Hello fellow Shelby voters, my wife Margaret and I, former owners of Lakewood Village, are fully endorsing Bill Wolter for Town of Shelby Highway Superintendent.
He is a hard-working, honest and qualified person for the job. We can rely on Bill for business or personal work. We go way back, over 20 years. We could always depend on Bill Wolter and you can too!
My name is Bill Wolter, and I am running for the position of Shelby Highway Superintendent. I stand before you today, as a life-long resident and taxpayer of Shelby, to offer my dedication and commitment to serving our community in this role. I respectfully request your support.
Now, I’m sure some of you might be wondering why I have chosen to pursue the position of Highway Superintendent. And let me assure you, I am not crazy. My motivation stems from a genuine desire to do what is right for our residents. With over 12 years of experience working in the Highway Department and more than 20 years effectively managing WGW Landscaping, I bring a unique perspective to the table.
Throughout my time with the Highway Department, I have observed several areas that I believe require attention and improvements. From water issues to highway work and equipment maintenance, I can see areas where I can make a difference. While saving money is important, it should not come at the expense of safety. I firmly believe that ensuring public safety should not be solely budget driven.
One of my primary goals is to establish a revolving preventative maintenance program for all equipment used by the town of Shelby. This program will ensure that our equipment, which has been purchased with the hard-earned money of taxpayers, is properly maintained to maximize its lifespan. It is crucial for any department to utilize diagnostic-capable software to its full potential, and I see untapped potential in our current program. As Highway Superintendent, I will prioritize the efficient and effective maintenance of our equipment.
Additionally, I strongly believe in reinstating the collateral duty of Deputy Highway position to the shop. This qualified employee will be entrusted with making informed decisions on day-to-day operations in the event of my absence, ensuring a seamless workflow.
For me, highway safety means addressing issues such as filling the potholes promptly, regularly mowing our roadsides, and ensuring the roadways remain clear of snow and ice hazards.
Furthermore, I aim to consolidate the responsibilities of the Highway and Water Superintendent positions under a single individual. By doing so, we can guarantee the provision of the highest quality and safest water to all our residents. I am committed to making installations fair and equitable, addressing the needs of those in our township who still lack access to public water. I will diligently explore all possibilities and collaborate with organizations like the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the New York Rural Water Association (NYRWA) to provide the necessary access to these residents.
In conclusion, I am wholeheartedly dedicated to serving the residents and taxpayers of Shelby as your Highway Superintendent. I believe in transparency, accountability, communication and making decisions that prioritize the well-being of our community. With your support, we can work together to effect positive change and create a better future for the Town of Shelby.
You know it’s a shame when it all comes down to money and lawsuits. I have a news flash for Reid Petroleum. Whether or not a volunteer pumps the gas, or a car owner gets out and pumps his own, the liability is the same.
Trust me if a customer gets out of their car and gets hit buy another car, spills gas on themselves, or whatever, the lawyers are going to reach into the deepest pocket they can blame.
Between the lawyers and regulators we’ve seen too often something good get shut down. COVA, the nursing home, even volunteer fire departments are struggling to keep up with insurance liabilities and regulations that just cripple volunteers.
Now we are going after small-fry volunteer groups?
Tell Mr. Kent here’s how to work this problem. Stand out on the sidewalk and have the volunteers hop in the senior’s car as they are pulling in. Now they are a guest of the customer. Not a thing the greedy and politicians can do about that.
My name is Linda Limina and am one of the Republican-endorsed candidates running for Shelby Town Councilmember.
My family has been a part of the Medina community for over 100 years. My three sisters and I were born and raised in Medina, children of John and Lorraine Limina, who owned Limina’s Jewelry Store on Main Street for 46 years.
My father was also born and raised in Medina by his parents who immigrated from Sicily to Medina in the 1920s.With these deep roots in our community, I am passionate about keeping Medina the best place to live.
After graduating from Medina High School, I earned a BBA in accounting from St. Bonaventure University. In my 35-year career in business management, accounting and human resources, I’ve honed many skills that make me the best candidate for the Shelby Town Council position, namely: budgeting, open-mindedness to consider all options; the ability to research these options thoroughly; and the application of sound judgment to make logical decisions. I have been commended for my integrity, attention to detail, and ability to lead and collaborate with others. I’m a fiscal conservative, always looking for ways to do more with less.
