Editor:

This is in response to John Pratt’s allegations posted in the Orleans Hub. He states “I have been deeply disturbed.” If you were deeply disturbed as you say about “instances of women being verbally harassed, degraded, and disrespected by officials, both in the office and in public settings,” why did you not act as is required by law at the time it happened?

Your failure to act to protect the victim, and report the alleged crime, makes you a co-conspirator of your alleged claims of a crime. Why wait till one month before an election?

If you have been a witness to as you claim, “There have been evident breaches of ethics by both current and former leadership, all under the less than watchful eyes of the town’s legal advisors,” why have you not made it public before now? You have been an elected official for the past 4 years. You swore an oath to people of this town, yet it is evidently apparent you failed completely beyond any doubt to do your sworn duty.

Mr. Pratt, why did you violate the town nepotism policy not just once but three separate occasions? According to Town of Shelby meeting minutes, on Feb 15, 2022, you made a motion to give the town clerk (your sister-in-law), a pay raise of $17,000. Not only did you make a motion, you voted to give her a raise.

When that motion was defeated you made another motion at that same meeting to give her a $10,673. Again you voted to give her a raise. When that motion was voted down by the board, at the next meeting on March 10, you again made a motion to introduce resolution 43-22, a proposed $3,000 raise which you again voted in favor of.

You clearly violated the town nepotism policy by not only introducing raises for a close family member, but you also voted on the matter, when protocol clearly dictates you should have excused yourself from voting, let alone not introducing legislation benefiting a close relative.

Why are you so adamantly opposed to a Code of Ethics law which holds elected officials to a higher standard? With everything you are claiming is happening in the Town of Shelby, I as a taxpayer would think you would be the number one proponent of this law (which is required by New York State). However, for some unknown reason you are its number one opponent. Why is that? Is it so you can ensure a close relative benefits from your position on the Board?

Mr. Pratt you were elected to represent the taxpayers of the Town of Shelby. If as you claim, everything happened as you say, then you completely and utterly failed to do your sworn duty as an elected official of the Town of Shelby.

Considering your past inactions, violations of Town Policy, and complete failure to live up to your oath, how can the taxpayers trust your word when you have by your own lack of integrity and actions failed to protect the people you have sworn to serve?

Scott Wengewicz

Supervisor, Town of Shelby

Editor:

My name is Thomas K. O’Hearn. I am 63 years old and have lived in the village and paid village taxes my whole adult life.

I understand that trustee Burgess has resigned his position as he has moved out of the village. I served with the Albion Police Department for 20 years. I have been retired now for over seven years.

To the mayor and village board: I am interested in filling the remainder of trustee Burgess’ term. I also know that former trustees Sidari and Sheehan may also be interested. I believe that any of the three of us have much to offer.

Please consider one of us to fill this position. You will not be disappointed.

Thomas K. O’Hearn, retired lieutenant with Albion Police Department

Albion

Editor:

I have known Darlene Rich her entire life—from her childhood to the raising of her own family with her husband Mike.

She has always been dedicated to any endeavor she has undertaken. When she became Shelby Town Clerk, she worked very diligently to obtain all the education she could to tackle the job successfully and to the best of her ability for our residents.

Darlene has been our Town Clerk for 16 years, and I encourage Shelby’s residents to re-elect her.

Dave Green

Shelby

Editor:

Thank you to the leaders involved in the local events, services, libraries, museums, churches, benevolences and fundraisers in our area.

However the Albion community, in particular, needs to unite and let the public know how they can support and get involved. The key to a more successful event seems to be advertising everywhere, asking for volunteers and joining with other organizations.

It’s disheartening to see happenings after the fact or there is overcrowding of the calendar. Be a proud team, expand together and grow our town into what it once was.

Let us as a community know what we can do.

Cynthia Clute

Albion

Editor:

In the 12 years I served on the Medina Village Board I learned how difficult a job it is and how hard it is to gain the trust of the people you serve.

John Pratt is just such man who has worked diligently for the people of Shelby as a councilman. While he first decided to step aside and not seek reelection he changed his mind for the good of Shelby and has decided on a write-in campaign for Shelby Town Council. He is honest, is fair and was a  pleasure to work with on inner municipal dealings.

In the recent past, John has brought up issues of transparency within the current board, a quick way to lose the trust of the people you serve. He also feels that consultants have ill advised the Town Board on many dealings costing the town time, money and trust.

John feels that the town’s bookkeeping has issues with inconsistencies and withholding information making correct decisions by members of the board difficult. John is also concerned about high water rates from Medina.

I can tell you that no one from Shelby has asked the village to sit down and discuss the rates in over two or three years. John is also concerned by individuals turning a blind eye to a toxic workplace for women. In today’s world, that is unacceptable. Thankfully, John has brought that to the forefront and it can be corrected.

In true transparency let me say that I am not a resident of the town as I live in village but town of Ridgeway nor am I related to anyone holding or running for office. With all the problems facing Shelby, most notably STAMP, a good qualified individual is needed to help on the board.  John is a good man, is honest, hard working and is fair and I believe can help the Town Board as it faces those issues.

I urge the residents of Shelby to write in his name for councilman.

Owen Toale

Medina

Editor:

We, the below signed Shelby Town Board members categorically deny any knowledge of any type of harassment occurring at the Shelby Town Hall.  Any occurrence of this type of activity will be dealt with immediately.

These accusations from current board members appear to be the normal political rhetoric that is usually thrown at the oscillating device to see what sticks. The usual political, watch my left hand…but don’t look at my right.

The taxpayer needs to see what is being accomplished at the town, and for the town, not listen to the political B.S. being spewed. Get involved, come to meetings, see what really is going on, ask to speak with the town supervisor – he will meet with anyone.

Signed,

Scott Wengewicz, Shelby Town Supervisor

Steve Seitz, Town Councilman

Jeffrey  Schiffer, Town Councilman

Editor:

I’m not a very political person but I’ve worked in the Town of Shelby office long enough to know who would be best for these jobs, so I’m asking you to vote Republican this November.

I worked with Dale Root and Scott Wengewicz and know first-hand that they have the town’s best interest at heart and also have a network system that benefits us as a whole.

My cousin, Christine Pask, is running for Town Clerk this year. I feel she will be great at it. She is used to working with the public and is professional, courteous, fair and friendly to everyone. She’s very good with people and is a team player. She has more experience coming into this position than our current clerk did when she started. Chris has some great ideas on how to tighten up office spending along with decreasing accounting discrepancies. Chris’ strong work ethic will be essential as she is up to the challenge!

Remember, this is not a popularity contest. I’ve seen politics bring out the worst in some people. It even divides families! Life is too short for this type of nonsense. Vote Republican!

Respectfully,

Dorothy Nolan

Former Deputy Clerk in Town of Shelby

Editor:

When considering the Shelby Town Board, the heart of the matter lies in open dialogue, informative exchanges, and unwavering respect for all voices. It’s these foundational principles that drive my candidacy.

With a BBA in accounting and over 35 years in finance, serving in key positions as financial analyst and controller across manufacturing and banking, there’s a depth of knowledge I can apply to benefit our community. I’ve picked up practical skills, from budgeting to team collaboration, that I believe will benefit Shelby. This experience translates to sound financial decisions and an eye for ensuring resources are used to their fullest potential.

The value of local government is immeasurable, and the involvement of every resident amplifies its impact. Work sessions historically have provided a platform for these crucial discussions. One of my goals is to revitalize public work sessions, making them a cornerstone of community engagement again.

Town board meetings should be more than decision-making arenas; they should be inclusive spaces where opinions, popular or not, are heard and respected. My commitment extends to fostering this environment, promoting the exchange of essential information, and ensuring the community remains at the forefront of the town board’s decisions.

Medina is more than a location to me; it’s home. My family has been a part of the community for over 100 years. My three sisters and I were born and raised in Medina, children of John and Lorraine Limina, who owned Limina’s Jewelry Store on Main Street for 46 years.

Should Shelby voters choose to support me, know that I will work thoughtfully and diligently. Even though I am a Republican-endorsed candidate I am eager for the opportunity to serve everyone in Shelby. I stand for careful spending and researched decision-making. In our rapidly changing world, staying informed and engaged in local governance is more crucial than ever. Decision-making is not merely about choices; it’s about attention to detail and ensuring these choices best represent the collective insights and needs of the people.

I realize the chance to serve Shelby’s residents as a Town Councilmember is a privilege. I kindly ask for your vote.

Linda Limina

Candidate for Town Council in Shelby

Editor:

My name is Jeff Schiffer. I am currently a Town Councilman for the Town of Shelby. I take great pride in where I live and the people of Shelby.

There has been much discussion concerning the division in the town government. I believe if all members put the good of Shelby first, we can do some amazing things in the future. I will not be drawn into the negative histrionics.

My only concern is the good of Shelby. In closing, I would like to mention that we have a great town supervisor with great vision and is extremely honest. I would appreciate your vote in November.

Thank you,

Jeff Schiffer

Shelby Town Councilman

Editor:

My name is Dale Root and I am the Republican- and Conservative-endorsed incumbent for the Town of Shelby Highway Superintendent position. I will give you some documented facts of what has been accomplished during my first four years in office.

The town of Shelby has 45.9 miles of paved road, and as of this date 25.1 miles of roadway has been repaired and paved, along with 2 miles of reconditioned dirt roads. This includes cold pave, grader pave and chip sealing. We are currently on track with the town’s 5 year plan.

It wasn’t long after I assumed office that the pandemic hit. This resulted in escalating prices for everything as everyone knows. My Department persevered and continued, plowing, fixing roads, repairing water main breaks (of which there has been plenty).

During the pandemic the new truck order was cancelled with the uncertainty of covid. This past summer we were able to order a new plow truck to help bring our aging fleet up to date. Our High Liftfront end loader is on a 3 year lease, which saves the Town expensive repair bills.

We were able to purchase a new mini excavator, which is used routinely to repair water leaks.2 major leaks were recently found and repaired.One was two valves under Oak Orchard Creek, which resulted in substantial savings for the town resulting in no water leaked and less water purchased.

We are continuously testing and flushing water lines to ensure the quality required by state and county guidelines were not only met but exceeded.

This past summer was a banner year. The road crews assisted the village of Medina during their road paving project, in accordance with municipal agreements, enabling the town to obtain excess road millings which were used on town roads, and the town hall side parking lot, saving taxpayers untold tax dollars.

The Town Hall parking lot was milled and repaved. The courtroom was repainted (thank you Job Corps) at no labor expense to the town, and the carpet was replaced bringing our town hall up to date on much needed repairs. More will be accomplished next summer on the exterior.

So, it was a banner year on roads, water savings, shared services with other municipalities, trees cut, and stumps ground. I am proud of the work accomplished by the crew I work with.

In closing, are we better off than 4 years ago? I would say yes. My Democrat-endorsed opponent does not think so. When we work together we can accomplish much and move forward as a department.

I enjoy serving the Town of Shelby and would greatly appreciate your support November 7th for another term.

Thank you,

Dale Root

Shelby