Editor:

“Green Orleans” is a group that is attempting to bring greater awareness of climate change and the efforts to deal with those changes.

Group members involved are among those who believe that becoming more environmentally conscious and responsible is essential as the Earth’s population continues to grow. The group meets at the Hoag Library in Albion on the third Thursday of the month at 11:30.

Earlier this spring, the message board in front of the Albion Presbyterian Church read: “If you don’t, then who will?” This letter is an attempt to identify a few of the actions that we can take to make a difference. For example, might your business offer paper straws, rather than plastic?  Do you as a customer even need a straw?

Composting is a way to reduce waste and improve your soil in which to grow flowers, vegetables, bushes and trees.

Another action is getting in the habit of recycling plastic and cardboard rather than throwing everything into a garbage container. If the Earth is to survive for future generations, recycling is a must. And, yes, it may take a little extra time.

Doing as much with less is necessary as well. This letter was originally “roughed out” on the back of material that was to be discarded. Traveling from one place to another efficiently uses less energy. Ride sharing often works.

You may ask yourself some of these questions. Is traveling on a bicycle possible? Might I walk to the library? Would an electric vehicle be a sensible option for me? Do I really need more than one napkin?

Is a plastic bag really needed when I pick up the sub sandwich, which is already wrapped in paper? Can I drink my iced coffee from a reusable container without using a straw? Can I use the dishwater to water my plants?

If some of this makes sense to you, we hope to see you at our July 20 meeting at the Hoag Library. Meetings usually last no longer than an hour.

Sincerely,

Sister Dolores O’Dowd, Tom Robinson, Rosanne Leach, Gary Kent, Kim Remley and John Grein

Editor:

Murray residents will have an opportunity to choose the Republican candidates for town board and town supervisor.

This being a small community everyone knows the current board members. I would like to consider most of them friends. However, I am not voting for anybody based on friendship. I am not voting based on what people have said, or what they are promising. I will cast my votes based on results.

Based on results, Joe Sidonio has earned my vote for another term.

Before running for office, Mr. Sidonio indicated that the water department was losing gallons of water. He was called a liar. An independent auditor showed that the water department was losing more than $30,000 of water a year. The water department has taken corrective action, and we are no longer pouring money down the drain.

The rededication of the war monument in Fancher. This is saving a vital piece of history. It is action not words. Saying you support veterans is meaningless. Reminding people what our ancestors did for their country. Reminding people that they did what needed to be done, not for a reward for themselves, family, or friends, but just because it needed to be done.

The water debt was refinanced, saving Murray a significant amount of money.

Recently it has come to light that the most recent budget that Supervisor Sidonio  recommended would have resulted in a tax decrease for the residents of Murray while providing for a 3% raise for town employees. The budget that passed by the board kept the tax rate the same. This is an absolute contradiction of the values they claim to have.

These accomplishments are why I will vote for Mr. Sidonio in the primary.

I will also vote for Mr. Collyer with the hopes that he will earn that vote in the same way Mr. Sidonio has.

Thanks for your time,

David Leach

Murray

Editor:

The Primary election is today. The Town of Shelby can once again exercise their rights and vote for candidates who they think can best serve their interests.

As a first-timer, this election has opened up my eyes to say the least. Most of the time, there are the good parts – the talking to people, sharing ideas, listening to concerns, and just generally being more involved.

There are also times that can be trying, such as stealing lawn signs, being called out in a non-partisan meeting to serve a political agenda, or even the whisper campaigns from the entrenched establishment. This is politics though and we keep fighting to give the people a clear choice.

The more I talked to residents on the campaign trail, the more it became clear I didn’t have all the answers, nor was I expected to, but I did have two ears and I can hear very common themes.

As a councilperson, if I could be so honored to earn your vote, I promise to be the voice in Town Hall that Shelby residents deserve. First, I will work endlessly to research and vote to rescind the new assessment levels. Our Town is already taxed enough!

Second, I will be a strong leader in Town Hall that advocates for lower taxes and fiscal responsibility. Our residents deserve to have the best services and not break the bank to receive it. We need to examine every budget line to determine if we are getting the best return on investment.

Third, together we can finally put Shelby residents before politics. Our Town is plagued with backroom deals and lack of transparency.

This election is important, extremely important for our Town. If we want to take back our Town, have it represent us, provide everyone with growth, opportunity, and prosperity, then please take a hard look at your ballot today and consider voting for my candidacy.

I am Justin Gray, a life-long Republican, husband, father, farmer, and Corrections Officer.

Thank you Shelby residents for considering me.

Justin Gray

Shelby

Editor:

It has been difficult for me to sit back and not comment about the misleading things that have been told to Murray residents by the current supervisor, Joe Sidonio.

From the beginning of his tenure, I’ve worked with him respectfully, in order to do my job as Town Clerk. I have done so despite the grossly inappropriate profanities he has called me and my colleagues over and over again and despite the multitude of lies he has told.

Mr. Sidonio says he wants to bring everyone together and be a team, yet he intentionally does the opposite. He continually misleads residents saying the salaries of elected officials are almost twice the actual amount. When he was called out on this, his excuse was that pensions, social security and health insurance are included in his numbers.

The Town of Murray budget is on the town website and shows exactly what the employees make. When he says that I received a higher raise than the department clerks, he fails to tell you that the previous year, the clerks received a raise while I did not. Deliberately misleading.

He takes credit for “straightening out” the water department, when in reality, the water losses were being corrected before he got elected. It began with repairs by Ed Morgan, then Dennis Mandigo and finally, Dirk Lammes made the final repairs to bring the loss to an acceptable level.

He fails to tell you that although our town and water department are audited by an outside firm annually, he insisted on hiring another outside auditor to go through the water department books. When that resulted in no improprieties found, he hired yet another outside auditor and once again the audit turned up nothing. All at the cost of the Town of Murray taxpayers.

He tells you that he reduced water taxes. Taking operation and maintenance off of tax bills makes it appear you’re saving money but what Mr. Sidonio doesn’t tell you is that your water rates have now gone up significantly to make up for it. His home is tied into the Village of Holley water so these higher rates don’t affect him at his residence.

He also fails to tell you that by taking the water operation and maintenance off the tax bills saves himself and his family significantly on the many parcels they own.

He says he’s not part of the “go along to get along” but when he oversaw the Republican committee, he threatened me with possibly not being endorsed if I didn’t vote the way he wanted.

I have no problem with someone who has opinions that differ from mine being elected supervisor, but I do have a problem when someone gets elected by misleading our residents.  I’ve been your Town Clerk for 17 years and I take pride in the way my office is run. The employees have always worked as a team. While we do not always agree, we are respectful and listen to each other’s opinions. That is not the “good old boys club,” it is called being a team with one goal in mind and that is to do what is the best for the Town of Murray.

Gerry Rightmyer has been endorsed unanimously by the Murray Republican Committee. He has no agenda. He is a great listener who truly cares about the concerns and needs of our community. He has demonstrated a commitment to transparency and accountability. He will work to ensure that our town government is responsive to the needs of all residents. He has the qualifications to do the job and, just as important, he is an honest, ethical man.

I urge you to join me in supporting Gerry Rightmyer for Murray Town Supervisor.  He is the right person for the job. Help make Murray proud again and vote Rightmyer on Tuesday, June 27.

Cindy Oliver

Town Clerk, Town of Murray

Editor:

As Joe Sidonio’s wife I have observed Joe over decades of service, and throughout his whole tenure as Town Supervisor in Murray.

Many of you may know Joe only through the tawdry letters and pointed arrows that are thrown at him. I see him for who he is. I see his work. I understand his intent. I see his joy in people, his respect for all and his incredible generosity – giving of time and resources to help so many.

It is incredible that he has chosen – and continues to be willing – to give of himself to this town. Thank you, Joe, for all that you do for this community.

Thank you for your courage to tackle the most difficult issues and stand tall in the face of adversity. You are always working to do the right thing and that is noticed and appreciated.

Thank you for lowering our town taxes! This is really, really, meaningful to every person in town.  We need to be able to afford to live here! Lowering taxes has taken a lot of hard work. Thank you.

Thank you for your vision for a healthy community, a community that is moving forward while safeguarding the things that we treasure such as our environment and our history, the beauty of our landscape, our fertile soils and the community that we will leave our children.

Thank you for making the effort to educate yourself about the proper procedures of good government so that important issues such as ethics, management and planning are done correctly – for the benefit of us all. I have watched as you have endlessly pursued training, asked authorities who know the proper answers, and been forever curious about not only what makes a good government, but why some towns flourish and others flail or fail.

Thank you for teaching us all that being involved in our community government is important –and rallying one and all to understand how local government works, to take note of what happens to shape the future of our town, and how our communal tax monies are spent and managed.

Thank you for giving a voice to the underserved and the unheard – and leading us forward to a future where each citizen – no matter their age, occupation, sex, where they went to school, their vision, race, popularity, ethnicity, religion or world view – is equal before our government and treated fairly before all of our government bodies. Too long we have lived in a community driven by fear where some residents are treated with kid gloves and others are purposely mistreated, persecuted and maligned. You have given each and every individual an equal voice.  Thank you.

Thank you for your hours of hard work and your years of volunteer service – Twenty years of giving – as a Marine, on Town and County Planning boards, as the Supervisor – and for the unseen hours and hours of work that you do every day to make our town a better place.  I do not think that the public knows how much time and effort you spend on the job of supervisor.  I think that many would be very surprised at the endless dedication that you have given to ensure that our town is governed properly.

Thank you for your ideas and also for the effort that you put into making other’s good ideas a reality. The list of ways that you have given to this community is amazing – breathing life into Dr. Fiorito’s vision for the restoration of the Fancher War Memorial and its subsequent National Register of Historic Places honor; initiating, sponsoring and funding the stipend for a high school essay contest entitled “The Jewel of Western New York”; paying for the first study about the feasibility of restoring the old Holley High School; establishing the first farmland protection plan in Orleans County…. And so many more initiatives. And now, the glimmer of a possibility of a Quarryman’s park!

Thank you for the bravery and tenacity – Never giving up in the face of years and years of abuse and bullying – even predating your tenure as Supervisor.  Thank you for not giving in to doing political favors in order to gain popularity and remaining true to your values despite the bitter backlash. Thank you for facing, every day, deceitful and calculated maligning of your character,  misrepresentation of your good intent, mean scheme after meaner scheme intended to cause you to fail. You are not the lies that they say about you. You are incredibly brave. Thank you for standing up to the bullies for us all – like David to Goliath.

Thank you for your role as watchdog of our dollars – Using your accounting training to manage correctly our town’s fiscal health.

Thank you for working so well with the leadership of other towns and state offices, elevating our town to a non-political status of note and respect.

Thank you for your respect for older generations, and your appreciation of those with different backgrounds. The warmth of your friendships far and wide, and the joy with which you engage and support such a wide range of people is a remarkable testament to the wonderful person that you are.  You make and keep friends wherever you go and each one treasures your friendship in return.

Keep up the good work you do for us! Voters, please help ensure that good government principles continue to be safeguarded.

Vote for Joe Sidonio in the Republican Primary on June 27.

Amy Machamer

Murray

Editor:

Having just read the previous post about “Sidonio disqualified himself from public office with racist comments in taped conversation” I can’t say I’m  surprised that this desperate town board and a couple of disgruntled employees in the final days of this primary would go back to their failed efforts to try to get Joe out of their way.

They’ve 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. This is just the latest effort to try and discredit Joe.

I’m thoroughly disgusted by this constant backstabbing by these individuals. It shows that they have no honor and can’t be trusted. Don’t think they wouldn’t do this to you or me if it would benefit them. Why do they want to get Joe out of their way?

Joe has been pointing out the corruption within the town since he started running for Supervisor from the water loss cover up and theft to reprimanding an elected employee for working on his vehicle in the town garage.