I am excited for the opportunity to apply these skills as a Shelby Town Councilmember to help serve the residents of the town I love. I would appreciate your vote for me on election day.
Upon reading about the Town of Yates proposed law on short-term rentals, the proposal is overreach in my opinion.
I am a Constitutionalist, and believe in personal freedoms and the standing that any government in the United States is bound to leave me or any other man or woman alone as long as I or my fellow Americans do no harm to any one or any one’s property. The government in the United States should be bound to limited power over the people’s lives, spending their money frugally for their benefit.
However, just above Mr. Paul Lauricella’s letter are opinions concerning Donald J. Trump and his hardships caused by prejudice in the United States as the Department of Justice, Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, N.Y.C.D.A. Alvin Brag, N.Y. A.G. Letitia James, Atlanta D.A. Fani T. Willis and God knows what other person suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome.
About the “documents” that require one to look no further than the U.S. Constitution, U.S. Court precedent and U.S. Executive Order 13526. All protect the “Don.” He is in great shape. I predict he will be vindicated. It looks like all pending cases will be adjourned until after the 2024 U.S. elections.
Truth be told I have no respect for any alphabet agency, Biden or Harris.
Dear fellow Republicans in the Township of Murray, on June 27, we are asked to come out for our choice for Republican candidate for the supervisor of the Town of Murray.
My family and I couldn’t be prouder of Mr. Joe Sidonio, our present supervisor. He has promised to work on a number of things that needed correcting and has either corrected them or is in the process of doing so.
When he first ran for town supervisor he brought to everyone’s attention that every two gallons of water we were purchasing we were only getting paid for one gallon. That’s a 50 percent loss. Working with our water department, he was able to get our losses down to 15 percent. Wow, wow, thank you Joe. And he is still working on it!
Mr. Sidonio also worked to re-finance our water districts so that when they come to the end of our pay period on the bonds our little town will have saved $630,964.52. Another wow for Joe with his leadership.
Mr. Sidonio also, as one of his future projects, wants to work to bring tourism here because the extra money brought from it would bring taxes down!
Since he has been in office, he has worked on our Soldiers Monument in Fancher – getting it repaired and brought to the National Register of Historic Places out of respect for the many soldiers that gave their lives or were wounded in the last wars.
Before Mr. Sidonio was in office he was instrumental in getting one of the little country cemeteries on Route 104 refenced and having the stones reset out of respect for our forefathers. (Note: He suggested that we use the Boy Scouts which saved the town money.) He has always had a deep respect for the town.
I could go on and on with his accomplishments, but I would ask you to look at your town tax. He has kept them down. The last year alone where President Biden says we are entitled to 8.5 percent increase in Social Security, our town didn’t go up one penny. Wow, thanks Joe!
We are fortunate to have a man like Mr. Joe Sidonio who joined the Marines knowing that if we go to war that’s who they send on the front lines to do battle. Joe loves his country and served us well. Joe went from there to take on accounting which is a blessing for us to have him in leadership. He also went on to be a successful businessman. I noticed Joe spends about double the time working in the office and holds more workshops than we are normally used to.
Yes, I believe Mr. Joe Sidonio wants to serve with all of his heart and do the best job he can do. I also understand he has not requested a raise in pay since he has been our supervisor.
I would ask my fellow Republicans to come out and vote for this man that is taking good care of your money.
Joe Sidonio has proven over and over that he truly cares for our community. He’s not part of the establishment and has no interest in being so.
The only thing he cares about is making our community great, creating a government that can be trusted to do the right thing regardless of the opinions of those that want him gone.
He’s faced ridicule, false accusations, and been much maligned. The childish actions of others toward him is something akin to grade school behavior. One of his detractors actually told me after a meeting one night that my nose was as brown as brown can get simply because I support Joe. So be it.
Say what you will about me, I don’t care. This is an example of the childishness and just imagine what is said to and about Joe if that was said to me! More has been done toward Joe than this!! Still, he keeps pressing on for our best interest even in the face of hate. Joe has my support and vote.
My name is Gerry Rightmyer and I’m running for Supervisor in the Town of Murray. When I first made my announcement to run for Supervisor, people said to me… “Why in the heck would you want that job?”
Well, after some careful thought and introspection I said… “ Because I care.” I care about our Town, I care about the people that live in our Town, and I care about the people who work for the Town.
After 32 years of public service in both Orleans and Monroe County, I retired a year and half ago. My dream was to buy our family farm, move back to the Town of Murray, and live the rest of my life there. It’s where I grew up. It’s where I want to be.
I made a choice.
We all make choices. We choose where to live, we choose our profession, we choose to have a family, we choose who we associate with… the list goes on and on. We also choose who represents our community in government. I must admit, I’m not a big “Government guy,” but I also appreciate the role government plays when it comes to making decisions for communities and how those decisions affect the residents. Those decisions are made by a group of individuals that are elected by the people. The people that live in our community.
The Community makes a choice.
I have been a Town of Murray board member since November of last year. I have listened to Murray residents at board meetings, I have listened to the people that work for the Town, and I have listened to the current leadership within the Town.
You see, governing is not about getting your way, or having an agenda, or doing what your friends want you to do… it’s about listening. It’s about being humble. It’s about doing the right thing… not what’s best for you personally, but what is best for our community. That’s what a true leader does.
It’s about choices.
Does a leader choose to do what’s best for themselves or what’s best for the residents? Some people struggle with this question… I don’t. We have a great workforce within the Town of Murray. We have a great Town Clerk, we have a great Highway Superintendent and Highway crew, caring clerks, fair assessors, and knowledgeable code enforcement officers.
The Town of Murray has the tools it needs to be an asset for the residents of Murray for years to come. There’s just one more part to this equation that remains to be determined…. Who will lead this group and make the right decisions for the residents of Murray?
It’s your choice.
I respectfully ask for your support now and on June 27th. The choices we make will determine whether our Town moves forward, or remains mired in mediocrity. Do we make choices that benefit ourselves or ones that improve the quality of life for everyone in Murray? If you think your vote doesn’t count… think again… our local elections have had razor-thin results in past years. The Town of Murray deserves a good leader. Now the choice is up to you.
Photo by Tom Rivers: A new bronze statue of Santa Claus was unveiled on June 10 in honor of the late Charles W. Howard. The Albion Betterment Committee spearheaded the project.
Editor:
On behalf of the Santa Claus Oath Foundation and the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame, we would like to extend our congratulations to the community of Albion, New York on the dedication of the Charles W. Howard statue. And a very special thank you to all that has made this dream into today’s reality. A job and labor of love well done.
I so wish I personally could have been there on the unveiling on June 10. I was privileged to bring the first celebration of his legacy to Albion, New York in 2010…and the Legendary Santa Claus Conference there in 2015. And, I got to present to Albion, on behalf of the State of New York, a proclamation from the New York State Senate in 2017 to his family and the community.
Charles W. Howard was truly an American original. He was born on June 15, 1896 in the house that he would live in his entire life. As a boy he did chores on the family farm and had little time to play, but when he did his imagination would take him to far off magical places.
As an adult he got to travel all over the country making magical memories for others. No matter how or where Howard roamed, his heart and home were always in Albion, New York.
Howard’s Santa career is that of a Legend. He first played Santa Claus in a 4th grade school play. Later as a young man, he played Santa for his church and was asked to help out a friend by being Santa in a store front window display in a local furniture store. These experiences prompted Howard to think about what Santa meant to the children.
During the course of the next few years, Howard continued to think about the Santa experiences and the smiles it brought to children’s faces. In November 1935, Charles W. Howard took a step with fate and officially embarked on a career as Santa Claus in a Rochester department store.
Howard would become famous portraying Santa Claus over the next 30 years. In 1937 he founded the world’s first Santa Claus School at his farmhouse in Albion after a local newspaper reporter suggested he train others to handle the demand for his services.
The next year he gave his growing fame a boost by teaching Santa classes in Santa Claus, Indiana. Eventually he would teach students from all over the country and became one of the most sought after Santas in the nation. Howard eventually appeared at department stores in Buffalo, Kansas City, and Dallas during different times in his career.
In the late 1940s, Howard started to convert three large barns on his farm into what became Christmas Park. This small attraction became known all over the Northeastern United States. Part of his concept in creating Christmas Park was to give the Santa Claus School a working campus with a classroom, dressing rooms, and extensive props to help better educate the student Santas.
In 1948 he became Santa for the Macy’s Parade in New York City and continued with the Parade until 1965. His Santa career led to appearances on television, in magazines, and newspapers; including: What’s my Line, To Tell the Truth, The Tonight Show, Life Magazine, and The Saturday Evening Post. He also contributed on Miracle on 34th Street.
Howard’s life cannot be captured in his Santa work alone. As a young boy he got a coping saw as a gift. His woodworking skills eventually led him to handcraft toys for the Medina Toy Company. Making toys was just one of Howard’s passions. Always one with a sweet tooth, he developed his own ice cream recipe and went into business with Howard’s Ice Cream.
Howard was well known for his work in the Albion community. He belonged to many civic organizations, served on many social committees, and was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Howard was also very active in many regional theatre productions. He wrote, directed, and starred in many plays and reviews in Western New York State.
His work with county and state fairs was also extensive. Efforts to publicize the produce of local farmers led Howard to make the world’s largest apple pie and build a scale replica of Niagara Falls with apple juice.
Whether he was promoting one of his many projects or being Santa Claus, Howard never forgot what was really important. He was first and foremost Charles W. Howard… a son, a husband, father, grandfather, church elder, friend, and community minded citizen. He loved his family, his friends, his town, and he loved to smile and make people happy.
Sadly, Howard passed away on May 1, 1966 at the age of 69.
During his life, Charles W. Howard never forgot the little boy inside himself that smiled at the world. He thought everyone should smile and nothing gave him more pleasure than when he could bring a smile to the face of another person, especially a child. It was a simple gift that he gave to everyone he met.
Rest in Peace Charlie…and thanks.
Wishing you all the very best and remember to always keep the magic and believe.
Sincerely,
Phillip L. Wenz
Dundee, Illinois
Santa Claus Oath Foundation and International Santa Claus Hall of Fame, Charter Member with Class of 2010
As we approach the June 27th primary for the town of Murray, one has to wonder if past history is any indicator of future behavior. More than likely, we will see a barrage of negativity, personal attacks and hate letters with last-minute bombshells.
While campaigning, Mr. Rightmyer stopped at my residence asking for my support.
I graciously declined and informed him of my unwavering support for Joe Sidonio. While we talked further, Mr. Rightmyer acknowledged that Supervisor Sidonio has done good things for the town such as keeping taxes in check and would like to continue that pattern while bringing everyone together.
That’s great but as a current member of the board, what efforts has Mr. Rightmyer made to bring everyone together in light of the fact that Supervisor Sidonio has done a good job? The answer is “none.”
The notion that Supervisor Sidonio doesn’t work with other people is a farce. Look no farther than his running mate for councilman, Murray ZBA Chairman Eric Collyer, whom has stepped up in support of the current supervisor.
On many occasions I have seen Mr. Sidonio interacting with town officials and/or employees. Whether partaking in an official function or something as simple as a friendly lunch, Joe always made it a point to get along and work together with others. So what’s this nonsense that Joe doesn’t get along?? It’s malarkey. It’s their campaign of hate and deceit led by those who represent nobody but themselves.
Nobody is perfect. Joe Sidonio is not perfect but he tries. He has done many good things for this town in his two terms, despite his frustrations with his board. Look at the achievement to honor the veterans of WWII at the Fancher Memorial.
His courage to call out tough issues is commendable. Water loss, ethics, spending, to name a few. And what treatment does he get in return? Most recently, the supervisor’s office door was physically kicked in. A violent act of aggression aimed at the supervisor. What would anyone call that? Intimidation? Bullying? Why is there no outrage from the Town Board to get to the bottom of it? Complicit and feckless come to mind. The board’s silence is encouragement enabling the dysfunction.
Great leaders make tough decisions and often stand alone in the face of diversity. What will happen if Joe is not there? I believe that things will get quiet. And a quiet government is a dangerous one filled with back-room deals. Thus resurrecting the “Good ole boys club” once again.
We are fortunate to have a guy such as Mr. Sidonio with guts to stand his ground for us and do the right things for the Town of Murray.
Being part of this community I wanted to do my due diligence at looking at the candidates for Shelby highway superintendent. I asked fellow residents as well as doing my own research. Being a small community I know people will have their personal choices and I like to form my own opinion.
What I found was someone using big words to make himself look more important than he really is. Let’s break down Mr. Wolter’s claims. He stated he was water superintendent for three years, when in reality it was only two year and then replaced.
Mr. Wolter claims he handled citizens’ complaints. So does anyone that works in the highway department. The claim of working with government agencies was a completely bloated statement. Mr. Wolter was sent to pave roads, fill potholes, plow snow, work on water pipes – again it’s the highway men’s job.
His statement “worked and set-up/removal traffic control” is fancy words for setting up signs and traffic cones. Mr. Wolter was not involved in working on highway budgets as it is the job of the highway superintendent to do. This was clarified by past and present administration.
I then looked into Mr. Root’s time as highway superintendent. He has been saving the town money, by staying under the budget every year since he has been elected. Mr. Root has worked with other government agencies to get roads paved, water lines fixed, shared services for the updated parking lot at the Town of Shelby, as well as many other accomplishments.
Mr. Root has changed various procedures that has helped bring revenue to the town as well. Mr. Root has worked for the people that elected him, putting the town on the forefront. He hasn’t made up his credentials with big words. He has the respect of his fellow highway superintendents as well as his highway employees.
I’m not a fan of being misled. Do your part to look at the candidates as I did. I will be voting for Mr. Root on June 27. To me he is the best choice for the Town of Shelby.
Defamation of character happens when a visitor leaves a comment concerning a social media post, as well as within the content of an article or document that a host has uploaded to social media for public view. A statement may be defamatory even if it is framed as an opinion.
Negative statements about people or companies appear frequently on social media sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If they are false statements of fact, they can be considered defamation in some circumstances, or more specifically libel because they are written statements.
Some words, labels, social media posts, or accusations do more than trigger hurt feelings. Some can trigger serious psychological and monetary damage. This can occur when messages are placed online with the intent of costing people or business their ability to do any of the following:
Earn money through retail sales
Earn money through services
Raise revenue
Otherwise affect the company or the person’s reputation
If you believe you are a victim of defamation due to content the Town of Shelby, an individual, or entity has posted to social media, contact an attorney experienced in litigating internet defamation cases.
We can tell by the yard signs that it is election time once again, so I’ll try to offer my two cents worth without getting skewered too badly.
Ask yourself some questions. “Who do I support?” “Why should I support one person over the other?” “What are the candidate’s motivations for running?”
During my tenure as Supervisor I had one desire, and that was to do what is best for the Town within the law and with regards to consideration for all the stakeholders involved.
I learned a great deal in that time. I learned who I felt was more interested in using their position for their own gain, who had the best interest of the Town as their primary consideration, and who gave effort above and beyond that required.
I was blessed to work with some of the most dedicated people I have ever known.
Cindy Oliver comes immediately to mind. She is the flywheel, the major source of energy that guarantees the Town runs smoothly in greased gears. She is not up for election this time around, but when she is, she is the most critical cog in the machine who would always have my endorsement.
No Town can function in these modern times without a great attorney. Jeff Martin provided constant steady guidance and has been sorely missed in his position since his departure at the end of my term.
Louise Passarell was one the hardest working employees the Town of Murray ever had. She performed many functions, from Water Clerk to Assistant Highway Superintendent to custodial work on weekends. She was also the Assistant Assessor until such time that she studied hard and completed a course of training to become Assessor upon the retirement of Lynn Wood. She did so well she completed her examinations as #1 in the County, which made her appointment to that position all the more appropriate.
Ed Morgan, our former Highway Superintendent, retired shortly after my departure receiving many professional accolades from his peers for the outstanding performance of his duties during his long career with the Town of Murray. One such achievement was the completion of over 97% public water lines to service the people of Murray.
So, why should I bring all this up? The issue is that we worked together. Everyone knew their job, knew how it impacted everyone else’s work, and did their best for the Town of Murray. The only one remaining from such a strong core group is Cindy Oliver.
Sadly, we lost many fine and qualified individuals for the sole reason that they could not perform as a team any longer. One caustic personality, who has over the years yet to convince me he works for anyone but himself, has personally driven away from Murray many such fine individuals.
