Editor:
Just a comment on a recent event held at Tillman’s Village Inn. Orleans County Democrats hosted a fundraiser on October 30th.
Mark Tillman and his staff were awesome. Food was delicious and service was exceptional. Thank You Tillman’s. Job well done.
Agnes Recco, a member of the Orleans County Democratic Committee
Lyndonville
Editor:
There is much to celebrate and be thankful for.
The 2021 historic bipartisan largest infrastructure bill in nearly a century will provide: 2 million new, good jobs per year, repair of hundreds of thousands of miles of roads and bridges, investment in climate change mitigation, transportation and highway safety for all users, including trucks, hazardous materials, cyclists and pedestrians, a modernized public transit system, upgraded airports, ports and waterways, a rebuilt electric grid, with thousands of miles of new power lines, expanded renewable energy, low-cost affordable internet for everyone, access to clean drinking water for everyone, protection from drought, floods, cyberattacks, and environmental pollution remediation.
In WNY a major thank-you to representative Tom Reed (R) for having the courage to the right thing. Thanks to Charles Schumer (D), Kirsten Gillibrand (D), and Brian Higgins (D) for serving in our best interests.
According to the Buffalo News predictions we are likely to see impact locally starting in spring: help in our homes for weatherization and lead pipe removal, and our community with the airport runway, ramps and train terminal renovation.
Chris Jacobs (R) delivered a no vote for prosperity in Western New York. In a statement on his infrastructure vote, Jacobs blathered and driveled, actually blamed Nancy Pelosi. “She has held the infrastructure hostage and politicized an issue where I believe there is broad bipartisan agreement. Because of these circumstances I cannot support any bill that supports the Democrats’ reckless plot to burden small businesses and families with higher taxes and stick our grandchildren with the tab.”
We are not fools. Remember Jacobs’ support for the former president with the third-biggest deficit increase of any president (even before the pandemic), a profoundly damaging legacy, saddling the next generations with debt?
Chris Jacobs, stay home, no photo ops for your no vote for prosperity in WNY. Do not have the audacity to show your face at the ribbon cutting ceremonies of these future projects. We will remember your no vote … or maybe it was another “mistaken vote” and you will say that you actually meant yes, when it suits you.
Carol Nochajski
Wilson
Editor:
First off, I want to thank everyone who exercised their right to vote. It’s one of the many great privileges we have in the United States.
Even though the outcome in the Town of Barre was not in our favor, it was a fantastic experience. Looking back, I would not do anything differently. My running mate, Tom Decker, and myself went out door to door and had many great conversations.
We were optimistic that we could discuss numerous ideas that could benefit the community, however that was not the case. The conversation largely centered around windmills. The encouraging part was that these conversations were not as divided as some would like you to believe. Regardless of their opinion of the wind farm, everyone was friendly and respectful.
Tom and I were able to gather great input from the residents and discuss future ideas. I informed the residents that should the project come up for another vote, I would abstain due to my “good neighbor” lease agreement. Some residents were told that I was running to protect the lease holder’s interest. While a majority of the leaseholders are good friends and/or former clients of my father, they were not my primary motivation for running.
The leaseholders, myself included, have our own contracts. They don’t need a representative on the Board to protect their interests. Their contracts are independent of the town’s negotiations. Others were told that the project can still be stopped.
Even though Tom and I believe in global warming and support green energy, our understanding was that the application was already in Albany and no further actions were required by the town. If the state does approve the project, (as is highly likely given NYS’s commitment to green power) we both believe you get more with sugar than salt.
We wanted to have a civil relationship with a business that was going to be in our backyard for years to come and to ensure the town got the best deal possible. This is the main reason Tom and I decided to run a write-in campaign. We wanted to protect the interests of everyone in the town regardless of the project. We believe there is more to Barre than windmills and lots of other areas need attention.
One thing is for sure though, along with good planning, all projects require revenue! Whether it be a new firehall, improved town park, affordable internet access, or improved infrastructure, they all require funds to pay for them. Tom and I were focused on ensuring that whatever the new project was, the revenue that came in was handled in a prudent manner to benefit all residents through capital improvements and/or lower taxes.
I realize some may view this letter as bitter grapes, and truthfully I was disappointed with the outcome. However, as I always tell my family, don’t give me a problem, give me a solution, and if you want to see change, you have to get involved. Tom and I did our best to run solely on our merits. We wanted to personally tell our story to as many residents as possible.
One thing I learned from entering the political arena, well two things, never let someone else tell your story (hence this letter) and never call into a radio station thinking it’s not political. I still believe that the best thing about Barre, NY is the neighbors. A good neighbor is priceless, and I am blessed to have many.
I truly hope that young adults like my running mate Tom Decker continue to get involved. They are the ones whose kids are going to inherit this world. I realize that change is intimidating, but as my boss used to tell me, “get on the train or get left behind because it is leaving the station with or without you.”
I have seen firsthand while campaigning how welcoming the residents of Barre can be. My hope is that this attitude can be maintained going forward. Green energy projects are not going away. While not perfect, they are necessary to make up for the continued depletion of natural resources. These green energy initiatives will continue to increase and improve over time, and we will all need to decide whether to get onboard or be left behind.
Thank you again to all those who voted and to all of those who continuously get involved to make the world a better place.
Respectfully,
Steve Harling
Barre
Editor:
On Thursday, November 11th, we commemorate all Veterans and their service in defense of the United States.
For those active with the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Marine Corps League, Navy Club, and so many other organizations our service does not end there. In fact, most of the public does not see the hard work and commitment to serve that local Veterans frequently exhibit. This includes our valued Auxiliary members.
For example, a group of Orleans County Veterans have served as the Honor Guard at nearly 100 military funerals this year, including a weekly presence at the new National Cemetery in Pembroke.
Local Veterans raise funds to purchase flags and markers for the graves of our deceased Veterans. We support scholarships for local high school students and financially assist numerous other non-profits.
Yet, membership in Veteran focused organizations is decreasing and with it the capability to serve. If you are a Veteran, please consider joining an organization such as those listed above. Your service is still necessary and helps ensure Veterans are recognized in the coming years.
Sincerely,
Matt Passarell
Commander
VFW Strickland Post 4635
Kevin Christy
Commander
American Legion Sheret Post 35
Editor:
The results of last Tuesday’s elections in our state and throughout the nation reflect a rejection of overreaching, burdensome policies that stifle economic growth and jeopardize public safety, and a desire for a return to kitchen-table governance.
America is a nation of opportunity, and the anti-growth, tax-and-spend policies of the Majority are antithetical to the spirit of entrepreneurship that has made our nation the greatest on this planet. This year, Americans rejected socialism and voted for leaders who believe in hard work and the pursuit of the American Dream, in what I hope is just the beginning of a reclamation of our government by people who believe in our constitution, in our way of life and in our free markets.
Seeing voters soundly reject ballot measures 1, 3 and 4 was incredibly heartening, and an indication that the public has grown tired of political gamesmanship and one-party rule in state government.
Our government at the state and federal levels was designed to be collaborative in its deliberations, with a minority party able to check the power of the majority, and these proposals threatened that delicate balance of power. By rejecting these proposals, voters chose a path forward for New York that preserves the voice of rural, upstate New York and maintains reasonable safeguards against our electoral and redistricting processes.
What people want and expect from their government is simple: attention toward matters that jeopardize the well-being of themselves and their loved ones, and the protection of their right to lead their lives in their own way, follow their passions and provide for their family.
By rallying against the law enforcement professionals who keep our communities safe, putting up obstacles to success in people’s careers and businesses and implementing overreaching mandates that went too far in restricting their liberties, the Majority showed their priorities were not in line with those of the average working New Yorker.
That is exactly why I will continue to do everything I can to stand up for our law enforcement, our liberties and our ability to work hard and change the world through innovation. Our liberties and maintained public safety, which allows us to freely exercise them, are what make America the greatest nation on earth. It is my hope to see that as time passes, as a state and as a nation, we become even greater, freer and safer than we’ve ever been before.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley
Batavia
Hawley represents the 139th District, which consists of Genesee, most of Orleans and part of Monroe County.
