Editor:

As a member of the Republican District Committee of the Town of Murray, I would like to express my wholehearted support for the re-election of  Joe Sidonio as our town supervisor. Like Joe, I too am an outsider who moved to this area because I believed it had certain advantages. Lower taxes, less regulations than Monroe County and a rural environment were the attractions that led me here. I’m one of those people who came to attend SUNY College at Brockport and decided to stick around after graduation. After graduation I opened a successful business in Brockport that sustained me for over 20 years.

Perhaps this is why I support Joe, and why I supported Donald Trump. I like to see businessmen in government. That is what I believe it takes to hold a public office such as a town supervisor, a successful background in the administration of a business. Because essentially what a supervisor does is administer a business or a town.

In the time he has been in office, he has reduced our tax rate, reduced water department debt and reduced highway department spending. Exactly the things he said he’d do. Unlike most politicians, he has actually kept his campaign promises!

I want to add that I have nothing against the other candidate in this primary, Randy Bower. He was an excellent county sheriff, but I’m not sure that his background prepares him for the position of town supervisor.

By the way, I will always have a soft spot in my heart for our law enforcement people. My dad was a Seneca County deputy sheriff when I was growing up. This job takes a businessman and I will be casting my ballot for Joe on primary day.

Anthony J. Peone

Holley

Editor:

Our family immigrated to America in the late 1800’s and settled in Fancher. They worked in the quarries and eventually purchased a farm on the corner of Fancher and Telegraph Roads. This was the house that we grew up in. It was a time in America that World War II was about to become a reality.

I remember picking milk weed pods for the War effort, troop trains stopping in Fancher for water for the steam engine train and the troops throwing oranges to us. Train after train as they passed the troops would wave and we waved back. Little did we know how many would never return.

On August 14, 1949 I experienced something that has remained with me for 72 years. On that day some 2,000 people assembled in Fancher for the dedication of the war memorial. I had never seen anything like it and I had a front row seat standing on the corner of Fancher and Telegraph Roads. There were dignitaries, families, marching bands and the whole bit.

I will never forget one thing, though, the face of a mother in the back seat of the black sedan with a gold star on the door. I saw her face. Our eyes met. I could feel her heart beat. I knew then who she was and why she was there riding in that car with a gold star. I have been forever haunted by that experience.

I am so pleased that the monument is being restored. It is remarkable that a community came together with a purpose to build something for the 10 local boys lost in that horrible war. They built it as a testament to the ultimate sacrifice the boys made. They built it for the gold star mothers to honor their loss. They built it to last.

It has lasted 72 years now and will remain for future generations thanks to the hard work of Danny Mawn, President of Holley Murray Historical Society, and Marsha DiFilipps, Holley Murray Historian, who have researched the history of the monument and the importance it holds for the community. Thank you to Tom Rivers, Editor, for spreading the word for the rededication via the Orleans Hub.

Most of all thank you to Town of Murray Supervisor, Joseph Sidonio, without whom the restoration and rededication would never have happened. Joe, thank you for the one hundred phone calls, countless hours of work, pictures and emails sent and friendship I will cherish.

I (Fred Fiorito) really never expected the response to a voicemail that I left one day in late May 2020. A call that evening left me a stranger from a town just outside of New York City who left Fancher 61 years ago and only returned a couple of times a year to visit his parents and brother, Ted Fiorito, Jr., the last of the Fioritos. He left his mark of military service and fire service in FHM Fire Department for 61 years.

I was asked if I would like the monument moved to a quiet spot, maybe in Brockville or Hulberton. My answer was and is NO. The community chose to build it in the center of Fancher so we would not ever forget them.

Remember those great kids who sacrificed everything and their tomorrows so that we might enjoy our todays.

Fred and Ted Fiorito

Murray

Editor:

On June 22nd please vote for the following Orleans County Conservative Party Committee endorsed Republicans and here’s why:

For Town of Murray Supervisor, Joseph Sidonio. A Constitutional Conservative (Read my previous endorsement letter).

For Town Clerk of Ridgeway, Laurie A. Kilburn has earned our endorsement. Why? She has conservative values. So important in today’s society. She’s honest. She has been a hands-on deputy Clerk. Karen Kaiser has trained her well and allowed her to perform all the duties of a town clerk. Between this and all her professional training, her wonderful personality, (that is so important when dealing with the public) she will transition smoothly into the clerk’s position. She knows the business of the Town of Ridgeway. Laurie understands that she works for you and is ready and willing to pleasantly and professionally help you with any needs or grievances you may have. The town board cannot function without a knowledgeable, experienced clerk. It simply won’t happen. The clerk is that important. Laurie Kilburn is that person. Ridgeway deserves the best.

For Ridgeway Town Councilman, David M. Stalker. Simply, Dave watches how your money is spent. Dave questions things that appear to be unethical and goes after wasteful spending. He is a businessman, not a bureaucrat. Dave does what’s best for the tax payers that pay his salary.  Dave has evolved from his earlier years to more conservative principles. Many go the other way. Not Dave, he works for you. That’s why you should vote to re-elect Dave Stalker.

For Carlton Town Clerk, Karen Narburgh is the right choice to continue to serve the people of that town. She has good conservative values. A town does not function without an efficient clerk and town business has been going smoothly. Karen will go out of her way to help her constituents in a friendly helpful manner and do everything possible get the information or answer the questions you seek. Karen has the right credentials for the job and is always getting more training. It’s part of the job. A job she has done very well.

In November, please vote to re-elect Dirk Lammes for Highway Superintendent of Murray. He is very conservative in all aspects. His crew will keep your roads safe year round and put tax dollars back in your pocket.

In November, remember in the town of Yates that I am running for a town councilman seat. At no time in all my years attending town meetings has the town leadership raised taxes so high on the town and village residents and have in the works so many fantasy projects. If implemented they will bring in very little to no revenue and burden the tax payers with maintenance upkeep and tax increases “forever.” Vote for a Constitutional Conservative. Paul Lauricella and “Stop the Tax and Spend.”

Good luck to all of you!

Paul Lauricella

Yates

Orleans County Conservative Party Chairman

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