Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ed Zelazny

Shelby Town Board

Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Steven A. Colon

Lyndonville

Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All my best,

Jim Salmon

Barre

Editor:

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

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

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

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

Mike Cliff

Waterport

Retired Deputy Highway Superintendent for Orleans County

Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chris Loss

Barre

Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bill Wolter

Candidate for Shelby Highway Superintendent

Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dayton Hausman

Medina

Editor:

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

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

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

Thank you!

Lori Myhill

Hannah Forder

Dorothy Nolan

Editor:

I’m launching a write-in campaign to keep my seat on the Shelby Town Council. While I’m a registered Republican, I believe the work of the Town Council should serve every citizen, regardless of their political affiliation.

Recent developments have highlighted critical issues around transparency, governance, and ethics within the council that urgently need addressing.

It is no secret it has been frustrating for some of us the past few years, fighting an uphill battle trying to do the right thing by the people, often being misled, selectively informed or continually out voted by three board members desperate to keep a lid on things.

My promise to you:

Transparency and Accountability – Missing reports and poor bookkeeping plague Shelby. In 10 months, there have been four supervisor reports – six have not been generated.

The bookkeeping department frequently overdraws bank accounts and checks are returned for insufficient funds. Outsourcing the bookkeeping could prevent this from happening and save the taxpayers money.

Tax dollars are being used for activities that target individuals. Tax dollars are being used to target and discriminate against individuals.

Meetings of a quorum of the board are taking place that don’t follow Open Meetings Law. Town meetings need to follow Open Meetings Law, and the council should provide routine supervisor reports.

Training and Development – Professional HR training for officials and employees should be prioritized. State-recommended supervisor training is long overdue.

Formal bookkeeper training recommended by the comptroller has been avoided. Training is critical for not only compliance but the fiscal health of our community.

I am committed to ending the hostile atmosphere and illicit surveillance by officials. I will boycott any off-the-record meetings.

A respectful work environment and open public engagement – The current atmosphere is secretive, hostile, and unproductive. I am committed to ending certain officials use of tax dollars to find creative ways to surveil and target people.

I will boycott the board’s illegal, off-the-record meetings where decisions are made away from the public. I will work to instill respect and collaboration among staff, officials, and local agencies.

I’ll push for more open public comment periods during board meetings and will advocate for consultants who act in the interests of the public and not merely a few officials.

During my time in office, I’ve fought for what I believed was in the best interests of residents against obstacles. These include being continually excluded from meetings and lied to about municipal issues while confronting ongoing hostility and retribution from officials.

Since 2021, I’ve been publicly speaking out against activities I find wrong. Contrary to recent claims, there is a public record of my comments pertaining to officials’ discrimination and targeting tactics, which continues to this day. While it’s not my right to publicly share everyone’s personal experiences, I will continue to fight these issues.

I urge you to write in my name on the ballot in the upcoming election. With your help, we can create a council that truly respects and serves all of Shelby.

John Pratt

Write-in candidate for Shelby Town Council

Editor:

I hired Bill Wolter as a motor equipment operator for the Town of Shelby twelve years ago.

Bill always followed direction was a hard worker, excellent mechanic and operator.

Bill learned the operations of the town highway department quickly.

He took part in any chance to further his education in different capacities to serve the town.

I know Bill Wolter is the most experienced and qualified man for the job of Shelby Highway Superintendent.

Please vote for Bill Wolter.

Sincerely,

Michael O. Fuller

Retired Town of Shelby Highway & Water Superintendent

Editor:

Since Bill Wolter, candidate for Shelby Highway superintendent, was unable to attend the public forum on Saturday, here are some questions voters might want to ask him before deciding how to vote.

1. Please explain the unauthorized use of GPS tracking data for town trucks being used to track a fellow employee, and was this data released to unauthorized users?

2. Why did you dump diesel fuel and asphalt from a town truck on the wildlife refuge?

3. When you were relieved of duties as water superintendent, why was the computer returned without the Excel file with two years of Town of Shelby owned water data? Did you realize that in trying to recover the data the hard drive on the water department laptop was ruined? Did you realize that the town had to pay for someone to re-enter two years of important data?

4. How is your relationship with your fellow town highway workers?

Jeff Smith

Former supervisor Town of Shelby

Editor:

As we get closer to Election Day, we all have choices and decisions to make about who would be the best candidates to vote for in your town, county, state, and federal government.

One person who I was shocked and dismayed to see running was Steven A. Colon for the position of Yates Town Councilman.  As any avid Hub reader remembers, in June of last year he posted that he attended the attempt to overthrow our freely elected government and was at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. that day – Jan. 6, 2021.

In his own words he wrote, “Treasonist, traitorous, lying rat actions drove me there.” In the nearly three years since the attempted coup to overthrow our freely elected government, 378 people are in prison because they did the same thing that Mr. Colon did.