Editor:
Congressman Chris Jacobs opposed the “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” H.R. 3684 on three grounds. First that it would increase the national debt, second that this was part of a socialist agenda and third that this was part of a political agenda.
If the national debt was an issue for Mr. Jacobs he would not have supported former President Trump’s tax cuts. Studies by the Brookings Institute, (7/21), showed: “But TCJA, (Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017), clearly reduced federal revenues significantly and several pieces of evidence suggest that TCJA’s supply-side incentives had little effect on investment, wages, or profit-shifting.”
Indeed the previous administration added $7.8 trillion to the national debt, $3 trillion before the Covid pandemic. Forbes Magazine, (9/27/20), noted: “Even after four years Trump will generate almost as much debt as Obama did in eight, $5.7 trillion vs. $7.3 trillion, respectively. And the CBO projects that the $1.8 trillion forecast for next year will make Trump’s total $7.5 trillion, surpassing Obama’s eight years. Based on the CBO’s projections, if Trump is re-elected he will create over $11 trillion in debt.” Let’s be clear Mr. Jacobs’s worries about the national debt are just political expediency not fiscal concerns.
The second argument that the legislation is a socialist agenda. This government is “of the people and by the people,” the people are a social group so anything the government does by this definition is socialist including tax cuts for the wealthy. Things like building roads, schools national defense, even police and fire protection are socialist. Abraham Lincoln stated: “legitimate object of government, is to do for a community of people, whatever they need to have done, but can not do, at all, or can not, so well do, for themselves—in their separate, and individual capacities.” It should also be noted that Moody’s Analytics, hardly a left leaning organization, strongly supports the legislation writing: “but failing to pass legislation would certainly diminish the economy’s prospects.” (11/4/21).
Finally the argument that this is a political ploy is false. The legislation passed with bipartisan support. Safe roads and bridges benefits everyone, that socialist thing. Furthermore, it helps create jobs supports businesses and investments. Mr. Jacobs’ thinly disguised excuses don’t cover his failure to represent the citizens of his district.
William Fine
Brockport
Editor:
On behalf of the Orleans County and State Conservative Party, I want to thank the voters for coming out and defeating Propositions 1, 3 and 4. All five of them went down in Orleans County. You are smart people that could see through the corrupt Albany politicians that control our state.
I want to say thank you to the Orleans County Republican Chairman and the Republican Chairman of the 10 towns for helping to get the signs put up.
Thank you to Senator Ortt and Assemblyman Hawley for getting the word out. This was a state-wide effort and I’m glad that there was support in getting the message out. Even in liberal New York the people care about voter integrity.
Thank you.
Paul Lauricella Jr.
Orleans County Conservative Party Chairman
Editor:
Nothing could have prepared any of us, personally or professionally, for the challenges that we have all faced over the past 19 months – all related to the Covid pandemic.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind the community of the great work that Oak Orchard Health (OOH) has done, and continues to do. Since March of 2020, OOH has performed over 14,000 Covid tests, and has administered over 6,000 Covid vaccines to the community we serve.
We have tested and vaccinated our migrant and seasonal farmworker community. Just last week, we tested over 900 children who require Covid testing prior to returning to school. We have administered Moderna vaccines, Pfizer vaccines, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines. We have ordered the supply, inventoried it, distributed it, and vaccinated.
I cannot thank enough our amazing staff who have graciously worked through the worst of the pandemic, and who continue to persevere through ongoing challenges and changing regulations.
When I hear people in the community make comments such as “OOH received funding to provide testing,” I want to assure you that not only have we tested, but also we have vaccinated. In addition, we have transported patients to our vaccine clinics, we have provided education, we provided translation services not only for our patients, but also for other county’s departments, and we continue to do so graciously and with servant hearts. The funding that OOH received for testing has since been depleted, but we continue to serve.
Our telephone lines are busy (yes, we know we are experiencing longer than normal wait times), but our staff continue to answer your questions and concerns.
Please take a minute to thank our amazing health care staff. Without them, we could not have come this far.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Pettibon
CEO, Oak Orchard Health
Editor:
True Fact. The Yates Town Board was just talking about needing a new 10 wheeler for highway at the last meeting and said, “Maybe we could pursue a grant.” That does not sound like there’s money enough to buy one. They couldn’t even pay outright for the mower. If there is all this money you say in the Highway account then pay off the mower and pay cash for a new truck. Now!
True Fact. You are mincing words. The bookkeeper made an $86,000 error. A lot of errors. Call it a deficit or an overdrawn account. The fact is A account is short the money and it is a fact that that the tax payers have to replace it. It’s in the comptroller’s report, I did not make it up. The $14,000 that Town is paying for software for the bookkeeper’s private firm came directly out of the town supervisor’s mouth at a town meeting a few months back when I asked him the question including “I am the supervisor I get to pick the bookkeeper” and you are not being quite truthful about Mr. Hungerford’s bid being higher. It was lower and the software was included at a cost of about $500 he pays it. You do admit that the town is paying for software for this private firm – $4,000, $3,100 if that’s true it’s still a waste of taxpayer money and do you intend to pay for software for all the private business in town now that you have set precedent?
True Fact. You had a contract agreement with the fire department. You refused to pay the agreed sum. The village even looked into taking legal action. You broke the contract for 2020 -2021. You can spin it any way you want but the truth is the truth. Ask a Fireman. To make this even worse you sign Mr. Chaffee’s name to your letter. He has only been a board member for 4 months. Has never been to a workshop or town meeting in his life before he switched from no party affiliation to Republican a couple of years back (both candidates running are party switchers to get the Republican endorsement) so he could be put on the Republican committee and thus be placed on the town board replacing the early retiring Mr. Whipple before his term was up. (See how they do that.) Nobody knows exactly what he stands for except a yes vote to everything.
I on the other hand have been at most every meeting dating back to 2007 and at workshops for years. I know what’s going on. Why would the elected officials be afraid of me being on the board? Maybe you don’t want to be held accountable. Maybe you are afraid of my bold honesty. Maybe I will be joining you soon.
Whatever happens I promise I won’t go away. Get out and vote for Paul Lauricella Jr. candidate for Yates Town Board.
Factually,
Paul Lauricella Jr.
Yates
Editor:
It’s exciting and refreshing to see the progress in the Town of Murray under the leadership of Supervisor Sidonio. He ran his campaign on fiscal responsibility and transparency and he delivered on both.
This is the first time since I have lived in Murray where I can remember my taxes actually going down! And they are going down 2 years in a row…..incredible!
Supervisor Sidonio and the water department are working hard to resolve the water loss issue for our town. A major problem for our town that many people denied and ignored for a long time, but now they are working diligently to find the issues and get this resolved once and for all.
When Joe was elected, he inherited a mess from the previous leaders and the entrenched town board. But despite being fought all the way he was able to turn things around in just 2 short years.
I’m enthusiastic about the direction our town is headed in. Murray residents deserve to have a supervisor who will work hard and fight for what is right for them and their town. Supervisor Sidonio is that person.
He works hard, he is honest, and he is transparent, which is why he is the Republican-endorsed candidate for the Town of Murray.
Please get out and vote and keep Murray moving in the right direction.
Adam Moore
Holley
Editor:
The Conservative Party has launched a state-wide campaign to defeat Props 1-3-4 on the ballot. You are probably starting to see the signs around your town. I received the signs for our county and distributed them to the 10 town Republican committee chairman.
On election day the party in power wants to #1: Gerrymander Districts, include counting of illegal immigrants. Prop #3: Invite election fraud. Prop #4: Allow vote by mail.
If these three propositions are passed it will insure one-party power indefinitely. I urge anyone that cares about election integrity and our state to vote no on these three propositions. I recommend that all five be voted down.
Proposition #2: Entitlements To A Clean Environment. Who wouldn’t be for that? Ramifications are it will make it much easier to file lawsuits, effect hunting, hurt and drive more business out of this state.
Proposition #5: Expand New York City Purview Courts: Allows NYC Judges to hear more cases and decide up to double of the $25,000 now allowed. It’s moot, does nothing for us here. With not many contested races in the county you need to get out and vote if just for this.
Hope this has informed you.
Paul Lauricella
Orleans County Conservative Party Chairman
Editor:
We appreciate the First Amendment right to free speech afforded by the Orleans Hub. In this run up to the election, it is important for all voices to be heard. And as the saying attributed to Daniel Patrick Moynihan goes, “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Speaking of opinion, we would like to set the record straight – with all due respect – regarding four of the most obvious erroneous statements made by Mr. Paul Lauricella, Jr., in his latest letters to editors and campaign ads (his claims in quotations below).
“No money in accounts for new highway equipment.”
– False. Total Highway Reserve as of January 2021 is $310,232 (DA = $40,833 and DB = $269,399; please refer to pages 21 and 29 of the Annual Financial Update Document submitted to NYS Comptroller in July 2021).
“3 years $86,000 missing in our A Account still not fixed.”
– False. Money was never “missing” – the comptroller’s audit found absolutely zero missing funds (please refer to the 2018 Town of Yates Corrective Action Plan posted @ townofyates.org).
“Paying $14,000 additional annually on software for private bookkeeping firm. Town turned down lower bid.”
– False. Actual annual bookkeeping software cost has been approximately $4,500, but projection for 2022 is $3,170 (please see 2022 Preliminary Budget, account A.1220.400, page 4, posted @ townofyates.org). Sought bids two years ago and all were higher than the current bookkeeping cost.
“Broken contract with our fire department.”
– False. We still have a completely intact contract with the Lyndonville Fire Company, and we truly appreciate and support the outstanding service they provide our town. The town pays 80% of their annual budget, and we increased the town’s contribution to the fire company from $66,000 in 2016 to $120,200 in 2022 (please see 2022 Preliminary Budget, page 26, account SF.1001, posted @ townofyates.org).
Facts are powerful things.
Respectfully,
The Yates Town Board – Jim Simon, John Riggi, Harold Suhr, Susan Hrovat, Terry Chaffee, Jr.
Yates
Editor:
Did you know that the Washington Monument is the 3rd tallest monument in the United States at 554 feet tall, the Statue of Liberty stands 305 feet and is the 5th tallest monument in the United States, and the tallest skyscraper in Rochester is the Xerox building which stands 443 feet?
Now imagine the size of a 680-foot wind turbine next to your home. Imagine living in a township that wants to place several wind turbines close to 700 feet tall, taller than all of the landmarks that I have previously mentioned, near your home?
What if these wind turbines were known in the past to be cause controversy over health concerns from actual persons who have lived through the experience of having them near their homes? What if you have tried to voice your concerns to some town board members who seems to disregard your concerns, who don’t return your calls, and change zoning laws to accommodate a company instead of the people that it serves?
As a long-term resident of the Town of Barre, I feel let down by some of our present board members and our Town Supervisor. That is why I am urging voters to make a difference and get out and vote for Solazzo, McKenna and Waters.
While many will benefit financially for signing leases with the turbine company, what happens to the value of the homes that will be surrounded by them? Who is going to protect the investments of the common working class people who have worked and invested all of their lives in maintaining their homes, not only for comfort, but for the benefit of maybe one day having to sell their property and be entitled to earn the most that they can gain from the sale?
Will the town reimburse the homeowners for any loss of value once the turbines are installed? While real estate in Orleans County is moving very well, do people really think that placing 680′ wind turbines are going to draw buyers to purchase country homes here once they are erected and visible? If a buyer can purchase a comparable home in the country with a turbine next to them or one without a turbine next to it, which one do you think the buyer would purchase? Who is going to protect us if we lose value in our homes through no fault of our own? Is the Town of Barre going to lower assessments if home value are affected by the turbines? Who is responsible for homes that won’t possible sell because they are surrounded by controversial wind turbines?
In the future, if the companies that made all of the promises to our community go out of business and sell out to other companies, doesn’t that leave the Town of Barre responsible for the mess they leave?
Families have already moved from Barre over concerns of the erection of wind turbines. Town of Barre people, have your voices and concerns heard! Make a difference and vote Solazzo, McKenna, and Waters. Our voices have gone unheard for way too long!
Susan Webster
Barre
Editor:
Clarendon residents, my name is Chris Caufield, and I am running for Town Councilman and would like to share a little of my background with you.
I am 43 and have lived in Clarendon for over 32 years of my life. I grew up there, got my first job in town, and liked the area so much that when the time came for my wife and I to find a home to start our family, we chose Clarendon.
I am currently employed as a Corrections Lieutenant for the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and also serve as Union President of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Employees Association. In these positions I am tasked to create, examine, and implement policies. I train, counsel, and manage employees, while also being charged with the care, custody, and control of the incarcerated population.
As Union President I have taken part in contract negotiations, mutual agreements, and grievances. This experience has allowed me to develop the skills, knowledge, and awareness to serve in the role of town councilman.
I will be a dedicated servant, represent our town with pride, and will always make myself available to hear the concerns of Clarendon residents. I have an appreciation for this community and most importantly, I care.
I humbly ask for your support when you fill out your ballot this election. You can find me on the Republican line.
Respectfully,
Chris Caufield
Clarendon
Editor:
To the Barre residents, my neighbors and my friends, this coming election on November 2nd is a very important vote in our town.
I know that you are very intelligent and realize that this is not a one-agenda election. Please do not believe the misinformation that is being fed to you. Those that have knocked on your doors talk about only the wind turbines and try to tear at your heart. I have had a number of folks call me to see if property values will decrease and that the turbines can be stopped.
Property values generally decrease during construction due to families that do not want to live near them sell their property quickly generally at a cost less than assessed. After the plant goes into operation property values begin to climb.
The turbines at this time cannot be stopped unless the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) dismisses Heritage’s application. There are those that say we as a town can fight it. Sure, if you wish to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in litigation. How will we get that money? Well by raising our taxes of course. These are the same people that say they will cut taxes. Interesting double talk isn’t it.
Someone else said that the fire district/company gets no money out of this. Once again misinformation, they will receive a yearly payment almost as much as they collect in taxes every year.
There is a constant issue thrown out that another town is receiving $36,000 per turbine. If you do the math the turbines coming here produce 5.6 megawatts of power. Now multiply that by the $9,000 per megawatt that is agreed upon results in $50,400 per turbine. Whether the blades are turning or not, that is what Heritage will be paying.
The resulting money that will come to this town will benefit everyone that pays property taxes in the Town of Barre. How much is up to the town board. I do not see why at least 75% can’t be applied to our taxes. The difference would be applied to improvements to the town. What improvements? When everything is settled, I would like to invite suggestions from everyone in our town through a questionnaire, the town website, a public hearing, emails and phone calls.
There is more to running our town than arguing about wind turbines:
We have saved this town money thus far with the changing of our streetlights over to LEDs without any cost to the town; we have cut that bill in half.
The refinancing of water districts #2, #3 and #4 by taking advantage of the lower interest rates. The debt service was decreased for those in those districts resulting in smaller payments each year and paying off the debt service early. These examples have resulted in holding the tax line as close to zero as possible.
For continued positive growth in our town I ask you to please vote for me, Sean P. Pogue, as your Town Supervisor for another two years. I also encourage you to bring fresh ideas and youth to the board and write in Steve Harling and Tom Decker in the bottom right-hand corner of your ballot for town councilmen.
As another person wrote, “elections have consequences.” He is right. It’s up to you to decide if you want turmoil and litigation or a conscientious board that will work for everyone.
Please vote on November 2.
Sean Pogue
Barre
