Editor:

Our state begins a welcomed new chapter, turning the page on a dark period in our history. It is special for us here in Western New York to see one of our own now become governor for the first time in over a century and to hold the distinction as our state’s first female governor.

I would like to congratulate Gov. Kathy Hochul, and I welcome the opportunity to continue working with her to restore trust and confidence back at our state Capitol and to deliver on Western New York priorities.

On a personal note, I have stood with and seen Gov. Hochul champion key economic, resiliency and tourism projects along the Erie Canal, shores of Lake Ontario, and local businesses. She understands the concerns of New Yorkers – especially those in our Western New York region. I remain optimistic that her leadership style, background in constituent service, and understanding of our concerns will serve New Yorkers well during her tenure as our governor.

There are serious challenges before us, however, and our state needs leaders who are committed to making the reforms necessary to help enable people to succeed. The economic shutdown was devastating and still impacting our small businesses. I’ve written to her asking her to consider a three-part agenda that I believe will help put our state, especially our region, back on track to prosperity. The agenda includes:

1. Restoring fiscal responsibility: Albany cannot balance its bloated budgets on bailouts from Washington or the backs of taxpayers. We are already losing too much population from upstate communities, and now that the pandemic has proven some companies can run successfully and oftentimes more profitably with a largely remote workforce, New York’s population exodus is only going to further increase. Wall Street is already relocating to Florida where there is no income tax.

2. Investing in our infrastructure: Where we should be dedicating additional resources is in infrastructure in order to provide the vital services that employers and citizens alike need on a daily basis. In Western New York there are too many homes and businesses without high-speed broadband access, and where it is exists, it is too expensive. Our roads, bridges, highways, culverts, water and sewer lines need repairs. Our Erie Canal needs to continue the reimagine initiative and make necessary improvements. Let’s make significant investment in this critical infrastructure now to protect our future.

3. Changing the way we do business: Without a systemic overhaul of the Executive Chamber, nothing will change in Albany. Real ethics reform must happen. I am encouraged by the initial statements Gov. Hochul has made, however, if she is serious about reforming the decades-old dysfunction and corruption that has run rampant in Albany, I encourage her to embrace legislation like my State Contracts Sunlight Act (A.3784) or the Public Officers Accountability Act (A.6780). Both of these measures would bring real transparency and accountability to state spending and impose serious, tangible sanctions against violators of the public trust.

I am looking ahead, and welcoming this new chapter in our state’s history. However, with that being said, as a member of the Assembly Judiciary Committee, I believe it is critically important that the unfinished business from our last dark chapter still be dealt with and a public report of the investigation of former Gov. Cuomo be published by the committee to ensure accountability and transparency, particularly for the victims and families of those who died in nursing homes due to his COVID-19. I will continue fighting to ensure that this report is released.

Though I am upbeat about a new beginning in Albany, I remain skeptical that downstate-driven progressive policies will continue to be advanced in the new administration. I am more than willing to work in a bipartisan manner with Gov. Hochul on mutual matters of concern such as infrastructure and ethics reform, but please know that I also will proudly stand up for my constituents and our region when needed to voice our displeasure on radical left wing agenda items such as “bail reform” that negatively impact our state.

I encourage Gov. Hochul to embrace this “back to basics” agenda, and look forward to working with her to on these matters and local priorities in the 144th Assembly District.

As your representative I am working hard for you and here to help. Please do not hesitate to contact my office. You can email me at norrism@nyassembly.gov or call my office at (716) 839-4691.

Assemblyman Mike Norris

Lockport

Norris represents the 144th Assembly District which includes portions of Erie, Niagara and Orleans counties.

Editor:

Who needs a gun? Well the short answer is, all of us, but who needs them the most? Marginalized communities, including women, POC, the LGBT community, sex workers, and all who are most affected by violent crimes are often ignored and overlooked by 2^ndAmendment supporting communities and clubs while participating in outreach. These communities not only need firearms, but they also need professional firearm training.

Orleans County has some of the most wonderful 2A communities, and it’s a bit disappointing that they don’t often reach out to the communities that need firearms the most. We absolutely cannot afford to overlook them, their lives are in danger everyday, just like ours may be without firearms.

Let’s work together, all consenting adults deserve the right to protect their life and liberties. The goal is to arm as many Americans as we can, right? Government tyranny isn’t going anywhere. Violent crimes aren’t going anywhere, but they can be reduced with simple firearm education and firearm ownership.

Chase Tkach

Carlton

Orleans County Libertarian Party Chair

Editor:

With all the arguments about vaccines, masks, and accusations of lying being told about this being a public health issue or a privacy issue here in the States, I thought a few might want to see what huge “on the spot” fines, curfews, 5-mile travel restrictions and such measures in place in Australia where Melbourne has had 200 days of lockdown so far.

The death rate for the country is less than a thousand deaths so far. Just as I was typing this a friend in the capital sent that Canberra’s outbreak figures today were 30 some. They want to avoid what is happening here.

And, in regard to Mr. Lauricella who links to Fox News and Tucker Carlson as definitive proof that our military is knowingly involved with sedition by this administration. In fact Fox’s and Carlson’s legal position is – and the Federal Court of the Southern District of New York has explicitly stated –  that Carlson’s show and statements are “[not] statement of facts” but “rhetorical hyperbole and opinion commentary” not intended to be believed (Click here). They won!

No wonder I ignored Lauricella for so long. He did not understand that our men in uniform should not be dragged into partisan fantasies. There really is nothing more to say about this now that we know his sources – no honor there, just perverse entertainment.

But where are the days when we were governed by gentlemen willing and able to talk so we could all prosper? These constant craven attacks based on imagination and half truths is tearing us apart. Name calling does not mean something’s accurate.

What happened to listening, learning, expertise and honor? They are worth defending. They are our true heritage.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

Mr. Cropsey, I’m not going to stand for your false interpretation of what you think I wrote in both letters.  Biden and his administration from the DOJ and across the board have shown no regard for our laws since he took office.

At the very least they pick and choose. They believe they are the law. They have also bungled everything they have touched from immigration, economy, jobs, energy, crime, Afghanistan, spending, the pandemic. You name it, they made it worse. That’s undeniable.

Please spare us all with the fake moral outrage. Where was your letter of anger when this administration made our military sleep on the floors of parking garages in the freezing cold after the unarmed capitol riot and the outrage when this administration, Democrat members of Congress called members of our military, the sons and daughters of Americans, racists and white supremacists?

The media that supports and defends everything Democrat and suppresses the truth from the American people and pushes politicized science. No thanks. I’ll take real media that tells the truth. Click here for a report from Fox News with facts about the issue.

Paul Lauricella

Yates

Mr. Lauricella is chairman of Conservative Party in Orleans County

Editor:

The 2020 US Census not only showed a decrease in Orleans County population to 40,343, but an increase in minority residents to 4,800 people, or 12% of the county population.

To Orleans County political parties, this group of 4,800 potential voters could represent the difference between winning or losing future elections. Will the Democrats simply assume most will vote for them? Will the Republicans ignore them believing they will continue to win elections without this group?

Changing demographics have a way of upsetting political plans as shown by the radical shifts in voting in Colorado, New Mexico, Virginia and numerous other states which went Democratic in 2020.

Perhaps  the politics of inclusion, in which both parties work to understand the issues important to these minorities is the way of the future.

Jack Capurso

Ashburn, Virginia (former Albion resident)

Editor:

Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis both claimed that migrants are pouring across the southern border causing the surge in infections.

Senator Rand Paul has claimed that Democrats are “plucking” kids with Covid from the border to “seed the country with a new variant.” Never mind the fact that the government is extending the policies of the previous administration of returning migrants to Mexico.

Kaiser Health News reported 8/3/21, “Citing the shifting state of the Covid pandemic, the Biden administration plans to leave in place a public health rule instituted by the Trump administration that effectively turns away almost all migrants from the U.S.”

Furthermore, NBC’s Julia Ainsley reported (8/7/21), “Immigrants who are allowed to stay in the U.S. to claim asylum are given tests when they are transferred to ICE, Health and Human Services or non-governmental organizations.” Those that test positive are quarantined. None of the Republicans could provide the sources of their information because, well, there is none.

A recent writer to the Hub explained that this was a secret; “He, (President Biden), is using our military to secretly distribute illegal invaders throughout the entire country with no forewarning or openness to the American people and spreading this pandemic that was under control.”

None of the responsible news media have reported any of this because apparently all those involved, (and an operation like this would require hundreds of people), are only talking to Q and his followers on QAnon.

