letters to the editor/opinion

Criminalizing abortion won’t stop desperate women from ending pregnancy

Posted 8 May 2022 at 3:24 pm

Editor:

You may have noticed that young people seem to be maturing physically at younger ages. A few generations ago average age of first menstruation in girls was about 16 years of age, an indicator if sexual maturity; marriage often happened within the next year or so. Just ask grandma.

Today the average age for first menstruation is 12.4 years. There is concern if menses haven’t occurred by 15 years. Early sexual maturity is a problem. Sexual activity or early marriage is not socially acceptable in this society. Minimum marriage ages are set to prevent child marriages in the US. Parental consent is required until age 18. Social maturity and education are prerequisites to parenthood.

Before abortion legalization (1973, Roe v. Wade), thousands of teens and preteens in America died at the end of a coat hanger. Girls and women died regularly from illegal abortions, a dire public health issue. According to the CDC the number of legal abortions in the US peaked in 1981 at 29.3 abortions per 1,000 females of childbearing age. By 2019 the rate was 11.3/1,000 females of childbearing age, a reduction of approximately two thirds.

Today, more parents talk to their kids about sexuality. Research-based, comprehensive secular sexual education has been developed; it’s more than biology, assertiveness, refusal and goal setting life skills are vital components.

Age-appropriate HIV/AIDS education was mandated; young people needed to know the risks beyond pregnancy that come with sexual behavior. Abstinence and delay of sexual activity have always been key concepts.

Cheap, effective birth control and improved access to women’s health care have become more widely available. Reproductive choice has empowered women, their role in society has evolved in the last 50 years.

Criminalization of abortion will not stop desperate women; it will threaten human life again. Reversing an established fundamental human right is a direct threat to democracy. We will not quietly go back to the 1950s.

Carol Nochajski

Wilson

Ed Stackwick provided vision to turn Bullard Park into recreational hub

Posted 6 May 2022 at 8:29 am

Editor:

In the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, there were four parks in Albion: St. Joseph’s, Bullard, Lafayette and Linwood that had recreation programs during the summer months, the latter two had wading pools for the younger kids.

These provided more than just a place to drop off your kids on any day, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Games, contests and the camaraderie of all kinds were the primary object to help these kids during the summer.

But Bullard Park was a special piece of property. It had open land and endless vision for many activities. Archery, golf lessons by Rochester’s Babe Urzetta, baseball games and many more attempts to bring kids and people together as a community.

Our dad, Ed Stackwick, acquired a grant from New York State to beautify the tapestry of Bullard Park. From East Avenue you couldn’t see into Bullard Park. It was overrun with fallen trees, unkept brush and the like.

The view of Bullard Park should be open and inviting to all. Alec Sherman was hired to supervise these activities that needed hard work filtering the banks of the gorge running through Bullard Park but also on the hillsides heading toward the train tracks. Two new pavilions were built so everyone could have a picnic, an outing for groups or just to sit and watch nature.

Ed Stackwick fostered an event for senior citizens to enjoy a chicken barbeque every summer, free of charge with transportation provided. He built a basketball court just opposite the rest rooms and the water fountains. Groups of kids played there almost all year round.

How were these resources obtained, the park upgraded for all to use and the vision even considered? It was the passion inside of one man who tried to give everyone, young and old, a better way of life. He wanted the kids to stay off the streets and give them hope that if you work hard you can make something of yourself.

He wanted the parents to see that their kids could learn respect and honesty from a community based venture. He wanted the adults to use the park in many ways to enjoy Albion’s quality of life.

So the article about the basketball court a few weeks back about Roosevelt Bouie and how kids from all towns went to Bullard Park to play against each other, calling it the “Basketball Mecca” of this area reminded us of our dad, Ed Stackwick.

That was exactly what he envisioned when he beautified and upgraded Bullard Park for all to use, including the “Basketball Mecca” basketball court.

Dan Stackwick, Dianne Eddy and Dave Stackwick

Rochester

If Supreme Court overrules Roe v. Wade, expect more rights to be challenged

Posted 3 May 2022 at 7:16 am

Editor:

Reportedly the Supreme Court will overrule Roe v. Wade which will prevent abortion when a fetus becomes viable. It was not the best written decision but it was grounded in – justified by –  the right of privacy.