These “anti-Joe” individuals are telling everyone that Joe won’t work with them. Why would he? They spend more time scheming to get rid of him than attending to the town’s business.

If they get Joe out of their way with these antics who are they going to go after next? Will they weaponize code enforcement? With Joe out of the way they can push through lavish benefits, pay increases and padded retirement accounts for their friends and relatives at the town hall, something that Joe has tried to keep under control to be fair to both the employees and the tax payers.

Joe recently mailed out a flyer urging you to vote for Eric Collyer and himself. I urge you to read it, note Joe’s qualifications and vote for them in the Republican Primary on Tuesday, June 27, as they are the best-qualified candidates.

Jim Johnson

Murray

Editor:

Former president Donald Trump has a history of disparaging both the U.S. Military and National Security.

Mr. Trump, a draft dodger, called John McCain a loser because he displayed heroism and patriotism while serving his country. Mr. Trump gave highly classified confidential information to Russian officials in the Oval Office, forcing the extraction of a valuable informant in Moscow.

At a press conference Mr. Trump voiced support for Vladimir Putin over U.S. Intelligence officials. Mr. Trump tweeted classified satellite images revealing National Security information.

While Mr. Trump called Americans who died in war “losers” and “suckers” he saluted a North Korean General, a country sworn to destroy the United States. Mr. Trump withheld congressionally approved military aid to Ukraine, in violation of U.S. law, to aid Russia.

Now we are learning that Mr. Trump hoarded classified material, even after a subpoena was issued, which could endanger U.S. intelligence and put U.S. military personnel in harm’s way.

Mr. Trump is facing 31 counts of espionage; 31 times Mr. Trump is accused of putting the security of the nation and the defenders of the Constitution at risk.

Republicans, like Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, need to explain how they can defend Mr. Trump when time after time his actions damage the United States and the defenders of the Constitution.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

Joe Sidonio’s opponent Mr. Rightmyer wrote in his letter of support towards himself that we all make choices and get to choose our path moving forward.

I totally agree, which is why we the people of Murray have strongly supported and have chosen our current Supervisor Joe Sidonio the past two election terms.

I choose to keep supporting Joe because he delivers on his promises. Joe promised to fix the water loss issues in our town and his has delivered on that. Joe has promised to keep our finances in check and stop the fiscal bleeding that seemed to flow so well out of our town hall.

Looking at my property tax bills the past two years and seeing that our rates have gone down twice during a time of hyperinflation speaks volumes to the work, dedication and accountability he has brought to the office and the town hall, delivering on his promise of fiscal responsibility.  I choose accountability at our town hall and fair oversight of the various departments that operate for our town. Some of our elected officials do not like having the oversight and accountability that Joe Sidonio brings but that’s crucial to have proper checks and balances with-in a government no matter what the size.

Joe has put in the hours and the work, all while being repeatedly tripped up and berated by our own town board for 4 years and still was able to deliver us outstanding results. Lower taxes, community outreach and restoration of our war memorial putting Murray in a positive national spotlight. Joe has the experience, the education and the work ethic to keep driving results like this for our town.

Mr. Rightmyer writes that governing is not about getting your own way and doing what’s best for yourself, and I couldn’t agree more. Supervisor Sidonio has been selfless throughout his 4 years as our leader always putting Murray and its residents at the forefront of his decision making, not allowing the in-crowd at the town hall to manipulate him into making poor decisions that will negatively affect us the taxpayer.

Some at the town hall have proposed double-digit pay raises for their family members that work there with them which would fall on the backs of us the taxpayer to pay. Is that fair for us or for them? I think they have themselves in mind and not the hard-working families in this town.   Accountability and oversight is crucial to keep our budgets and finances in check. Thank you Joe for bringing that to the table.

I saw Mr. Rightmyer at one of our last town hall meetings and when asked for a motion, he froze and looked to our clerk, and when asked why he said because he needs to know what to do. Does that sound like someone who is ready to lead this town or someone who is ready to follow what he is told to do?

June 27 is a vital day for our town. We have been moving down a great path the last few years under the stellar leadership of Joe Sidonio. I ask that all voters get out and vote for our supervisor who has put in many hours and has worked so hard for you and to keep our town moving in a great direction.

Adam Moore

Holley

Editor:

It’s time for a change.

I am in my third year at the Town of Murray.  It has been an honest pleasure to get to know so many of you in the Town and County. We have accomplished quite a lot, none of which could have been achieved without our great group of dedicated staff, some of who’ve been with Murray for decades.

However, as good as much of my experience here has been, there have been some significant problems. As the Highway Superintendent, I have my own perspective. I have seen enough. Joe is not a leader. It gives me no pleasure to discredit anyone. However, I have observed a toxic workplace, witnessed and experienced my own anxiety and I have seen an alarming number of resignations as a result.

Having once been in “Joe’s camp,” I now see him in a clearer light. Joe harasses, stalks and tries to intimidate. Joe is a bully. He lies to get his way as he works for his own self interest under the guise of working “for the taxpayers.” I hate that I have to participate in negativity and politics.  Joe Sidonio leaves me no choice. Everything he does has an ulterior motive, re-election. Meanwhile, in his own words, he is “destroying the place.”

Joe entered into his position like a bull in a China shop which has led to building-wide distrust. The “political crony culture” that he complains of is completely by his own hand. If you remember, his campaign was based on negativity including water loss. He accused the good ole boys of stealing water and covering it up, all unfounded. In fact, water losses were actual underground water leaks.

Joe  doesn’t trust the handling of money, suggesting improprieties. However, once the audits were complete, Joe said himself, no money was found to be missing. Joe tells the auditors what to look at. He guides them and still comes up with nothing. He accused the workers of fabricating overtime which was 100% untrue. Joe has to remember that this is a municipality where the workers need to be available 24/7. Hourly wage computation can be a bit different in the private sector and far different from migrant farm wage, an area Joe is most familiar with.

Joe fabricates town problems like an obsession. He has found nothing and yet he still spends hours spreading dirt, digging and searching for improprieties, to justify the premise on which he ran his campaign. Again, this leads to distrust.

His use of expensive town lawyers has exhausted legal accounts forcing him to dip into other funds. He has racked up thousands of dollars in senseless bills. Joe is mentally exhausting. He doesn’t take no for an answer, even when the answer, despite legal fees and endless board meetings, is still unequivocally NO.  Wasting everyone’s time and resources.

Why hasn’t Joe gone after the nepotism in our town? He had a real big problem with this in his earlier campaigns. Could it be that he has friends who are family in the building? I personally don’t mind relatives working together as long as they are getting their work done. Often times family is harder on each other and tends to lead to more production.

He blames the workers for having “top shelf golden healthcare plans” when in fact there were 24 plans available (24 being top shelf). The town workers have #13. They were never ungrateful.  When Joe complained and tried to change it on them, he got some push back. They don’t trust him. Joe has made it abundantly clear that he resents them for having healthcare coverage. It seems he regards the contentment of his migrant workers as he does the contentment of the Town of Murray workers?

Don’t forget, these are the individuals that clear and salt your public roads in the winter months. They do the dirty work, like remove dead deer from the shoulders, mow dangerous roadsides and depressing cemeteries. They work night and day, including last Christmas Eve and Christmas Day thru white-out conditions in the worst storm Orleans County has seen in decades.

Joe shames the recipients of raises, health care and earned overtime. I’m sorry but that’s not leadership. Being the chief financial officer does not mean that you continually try to take away from the people that make it all happen.

The town employees are experiencing the same inflation that the entire country is. They have families to raise, groceries to buy and utilities to pay just like everyone else does. Despite what Joe goes around telling people, no one is getting rich by working for the town.

Sidonio once told me he thought Gerry Rightmyer would be a great addition to the Town of Murray team. I agree. I think Gerry can offer a sense of calm and reasonability which has been absent these past few years. It is time for a change.

Yours truly,

Dirk Lammes

Town of Murray Highway Superintendent

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