream into today’s reality. A job and labor of love well done.

I so wish I personally could have been there on the unveiling on June 10. I was privileged to bring the first celebration of his legacy to Albion, New York in 2010…and the Legendary Santa Claus Conference there in 2015. And, I got to present to Albion, on behalf of the State of New York, a proclamation from the New York State Senate in 2017 to his family and the community.

Charles W. Howard was truly an American original. He was born on June 15, 1896 in the house that he would live in his entire life. As a boy he did chores on the family farm and had little time to play, but when he did his imagination would take him to far off magical places.

As an adult he got to travel all over the country making magical memories for others. No matter how or where Howard roamed, his heart and home were always in Albion, New York.

Howard’s Santa career is that of a Legend. He first played Santa Claus in a 4th grade school play. Later as a young man, he played Santa for his church and was asked to help out a friend by being Santa in a store front window display in a local furniture store. These experiences prompted Howard to think about what Santa meant to the children.

During the course of the next few years, Howard continued to think about the Santa experiences and the smiles it brought to children’s faces. In November 1935, Charles W. Howard took a step with fate and officially embarked on a career as Santa Claus in a Rochester department store.

Howard would become famous portraying Santa Claus over the next 30 years. In 1937 he founded the world’s first Santa Claus School at his farmhouse in Albion after a local newspaper reporter suggested he train others to handle the demand for his services.

The next year he gave his growing fame a boost by teaching Santa classes in Santa Claus, Indiana. Eventually he would teach students from all over the country and became one of the most sought after Santas in the nation. Howard eventually appeared at department stores in Buffalo, Kansas City, and Dallas during different times in his career.

In the late 1940s, Howard started to convert three large barns on his farm into what became Christmas Park. This small attraction became known all over the Northeastern United States. Part of his concept in creating Christmas Park was to give the Santa Claus School a working campus with a classroom, dressing rooms, and extensive props to help better educate the student Santas.

In 1948 he became Santa for the Macy’s Parade in New York City and continued with the Parade until 1965. His Santa career led to appearances on television, in magazines, and newspapers; including: What’s my Line, To Tell the Truth, The Tonight Show, Life Magazine, and The Saturday Evening Post. He also contributed on Miracle on 34th Street.

Howard’s life cannot be captured in his Santa work alone. As a young boy he got a coping saw as a gift. His woodworking skills eventually led him to handcraft toys for the Medina Toy Company. Making toys was just one of Howard’s passions. Always one with a sweet tooth, he developed his own ice cream recipe and went into business with Howard’s Ice Cream.

Howard was well known for his work in the Albion community. He belonged to many civic organizations, served on many social committees, and was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Howard was also very active in many regional theatre productions. He wrote, directed, and starred in many plays and reviews in Western New York State.

His work with county and state fairs was also extensive. Efforts to publicize the produce of local farmers led Howard to make the world’s largest apple pie and build a scale replica of Niagara Falls with apple juice.

Whether he was promoting one of his many projects or being Santa Claus, Howard never forgot what was really important. He was first and foremost Charles W. Howard… a son, a husband, father, grandfather, church elder, friend, and community minded citizen. He loved his family, his friends, his town, and he loved to smile and make people happy.

Sadly, Howard passed away on May 1, 1966 at the age of 69.

During his life, Charles W. Howard never forgot the little boy inside himself that smiled at the world. He thought everyone should smile and nothing gave him more pleasure than when he could bring a smile to the face of another person, especially a child. It was a simple gift that he gave to everyone he met.

Rest in Peace Charlie…and thanks.

Wishing you all the very best and remember to always keep the magic and believe.

Sincerely,

Phillip L. Wenz

Dundee, Illinois

Santa Claus Oath Foundation and International Santa Claus Hall of Fame, Charter Member with Class of 2010