Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for your Support.

Paul Lauricella Jr.

Steven A. Colon

Yates

Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you!

Kerri Richardson

Barre

Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

Jack Capurso

Albion HS Class of 1960

Ashburn, Va.

Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

Jack and Cynthia Kiebala

Medina

Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For Town Of Albion Highway Superintendent: Michael Neidert

For Town of Clarendon Highway Superintendent: Tracy B. Chalker

For Town of Shelby Town Supervisor: Scott R. Wengewicz

For Town Of Shelby Town Justice: Edward J. Grabowski

For Orleans County Sheriff: Christopher M. Bourke

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

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

On behalf of the Orleans County Conservative Party Committee,

Paul Lauricella Jr.

Orleans County Conservative Party Chairman

Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the fall of 2022, everything shifted:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are some further questions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Karen Jones

Shelby

Editor:

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

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

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

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

Gerard M. Morrisey

Gaines

Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

Marie L. Little, MMC/RMC

Royalton Town Clerk (Niagara County)

Editor:

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

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

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

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

Thank you,

Edward Houseknecht

Shelby resident

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