In almost every situation he seeks to promote legislation and exploit opportunities which only serve his purposes. That is not public service but self service. Some of the initiatives may benefit others, but in the long run do not be so blind to not see that his primary motivation is his own and his family’s best interests.
In closing, I will be supporting those individuals who I firmly believe have the best interests of the Town as their sole motivation, all of whom have been endorsed by your Town of Murray Republican Committee.
Gerry Rightmyer for Supervisor
Lloyd Christ for Town Council
Randy Bower for Town Council
Elaine Berg for Town Council
I have known most of them for many years and believe in their values and integrity. I humbly ask that you consider supporting them as you make sure to vote in the Primary Election on June 27th.
Town of Shelby residents, please allow me to introduce myself, I am Justin Gray; a husband, a father of two boys, and a very strong Republican.
My current job outside of family is split between being a farmer and in law enforcement. For the past couple months, I have been talking to residents and explaining my intentions on why I decided to run for Town Council. The decision to run for public office comes with great pride but I would be lying if there wasn’t a sense of worry or uncomfortableness.
I am just like many of you. A small-town guy who wants to do better for their family and their future. Unfortunately, I cannot just sit by and let opportunity pass by, it’s not how I was raised.
I understand how important it is to set values like safety, integrity and honesty. As a lifelong resident of Shelby, my roots are deep and connected to our community. I was raised by my grandparents and mother in a house that I now raise my family in.
My grandfather, Mr. Gray, was a bus driver for many years in our community. I began my love of farming at the age of 11 when I went to work on Eick’s farm milking cows. Now 20-some years later, my oldest son Nathan opened his own produce stand! He has his own garden and I love teaching him in the ins-and-outs. These experiences matter because they are true pictures of what we want to accomplish in this world.
When I went into the academy in 2019, it was because I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to protect the very fibers of our community for the harshest of dangers while providing my family with the best opportunities available. Nearly four years into my second career, I see the importance of protecting everything you worked for. Every action we do in this world should be based on improving upon what we have. If we are to do that, then our greatness is never limited.
Apparently, those values don’t quite line up with the establishment. They don’t quite gel with the status quo. I get that but, at the same time, I am not backing down.
When certain politicians want to falsely damage my character or lie about my intentions, I look back and say this is exactly what I want to put an end to. This Town deserves a voice, they deserve representatives who will fight for their interests not the politicians’ self-gain.
Without my candidacy, the establishment wanted to deny your voice and have no challenge to their handpicked candidates. We will put an end to the backroom deals, we will shine a light on the darkest corners, and together we will put people first before politics.
I am Justin Gray, a lifelong resident of Shelby, a strong Republican, and the voice you can count on. I would be honored to earn your vote on June 27th.
Many people have said that Biden and Pence are as guilty as Trump for keeping classified US government documents in their homes.
In Biden’s case, he took 6 pages of classified information by mistake and returned the pages immediately. Pence had a number of documents that he also returned quickly.
When Trump left the White House he took 15 boxes of documents, 197 classified as Secret and Top Secret – all in violation of the law and National Archives strict regulations.
The legal charges against Trump say that (1) he and his assistant sought to hide and keep some of the documents, (2) that he conspired to obstruct an investigation and schemed to conceal the truth from the government and his own lawyer, (3) that he suggested to his lawyer that he hide or destroy the Secret and Top Secret documents requested by the Justice Department and (4) that he hide the documents illegally from the FBI.
All of the charges have been summarized as obstruction of justice. The key is not having them, it is unlawfully hiding them from authorities.
Perhaps at his trial we will learn why he kept them. Mr. Cropsey in his thoughtful Letter to the Editor on June 12, discusses this topic in some detail.
Up to this point all of Trump’s legal life has centered on civil cases. He has been involved in over 3,500 legal cases: some he won, some he lost. When he lost he wrote a check and walked away.
Criminal cases are different. He has three more potential criminal cases to worry about: (1) the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, (2) the City of New York indictment for falsifying business records, and the (3) Atlanta, Georgia investigation into his possible interferences in the 2020 Presidential election count in Georgia.
If found guilty in any of these cases, he will not walk away.