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Editor:

How sales tax is shared among local governments has been an issue for a few years now as Mr. Deiboldt mentions in his letter. He also has many other valid points regarding county government.

In recent years the Democrats have tried to make a difference. We have vetted several persons for the Legislature. We’ve had a few successes, very few. The enrollment is not in our favor.

Initiating change is very difficult when your party is represented by only one individual. Redistricting could be helpful and we are trying to make changes and we have not given up hope on this issue.

I am sure you all remember the nursing home issue. The Democrats opposed this sale. We held informational meetings, rallied on the Courthouse Square, wore T-shirts denouncing its sale.  But in the end, the Party Bosses won. And now what do we have? A sale to an out-of-state company, COVID, deaths, investigation by the Attorney General and lawsuits.

Then on Feb. 3, the Republicans met for their endorsement process. Read it, and read it again! The Party Bosses spoke once more, and voted with no regard to credentials, past experience and expertise. This is Orleans County, but I will continue to live here, pay my taxes, and enjoy its beauty and my family.

In closing, I would like to challenge Mr. Deiboldt to run for the Legislature. Form your own party, get your petitions, and gather signatures. It will cost money and time, but give it a try.

Thank you,

Jeanne Crane

Carlton

Editor:

I recently spent time as a patient at Batavia’s United Memorial Medical Center. It was a positive experience under adverse circumstances.

Everyone from Dr. Shashank Trivedi to the pleasantly charming and helpful housekeeper was cheerful and uplifting to be around. The nurses and support personnel had the intangibles that make something that otherwise might be difficult and discouraging as enjoyable as possible. Those whom I interacted with and who cared for me behaved professionally to a person.

When you arrive at 3 in the morning feeling as though you have been through a meat grinder and are treated as if you really matter by people who have never met you, it’s touching. The entire hospital team conveyed a caring manner that helped make what began as a lousy experience far more tolerable.

This is my attempt to publicly thank each of them for the treatment they provided.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent

Albion

Editor:

Orleans County legislators have been deceiving taxpayers for many years by using ever increasing sales tax revenue to offset the true cost of the growing county government.

Legislators make themselves look good by holding down the tax rate, however they are sucking the life blood out of the communities that they take their revenue from in the process. Being a legislator is no easy task, however county government needs to be responsible to the residents of Orleans County and not simply function as the long arm of our corrupt state government by pushing unfunded mandates on us.

Our towns and villages are starving on the crumbs given back to us by county government. Just look at the decay in the Village of Albion! This is the result of county government operating with impunity!

Sales tax revenue should be divided equally between county and the towns and villages within the county. This will make the county tax rate higher, however it will also make town and village tax rates lower. Thus, showing the true cost of our ever growing county government.

A fair way to distribute sales tax revenue among the towns and villages in the county would be to make an assessment of county-owned buildings and property that are off the tax rolls in each community. Each town and village would be compensated, using sales tax revenue based on the value of real property owned by the county, to make up for the loss of taxable property in each town or village.

With this, Albion, being the county seat, will finally receive due compensation for all the county property that is off the tax rolls, helping to make up for the high cost of hosting the ever growing county government.

Legislators have had opportunities to lower the tax rate, however the county chose to grow government by spending over $1.8 million dollars purchasing the former Bank of America building in the village of Albion, together with the former GCC building and 20 plus acres of raw land in the town of Albion. So now the County has shrunk the tax base in Albion even more!

County legislators are treating town and village residents unfairly with these new acquisitions. Albion residents need to be fairly compensated for these new purchases to lessen the additional tax burden borne by residents to make up for the loss of taxable property in their community.

Legislators have had opportunities to increase future revenue, however they have continue to grant “corporate welfare” in the form of PILOT, sliding property tax payments and sales tax exemptions for equipment and construction materials to businesses.

We need these tax revenues much more than the companies that receive them! Recently, the county  awarded Ontario Fruit $600,000 in corporate welfare to put an addition on their building and hire 10 workers. That’s $60,000 for each minimum wage job! Should county residents be footing the bill for this? If the company expects to process over 220,000 more bushels of apples, shouldn’t they plan for their own expansion? That’s what good businessmen do rather than groveling to the county for welfare! Come on guys, have you no shame?

In years past, we have had county legislators who approved the construction of the county jail (the monstrosity) next to the Courthouse, which shows the ineptness of former county officials. You can see from this example that legislators don’t always make the best decisions on behalf of county residents. (In my opinion, the county should tear down that jail and send felons over to the Albion Correctional Facility. There’s plenty of room over there with most of the criminals on the street now!)

Maybe the county needs to start sharing services with the state! Also, did the county really need to spend $319,000 on an armored “swat” vehicle? Albion already has one! Save us all some money by sharing it with them for whatever reason you need it!

We currently have some legislators who have taxpayer interest in mind, however we have some that do not. Many legislators are re-elected with no one challenging their position. This sends the message to them that either they are doing a good job, or that no one cares what they do. I think they believe both.

One serious drawback to the rising cost of  county government is that it strains the limited resources that families have causing them to do without. Those who can’t pay their bills wind up needing county resources to get by. Of course this is what keeps governments growing. Without dependency, government has less purpose.

Maybe we need a few more creative people to work on the taxpayers’ behalf. I urge you to keep up with what county government is doing and contribute in whatever way you can to slow the decreasing quality of life caused by our government, with its voracious appetite for your dollars. President Reagan said that “big government IS the problem.” This could not be more true here in Orleans County!

Respectfully submitted,

Gary Deiboldt

Albion (resident for 33 years)

Editor:

Susan Howard appeared before me when I was Orleans County Court Judge hundreds of times over the course of two of my three decades on the bench. She was one of the most active attorneys in Orleans County.

She was consistently well prepared and professional. She handled a wide variety of cases, but her career has been mostly devoted to criminal prosecution. As first assistant to District Attorney Joseph Cardone, she handled felonies, taking them to trial whenever justice demanded. She is a fine trial attorney. Her work ethic, intelligence and knowledge of the law were always evident.

Susan has a polite and kind demeanor, but she has demonstrated great toughness when it was called for. She has dealt with some dangerous characters boldly and without fear. Is I see it, this combination is the best of all worlds.

I served as Orleans County District Attorney and I know what is required to do the job. Susan has what it takes, and I am confident that she will make a fine District Attorney. I am happy to endorse her candidacy without reservation.

She is motivated by her desire to contribute to the county she has called home her entire life. She will not let you down.

Sincerely,

James Punch

Medina

Editor:

It is very sad that speeches given by our president, Joe Biden, seek to divide the people of this great country by repeatedly banging the “anti-MAGA,” fear-the-threat-to-our-nation white supremacy drum.

It is disingenuous on his part to demonize white conservatives and Republicans who, in his opinion, harbor a deep sinister hatred for people of color. Talk about smearing half of the American population.

I pivot now to the article in the Orleans Hub that covered the huge fundraiser held by residents to support Saul Harrison, an Albion man who has cancer.  Photos show nearly one thousand residents—of all ethnic and racial origins in Orleans County—rallying to donate to this man’s family in a time of need. Perhaps our president should be shown this Hub article, as this truly is indicative of America that I know and love.

Biden’s own words at Howard University last May might be a chilling statement that ironically reflect his own need to divide America: “There are those who demonize and pit people against one another. There are those who would do anything and everything, no matter how desperate or immoral, to hold onto power.” Enough said.

Christine Bronson

Crossville, TN

Formerly a Barker resident and teacher at Medina HS

Editor:

NYS has a mature economy. The boom years are eloquently portrayed in articles by the County Historian. Processors and manufacturers have moved on to states offering various advantages.

If one examines the demographic distribution of earnings it becomes quite clear that an imbalance exists in this state. I will use South Dakota as an example given it is the destination of a Clarendon resident and I have experience there.

South Dakota is fiscally balanced. Seventy percent of the population earn their income through self employment or employment in private enterprise. In stark contrast, NYS is exactly opposite. The majority here earn their living from funds derived of taxes, fees, grants etc. I encourage you to contemplate that for a while. Consider all of the individuals in your circle and how their earnings are originated. Teachers, prison guards, municipal employees, even garbage collection.

All of it is just a redistribution of wealth not new generation. It is fiscally unstainable and yet also self perpetuating. How unusual is it to find one of these earners to vote for anything that would negatively affect their earnings.

Please don’t misinterpret my point. These are integral positions in our society and who does not seek to better themselves? However we must be cognizant of this precipitous decline in balance. It should, at least, be considered every time a new social worker is added for mental health treatment, a grant for a new fire truck or a high school stadium; the examples seem endless. To quote Llewellyn Rockwell “Someone, somewhere, sometime has to pay.” Furthermore, when governing bodies are comprised mostly of these wage earners, the decision making tends to flow with the philosophy of “budget increase” and “spend it or lose it.”

This State has many great attributes. One has only to be removed from it a short time to appreciate the diverse topography, moderate climate and bounty of produce. If we disagree on everything else, perhaps we can at least begin there. I remain optimistic and hope to convey a more mindful approach by decision makers.

Charles Hartway

Medina

Editor:

Clearly, America was made great again in large part by a Republican President from Illinois. President Lincoln’s crusade for social justice ended when the Union Army defeated the Confederates and ended the Civil War. About a dozen states had attempted to secede from the Union to protect the “freedom” of slaveholders to maintain slavery. Lincoln was assassinated for his commitment to American ideals.

In the approximately 160 years since then, the United States has moved steadily forward. It confronted much of its’ shameful past and became arguably the greatest country on the planet. Coming to grips with that past is one of the things that defines America’s greatness. But it is not the only one.

Others include our leadership roles in two world wars, standing up to totalitarian regimes in the Soviet Union, North Korea, Cuba and communist China, and being instrumental in creating the United Nations. The list is a long one.

Whether the tyrants were fascists such as Hitler, or Mussolini, or communists such as Stalin, Mao or Castro, the United States has been there regardless of the party our President belonged to.

The Presidents of the later 20th century responded affirmatively to calls from leaders such as Martin Luther King. Jr. and Gloria Steinem for desegregation, equal rights under the law, and greater rights for females. They acted in a manner consistent with our history generally, and the 14th and 19th amendments, in particular, as well as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. I suspect Presidents Washington, John Adams and Jefferson might have applauded them.

Reagan, Roosevelt, Eisenhower, McKinley, Truman, Roosevelt and others have answered the call. Being there for a nation such as Ukraine has plenty of historical precedent.

While we have made our share of mistakes, America has slowly—but surely—moved toward greater heights with the passage of time regardless of the political party our President came from.

Hopefully, we won’t “pull the plug” on a major thorn in Russian dictator Putin’s side after the Ukrainian people have sacrificed so much already.

As far as I can tell, America has never needed to be made “great again” as it never ceased to be great after Lincoln led us through the Civil War.

Sincerely yours,

Gary F. Kent

Albion

Editor:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney has introduced legislation called “Unborn Child Support Act,” (H.R. 7052), which she claims, in her press release would take a “solid next step in ensuring 5th and 14th Amendment constitutional protections for the next generation of citizens, preborn boys and girls.”

Granting 5th and 14th Amendment rights to the unborn would also mean providing federal benefits to unborn citizens of immigrants even though their parents are not entitled to benefits. Furthermore, it would prevent the deportation of pregnant immigrant women since the unborn is a U.S. citizen.

Seriously, this legislation would restrict the freedoms of women. Women could be ordered to follow a certain diet or face child abuse charges. If a woman smokes or drinks alcohol that could be considered child abuse.

Pregnancy would prevent treatments for other life threatening conditions such as melanoma, or breast cancer since treatment would be toxic for the unborn. Women who seek medical help with pregnancy would have to know that their most personal medical information will have to be shared with law enforcement.

In Ohio a woman, whose water broke at 21 weeks and was told that her fetus was not viable, was charged with abuse of a corpse. If Ms. Tenney’s legislation passes every miscarriage will be investigated as murder. Ms. Tenney’s legislation will be the end of privacy for women. If you value your privacy, I urge you to vote for the Democratic candidate.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

On Jan. 18, 2024, Donald Trump on Truth Social asserted that “All US Presidents must have complete & total Presidential immunity, or the authority & decisiveness of a President of the United States will be stripped & gone forever.”

As the US Circuit Court, the second level of appeal, is very likely to rule against his immunity request, he is now focused on the US Supreme Court which will be the final arbiter/decision making body.

At the end of his message he added, “Hopefully this will be an easy decision. God bless the Supreme Court.”

Is complete and total immunity good for the country? Is Trump on the right track here in asking that Presidents have this kind of power?

Jack Capurso

Albion Class of 1960

Ashburn, Va.

Editor:

Republicans make a big campaign issue about border security and immigration policy every election cycle. Let’s face it, there is a crisis at our Southern Border. But Republicans are not interested in trying to find solutions.

In 2006, in 2013, in 2018 and 2022 when bipartisan proposals were being talked about Republicans backed out of the deal. In fact, Republicans have proposed a budget this year that would eliminate 2,000 Customs and Border Protection agents. This past December, Mr. Biden proposed $13.6 billion to bolster security at the southern border which includes significant funds for Border Patrol agents, Immigration judges and other border security measures.

Furthermore, President Biden has bolstered support for Central America to reduce migration from those countries. Republicans have again refused to even consider the legislation. Forbes reporter Stuart Anderson wrote that research from the National Foundation for American Policy demonstrates that “Biden administration’s humanitarian parole programs have been far more effective in reducing illegal entry than the Trump administration’s enforcement-only policies.”

If Republicans actually cared, they would have at least talked or debated the legislation President Biden proposed. Instead, they decided it is far more valuable to demonize foreigners and blame Democrats than to work on solutions, (which we pay them to do), and resolve the crisis. If the issues of border security and immigration are important to you, and I hope they are, then you have to vote for Democrats.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

First, we had the birther lies about Obama and now it’s Nikki Haley is foreign and can’t be elected either. Trump lies all the time, but this is the first time I can remember that he’s recycled a lie.

Chumps, losers, criminals, bigots, bullies, racists, are flocking together. Generally, I could care less personally about the fools – people are people – but the really bad one’s can vote. And the one thing we know for sure is that Trump has not taken back his promise that in his second term he would: pardon himself, get retribution, and will not stand with our allies.

I look closely at Fox and they didn’t bother to report that Trump’s attorney admitted Tuesday to the DC District Court in his next term President Trump position is that he could order “Seal Team 6 to kill his political rivals.” It’s sickening and Trump and that cult’s members say things about the law which in any other era, or in an ordinary criminal matter, would be rejected as  nonsense. When it comes to him they are accepted to perpetuate the lie.

So many generations of wonderful men and women of all political stripes have come together for democracy and the Rule of Law. Now we have no choice but to add MAGA to the list of criminals, racists, and Nazis who have no rightful place among us.

I wonder if even history will be able to figure out if the bubble of outrageous lies reached out and swallowed unwitting people or if people in MAGA were already warped and ready to destroy their country and its place in the world given the opportunity.

What I do know is that the Rule of Law is not about hurting people. That stalking and harming people is wrong. That murdering political rivals is never right.

The rules of law are there to prevent unfair destruction of individuals and property; and the norms of relations with our allies are there to prevent war. Those are the truths that always have, and always will, protect us.

The MAGA cult continually demonstrates it has become the new evil in the world. A person  either can stand up for what is kind, right, and time honored or can live in and leave this world in their own special hells bearing MAGA’s stain.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

I hope people realize their surroundings when living at the recovery center on Butts Road in Albion, especially with young children.

I have lived on Butts Road since 2018 and since then I have seen numerous coyote sightings going back 3-plus years, either in my side woods between my house and the railroad tracks, on the south side of my house in those woods or even in the back woods.

These coyotes have come out during their normal mating season, to different points of the winter and even during the summer. One sighting I have is a coyote coming out at 10:47 in the morning in August! I also found a deceased deer that was a product of a pack of coyotes.

I have pictures of them coming within 10 feet of my house to within 100 yards of my house. I’m highly concerned about mothers taking their young children on those planned hiking trails, or even the playground, always have to worry would happen if a coyote is hungry. I have contacted the DEC about the sightings and they told me they can’t do anything unless a child is physically harmed.

I have tried to convey this concern as well as putting this recovery center next to a railroad  underpass that for a week last September had two accidents and three near-miss impacts literally within a week, as an example.

Aaron Vosburgh

Albion

Editor:

Hub Editor Tom Rivers recently suggested the excellent idea that the county create a task force to come up with ideas to increase sale tax revenue. As part of the task force work, I suggest the hiring of a consultant to look into luring computer data centers to the county.

In Loudoun County, Virginia where I live, the county has data centers. In 2023, the Loudoun County government received 663 million dollars in data center tax revenue.

Listed here are only a few data centers the county/task force should contact: Microsoft, AWS, Google, ViSA, COPT, Evoque, Cogent, Equinix.

There are hundreds more.

Jack Capurso

Albion Class of 1960

Ashburn, Va.