The theory underlying that right to privacy is called “substantive due process” or the doctrine that the constitution protects both the procedures of due process, such as how criminal law is applied, and “substantive” guarantees of life, liberty and property.

There are the rights spelled out in the text of the constitution, such as rights to bear arms or against unreasonable search and seizure, and there are other rights, like the right to marry and even the right to parent that are not in the text of the constitution

Other “substantive due process rights” include birth control for married couple (Griswold v Connecticut) (Loving v Virginia) did away with bars on interracial marriage, (Eisenstadt v Baird) protected birth control for people not married. Gay marriage and in vitro fertilization are unwritten fundamental substantive due process privacy rights.

Marriage and procreation themselves are included as basic civil rights having no written protection as civil rights. My prediction in that contraception will be next.

This decision tries to limit itself to abortion – and this writer will be honest that abortion as a means of birth control bothers him – but in fact it opens Pandora’s Box on everything from who you can marry to how many children you can have.

The legal basis for what we thought were immutable human rights are now out there to be challenged and reconsidered by generations of activists with different points of view.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Republican leaders continue to push election fraud at expense of democracy

Posted 2 May 2022 at 11:44 am

Editor:

Republicans are using the lie of voter fraud to destroy our democracy. The 2020 election has been investigated by the various states auditors, by reporters from various news organizations and by partisans filing court challenges – over 60 of them.

Yet, there has never been any evidence of fraud to overturn the election. Because the 2020 election has been so thoroughly investigated we know it was free and fair.

Since the Republican Party had no evidence of fraud they turned to illegal maneuvering to overturn the will of the voters. The selection of “alternative” electors — not voted by the citizens but chosen by party loyalists — to select the President is one example.

Seven states that we know of (Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, New Mexico, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin), tried to send “alternative” electors to the Electoral College. In five of those states Republican leaders signed forged documents.

This fake elector scheme is one of the things the January 6th committee is investigating. Cassidy Hutchinson, an aid to Mark Meadows, president Trump’s Chief of Staff, has informed the Committee that at least 11 Republican members of Congress were involved in planning to overturn the election.

Republican leaders in seven states tried to overthrow our democracy. Republican leaders in Congress and the administration also worked to illegally overthrow our democracy. While many Republicans do support our democracy and democratic ideal the Republican leadership is increasingly working to destroy our democracy.

William Fine

Brockport

Hatefulness and gullibility to embrace lies undermining our democracy

Posted 28 April 2022 at 9:49 am

Editor:

Republicans want freedom but we will have less freedom if they have their way.

The ruler in charge will give orders, can force us into war on a whim, stifle the press and free speech. It’s already happening within the Republican Party: intimidated representatives fearfully follow, without criticism, and push the Big Lie, even if they won on the same ballot.

New Age Republicans put no effort into winning elections on ideas and policy; instead, reject future presidential debate and obstruct to end democracy. Their behavior indicates desire to arrest the Jan. 6 Committee, ditch democracy and destroy public education. Social Security and Medicare, are listed in Rick Scott’s 11-point proposal, to be chopped, even though people want and depend on it. McConnell and others want this kept quiet.

A large percentage of Americans, unable to stand by their principles, are oblivious, gullible and conditioned to hate. In a study, Fox News viewers paid to watch CNN for a month and changed their thinking. After a month they went back to FNC. Our former president’s gullibility and hatefulness has hurt the interests of the US.

Yes, democracy is like a turtle, less efficient, deliberate, slow. Democracy is fairer, people decide who will rule, vote. We are less likely to go to war; democracy promotes political stability, accountability and openness keeps check on corruption.

In a democracy, rival groups have the freedom to expose mistakes and crimes, public demonstrations by discontented people serve as a safety valve reducing rioting, violence. Democracy offers citizens a sense of belonging and ownership as we participate in political processes. Education is the safeguard of democracy.

Patriotism is more than flag hugging. Real patriots, brave Ukrainians risk their lives for democracy. President Biden is a stable, coherent, unifying global leader, supporting our allies, crucial to national security. Biden doesn’t need glory; he is quietly fortifying democracy in America, using it once again to serve the people.

Democracy is meant to work for all, rich/poor, black/white/brown, one human race. Generosity is our ally; hate and fear are enemies that undermine democracy.

The life we take for granted may soon be gone.

Carol Nochajski

Wilson

Volunteers critical to 4-H program in Orleans County

Posted 20 April 2022 at 3:21 pm

Editor:

The Orleans County 4-H program would not be able to fully function without our dedicated and talented volunteers. Orleans Cornell Cooperative Extension is celebrating its volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 17-23.

4-H volunteers are involved in a wide variety of tasks. Some come one day a year to help evaluate youth at events such as Public Presentations or Produced in New York. Others are club leaders who are involved in programming year-round. Others are highly involved in helping with the 4-H Fair each July. The time commitment varies, but volunteers share their talents and interests with the next generation.

A few of our volunteers recently shared reasons why they give their time so generously to positive youth development in our community.

Zack Welker of Medina began as a 4-H volunteer in 2015 as leader of the Beef and Dairy Club.  He has also served on the Animal Welfare and Fair committees and is the current president of the OCCCE Board of Directors. Zack grew up in 4-H, which opened many doors for him, and as a 4-H Leader he can help shape and give back to the next generation.

Floyd Young of Kent co-leads the Outback Orleans Outdoors Club with Dale Frasier. Both are parents of 4-Hers and stepped forward to lead the club just before the Covid shutdown in 2020.  They waited more than a year to take the necessary NYS 4-H Shooting Sports training so that the club could be fully active again. Floyd says club members choose the activities and skills they want to focus on with safety as the priority. He says it’s important that youth be active outdoors, and 4-H is also an opportunity for parents to learn and interact with their children.

The Orleans 4-H Program is grateful for newer volunteers like Zack and Floyd. There are also volunteers who have served for decades – Pauline Lanning of Albion is one of the longest at 55 years. Pauline was a club leader, Senior Council advisor/leader and continues to help as a member of the Family and Consumer Science Program Development Committee (FCSPDC).

Many long-time volunteers were 4-Hers growing up. Robyn Watts of Medina was a 4-Her, her children were 4-Hers, and now her grandchildren are 4-Hers. Robyn says she appreciates the support and information provided through Cooperative Extension. She says parents often stay to help during club meetings. Robyn currently leads the Abundant Harvest 4-H Club and is chair of the FCSPDC.

Joyce Chizick of Lyndonville has served as a volunteer, club leader and program development committee member for more than four decades. She says 4-H has always been on the cutting edge of issues like going green and organic gardening.  She appreciates being able to provide opportunities for youth and has fond memories of the many 4-H award trips that offered local youth the chance to visit new places and meet new people.

Louise Henderson of Barre and her daughter Alice Mathes, also of Barre, are decades-long volunteers who are club leaders and members of the FCSPDC. They like that 4-H emphasizes learning by doing and that youth receive lots of experience in hands-on, actual reality.  Alice remembers 4-H youth were able to change the tire of an Extension van years ago when they were traveling to a state-level 4-H Dairy event in the days when there were no cell phones.  Louise now has great-grandchildren in the 4-H Program who she says are also gaining valuable life skills while participating in 4-H.

A huge thank-you to all our volunteers in the Orleans County 4-H Program. You are making a huge difference in the lives of our youth and we appreciate you!

Kristina Gabalski

4-H Program Coordinator, Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension

Medina Police Advisory Committee members see benefits in group, urge feedback from public

Posted 19 April 2022 at 7:24 pm

Editor:

I would like to introduce our community to the newly formed Medina Police Advisory Committee. We are a group of community members chosen by the Medina Village Board to serve on the committee and our mission is to act as a liaison between the Village Board, the community, the Police Department and other interested parties in an effort to assist all parties by presenting a professional police force while being mindful of taxpayer expenditures.

This committee was formed at the recommendation of the Committee on Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative. We encourage residents of Medina to reach out to us with questions, comments, suggestions or issues regarding community policing. We are here to help facilitate and encourage positive interactions between our Police Department and the community. Our email address is medinapoliceadvisorycommitteeffigmail.com. Or, feel free to reach out to any of our committee members.

  1. Chad Kenward, Medina Police Department, Chief of Police: “I am in my 19th year with the Medina Police Department as an officer, and for the past 6 years, as the Chief of Police. I also served as SRO in the Medina School District for 8 years. I was a member on the original Committee on Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative that created the Police Advisory Committee. Being on this committee, it is my hope to continue the ideals presented by the initial committee to promote a healthy environment regarding police and community relations; making Medina a better place to live.”
  2. Todd Draper, Medina Police Department, Lieutenant.: “I am in my 19th year at MPD. I was previously a K-9 handler and still stay involved in the program as a maintenance trainer. I also oversee our department’s training to include providing instruction in many areas including Firearms, Taser, Spike Strips and Emergency Vehicle Operations. Recently, I graduated from a 10-week leadership training course at the National Academy, hosted by the FBI. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family. We enjoy camping, sports and being outside. I have been an assistant coach in many local sports including football and baseball and am actively involved as a Scout leader. I was born and raised in Medina and graduated from Medina High School. I am an Army Veteran and was deployed to Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom. My involvement with the Reform and Police Advisory Committees are due to my position at the MPD but I believe strongly in the work we are doing. I feel that the law enforcement community and the public need to grow together instead of moving apart.”
  3. Jovannie Canales, Paster/Spiritual Leader, Second Church True Disciples of Jesus Christ A.G.: “I am a Hispanic pastor/spiritual leader in this beautiful Village of Medina. As a member of the Police Advisory Committee, I have the opportunity to work with other members and the Police Department in finding effective ways to communicate information to the public. We also work together to brainstorm ideas for community policing that will increase the department’s presence in our community. As a Hispanic/minority, I am beyond blessed to be a part of this committee. It is an honor to be a voice that bridges the gap in our village while promoting a healthy relationship between the MPD and our community members.”
  4. Danielle Figura, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Director of Orleans County Department of Mental Health: “I have worked in Orleans County for the past eight years and recently relocated to the Village of Medina from the Buffalo area to live in the community I work in. I look forward to bringing my professional background along with my personal interests to the Medina Police Advisory Committee while building and promoting relationships between our local law enforcement officers and our community.”
  5. Debbie Fuller, Co-owner of Pudgie’s Veggies and 25-year public service employee: “I have made a career out of service to the public sector in several criminal justice agencies and have a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration with a concentration in Leadership and Staff Development. I joined this committee because I wanted to give back to my community by using my education and experience in the criminal justice field to help build positive community/police relations.”
  6. Jessica Marciano, Member of the Medina Village Board: “l moved to Medina with my wife in 2017, and we now have a 3-year-old daughter. I am passionate about connecting the community with the resources available to it, and this includes fostering a relationship between the police department and ail residents. With this committee, I am working to develop and support opportunities to have productive dialogue. This is a special community and I am excited to be a part of the growth that will take place from this endeavor.”
  7. Jacquie Chinn, Owner of Lyric & Lizzy Boutique and Lyncoln Bears & Buddies: “As a business owner, I am invested in the prosperity of our community and the people in it. I served on the initial Committee on Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative and wanted to continue working to build community/police relations by serving on the Police Advisory Committee. I believe it takes a Village to raise our children and am committed to creating a safe community for all residents. We need our police and our police need us.”
  8. Donnell Holloway: “I was born and raised in Medina graduating from Medina High School, then, obtained my Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Brockport. I currently work as a Production Supervisor at Tesla and live in Medina with my 2 children. I love our community and want to be a part of the direction we are going in. The Police Advisory Committee provides a great opportunity to do just that. We work hand-in-hand with members of the Medina PD finding creative ways to improve community policing, be a voice for the community and plan events that allow for members of the community to interact with members of the Police force. Every town should have a police advisory committee and it’s an honor to be a part of the only active one in the area.”
  9. Heather Jackson, Senior Probation Officer at Orleans County Probation: “I have worked in Orleans County for 14 years and feel my professional background is helpful in giving me different perspectives from ail of the agencies I interact with. I graduated from Medina High School, and after 10 years in the Air Force on Active Duty, I returned to Medina and completed my enlistment as a Reservist retiring in 2016. I have been an active member of the community through a variety of programs to include Boy Scouts, AYSO, Little League, One Church, Powder Puff, Medina Marching Band and the Medina/Lyndonville plays. I joined the Police Advisory Committee to help improve the relationship between law enforcement and the community. I feel that working together will be essential to bettering that relationship and I am happy to be a part of it.”
  10. Mark Kruzynski, Superintendent, Medina Central School District: “I have worked with the schools for over 20 years as a teacher, coach, athletic director, principal, business official and now as superintendent. I also served on the Medina Village Board for 4 years, where I was the liaison from the board to the police department. I am serving on this advisory committee to help continue building strong community relationships between the police department and everyone in the village of Medina.”
  11. Christian Navas, Sergeant, Medina Police Department: “I am in my 6th year with the Medina Police Department. Prior to this position, I was a part-time Correctional Officer at the Orleans County Jail. I am honored to have been sent to training such as Principled Policing (a course in Community Policing), Instructor Development School, and most recently the Police Supervision course when I was promoted to Sergeant. I have lived in the Village of Medina since 2005. I graduated from Medina High School in 2007 and I am now raising my family here. I believe I was asked to become a member of this committee due to both being a resident as well as my role in law enforcement in this same community. My goal being on this committee is to help bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement in this area.”

The Medina Police Advisory Committee will be sponsoring events throughout the year to help bring the community and the Police Department together. If you or your organization are interested in engaging in dialogue promoting community/police relations or have an event that you would like us to appear at, please contact us via our email.

We are also interested in adding a few more members to our committee. If you share our passion for the community and want to help build a positive community/police relationship, please forward your letter of interest and a brief work history or resume to medinapoliceadvisorycommittee@gmail.com.

Respectfully submitted by,

Medina Police Advisory Committee – Chad Kenward, Todd Draper, Jovannie Canales, Danielle Figura, Debbie Fuller, Jessica Marciano, Jacquie Chinn, Donnell Holloway, Heather Jackson, Mark Kruzynski and Christian Navas

Jesus fought those who accumulated power through wrongdoing

Posted 17 April 2022 at 10:00 am

Editor:

The Christian Bible tells us today is the resurrection of a dangerous leftist radical.

He was condemned as he was the antithesis of power acquired and maintained by promoting distrust, hate, envy, lies, money, cheating, delusion, violence, differences in personal background and the wages of self righteousness.

Today is a day of rededication and commitment to be our better selves.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Trump and Republican Party continue ‘informational warfare’

Posted 13 April 2022 at 10:54 am

Editor:

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, launched an unprovoked and illegal attack on Ukraine on March 24. Russian soldiers, under Mr. Putin, are committing the most horrific atrocities against civilians.

Five days after the murderous invasion began and the world witnessed the horrific atrocities and mass killings by Mr. Putin’s forces, former President Trump asked Mr. Putin for help to re-gain the Presidency. Think about that. Former President Trump asked a mass murderer for help to become President of the United States. Mr. Trump is regarded as the front-runner to head the Republican Party. No one in the Republican Party, as far as I know, has dared to criticize Mr. Trump for asking for Mr. Putin’s help to win the Presidency.

Just as bad, Mr. Trump is engaged in informational warfare, an assault on the truth. Mr. Trump is intentionally asking for false information from Mr. Putin to deceive people. Mr. Trump stated: “Why did the mayor of Moscow’s wife give the Bidens, both of them, $3.5 million? That’s a lot of money.”

This issue has been investigated by Senators Chuck Grassley, (R-Iowa) and Ron Johnson, (R-WI) as well as the federal government and found there is no evidence of corruption or wrongdoings on the part of either Hunter Biden or his father President Joe Biden.

Hunter Biden is being investigated for tax evasion involving China, not Ukraine or Russia. The presumptive head of the Republican Party is asking a murderous dictator for help and engaging in mis-information and no Republican dares to challenge him. The Republican Party has lost its moral compass.

William Fine

Brockport

Jacobs fears ending Title 42 will cause disaster at southern border

Posted 11 April 2022 at 2:48 pm

Editor:

Recently, the Biden administration announced that it would end Title 42 border restrictions in May, one of the last remaining Trump era border security policies yet to be eliminated by this President. For those who do not know, President Trump implemented Title 42, which allows DHS to immediately deport any illegal immigrant as part of the pandemic response.

While I firmly believe we must end Covid-19 mandates, the incredible negligence shown by President Biden’s failure to secure our southern border leaves us with no choice but to demand Title 42 rules remain in place until further security measures are taken.

Let’s set the stage for Biden’s border crisis. February 2022 marked the 12th straight month of over 150,000 illegal immigrant encounters – that is 1.7 million in 2021 alone and over 2 million since Biden took office. That’s not even accounting for the 1,066% increase in fentanyl seizures at one sector in Texas alone or the fact that suspected terrorists are entering through our southern border.

When I visited the Del Rio sector in April of 2021, the cartel made an estimated $11 million per week in human smuggling. When I returned in March of 2022, that number had doubled to $24 million. The cartels have been taking advantage of the open sign on our border since Biden took office. Ending Title 42 restrictions will flood our borders with even more drugs and criminals.

Border Patrol agents have made clear this decision by the President is the final straw and will quite literally spell disaster at our southern border. One DHS estimate predicts encounters could reach 18,000 migrants per day – representing a significant jump. These would be record-shattering numbers, and they are not just speculation. Reports show a significant number of illegal immigrants amassing in Mexican shelters awaiting the end of Title 42 rules.

The threat of our southern border being overrun, our Border Patrol being outmanned, and our capacity being overwhelmed is entirely avoidable. However, the President is marching us forward to the beat of his partisan drum with zero regard for the danger he is introducing to every American community. Members of the House and Senate in his own party are calling for him to reverse course before it is too late. But he has remained firmly unmoved by these calls while hiding in the White House – which, I might remind you, uses a wall as part of its very effective security measures.

I have been to the border three times as part of three congressional delegations. I have listened to Border Patrol agents along the border and the local law enforcement who support them. I have toured facilities, toured the wall, and seen firsthand how cartels infiltrate our borders. The crisis is real, it is the President’s fault, and ignoring it or loosening restrictions will not solve it.

The President must reinstate the strong policies of President Trump he so recklessly eliminated, and he must keep Title 42 restrictions in place until he takes significant action to build the wall, increase Border Patrol capacity, and secure our borders. Anything short of this will be a continuation of his failure to uphold American national security and put us further at risk.

Congressman Chris Jacobs

Orchard Park

Data shows a stronger economy with Biden Administration

Posted 6 April 2022 at 10:49 am

Editor:

The March jobs report shows that Mr. Biden’s and Democrats’ approach to the economy is working.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported, (4/1/22), that unemployment was 3.6 % and non-farm payroll employment rose by 431,000 jobs in March. The Orleans Hub reported (3/29/22) that unemployment in Orleans County is the lowest in 30 years.

Inflation is a problem at 7.9% but inflation is a world-wide problem. In Europe for example inflation is running at 7.5%. Problems like supply chain problems and Russia’s war in Ukraine, beyond the administration’s control, are driving up prices.

But the employment numbers show that the U.S. is coming out of the pandemic-induced recession. The American Rescue Plan and Democrats’ economics are largely responsible for the strong economy. Even farmers are better off under Democrats.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service estimates that farm income in 2021 is the highest since 2013. Furthermore, Montana Farmers Union President Walter Scheitzer noted that under the previous administration farmers were only surviving on government subsidies whereas now prices of corn, soybeans and other commodities are high enough for farmer to profit without government handouts.

An example of the Democrats’ approach vs Republican is H.R. 6833. This bill caps out of pocket insulin at $35. Congressman Chris Jacobs voted against lowering the cost of insulin. Repeat Mr. Jacobs voted against lower insulin prices. The Republicans oppose social safety nets programs like Social Security or Medicare or even fair taxation as a policy.

William Fine

Brockport

Health Department straying into politics instead of mission

Posted 6 April 2022 at 7:58 am

Editor:

What is going on at our health department? I knew years ago when the county was sending our health department head to the far left Robert Wood Johnson Foundation indoctrination conventions that down the line there would be trouble.

I even bit my tongue when our health department was going after business and individuals during the lockdowns of the Covid fiasco. It’s well known.

The article on April 5 about National Public Heath Week is the last straw. Our health department head condoning this dangerous woke far left agenda and trying to pass it off as a health issue is plain Bull. Tell me what imaginary Racial Inequities have to do with health? What does that mean anyway. Last I remember two fellow Americans were elected to the Albion Village Board on the content of their character and ideas.

Celebrate by protecting our earth and “climate change”? When I hear those two words come out of an adults mouth I’m beside myself. The religion of climate change is just plain wrong and silly. Is this San Francisco or is it Orleans County?

Is Orleans County so far to the left now that it is no different than Monroe County or the Democratic Party? Read this article. It’s a combination of Democratic Party, Globalist UN propaganda and NGO indoctrination all rolled up into one.

The word equity is mentioned a lot of this article. It does not mean equal. It’s a bad word and it means one race and gender has to be held down while pushing other races and genders to the front and top. By the way there are only two genders: male and female.

The invasion and conquering of our country that’s going on the southern border is an example of “Equity” against the population that makes up the majority of this country. This is the upside down world we live in brought to you by the treasonous woke Biden Administration.

How many other departments in our county are riddled with this type of woke, PC and propagandist garbage? I’ll bet all of them and the people that work there are too afraid to say anything for fear of being canceled.

How on earth could our Republican Legislature let a department head put his endorsement to something so decisive, full of outright lies, fantasy, racist and in-your-face propaganda?

Nothing in that article has anything to do with public health only indoctrination. Unless you are drinking the Kool Aid.

This wokeness propaganda does not represent the values that the Republican Conservative voters in this county expect. The Republican Legislature that is in charge of these agencies better do something about it because it poses a real danger to common sense and civil society.

Paul Lauricella

Yates

New Albion trustee eager to get working for community

Posted 5 April 2022 at 10:22 am

Editor:

I recently returned from a vacation that had been planned long before the election.  I would like to take this time to thank all of the Village of Albion residents who came out and exercised their right to vote for the candidates of their choice.

I extend a special thanks to those who voted and elected me as one of their Trustees. As part of the Move Albion Forward Movement, I do not take this trust lightly. I will strive everyday to promote the improvements in village life we all desire and deserve.

The Mayor-Elect has provided space for Trustees to receive and speak to residents, property owners, business owners and community leaders. We feel this will give our community an opportunity to generate ideas and invest in the changes and implementation that is so vital for our survival.

I look forward to seeing you all on our streets and in the village office. Walk-ins and appointments are welcome!

Joyce Riley

Albion

Southern border will see more illegal entries with lifting of Title 42

Posted 5 April 2022 at 9:02 am

Editor:

This week in the news, it appears Biden is ready to revoke Title 42 as soon as May 2022. Title 42 permits the government to expel people who have illegally entered our nation and have been in a country where a communicable disease was present. Obviously most of us would agree that this would be Covid.

If this happens, the previous surges at the southern border are going to look microscopic in comparison to the foreseen deluge. The Chief of Border Patrol has predicted an astounding 8,000 apprehensions daily (cited in exclusive CNN interview with Brianna Keilar).

This is unconscionable and makes no sense.

Let’s take a look at what is happening now, and you will see the calamity that lies ahead for America.

Some new buzz words have emerged, surrounding the current immigration crisis. “Crime tourism” is one. South American Theft Gangs (SATGs) are criminal endeavors that train burglars in South America. They then come into the US and merge with other like cells to rob the wealthy. They are well versed in camouflaging themselves and often rent expensive vehicles as they peruse neighborhoods and observe the homeowners’ patterns. They also know most security systems are located on the ground floor so the portal is frequently the second floor. It is reported a single heist can produce losses of between $20,000 and $100,000.

One SATG in the DC suburbs of Northern Virginia was responsible for 100 burglaries in Fairfax and Montgomery Counties. Total valued at over $3,000,000.

In San Diego County the SATGs are responsible for more than 60 robberies in less than 8 months. Reports have indicated activity in the SF Bay Area, Cleveland, Indianapolis and the Detroit suburb of Grosse Pointe.

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization has paved the way for easy entry for the SATGs. This system permits citizens in 40 countries to travel here without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. The cost is only $20  and the plan relieves those who qualify from scrutiny by immigration authorities. The platform added Chile to the program in 2014 and police state that’s when SATGs started to surge.

There has been some speculation that  some areas with sanctuary city status, low-bail, no bail are ideal targets, as the criminals can simply skip the country later on. Some get fake IDs, indicating they’re from Puerto Rico. In this way their crime spree continues.

When you combine the SATGs and the potential abandonment of Title 42, it is more than likely the immigration crisis will deepen in intensity.

Mary Mager

Fairport (Formerly of Albion)