There still is not one shred of evidence that the 2020 Presidential Election was not valid. I don’t know Paul Lauricella, but the phrase “you are the company that you keep,” so I can’t imagine that he is a choirboy either.

To me, voting for this pair would be dangerous to our area and is a grave mistake. If you can’t even live in reality, how can you govern honestly?

John Fredericks

Albion

Editor:

While it’s disappointing that Joe Sidonio lost the Republican Primary for Murray town supervisor, it shouldn’t be the end of his political career – his many accomplishments speak for themselves and need to continue.

As I mentioned in my previous post, members of the Town Board and a few employees  convinced someone who Joe thought was his friend to secretly record him in a private conversation without his knowledge and use it to go as far as contacting the news media and Black Lives Matter to try to cause harm to Joe and his family. They’ve gone so far as putting this recording on a website to steal the election and further discredit Joe. This is just another example of a string of attempts to get him out of their way – don’t fall for it.

I agree that Joe shouldn’t have used that kind of language as it was bad but he was venting to someone he thought was his friend about how he was being set up. Joe has since apologized and realized what he said was in poor taste but those opposed to him want to use this as a weapon against him. I urge the Town Board members and the few disgruntled employees to stop their hateful, disrespectful behavior and apologize to Joe. If they don’t, it just further speaks to their character.

Joe is really a good person. When my wife passed away he was there for my family and I, he attended her funeral and even sent flowers, a true friend. He called every day to check on my granddaughter when she was about to give birth to make sure she was okay.

There are many examples like this in the community about Joe, he’s not the cold-hearted monster that his opposition wants you to think he is. He’s someone who really cares about people.

Since becoming Supervisor, Joe – an accomplished businessman with a degree in accounting – has demonstrated his ability to manage our Town finances better than anyone by keeping our taxes under control and putting emphasis  on our town’s water-loss problem.

As a veteran, I appreciate Joe’s commitment to the Fancher War Memorial. Joe is a Marine Corps veteran and it shows in his work ethic and his never give-up attitude.

As a fellow veteran and his friend, I will continue to support him in the November election and I urge every veteran, Conservative, Independent, Democrat and Republican to contact him and get to know him, and then vote for him in November.

Jim Johnson

Murray

Editor:

Is it too early to think about Christmas? Oh no it isn’t, especially if we’re going to do something exciting in our Village of Albion then we have to start thinking about it now. Actually we are late!

So let’s get going! We have a beautiful Santa statue. Let’s build around the concept that Albion is the original home of the Santa school! Christmas should be the time we showcase our little village! Here are some ideas.

We should build a little shed down by that Santa just like the one in Medina but more like a little school house. If it works there and can work here too it would be a great place for a little mailbox to send letters to Santa. The little park all decorated up would look fantastic! We could even hold a little fun contests there like a “Ho, Ho, Ho” contest, best beard competition, Santa costume parade! How fun is that!

With our beautiful, historical Courthouse Square, it would be a beautiful place to put Christmas trees to honor loved ones or if you don’t want to do that because everyone else does it (even though it is a success, and I will travel to Lyndonville and Middleport to see theirs) maybe we could do wreaths of all sizes and decorate them in the Square.

Christmas caroling! What is more fun on a winter’s evening then Christmas caroling with hot chocolate and friends! We could do it once a week at the Square and groups could break off and walk down the side streets caroling – different organizations can supply the hot chocolate!

Movies … a month of Christmas movies, hosted at churches, different businesses that can accommodate, the library, the schools, Elks Lodge, any of the beautiful party venues we have.

Beg the Santas to come back! It’s probably too late for this year, but wouldn’t it be great to have them here next year? We had so much fun when they were here!

Do the Christmas decorations and contests for homes and businesses, but have people post their gorgeous pictures, and perhaps an online map of the decorations for folks to check out. Then have judges go around and pick winners in different categories, popular vote really doesn’t work, secret judges would be great!

Adopt a pole! (pun intended, North Pole county) all the beautiful light posts could be decorated with Christmas trees, Santas, angels … you get it , anything Christmas! The poles could be judged for winners, too! The prizes do not have to be monetary. It could be a dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Claus….. a winter wonderland sleigh ride, something like that would be fun for the whole family!

Did you see the big beautiful Santa at the Browsery? Check him out.

Lori Laine

Kent

Editor:

I have been a Shelby Town Board member for over 10 years and I have never seen or experienced such vitriol and aggressive behavior as I have seen in the last three and a half years.

I became a member of the Shelby Town Board to contribute and better my community.  I would like to see the board go back to being for the Town of Shelby and not for certain individual’s own agendas.

The current leadership has proven they are working for the best interest of Shelby.

Beware of the salesman selling snake oil.

Steve Seitz Sr.

Shelby