Furthermore, it is interesting to note that, despite having this secret knowledge, neither Governor Greg Abbott nor Ron DeSantis has taken any measures to mitigate the infection in their states. Both Governors are refusing to follow recommendations of the scientific and health communities.

They want to blame someone else, (always migrants from the southern border and always without evidence), for problems instead of improving the welfare of the citizens they represent. People will needlessly suffer and die because of the actions these Governors are taking.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

In respect to Mr. Lauricella, I am not going to get into a back and forth. People can read.

I was angered at how far he went. I was not alone. And if the last few months have taught us nothing more, it is that the United States Armed Forces honors our laws, protects our citizenry and only follows legal orders.

It does not follow illegal and subversive orders which work murder and mayhem. Dragging our military into the circuitous soap opera of  partisan fights and fables is simply wrong – in both his first and second letters.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

I have never been even remotely enticed to respond to one of Conrad Cropsey’s letters. They have the logic of an LSD trip, ramble on about nothing. They are just that bad. Typical leftist backwards thought on steroids.

I think he has “I’m the smartest man in the room syndrome” as he treats the readers of Orleans County once, twice, sometimes three times a week with his off-the-wall opinions and authoritarian outlook.

No Mr. Cropsey, I will not step down. My job is to tell the truth and spread the conservative message. I do my job very well. No I will never apologize for telling the truth. I never accused the military. I told the truth about Biden’s use of them. Again your backwards interpretation of my words.

It is you who should apologize to the military, to the ICE agents on the border front line, to the people on the Texas border and to the entire United States of America for voting for a president who is allowing this illegal invasion and spreading this pandemic. This pandemic now belongs to Biden, the Democratic Party and the fraud Fauci. My opinion.

I say again: What American President would allow his borders to be breached, ordering no resistance with Covid-19 infected people from 150 different countries, then allow them to move secretly and freely throughout a sovereign nation? Especially since this pandemic was under control and the spread coincides with Biden’s open border policy over the last 6 months.

No, Mr. Cropsey, I don’t want you to leave or retire (although your thought process would be better suited for Seattle, Washington). You just keep embarrassing yourself and writing, often. I will never advocate to stop you or anyone like you.

Paul Lauricella

Yates

Mr. Lauricella is the Conservative Party chairman in Orleans County

Editor:

The U.S. is currently the only country in the world with soaring Covid numbers. We have 17% of the world’s daily new Covid infections despite the fact that we have the best vaccine supply in the world.

The new, highly contagious Delta variant is causing children to be sicker in record numbers. Of all children diagnosed with Covid at The Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, 25 percent are sick enough to be admitted to the intensive care unit. The Children’s is hospitalizing record numbers of very sick children due to Covid, half under 2 years of age. Unvaccinated adults are responsible.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is urging the FDA to move quickly to authorize the Covid vaccine for kids.

Second best, universal masking reduces the risk of transmission to less than 1 percent. It is the best protection for unvaccinated children.

State bans on mask mandates are being challenged by schools, courts, even private companies. Florida, among other states, has a ban on mask mandates, but is leading in pediatric cases.

It is illegal for private companies like cruise ships in Florida to even ask people about their vaccine status, even though the protocol at other ports is to ask. Politics is putting children at risk.

Be part of the solution. Protect children. Get vaccinated.

Carol Nochajski

Wilson

Editor:

New York State Independent Redistricting Commission is working on redrawing congressional districts. It is important to note that this region has been gerrymandered to protect Republican lawmakers to such a degree that the lawmakers are not responsive to the needs of their constituents.

For example, large parts of this district are agricultural and were badly hurt by the tariffs and immigration programs of the last administration. Forbes reported in Aug. 16, 2019 that soybeans had been selling for $10 per bushel were now selling for $2 per bushel.

Furthermore, dairy farmers, vegetable farmers and fruit farmers in this area depend heavily on migrant farm workers. Yet the previous administration’s policies on immigration hurt these farmers. Our congressman continued to voice his support for these policies even as his constituents were hurting.

Our last two congressmen have refused to hold town-hall style meetings to even listen to the concerns of the people they represent. This is not representative democracy but rather rule by party.

When the commission changes the district, I ask them to please make the district competitive so our representatives have to listen to the concerns of their constituents. Thank you.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

I have always given Paul Lauricella’s letters a pass as they are unintelligible and a source of amusement by so many.

But this fellow has now clearly accused our military of sedition by planting foreign sleeper invaders inside our country. This delusion is clear enough to demand a response.

Step down and stop embarrassing our County with your pedantic rants in the Hub and Batavia press. On your way out apologize to everyone who has, currently does, or is considering participating in the honor that comes with the defense of our country and its sacred dedication to participatory democracy, morality and advancement for all.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

It is time Congressman Jacobs to start the drum beat for the impeachment of illegitimate President Joe Biden. He has violated his oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic by opening our boarders to a million-plus untested illegal invaders stricken with the Covid-19 virus and the Delta variant.

Tell me what American president would not go to the border for 6 months to see what is going on? Maybe one that created the problem on purpose? It is quite obvious. Our borders were secure now they are not.

He is using our military to secretly distribute illegal invaders throughout the entire country with no forewarning or openness to the American people and spreading this pandemic that was under control. Just where are these invaders being placed?

The taxpayers that are paying for this invasion deserve to know. He and Kamala Harris must both be removed from office not only for this but for the too numerous constitutional impeachable offenses in just 6 short months. The totalitarian communist Democratic Party has proven that it is not up to running the country. Only bad things will come from this administration and its purposeful destruction.

Paul Lauricella

Yates

Mr. Lauricella is chairman of the Orleans County Conservative Party

Editor:

August 7th is National Purple Heart Day. The Purple Heart is the oldest medal given to those who have been wounded or killed in combat defending the honor of the U.S. government and its constitution.

This is a solemn distinction of honor. On this day towns and cities pause in recognition of the service and sacrifice of their local sons and daughters. I encourage everyone to listen to soldiers and veterans.

The sacrifices made on the battlefield don’t disappear when the battle is over. The trauma is now part of the person. Many suffer from PTSD and the suicide rate is up to seven times that of civilian population. I know from my own experiences the difficulty of returning to civilian life. (I was awarded the Purple Heart in 1969).

Please take some time this Aug. 7th to remember and honor those who gave their blood for our government.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

In regard to the proposed platform overlooking the Medina waterfalls:

Has anyone answered or addressed the possible ramifications brought about by building such a structure? It sounds great on paper, but here are some questions which could either erase or reaffirm my cynical perspective.

How many different people would utilize it, in its intended way? The same fifty people stopping by 50 times a year does not equate to 2,500 users. And the operative words “in its intended way” is meant to exclude – among other things – the inevitable jungle-gym-climbing enthusiasts who will love the challenge.

Who will clean the bottles, cans and garbage that will undoubtedly litter the once semi-pristine, hard-to-access shoreline below? All generated from the irresponsible whim of degenerates whose lack of self-control will find it obligatory to toss anything not tied down, over the rail simply because they think they are getting away with something. Or am I to assume a security guard will be posted on-duty to prevent such delinquency? I doubt it.

Furthermore, who and where will the paint come from to erase the vulgar graffiti which will surely surface on the structure immediately after completion?

Who will protect canoe and kayak adventurers from debris-throwing vandals? And as an actual victim who was once rolled and robbed while walking the canal path one evening, don’t color me as a pessimistic alarmist.

Who will protect the splendor of the Falls’ solitude in all its natural wonder? Do we really want to lose the appeal of traveling Glenwood Lake up to a remote, isolated waterfalls to a trash-filled chasm with a voyeuristic gawkers looking down from overhead?

What’s next after the balcony scenario? Maybe a McDonald’s alongside of it? Those who come up with ideas like this have good intentions but naivete is often the soul-mate of the idealist – and that narrow vision can quickly manifest into a bitter pill when reality sets in. In essence, I’m not afraid of change, I’m afraid of losing something that’s too good to change. Nature seldom gets an upgrade when mankind attempts to improve it.

Here’s an idea: How about simply clearing a tree or two, if possible, so that the Falls can be better seen from the canal-path?! I’m sure it would cost less, but, better yet, it just might save the Medina Falls from becoming another dumping ground with a creek running through it … with a spectator … or two.

Opposing views welcome. And expected.

Tom Valley

Medina

Editor:

Now that it’s here, the CDC has established that the new Covid variant spreads rapidly and vaccinated people can spread it and it more lethal.

What we now know is that the failure to vaccinate increases the odds of the development of vaccine resistant strains.

If you look at maps of the country about Covid, Orleans stands out in Western New York as a danger zone due to a lower vaccination rate.

Friends, it is time to mask up again.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion