Editor:

After many conversations and prayer, I have decided to seek the Democratic nomination for Village of Albion Mayor.

Albion residents, you deserve a mayor who will dedicate themselves to working full-time on your behalf. The Village of Albion needs revitalization. I understand how to attract new business to our community.

My father and mother moved their family, the Cooper Family, to Albion 49 years ago. As a matter of fact, 2022 will mark my 50th year as a resident of Albion. My older sister still lives in our family home on East State Street. I am proud to call Albion my hometown.

Now, anyone can promise to bring in new business but I know the steps involved. Investing in beautification and building on the spirit of our community will allow us to bring in organizations who will grow with us. You have a role to play in shaping the future of Albion.

I am holding a Meet and Greet on Saturday, January 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Arnold Gregory Complex, 243 South Main St. I look forward to meeting with each of you to share my vision and to learn yours regarding the future of Albion. Together we can do great things!

Please visit and like my Facebook page, Vickie “Mz Elsie” Elsenheimer for Albion Mayor, where I will regularly post more information from my campaign.

The Democratic caucus will be held Tuesday, Jan. 25, at 7 p.m. at the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church at 10 East Park St. I humbly ask for your support.

Sincerely,

Vickie Elsenheimer

Albion

Editor:

As I begin my second term as Murray Supervisor, I wish to thank those who have entrusted me to continue overseeing the affairs of the Town.

To those who are politically opposed, I offer a pledge to seek common ground to the goal of making Murray the best little town in America.

Change is a difficult thing to bring. It takes time and commitment. I never said it would be easy. Despite the political anxiety brought on by change, together we achieved many goals for Murray.

In December, after nearly 2 years of work we adopted our new Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance. Funding set aside in 2019 and led by a committee of diverse residents with common vision, we created a living breathing document for our future.

Previous administrations provided a safe public water supply to our residents. Our new Water Superintendent, Dirk Lammes, is focused on improving the Water System’s operations and maintenance. Record numbers of leaks were located and repaired in 2021. New software is being installed and the Town will use ARPA Funding for infrastructure improvements. Mr. Lammes brings fresh ideas, shares his knowledge and encourages training for his crew. We now have a team of certified water operators managing our water system.

We appointed a new Code Enforcement Officer. Hired a Building Department Clerk who is central to the Planning and Zoning Boards and helps residents get started in the right direction. Several businesses are expanding and new businesses have set up shop in Murray. We are communicating with the Orleans County EDA on how to further improve our business climate.

A new legal team has been retained providing the Town with legal expertise for any legal matter. A new Tax Assessor has been appointed, joining veteran Assessor Lynn Wood, combining 44 years of experience to the office. We have a wonderful new web site. Installed state of the art technology to live stream our meetings. A new phone system is being considered to replace our antiquated phones, saving a bundle.

As promised, I’ve worked hard with the Town Board to budget conservatively resulting in 2 years of tax rate reduction. Refinanced Water Debt is saving you $631,000 over a 20-year period. Real estate sales remain strong with sales topping assessed valuations. Consequently, we are required to complete a town-wide revaluation in 2023. I call on every taxing jurisdiction – School, County, Village, Fire District and even the Library – to not take advantage of increased property values or use the 2% tax cap as justification for budget spending increases. We do not need more government simply because our homes are worth more.

For me the most rewarding accomplishment is the restoration and rededication of the Fancher War Memorial. No longer considered an old municipal clock it has been restored to its stately purpose honoring those 10 boys from Fancher who gave their lives in WWII. Even greater, it united a community to common purpose, created new friendships, shared visions and stands as a beautiful welcome to travelers in our Town. Thank you to Congressman Jacobs, Senator Ortt, Assemblyman Hawley and the Landmark Society for recognizing the significance of our monument, the community effort and ultimate sacrifice for which it stands. On behalf of all veterans and our community, thank you. It remains the largest community gathering for a dedication in Orleans County.

We are now at a crossroads. Complacency is not an option. We are working with grant writers to explore every opportunity. A newly formed committee will create the Town’s Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan, first in the County.

We will implement the Comprehensive Plan recommendations and monitor its progress. Our renewable energy laws are being reviewed. Further upgrades to the Fancher War Memorial are planned. Place a greater emphasis on Town history with more collaboration between our Historian, Murray-Holley Historical Society and the Town.

I welcome more intermunicipal dialogue between Murray and the Village of Holley. Let’s build on your great success with Holley Gardens.

Let’s all come together, explore ideas and continue building our future. We have plenty of room for and welcome everyone who have ideas and energy willing help our community.

Happy New Year.

Joe Sidonio

Murray Supervisor

Editor:

A year ago Blue Lives did not matter. Neighbors who volunteer time to tabulate votes were disrespected. Decisions by Republican judges who reviewed the many accusations were ignored. Heroic memories of America who fought and died for democracy and the freedom to vote had their graves trampled upon.

Today after re audits ad nauseum and upteen recounts supervised by Republican officials and companies formed to find tampered results have only found more votes for the victor. Today we learn more and more about the sanity of people who believe in laser beams from Mars, the smarts of people who believe people whose defense to lawsuits is that what they did not say anything any reasonable person would believe.

Chris Cuomo, an obnoxious tv commentator and brother, fired for breaking news ethics. Hannity, a tv commentator and documented advisor in setting aside the vote, praised nonetheless. Honest vote counters and officials whose good works have been confirmed nonetheless hounded into hiding and resignation.

Today, a year later, guns and further indirection are threatened by those whose idea of fact is self-deluding fantasy. They threaten guns and more insurrection – more disrespect for the results of the vote on pain of death.

This country is beyond drifting into trouble – it is in trouble. Crude laws to stack the vote and damage a carefully devised and fair system will accelerate this.

Insisting on a country with no compromise will stand in the way. TV and internet sources who make money to change their position and lie, wreak havoc. But mostly we have to blame ourselves for getting so invested in our own truths that we reject documented facts as if they are personal attacks. Very selfish! Extraordinarily destructive!

What have our men and women died for?  More than this?

Conrad F Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

Congressman Chris Jacobs publicly demonstrated his disdain for our democracy one year ago. Editorials, (1/7/21), across the state, including the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal stated that Mr. Jacobs actions aided and abetted terrorist and our enemies. The Buffalo News called Mr. Jacobs “cowardly, dishonest and unpatriotic.”

Mr. Jacobs claimed that he was objecting to certifying the election because of irregularities or possible fraud in the election in two states: Arizona and Pennsylvania. But let’s get real, both states had investigated all claims of irregularities and the courts had found no evidence of legitimate fraud.

Arizona’s Republican Governor, Doug Ducey, even bragged about how free and fair his state’s election was stating: “We do elections well here in Arizona. The system is strong and that’s why I bragged on it so much.”

Republican Senator Mitch McConnell told members of Congress that objecting to certifying the election could be the “death spiral” of our democracy.

Mr. Jacobs did not and does not care. Mr. Jacobs demonstrated his disdain for states conducting election, for our courts, for our system of law and order and for the Constitution. The Buffalo News told its readers that Mr. Jacobs had joined the “Republican Sedition Caucus.” Mr. Jacobs does not represent the citizens, especially patriotic citizens, of Western New York nor the United States.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

Many people believe that requiring a vaccination for the Covid-19 virus is taking away their freedoms. This is correct. When we decide to live in the US, we automatically agree to have our freedoms limited by federal, state and local laws.

To name a few: traffic regulations, taxes, refrain from stealing, refrain from doing harm to others and submitting to gun regulations.

We also must obey laws that require us to vaccinate our children to prevent Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Polio and Varicella. These restrictions have been imposed on us for “the general welfare of all the people.” A concept stated in Section 8 of the US Constitution.

To those who feel any restrictions intolerable and the constitutional directive for the general welfare unacceptable, residency abroad has proven agreeable for many US citizens. All US Embassy websites provide details on citizenship requirements.

Jack Capurso

Albion High School Class 1960

Ashburn, Va.

Editor:

Mr. Fine stated in his 12/20 letter: “What Republicans could not achieve by physical violence on Jan. 6 they are trying to achieve by the violence of lies and deceit.”

Mr. Fine’s points were elaborated on 10 days later in a 12/30 AP article titled: “The GOP’s slow motion insurrection.”

I implore everybody to read and digest this AP article. To grossly simplify, there are ongoing efforts in a half dozen GOP-led major states to pass state laws to literally steal, if needed, their own elections. This will guarantee those states electing Trumpist House and Senate candidates in 2022.

This will then almost certainly give Republicans control of both houses of Congress. With a Republican majority in Congress they will do whatever is needed to control the electoral system  for the 2024 elections.

The control of which will then in 2025 reinstall a quadruple bankrupt, twice impeached, person who has never won a popular vote, to the presidency. They may install somebody else, who would likely be worse. In either case democracy in this country will end in 2025.

We must act in the next few months to keep the 2024 presidential elections from being stolen. To overcome “The GOP’s slow motion insurrection” we must eliminate  the filibuster rule and pass both civil rights acts. It must be done now. Six months from now would likely be too late.

Dennis Seekins

Lyndonville

Editor:

When I moved to Monroe County 5 years ago, one of the many things I was pleased about is that I would still be residing in Steve Hawley’s State Assembly District. That sentiment remains to this day.

I read the Assemblyman’s letter to the Hub posted Dec. 29. I wholeheartedly agree with his point of view and support his optimism for change in 2022….albeit unlikely!!

“Heil Hochul!”

Steve Smith

Churchville

Editor:

Democracy clearly at stake,

Not ordinary times

A pledge we must make,

Bright light on truth, what’s right must shine.

Democracy, at a tipping point

Voting rights obstruction

Chaos, noise, violence disappoints

Big lie fiction.

Blind followers, with selective amnesia

Ignore, ridicule, and mistrust facts.

Under a spell, like anesthesia

Of one who wants to be king, distracts.

A pandemic monster massacres,

Unvaccinated on a diet of disinformation

Innocent, health care workers and loved ones suffers

Face masks want a vacation.

What a difference less hateful,

Our most diverse administration in history can be,

Striving for greater a good, hopeful

A better way than before.

Carol Nochajski

Wilson

Editor:

Before the year ends I would like to recognize some people that deserve praise from the local Conservative Party and that would include Town Supervisor Joe Sidonio from Murray for cutting taxes 2 years in a row. Promises made, promises kept.

Senator Rob Ortt again this year has been given a 100% rating by the State Conservative Party. Good job, senator.

Orleans County Legislator Don Allport’s conservative values have come alive this year on many issues. Common sense key votes like voting against a budget that raises taxes and a pay raise that is out of touch with the economic times are what we like to see. Good job, Legislator Allport.

Happy New Year to all.

Paul Lauricella

OC Conservative Party chairman

Editor:

It’s time again to discuss dissolving the Village of Holley. Why shouldn’t the Village of Holley and Town of Murray merge to provide a more efficient use of taxpayers’ dollars?

I grew up in the Town of Webb, not the Village of Old Forge. The Town of Greece used to be the largest Town by population in NY!

There are synergies to be taken advantage of for the betterment of all.

John Beckingham

Holley

Editor:

This past year was certainly one for the books, though the reasons 2021 was so notable aren’t necessarily worth celebrating.

Our governor resigned in disgrace, more of the businesses we love in our communities shuttered, taxes increased, prices increased and we passed a budget that cost us more than ever. All while doing less than ever to actually help working families.

Throughout, we have also continued to contend with a pandemic that has worn on our economy and the fortitude of New Yorkers across the state, as some in government yet again consider mandates and lockdowns that would assuredly take a tremendous toll on our collective recovery.

I say this not to elicit feelings of doom or gloom but out of a hope, that by recognizing the mistakes made in state government this year, we can work together to rectify them and put our state on a path toward growth.

The circumstances we face have often been described as “unprecedented,” so given the challenges before us, I feel that we have an opportunity to work collaboratively to deliver solutions many in the Legislature haven’t given a fair shake in the past.

To put it simply, I believe that the best way of fostering prosperity here in New York state is to unleash the power of its people by staying out of the way of their success. By creating a business climate that will attract the brightest minds our nation has to offer, and that will retain the talents we have. More than anything, we need to give people a reason to believe New York’s brightest days are still ahead.

Perhaps, most important, we must also ensure that people feel safe living and starting families here. To do so we must give our law enforcement and judiciary the tools they need to protect our neighborhoods. The end of the decay of our villages, towns and cities will begin with the rescinding of our state’s dangerous bail reform laws.

These changes have tied the hands of our judges and empowered criminal elements to act with impunity, knowing that they will be released back onto the streets, even if they’re apprehended. In 2022, we must collectively recognize that bail reform was a mistake and restore law and order throughout New York.

Here in New York we’ve tried raising taxes, we’ve tried heavy-handed mandates and we’ve tried various police “reforms,” all to the detriment of our state’s public safety and prosperity. If there was ever a time for a change to give New Yorkers a chance to chase their dreams and lift up their communities in the process, that time is now.

This year, let’s give New Yorkers a chance to control their own destinies, put an end to one-size-fits-all mandates and empower individuals and local governments to do what’s best for their families and the municipalities they know and love.

New Yorkers are the toughest and most industrious people in this entire country and they deserve a legal and economic climate that will allow them to unleash what they’re capable of onto the national and global marketplace. This year let’s make New York work for those who seek to better their lives and communities through hard work.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Batavia

Hawley represents the 139th District, which consists of Genesee, Orleans and parts of Monroe County.

Editor:

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house,

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse,

My laptop was open, I looked down and stared

Time to write this poem, the paper was still bare.

The children were grown up, moved out on their own,

But with the holidays here, they’d surely be home.

With my wife in her flannels, enjoying the bliss

Kathie wrapped some presents, while I worked on this.

When out on the lawn, there rose such a clamor

I forgot about the rhymes, the poem and the grammar,

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

And for the umpteenth time, fell flat on my a–.

The moon on the puddle of the new fallen rain

Gave credence to the theory, the climate had changed

When what to my wondering about the outside flap,

Apparently the neighbors’ dog, was just takin’ a crap.

Not far from Bowser, near the edge of the lawn

Were eight tiny reindeer … and one little fawn.

With a little old driver so lively and quick,

Bent over and heaving, I knew he was sick

More rapid than eagles the yard-cookies spewed

The optics were wretched, such a horrible view,

He got out a phone and made frantic calls,

He needed a doctor, so he called them all

“Now Oz and Phil, calling Kildare and Ben Casey,”

The little fat guy was dialing like crazy.

I pulled up the window, “What can I do?”,

He looked up and yelled, “I think it’s the flu.”

“I’ve been very busy, burdened with tasks”

“But such selfish people, who won’t wear their masks.”

And then with a smile, he took a last heave,

And cleaned off his beard with a swipe of his sleeve.

Then up to the roof top, did ol’ Santa bound,

With gifts in his bag, moonlight around,

His eyes how they twinkled, his color so ashen

But he kept on going, a heart full of passion,

He went straight to work, but different this time,

He lowered the presents on a simple clothesline.

Being real cautious and considerate of others,

Lest he infect the children, their dads and their mothers.

I rushed down the stairs, to help with his chores,

Went to the fireplace and saw gifts on the floor,

I untied the rope and sent back the tether,

Up the chimney it swept, as light as a feather,

Atop the gifts was an envelope to open,

A special message left, Santa had spoken

It was meant for all, for every family and house

I sensed it was something that Santa espoused,

So I opened the letter and felt warm and proud,

It was touching and honest, I’ll read it aloud:

“My dear friends I love you, but things have turned,

What you do to each other, has got me concerned,

Where cooperation and compromise once existed,

It’s sad to see, how it’s gotten so twisted,

Your hate, the vitriol, it’s all over the place,

The anger you have is all over your face,

Where is the tenderness, the caring of yore,

That would bring you together in the years before?

What has happened to you, to cause such a split

Surely not just the Covid, is the reason for it.

There was a time, when you’d all come together

To fight this disease, dissent and whatever.

I see that no more, it’s all push and shove,

So try this Christmas, to spread and give love,

Let it fill the emptiness, let it make you whole,

Let it ease the weariness and soothe your soul.

Do that my friends, and I promise you’ll rally.

Merry Christmas to all!” — and that’s … straight from the Valley.

Tom Valley

Medina

Editor:

With the holidays in full swing and the year shortly coming to a close, I would like to share some good news with you from our state Capitol. Unfortunately, there has been so much negative news this year with scandals from the previous administration, Covid-19 uncertainty and fatigue, and the adverse effects of so called “bail reform,” but it’s important to share some bipartisan results with you because there are a number of positive changes that will benefit Western New York.

First and foremost, I am proud to have pushed for the Commission to Prevent Childhood Drowning. This bill (A.7734) will study how more children can have access to swimming lessons and help our state find more ways to prevent childhood drownings, making our beaches, pools and even bathtubs safer. This was an idea I had early this year, initially sponsoring the original bill (A.6141) and then I worked with Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato from Queens on revisions for her to introduce this new bipartisan legislation. It passed both houses of the Legislature unanimously and will ultimately save lives for decades to come.

Next, the Erie Canal Recreationway Commission is a statutory body made up of key stakeholders in economic, tourism and historical preservation to protect and enhance the Erie Canal. The law allowed meetings to be called by the chairperson and the commission has not met since 2017. It was frustrating to these stakeholders that meetings were not being held. So, I co-sponsored legislation which will require that these meetings must be held on a quarterly basis and this bill passed both houses and has been signed into law by Gov. Hochul. This is good news for all of our canal communities so a collaborative approach can continue for our historic gem.

There is also good news for our agriculture community. As many farmers know, I have been working hard to protect against the overtime wage threshold reduction, but I also am pleased to see the proposed expansion of the Nourish New York program happen this year (A.5781) and co-sponsor legislation that was recently enacted into law to provide tax breaks for historic barns (A.6947). Agriculture is the backbone of our state’s economy, and quite literally the landscape of our state. Protecting this landscape and this industry remains a top priority for me.

Some other key bills I supported include the creation of a women veterans’ advisory board (A.1140), better protecting against household fires started by unsafe flame retardants through passage in both houses of the Family and Firefighter Protection Act (A.5418-B) and allowing for a compassionate caregiver at nursing homes (A.1052). We also enacted safe-staffing measures at both hospitals and nursing homes (A.108 and A.7119).

This year, we also saw some key state investment projects completed, including the Olcott Breakwall and Wilson Pier as part of the Resiliency Economic Development Initiative along Lake Ontario, the first step toward cleaning up the North Adam Street Lift Bridge and the beautiful restoration of the Palace in Lockport

Our community also pulled together for another successful Winter Clothing Drive and a special Peanut Butter and Jelly summer drive that I proudly sponsored. Thank you so much to all those who participated. This effort will help so many in need.

Finally, the highlight of 2021 as your Assembly representative was the opportunity to honor and recognize over 50 hometown heroes who stepped up in so many different ways during the Covid-19 pandemic. These volunteers, nurses, essential workers and businesses represent the very best of Western New York and truly left a lasting impression that goodness will always shine through difficult times.

There is so much more, but these are just some of the efforts I have made this year to represent you to make our state and region a better place.  As your voice in state government, I am working for you and here to help. Please do not hesitate to reach out if I can be of assistance, and please accept my best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Assemblyman Michael Norris

Lockport

Editor:

The Associated Press has once again provided evidence that voter fraud is minuscule. But let’s be honest, Republicans are not interested in factual evidence.

Remember President Trump’s voter integrity committee in 2018 failed to find evidence of wide spread voter fraud. After the 2020 election, in over 60 court cases, there was no evidence of widespread voter fraud.

William Barr, President Trump’s Attorney General, stated on Dec 1, 2020 that there was no widespread voter fraud.

This past week the Associated Press (12/14/21) reported on a month’s long comprehensive review of votes cast in five swing states – Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin – and found very little fraud; way too little to change election results.

In the five states there was more than 25.5 million votes cast, Joe Biden won by more than 311,000 votes and in those five states the AP found less than 475 cases total of fraud or irregularities.

There is no evidence and there has never been any evidence of widespread voter fraud, but that is not the point. Republicans use this ether, this thin disguise, of voter fraud to pass legislation that will allow them to overturn free and fair elections without providing evidence.

Pew Charitable Trust reported (7/28/21): “Republican lawmakers this year passed an unprecedented bevy of bills targeting the authority of state and local election officials, a power grab that might allow partisan legislators to overturn future election results by claiming there was fraud.”

This claim, by Republicans, of voter fraud and stolen election, drove hundreds of people to try and overturn the democratic process of a peaceful transfer of power. What Republicans could not achieve by physical violence on Jan. 6th they are trying to achieve by the violence of lies and deceit.

The Declaration of Independence states that it is self-evident that government is only legitimate if it has the consent of the governed. Republicans, using lies and deceit of voter fraud, are passing laws to prevent votes they disagree with from counting. This Republican lie of voter fraud is being used to threaten and overthrow our democracy.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

Countries are locking down over Omnicron. They are excluding people from any close contact public activity without vaccine passports. Like in our Constitution securing public health is an over-riding mandate. Public health trumps personal liberty and sometimes religion.

The difference here is no one who is arguing against vaccination is doing the math.

Delta Covid kills 20 times what the flu kills of the  unvaccinated but virtually no one who is vaccinated. It seems we are not concerned about Omnicron as it kills the unvaccinated about half, 0.5, and of the vaccinated about nil but many do need the hospital.

The key is we know already Omnicron spreads 3 to 4 times faster!

4 x 0.5 x 20 = twice number of unvaccinated dead compared to flu. 4 times x the number of vaccinated needing hospitalization = 4 times as many beds for vaccinated.

I do not have the bed space requirements for flu but it is a so what? Just Omnicron doubles the number unvaccinated dead due to increased transmission rates.  Add it up and it requires 8 times the bed space all on its own.

That is why surgeries are being cancelled and medical ethicists are debating who should get the beds or how to decide who should be allowed to die due to lack of hospital capacity.

The difference between many of our politicians and anti-vaxers is they forget that this is not a freedom issue but one that simply depends on the math of public health and its resources.

Play with the estimates all you want. Not getting vaccinated is going to kill you or at the least result in several others dying because of your choice.

Eighth grade math is not part of some deep state conspiracy. Get as weirded out as you can delude yourself about  government and hospitals and pseudo science. But in the end, casket production is simple supply and demand.

Boom.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion