Editor:

My name is David Stalker. I currently have been serving on the Ridgeway Town Board as Ridgeway Councilman for seven-plus years. I have been endorsed through the Republican Party several times in the past presently gaining the Conservative Party endorsement running for re-election for the position Ridgeway Councilman.

During this time serving on Ridgeway Town Board, I have been involved in mediation resolution of many issues brought to the board’s attention.

During my first years serving there was talk of the Village of Medina dissolution. I was the first to speak out against this. I realize the enhance services within the village come at a cost, however not to the entire Town of Ridgeway.

I have been involved in more than one contract negotiations with the Ridgeway Fire Department that resulted in cost savings well worth the money taxpayers pay. There also have been solar projects with more in the works. The first solar project had an exceedingly small portion of distribution of funds going the Town of Ridgeway with larger amount of funds going to the School and County. I advocated for more money for the town as most of the work was performed by the town. Now the present and future solar projects are divided equally between the Town, County and School, creating more money for the Town.

I also was involved in the contract for the Town Highway Employees when it was brought to attention that Health Insurance came at no cost for Town Highway Employees. It was negotiated that all new hires would pay a portion towards those benefits. This then carried throughout to cover all newly hired Town Employees saving taxpayer money.

During the waterline project, I discussed how the engineering design created an uncompleted district. This project has since been completed by Town Employees with no engineering expense to the Town due to not being completed a few years ago as planned.

I served as a member of the Western Region Comprehensive Plan, which included representatives from the Towns of Ridgeway, Shelby, Yates and Villages of Medina and Lyndonville. We met for a little over two years with members from each municipality in the planning of protecting land use in all areas of the western region of the county.

As the Covid-19 pandemic arose, the Town had not anticipated this added expense to the budget as protocol required proper signage to be posted for the safety of employees and the community. This was going to come at a costly expense to the Town. I reached out to the local area Print Shop and all signage needed for the Town Buildings to ensure Covid -19 protocol safety was provided for free.

I have consistently looked at ways to save the Town of Ridgeway and the taxpayers money. As a local business owner, I understand the need to watch expenses and budgeting. As a former New York State Corrections Supervisor, I understand responsibility and dedication. As a former Union Leader, I understand employee rights.

I have long advocated to address the aging infrastructure at Town Hall. I say this in the involvement of upkeep to a more cost effective, efficient energy saving system. The town upgraded from oil heat with a buried oil tank to a more cost saving energy efficient natural gas system as the old system was 10-15 years old.

I have also advocated for Town-wide broadband and water. I agreed with refinancing several water districts to a lower rate of interest, saving taxpayers thousands of dollars. I was also in agreement of delaying Town-wide property assessments for another year.

I have always been your voice for the people. Thank you.

Sincerely,

David M. Stalker

Ridgeway

Editor:

I had the pleasure of training Hannah Hill, a Ridgeway resident, for the position of Second Deputy to the Town Clerk.

This position involved most aspects of the daily functions and responsibilities of a Town Clerk. Hannah was efficient, organized and professional in all the tasks she was asked to perform.

Hannah’s delightful personality and work ethic made it evident that she could stand strong in this position while serving the residents of the Town of Ridgeway or anyone who came to the Town Hall needing assistance.

Barb Klatt

Retired town clerk in Ridgeway

Editor:

I am writing this letter to express my support for Karen Narburgh as Town of Carlton Clerk in the primary election.

I have had the luxury of working alongside Karen for 5 years now. She is someone who demonstrates integrity and passion every day in the workplace.

Karen Narburgh, not only knows her town’s values and standards, but she is also well educated on the states laws for clerks.

Aside from her knowledge and competence of the normal clerk duties, she knows the town, and the people of the town. She not only works for them, but she cares for them. She goes above and beyond to make sure people get answers, even when it is outside her department.

People see the hours posted and assume that is all she works, but she is constantly taking work home and arranging her schedule to meet people after hours as needed.

She has proven herself successful as a town clerk for the last seven years.

I highly encourage my fellow Republicans to vote for Karen Narburgh for Carlton Town Clerk, at the primary election, on June 22nd.

Thank you for your support.

Lisa Ames

Carlton

(Ames is the town assessor for Carlton and Kendall.)

Editor:

In a letter Posted June 15, 2021 Louise Passarell starts out with “this is not a letter I wanted to write.” In fact she has written before with letters September 12, 2017, November 5, 2017, September 11, 2018, and 29 October 29, 2020. All express the same position in opposition to Joe Sidonio.

This isn’t a campaign letter, I have issues with both candidates. What concerns me is that the employees of the Town of Murray are trying to impact who their bosses are, without disclosing their relationships.

Randy Bower is Louise’s cousin. As she has shown in her previous correspondences, she doesn’t like Joe.

I have found her rude and combative in meetings and in dealings with her. How the Board could make the clerk the highway superintendent was puzzling.

To be fair Joe has been pointing out the water losses for years now. Louise as well as the Board first denied then minimized the losses, which amounted to hundreds of dollars a day. The losses are still too high, but they do seem to be working on it. Nobody thought Joe would be in the ditch fixing the leaks.

I am equally concerned about the direction and changes that Joe has pushed in the Town’s zoning. I have watched Planning, Zoning Boards and the code enforcement suffer losses of members and employees because there is not clear direction or someone is attempting to influence decisions.

As I started to review the changes in zoning it became painfully clear that the review of the changes by the board had been lacking and while they have corrected the first glaring error I found, there are more and I am not their consultant, they need to review it.

I am not advocating for any candidate, I hope that the residents will start to take notice of what’s happening and register their concerns with the elected officials.

Ron Vendetti

Holley

(Vendetti is a former code enforcement officer in Murray.)

Editor:

Finally, we have Louise Passarell’s greatly anticipated letter.

I have attended Town meetings in Murray for 21 years and have witnessed enough good old boy back slapping to make me sick. Politicians tend to praise each other continually.

Joe Sidonio is not a politician. He is a determined and focused leader who doesn’t have time to sit around the break table stirring up gossip and complaining about insignificant issues unrelated to town business.

I find it interesting that you and Dennis Mandigo are very proud of yourselves and are quick to list your achievements after Ed Morgan’s resignation. Remember he already retired years before and was double dipping. You state that Mr. Sidonio belittled the crew. When? I have witnessed him saying thank you even after your constant attacks on him which were videotaped on YouTube. Supervisor Sidonio has publicly stated he makes himself available to work with you. You refuse.

There was a comment made about the said water pipe Sidonio analyzed. Sidonio did the right thing. Without any accusation he looked into the pipe based on the strong allegation made by a current town hall member. I commend him for doing so in light of the calamity in the water department.

Louise, who gave you the authority to sign up your fellow employee’s girlfriend for health care benefits without any town approval? Now the Town is in legal jeopardy and your actions have increased costs to the taxpayer in health care expense and legal fees.

You credit everyone including yourself for the budget reductions. If the budget savings were so readily available why hasn’t any town official made any attempt to reduce our taxes in the past?

Since you seem to be the center piece of the Town Hall you neglect to reveal one important fact. Randy Bower is your first cousin, and your sister is the town clerk.

Lastly, shame on you for the attack on Joe for his hard work on the Fancher War Monument. Although Mr. Fiorito made the contribution it is Joe who assembled the “Team” and is organizing its rededication with the help of Marsha DeFilipps, Danny Mawn and Mike Bower. Shame on you for bringing politics into such a great tribute for our fallen heroes.

Art Knab

Murray

Editor:

A Governor drowning in scandals. Streets awash in the blood of innocent crime victims.  An economy battered by the Covid pandemic and hollowed out by New York’s oppressive business climate. Despite our state’s so-called “full reopening,” we are seeing thousands of New Yorkers fleeing to more affordable places across the country.

The Empire State has no shortage of serious problems, and this year’s 2021 Legislative Session gave lawmakers the perfect opportunity to tackle these challenges.

But instead, Democrats who control all the levers of state government in the Governor’s Office, the Senate and the Assembly chose to do the opposite. One Party Rule in Albany made these problems even worse.

They began by passing the biggest, most irresponsible budget in state history, further cementing New York’s reputation as the most heavily taxed state in the nation. They increased taxes on New Yorkers by billions of dollars, while simultaneously approving a $420 million giveaway to Hollywood fat cats. They failed to restore property tax rebate checks for New York homeowners, but gave cash payments of more than $15,000 apiece to non-US citizens.

Once their reckless budget was done, Democrats devoted the rest of the legislative session to “criminal justice priorities.”

During a crime wave like we’ve been experiencing in this state, most New Yorkers would imagine “criminal justice priorities” to include toughening penalties for criminals, providing funding and support for law enforcement, and doing everything possible to help crime victims. But not in this town. Instead, Senate Democrats did the exact opposite, pushing radical proposals to put even more violent criminals back on our streets while making it even tougher for cops and District Attorneys to do their jobs.

Under One Party Rule, we now have a state government that doesn’t view hardworking, law-abiding taxpayers as a priority. Instead, radical left-wing causes are the priority. Criminals who have broken the law and victimized New Yorkers are the priority. The reelection campaigns of Democratic legislators who live in fear of powerful leftist interest groups are the priority.

Our government in Albany considers police, corrections officers and District Attorneys to be the enemy rather than dedicated professionals who keep our communities safe. They see the business community as adversaries, or merely as sources of revenue, instead of critical foundational assets that bring prosperity and opportunity to millions.

Time and again throughout this year’s session, our Senate Republican Conference offered practical solutions to Reset New York by revitalizing our economy, making our state safer and more affordable for millions of New Yorkers, and reforming state government. Sadly, under One Party Rule, these sensible proposals were blocked over and over again.

Critically missing from this year’s session was any sense of accountability over those in power. In fact, as the allegations against Governor Cuomo began piling up – from covering-up the 15,000 nursing home deaths, to his outrageous $5.1 million dollar book deal, to the many credible claims of sexual harassment and abuse – Senate Democrats repeatedly and shamelessly blocked our efforts to get the truth and hold the Governor accountable. They also proudly concluded the Legislative Session and left Albany without stripping the Governor of his “emergency” powers – powers that he has used and abused for far too long throughout this pandemic.

What does this mean for law-abiding New Yorkers?

Expect your taxes to go up, the chaos to continue, and your quality of life to remain in jeopardy. This year’s disastrous legislative session made one thing crystal clear: the radicals who now dominate the Senate Majority Conference do not care about you. They are completely out-of-touch with the needs, concerns and priorities of everyday New Yorkers.

Hardworking, law-abiding, taxpaying New Yorkers must join together and continue fighting back – harder than ever before – to restore balance, accountability and common sense to our state government.

Rob Ortt

North Tonawanda

Ortt is the State Senate Republican leader and his Senate district includes Orleans, Niagara and part of western Monroe counties.

Editor:

Fireworks were launched into the sky and state landmarks lit up in blue and gold to celebrate the high rate of vaccinations against Covid-19 and the accompanying removal of most restrictions.

Hold on. What are we celebrating? Are we really cheering about His Majesty, King Cuomo, returning the freedoms he stole from us by the grace of his generosity? While it’s fantastic that infection and death rates are plummeting, we need to remember that the tyrannical restrictions put in place needlessly destroyed thousands of livelihoods and should never have been ordered in the first place.

King Cuomo had no right to tell any of us whether our jobs were essential or decide who was allowed to work – all jobs are essential. He likewise had no right to force businesses to close or put the entire state in lockdown. Even if he did, the science is clear: these measures didn’t work! Masks don’t work, lockdowns don’t work, social distancing doesn’t work – none of it works!

Cuomo himself reported last summer that most new infections in New York City afflicted those who stayed home, not people who continued to work outside their dwellings.

Let’s not forget that Cuomo also caused the deaths of elderly nursing home residents by forcing infected patients upon them, then tried to hide what he did by fudging the numbers.

Let’s also not forget that we can’t blame Cuomo 100 percent for these travesties;  Democractic and Republican lawmakers in Albany, including Colin Schmitt, Jonathan Jacobson, James Skoufis, and Karl Brabenec, held hands and abdicated their responsibility to legislate by giving Cuomo unlimited powers to handle the Covid crisis however he saw fit. They too, are responsible.

Our celebration of the removal of restrictions that should never have been put into place by the man who enacted them is frankly absurd.

We should be relieved that we can get back to normal, but I’ll celebrate when that parasitic tyrant Andrew Cuomo is booted from his throne.

Chase Tkach

Carlton

Chair of the Libertarian Party of Orleans County

Editor:

My name is Randy Bower, current Murray Town Councilman and retired Sheriff of Orleans County. During my lifetime, I have had the great fortune to serve the very community I live in and have loved my entire life. Taught to me by my parents at an early age, I have always been active and  involved in our community.

As Sheriff of Orleans County, I was in charge of an 8-plus million dollar budget, and had over 100 employees report to me. I set goals for all divisions: criminal, corrections, dispatch, civil and animal control. By surrounding myself with a great team, we met every goal within two years, as well as securing many grants, which offset our tax dollars.

I will bring this same commitment and team approach to my hometown. I will implement an atmosphere of support and vision that differs from what we have now.

As your Supervisor, I will first and foremost, run our board and work meetings professionally and with the best interest of our community as a priority.

I am competent, considerate, compassionate, honest and I treat people with respect and dignity.

I have had the opportunity to form great working relationships with our local, state, and federal partners over the last 34 years. Relationships that can only enhance my ability to serve this great town.

As your Supervisor, I will set goals with the community and town board while executing our objectives with fiscal responsibility.

One of my greatest attributes is the ability to motivate others to work toward a common goal, and that goal is to make the Town of Murray, our home, the very best it can be.

Thank you to all the town employees for your service and dedication to our town. Your love of this town is evident. Our town is successful because of you.

To all Republican voters, I ask for your support on election day. This Tuesday, June 22, polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Thank you so much for your confidence in me.

Sincerely,

Randy Bower

Murray

Editor:

It seems that some clarification of the endorsement process is needed, specifically in regards to the Town’s upcoming Primary for two Town Councilman seats.

On January 6, 2021, at a meeting following interviews to fill a vacant committee seat, a discussion was held on placing ads for the upcoming 2021 elections for Supervisor and two Councilman. In further discussion it was mutually agreed that if we did not receive any letters of interest, other than the current incumbents, we would hold a vote online considering the on-going Covid 19 restrictions. If other letters of interest were received, we would hold an in person meeting to interview all candidates.

During the weeks of January 10 and January 17, 2021, ads were published in both the Lake Country Pennysaver (free circulation to every residence) and the Orleans Hub front page, left side column (available to anyone with internet access).  It clearly stated to all Town of Shelby Republicans: “The following town positions are up for election in 2021: Supervisor, (2) Councilmen.”

The email address for the Committee’s Secretary and my personal cell phone number were listed in the ad with a deadline “No later than 1/21/21”.  It further stated that incumbent candidates may also interview for endorsement.

During this period I received letters of interest from incumbents Jeff Smith, Bill Bacon and Steve Seitz.

On January 22, 2021, I checked with the Town Committee Secretary and he stated he had not received any email correspondence of interest for any of the 3 positions. I told the committee I would hold off for one week, to 1/25/21, before proceeding in case someone had mailed their letter of interest and it was postmarked by 1/21. However, no such correspondence was received. I did not receive any phone calls.

On February 2, 2021 the Committee was still in agreement to forgo interviews with the incumbents and with no additional interest shown from residents of the Town of Shelby, an online vote was taken on February 3, 2021 and voting in the affirmative was unanimous to endorse Jeff Smith for Supervisor, Bill Bacon and Steve Seitz for Councilmen. No votes to the contrary or abstentions were made.

The endorsed names were submitted to the County Committee and petitions were prepared for signatures by the registered Republican residents of the Town of Shelby between March 2-15.

It was not until after March 23rd that I was notified of an additional person running for Councilman so we would be having a Town Primary on June 22.

The Letter to the Editor that I wrote on behalf of the Committee was restating the results of the vote on February 3, 2021. There is no conspiracy theory here. If a town resident doesn’t like the direction the town is taking, they need to speak up. Attend Board meetings, meet deadline dates to get the opportunity to be involved.

If you don’t know what a deadline date might be, you may submit your name to the Town Republican Committee to serve as a committee person or you may call the Orleans County Board of Elections office in Albion for additional information.

Pat Eick, Chairman

Town of Shelby Republican Committee

Editor:

In the old days we called it the “Good Old Boys Club.” Today we call it the “Team.” The “Team” does work well together … But, what do they work well on?

We experienced “Team Murray” under the previous administration and what did that get us? A continued 50% water loss paid for by a hidden tax.

We have also experienced the “Team First” approach. The “Team” amended the Town’s benefits package to unlawfully provide financial compensation to an outgoing “Team Official” on the eve of his departure. Fortunately, Mr. Sidonio at his first meeting brought it to light and prohibited that “team first” action.

Joe includes every citizen equally and fairly. Joe encourages and welcomes public comment which is a fundamental basis for his platform.

Isn’t it strange under the “Team” approach there was rarely a dissenting opinion or vote? Do we want a town board that is always in agreement? A healthy town meeting has discussion and debate and in the open. In this small town every voice is important.

If the “Team” works so well together, what have they really accomplished? Why is the “Team” opposed to monthly work meetings? Did the “Team” work to reduce taxes, were they the driving force all these years to address the water loss or refinance the district debt? What contributions are they making to the Fancher War Memorial restoration and rededication? Or are they simply riding the back of Supervisor Sidonio’s hours and hours of hard work to claim victory for their “Team”?

It’s obvious to me that Supervisor Sidonio is working very hard to improve our Town.

I suggest the “Team” get on board. The train left the station and the days of old are long gone.

Brian Fauci

Murray

Editor:

It is not hyperbolic to say Republicans are a danger to our democracy. Republicans have undercut the rule of law, refused to recognize separation of powers and undercut our free and fair elections.

Republicans used the Department of Justice to go after people they perceive as enemies, targeting people who sought oversight and accountability. After the Mueller Report, Republicans went after the Intelligence Community, and refused to hear any testimony or see any documents pertaining to Russian interference in the 2016 election. Even after the Republican-controlled Senate Intelligence Committee concluded that the Intelligence Community acted in good faith, they rejected their responsibility of oversight.

Republicans refused to hear testimony about the former President’s involvement in bribing a foreign government thus undercutting U.S. commitment to support democracy. Republicans refused to hold the former President accountable for inciting an insurrection and overthrow of the U.S. democracy.

Republicans refuse to create an independent commission to investigate the Jan. 6 insurrection. Republicans supported the previous administration’s refusal to appear before the House of Representatives to answer questions, even when subpoenaed, undercutting the separation of powers.

Republicans want to restrict voting and allow their appointed people to disenfranchise votes that they don’t like. (Texas and other states are passing laws to allow judges to throw out votes if they believe there is fraud). These voter restrictive laws are based on the lie of massive voter fraud, that somehow ballots were secretly flow in from Asia with bamboo, or that Italy somehow changed votes by satellites. Apparently any crazy-nut theory will do for Republicans to try a recount to achieve the ends they want.

It is not hyperbolic to say Republicans want to destroy the rule of law, abolish the separation of powers and undercut free and fair elections. It is not hyperbolic to say they are a danger to our democracy.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

In response to the Shelby Republican committee letter to the editor on the Orleans Hub, as a voting Shelby Republican Committee member my name was listed on the endorsed candidate letter without my knowledge.

The lack of transparency among the committee was purposefully done to confuse voters. I tried to stay neutral as part of my committeemen duties, however, this last ditch tactic is not right and is certainly unacceptable.

Let the record be clear, I fully support my brother Eddie Zelazny, for Town of Shelby Councilman. Period. 100%. He brings the kind of commitment, fairness, and trust we need in Town government.

I know for a fact that Eddie will look out for the best interests of the Town every day. He’s the kind of man who makes a deal with a handshake and honors it. He’s the kind of person who despises backroom negotiations. He’s the type of individual who has the guts to say you’re just putting lipstick on a pig. This is exactly what we’ve been missing in Town, someone who represents us and someone who brings our voice to the forefront.

This “fake news” letter was intended to make you think, that I was not behind Eddie. You see the signs in Town, you can’t miss them, and clearly I support him! Truth be told, Eddie contacted the Shelby Republican Secretary and inquired about getting his name on the ballot. It was then stated that it was past the deadline and he could not be in the primary. Complete and utter lie. He is proudly on the ballot as a lifelong Republican. You will see his name and I encourage you to vote for him. Kind of sounds familiar, like the when the Establishment tried to stop President Trump, doesn’t it?

My brother Eddie, or any other person, has the right to run for a public position. No individual should be deterred or misled this way from any town committee. The Establishment doesn’t get to dictate our voice, politicians work for us!

Town committee members need to speak up and condemn this type of action.

James Zelazny

Town of Shelby Republican Committee member

Editor:

This coming December 28th, I will have lived in the town of Murray 79 years. That is really a long time. I started taking interest in politics when my good friend and neighbor, Reed Beebe, was the zoning offer around 1969 (some 52 years ago).

Mr. Beebe was a very fair person and worked hard to accommodate everybody so they could get into business without becoming a burden to other people in the town.

I remember my cousin Tom DePalma being supervisor, followed by my cousin James Piedimonte. They worked very hard to keep taxes down. I believe we paid around $2.00 per thousand. I also served on the planning board for 24 years from September 1990 to 2014. We all worked very hard for the people in the town, trying to make the town a better place to live for everybody.

A couple years ago, Joe Sidonio made a decision to run for Supervisor, promising to lower taxes and he did (1.6%); get to the bottom of these water leaks and he did and reduced costs to the taxpayer every place that he could, and he did. Many of these savings are not only for one year but many years to come.

We are pleased and I feel blessed to have Joe. First – he is accountable; Number two – he is a successful businessman, and the town is a business and needs a successful businessman at the head.

I have talked to Joe and as soon as he gets the rest of the loose ends repaired, he will go ahead with the other things that would help the town – like help the people to get free of drug and alcohol addictions; work with tourism to being more money in the town to help the businesses and generate money to relieve the tax burden.

I could go on and on with all the things he is thinking of but I would simply like to end saying – in the 52 years of being around politics in the town of Murray, I have never seen a man work so hard to accomplish so much in a year and one half than Mr. Sidonio.

We are blessed to have him. So please get out and vote for him June 22. By the way, if you get a chance, give him a call at the town of Murray buildings and let him know how glad and thankful he is on your team (585-638-6570). He would love to hear from you.

Thank you.

David Piedmonte

Murray

Editor:

Western New York is home to an incredible amount of agriculture. In fact, in 2017, NY-27 ranked the number one congressional district in the entire state for agricultural sales. An impressive achievement, one that makes me proud to represent our farmers on the House Agriculture Committee in Congress.

As many of you may know, June is National Dairy Month. A month dedicated to recognizing the importance of dairy to our culture, our economy, and our health. Let’s start with some statistics. In 2017, NY-27 alone accounted for $538,665,000 in milk sales produced from over 280,000 cows, second in the entire state. New York consistently ranks in the top five dairy-producing states in the entire country as well.

Not only is dairy a regional economic cornerstone, it’s part of our culture. Our region has been built by generation after generation of family farms working tirelessly to provide nutritious dairy products. Towns across our region celebrate dairy farmers every year; we hold parades and festivals, farmers markets are flooded with delicious products, and schools routinely bring children to dairy farms to learn more.

It is not enough to solely celebrate this industry as part of our heritage – we need to ensure it is a thriving part of our future. For you, that means buying local dairy products whenever possible to support our great family farms. This not only helps farmers, but it also helps the countless small businesses that collaborate with producers to make exciting new products.

I also understand that this is not a one-sided effort; that is why I have prioritized supporting dairy farmers, especially with my role on the Agriculture Committee. In Congress, I have called for action to compel Canada to uphold dairy market expansion provisions included in the USMCA. Just last month the new U.S. Trade Representative acted on this request to start a formal process to challenge Canada’s dairy tariff rate quota program, which has hurt exports of American dairy products to Canada. Enforcement efforts like this will provide new opportunities for our dairy farmers to thrive.

I have also been working tirelessly to increase broadband access. As recently as 2017, 21% of farmers in our region did have reliable internet access. As operations become more advanced, lack of internet access will be a major barrier to increased success. As such, I recently cosponsored the Broadband for Rural America Act to target funds directly to hardest-to-reach rural communities.

Finally, dairy farming only survives if there is an eager and well-trained new generation to carry the torch. I am a strong supporter of programs to get our children more engaged in a career in agriculture. I believe we need more programs to develop interest and show our young adults there is an exciting and fulfilling career in farming.

Dairy Month gives us a chance each year to celebrate dairy farming at the forefront, but the fact is this industry supports our region and our families year-round, especially this past year. Say thanks this year by buying some extra milk, cheese, ice cream, or any of your other favorite dairy products!

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27)

Orchard Park

Editor:

Primary season is here, a very important time for registered Republicans from the Town of Shelby. Please take some time from busy schedules to vote. Voting may be done early or on primary day, June 22.

Since 2018 the Town of Shelby Board has seen the passing of Councilmen Stalker and Schaal, and the resignation of Supervisor Houseknecht. We lost their experience, knowledge of town operations, and their dedicated service.

Current councilmen, William Bacon and Stephen Seitz, have been encouraging me from my first day on the Shelby Town Board. Their knowledge, experience and encouragement were a tremendous help as I moved from councilman, to deputy supervisor, and then supervisor in a little over two years.

The Covid crisis was a real test of all the town council members. Councilmen Bacon and Seitz were a helpful, guiding force during the troubles of the past year.

Councilmen Bacon and Seitz are key members of a Town Board that is dealing with numerous proposed projects in Shelby such as solar, wind, town-wide broadband, and a pedestrian bridge over Oak Orchard Creek. The next year will bring many decisions about how to use the federal stimulus funds.

Please return them to the Shelby Town Board. We need their experience and dedication.

Jeff Smith

Shelby Town Supervisor