Editor:

Congressman Chris Jacobs is still trying to destroy the rule of law and the basic fabrics of our democracy. This past January Congressman Chris Jacobs voted to disenfranchise millions of voters in Pennsylvania and Arizona even after those states certified their elections as fair and free.

The Buffalo News stated that Mr. Jacobs had joined the “sedition caucus” and that Mr. Jacobs is “cowardly, dishonest and unpatriotic” (1/7/21). This past Thursday Mr. Jacobs voted to allow Stephen K. Bannon to ignore Congressional subpoenas.

The Congressional committee is investigating the Jan 6th insurrection where 140 police officers were injured and there were 5 deaths. We need to know if it was organized and planned; that is the purpose of the congressional investigation that Mr. Jacobs is trying to thwart.

In voting to allow Mr. Bannon to ignore Congressional subpoenas, Mr. Jacobs weakened the system of checks and balances and the rule of law so vital to our democracy. Mr. Jacobs is still working with the “sedition caucus” to destroy our democracy. Mr. Jacobs is still “unpatriotic” as the Buffalo News stated in January.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

I want every taxpayer and citizen to know that I have and will continue to work very hard for each of you. I give this job, Supervisor of the Town of Murray, every ounce of my attention, every bit of my integrity, and hours and hours of my time endeavoring to properly run the business of government.

I take the fiscal management of the Town seriously.

Expenditures of the taxpayer’s money is a balancing act between providing the essential services needed and adding value to the community to improve the lives of every resident while at the same time being conservative and efficient with your tax dollars. By applying conservative spending practices, in 2021 we reduced Murray’s tax rate by 2.1% We just approved our 2022 Preliminary Budget which reflects a reduction in our tax rate of 1.4%. That’s 3.5% of direct tax rate relief plus 1.79% in total levy reduction in my 1^stterm.

To get our Town’s path forward we spent the past year and a half creating a new comprehensive master plan for our town. Purposefully taking our time to get it right because it matters for our future. This was done with professional guidance, a diverse volunteer committee and was inclusive of public opinion. It is nearing completion and adoption. Furthermore, we are reviewing our renewable energy laws to insure we are prepared as a community to address the ever-changing regulations.

We applied for a Farmland Protection Grant and were recently notified that we received the award. Murray’s Farmland Protection Plan will be the first of its kind in the County.

Water loss remains the most critical fiscal issue facing our Town. It’s a difficult and complex issue to correct. Over the last year we have analyzed the financials while the water department has mapped out a strategy to inspect every physical detail of the infrastructure. Together we have worked hard on this and have made significant progress. We are in a better position now, although the problem is not completely solved, but we will not give up. With renewed energy and ideas, we are resolved to find the failures and take corrective action, and to understand the whole.

Sustainable quality health care is the next most imperative financial issue. It is difficult and sensitive but must be addressed to ensure the ability to continue providing stability to our valued employee’s health care needs into their future.

The Fancher Memorial Re-dedication on August 14^th, 2021 was joyous and brought the community together. The celebration honored that period of time; it honored the fallen soldiers; it honored the community that cared enough to build the memorial, and it honored the community now that did something special and meaningful thanks to the forward vision of the Fiorito Family. The event has renewed our commitment to history and our rededication to the principles on which America is founded and created a beautiful welcome to Murray.  https://townofmurray.org/world-war-ii-monument/

I have great hope for the Town of Murray. We started something big together. It takes time to see the results of the enormous effort we have put forth. Let’s continue working together for our future. There are so many opportunities for you to become involved in Murray. Please ask us how you can help!

I humbly ask for your vote.

Joe Sidonio

Town Supervisor

Murray

Editor:

The Yates Republican Committee wholeheartedly supports the Yates Town Board and the Republican endorsed incumbents: Supervisor Jim Simon and Councilmen Harold Suhr and Terry Chaffee, Jr.

The current Yates Town Board is a professional, hard-working and fiscally responsible team serving the town for the right reasons: to provide essential public services with the least impact on the taxpayers; to safeguard the rural agricultural character of our land and the precious resources of the Lyndonville and waterfront residents; and to celebrate our heritage as they look to the future with strategic foresight.

From the updated Comprehensive Plan and the renewable energy biodigester scoping study, to the $2.5 million upgrade of the Town Park and the upcoming celebration of the town’s bicentennial, this town board is to be commended for their noteworthy efforts and accomplishments.

We strongly recommend you vote for Republicans Jim Simon (Supervisor), Harold Suhr (Councilman) and Terry Chaffee, Jr. (Councilman) on November 2nd.  A vote for them is a vote for a bright future for the Town of Yates.

Thank you for your consideration,

The Yates Republican Committee

Lynne Johnson, Roger Wolfe, Russ Martino and Terry Chaffee, Jr.

Yates

Editor:

As we race towards election time I hope voters exercise their rights and get out and vote. That’s how changes are made, for better or worse, change is always imminent.

After the last few elections going horribly wrong and the common goals (in my opinion) being led astray, I’m definitely voting for a difference.

I encourage the voters to shake it up. Maybe the underdog is exactly what your community needs. I’m definitely tired of the “well known” crowds speaking for me. Heck I’ll step outside the “comfort zone” and throw my support to Mr. Lauricella for the Yates Town Board!

It’s time for common sense politics, not following the crowd and taking a bold step towards new leadership that benefits us all. Obviously the ones who currently serve us have forgotten who put them in their positions.

It’s time for dramatic change! However the chips may fall come November, get out and vote! Have a voice and send a message to those who forgot who they serve!

Respectfully,

Stephen Bane Jr.

Lyndonville

Editor:

By this point in election season, most of Ridgeway has seen my name in neighbors’ yards or in the paper, and while I have met many residents, there are still people that do not know me and know why I am running for Ridgeway Town Clerk.

I am Hannah Hill – wife, mom, Ridgeway resident and homeowner. I have lived in Orleans County my whole life and have been a registered Republican and active voter since I turned 18. A few years back, I had the pleasure of working for the Town of Ridgeway as the Second Deputy Clerk under Barb Klatt, as well as being the code enforcement clerk and water clerk. I was regularly required to perform the duties of the Town Clerk and became comfortable in the various offices at the Town Hall, how they work together and how the Clerk’s office supports all other aspects of the Town.

The knowledge I acquired in that position, combined with years in the banking industry and a bachelor’s degree in business management, I feel has prepared me to take on this role with confidence and competence. I am organized and hardworking, and will bring professionalism and initiative to the Town Clerk’s office.

This role is one that requires attention to detail, knowledge, accuracy, and a helpful attitude. I am committed to bringing those qualities to the people of Ridgeway and serving with joy. As the Town Clerk, I will make sure everyone who walks into the Town Hall will be taken care of with efficiency and kindness.

The town’s Republican Committee endorsement, support from many within the Town Hall, and the Primary Election results show that there are numerous others who believe I would be a great asset to the Town. I am so grateful for all the support and encouragement I have received so far, and I ask for your continued support and for your vote on Tuesday. I would be honored to be your next Town Clerk.

Sincerely,

Hannah Hill

Ridgeway

Editor:

To my friends, neighbors, and fellow residents of the Town of Barre. My wife Diane and I moved here in 1985. Our home was a wonderful place to raise our kids, build our business, and enjoy the wonderful country and farming environment.

Since we moved here there were two tries to build a landfill and one attempt at a giant professional go-cart track, all of which were fought to defeat by farmers and residents. Now we are faced with the installation of 33 skyscrapers in Barre.

The wind turbines proposed here are reported to be between 650 and 680 feet tall, although no one seems to know for sure how tall they will really be when they are installed. The Five Star Bank building where I broadcast from in Rochester is 284 feet tall, at 21 stories and you can see that building from 20 miles out.

I asked if any of the Barre Town Board members have actually seen one of these turbines up close and the answer was no. I asked where specifically they would be placed, which brand of turbine would be used, and what monthly or yearly maintenance would need to be performed on the turbines and no one could answer my questions specifically.

I do not have confidence in the Town Board to negotiate and pass on to the residents of Barre the benefits which would make this project a good thing for all of us. Most of us can’t envision a 680’ tall structure unless we see it, and unless I’m wrong, none of the board members has gone to Texas to see the only one reported to exist which is that tall in all of the United States.

For the landowners with leases, it’s all about the money, I get that, but for the rest of us it’s all about preserving the lives we have built here and protecting the land, the view, and the peaceful nature of our town and no amount of money is worth destroying that.

There is no turning back from this project. Once it’s up and running, and has ruined the town of Barre, and your property values have tanked, there will be nothing you can do. Ask yourself, as you enter the town hall to vote next Tuesday: are 33 of these 680-foot tall skyscrapers the best for all of the residents of the Town of Barre, New York?

Win, lose or draw, elections have consequences.

All my best,

Jim Salmon

Barre

Editor:

In 2014, voters made their opposition to gerrymandering clear when they voted to authorize the Independent Redistricting Commission to work in a bipartisan fashion to draw maps for our state’s elections, so they were fair and a better reflection of real communities.

This year, however, ballot proposals 1, 3, and 4 jeopardize the hard-fought wins New Yorkers have achieved in regard to redistricting and election integrity, and could help the Majority retain one-party rule for years to come using partisan maps.

Ballot proposal 1 is complex, perhaps by design, and removes a requirement that maps approved by the Independent Redistricting Commission receive an approval vote from a member appointed by each leader of the Legislature, both in the Majority and the Minority. This requirement was implemented intentionally to ensure each party would have meaningful input in the drafting of electoral maps in New York. If proposal 1 passes, there will be nothing stopping the Majority from passing maps through the commission that are designed to protect their own power, and unfairly disenfranchises their political adversaries.

Proposal 1 also removes a requirement that in the event the commission does not vote in favor of a map, that any map then approved by the Legislature be accepted by a two-third majority vote, as that threshold would be lowered to just 60%. This will make it even easier for the Majority to push through self-serving maps in the event they feel the commission’s maps, drafted and voted upon by their appointees, do not do enough to help them electorally. This is another step this proposal takes to weaken the commission and eradicate meaningful bipartisanship from the redistricting process, all to the benefit of the ruling legislative party.

While proponents of ballot proposals 3 and 4 argue they will bolster our democracy, I believe these measures open the door for the abuse of our electoral process and could reduce the faith people have in the integrity of our elections. We’ve seen how mail-in voting can throw elections into disarray last year, when thousands of votes were left uncounted during New York City’s primary elections and when the congressional election held in the 22nd District was left to be resolved in the courts months after voting day.

When combined with same-day voter registration, our local boards of election will be overwhelmed with documents to process and verify, and could have a lesser ability to properly scrutinize them for fraud and inaccuracy. Newly-registered voters will also be allowed to vote on machines rather than through affidavit, which would make it near impossible to disqualify the votes of those found to be ineligible to.

While some of these proposals may sound well-intentioned, I am greatly concerned about the effect they would have on our electoral process and our ability to maintain its integrity. Following a year in which many people have come to question their trust in our basic institutions, we should not be seeking to advance measures that open the door to gerrymandering and foul play.

Do your part to defend our elections by flipping over your ballots this November and voting no on ballot proposals 1, 3, and 4.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Batavia

(Assemblyman Hawley represents the 139th District, which consists of Genesee, most of Orleans and parts of Monroe County.)

Editor:

It was stated in an earlier letter for the residents of Barre not to support one-issue candidates that oppose turbines. I guess voting for one-issue candidates that are family members to leaseholders is OK.

The town board, planning board, and zoning board are currently stacked with conflicted members that have pushed through the wind project with disregard to proper procedure and ethics.

Town law was crafted to benefit the wind company and still when the application was filed there was nine issues that conflicted with town law and the board decided not to challenge. The PILOT agreement failed to include the Barre fire district which is a taxing entity within the town.

It was mentioned that the project would enhance Barre. How exactly does 700-foot industrial turbines with bases over 60 feet in diameter do that? As for lower taxes, the board has been very vague on the issue.

Please remember your vote is secret. If you have been misled into signing “good neighbor agreements” this does not “buy” your vote, which is illegal.

Tom Chandler

Barre

Editor:

To the voters of the Town of Murray, I ask that you consider writing me in for Town Supervisor.

I have attended many Town Board meetings and have observed a disfunctional and non-productive process. The Town’s accountant reported that all the Town’s water districts are heading into insolvency. The water losses are about $220 per day, the Town says they’re working on it and have been for the last two years.

Employee compensation, work responsibilities, code enforcement, and proposed zoning changes are issues that have languished. This is not good enough, everyone will pay for this mismanagement. I’m not blaming any one person, but there needs to be some consensus building to resolve the issues facing the town.

I have over 25 years of municipal government experience. I have always done my job despite adversity and pressures. I have overseen large construction projects, written legislation and worked with diverse groups. Elected officials are there to do the people’s work, not to fight. I can build the support to move the town forward.

If you inclined to make a change please write in Ron Vendetti in the space at the bottom of the ballot below the Supervisor line.

Thank you,

Ron Vendetti

Murray

Editor:

“It’s their land, let them do what they want,” is frequently quoted by some bloggers who believe 700’ tall wind turbines and acres upon acres of solar panels should be allowed anywhere and everywhere.

However, fortunately, we live in a society where one is not always allowed to do exactly as they choose…we do, after all, live in a society which abounds with rules and laws meant to protect the health and welfare of the public as well as the environment around us.

Indulge me for the moment as I play upon your imagination. Suppose that I decide to erect a 700’ tall skyscraper on my own land. If there were no rules or laws to follow, I could put up said skyscraper in any fashion I choose, in any spot on my land I choose, and build it in my own way – even with my limited knowledge of building.

Without laws or rules, I could put any number of renters within my structure, any type of roadway, or any type of sewage system (or not) within my building. Let us go further and imagine that I could simply draw my skyscraper and even build it myself – out of nothing more than all the trees that surround me and even side it with scraps from a local dump. After all, it is my land, my dream, my money, and my belief that I will become a millionaire. Regardless of how silly this seems, it is, after-all, “my land” and “my right.”

In reality, I have often thought about different ways that I could make money from being a landowner, but not without first thinking about what the zoning laws, ordinances, and the public would think about my insane ideas. Obviously, my neighbors would be a tad bit upset if I built a 700’ tall skyscraper right next to their home – especially, if there was that chance of it falling over and killing them in their bed. The town would be unwavering to sue me if my skyscraper caught fire and burned the entire town down.

What if I blasted through bedrock as I put my mammoth foundation in and shrugged my shoulders at the destroyed wells, fractured basement walls, or broke a gas well which spews toxic gas into the air? How angry would my neighbors be? What if my heavy equipment ruined roads and the townspeople had to pay for it? What if my building meant that the surrounding towns would be on the hook to pay for the reconstruction and movement of roadways and infrastructure? What if my town was on the hook to pay for my mess should I up and walk away from it all, because I decided to move on?

There are laws and rules in place to protect the health and welfare of our society and our surrounding environment. How much worse would it be if there were laws in place, but I manipulated my town into letting me do what I want by waving a few dollars in the various boards’ faces?

It is vital to protect the health of the public, to preserve the happiness of our neighbors, to protect our natural habitats, and remember that our wildlife needs a voice – who will speak for the trees and for the fowl of the air?

In conclusion, just because it is my land, your land, their land, does not give license to do as one pleases. It is not a right to disrupt the happiness of neighbors, take away their ability to use their own land, cause construction or environmental issues, destroy hundreds of acres of wild habitat, disrupt and kill hundreds of disappearing birds and bats, give rise to the possibility of causing adverse health and welfare effects to those within a town, or cause an entire area to end up financially responsible for my mess. It is not a right to do these things so that one could “possibly” make a quick buck.

Kindly stop using the line, “It’s their land, let them do what they want,” because what “they” want could cost you and your neighbors very dearly – in health, happiness, environmentally, and financially.

Respectfully,

Cindy Burnside – Solid Rock Farms

Barre

Editor:

As the current Deputy Town Clerk for the Town of Ridgeway, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for those who have continued to support me as I run for Town Clerk.

I am in my third year of service as first Deputy and have learned to perform many of the duties required of a Town Clerk. I have had the privilege of learning directly from Town Clerk, Karen Kaiser, and have attended numerous trainings to further my education and continue learning the numerous tasks that are required in this position.

I am up to date on the many changes that have occurred in this office from the systems used, ongoing projects, and regulations required due to Covid.

I have lived in Ridgeway my entire life and was honored to be able to serve the community that I love. I have been a dedicated, registered Republican and have received the endorsement from the Conservative Party as I am committed to upholding the Constitution and believe strongly in all of its values.

While I have not had the privilege of serving in a public position before and my name may not be as well known as others, I have been honored to serve the residents of Ridgeway in the Town Clerk’s office and hope to continue doing so.

I believe that my knowledge, experience and dedication will provide the highest level of service for Ridgeway and I will continue serving the residents with honesty and respect. I am also running on an Independent line, Laurie Kilburn for the People of Ridgeway.  I ask for your continued support by voting for me on November 2nd.

Sincerely,

Laurie Kilburn

Ridgeway Deputy Town Clerk

Editor:

Over the past 3 years, I have had issues with crosswalk problems. Meaning numerous times, I have almost been struck in the crosswalk, in two areas – North Main Street, East State Street, on the Post Office side and South Main Street and Rt. 31 Crosby’s side.

As of writing this, it happened again on Oct. 19. Drivers need to be aware of people crossing. Once a car came within 12 inches or less – it almost struck me.

Everyone needs to be cautious, paying attention around them. Some drivers think that they are the only ones out there. So please folks, be careful, look, drive smartly. It’s your life that can be saved.

Craig Chamberlain

Albion

In the Beginning

By Darlene Benton 

“In the beginning was the word..” (John 1:1)  Without language, human beings begin life with pure potential, little angels open to their new world. How humans manifest their potential, their unique, souled being, all begins with words.

From our beginning in the womb, the words and thoughts of the mother, the people in the midst of the mother, also begin the process of the development of “Who Am I?” All thoughts create form. Thoughts, words and actions hold energy, they create one’s experience in and of the world.

As science has caught up with what sages, prophets and healers through history have known, it has proven with electromagnetic imaging, thoughts and stimuli create an energetic impulse in every tissue and organ in the body. As a bodyworker working with numerous modalities, I have witnessed what many teachers impressed on me; “Our issues are in our tissues.”

With the overwhelming array of media nowadays, we are not just reading ideas in books and newspapers, we are being spoken to by voices, colorful images, videography and sound effects. As humans, we are born as sponges soaking up the energy of our surroundings. It’s no wonder people are experiencing such pain in their physical and mental being.

Words and images have become such a profound aspect of who we are, from birth, we aren’t aware of who we truly are. Every thought, word and action in our daily life is the result of the words we have been exposed to since conception. Joy, fear, guilt, love, anger; each of our emotions triggered in any experience, have been taught to us since conception. Like a computer, garbage in, garbage out.

Maybe examining how words have shaped our separation from one another instead of bonding us with our fellow humans might be a helpful observation. Listening more than we speak will give us an interesting new perspective. Are the words we hear in our heads, spoken by our mouth or others’ mouths, words to help humanity be as one, or are they words that separate us?

Listen from the heart instead of the mind as if you have no head. See how this feels. Judgment and confusion originate in the mind; from our hearts, love and compassion.

Darlene Benton is the director of Paradise Healing Arts in Albion.

Editor:

An interesting choice awaits voters in Barre on Nov. 2nd: Jerry Solazzo is running for Town Supervisor on a platform of improving the quality of life for all Barre residents and property owners.

A longtime and full-time resident of Barre, this retired school teacher with two Masters degrees and a Doctorate Degree in Natural Health, is also down-to-earth and cares for the health and wellbeing of his neighbors in this town.

He recognizes the damage done to residents’ relationships with one another by recent controversies, and feels it is time to bring healing, fairness and civility back to public life. As Supervisor, he will look beyond wind turbines to the many other important issues that face Barre now, and make the most of the opportunities that are presenting themselves to rural communities today.

People are moving out of urban areas seeking healthier places where their local officials are reasonable and reliable, intelligent and forward looking. Solazzo is all of these.

Furthermore, he is not beholden to any faction in Barre, and will use his gifts to restore professionalism and fairness to the functioning of town government.

For Barre’s sake, I hope her voters will choose Jerry Solazzo as their next Town Supervisor.

Andrea Rebeck

Barre, NY and Nashua, NH

Editor:

From the groundbreaking for our town park upgrade to the upcoming celebration of our town’s 200th anniversary – The Yates Town Board is grateful for the opportunity to serve our community.

On Monday, we broke ground on the $2.531 Million Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Town Park Project. We expect the work to be completed by the summer of 2022.

The project will include a large pavilion with public restrooms, a playground, a kayak launch, a sightseeing pier, and a handicap accessible walking path. The funding for the park upgrade came from a NY State grant, a Lyndonville Area Foundation grant, and some in-kind service work provided by our town highway department.

We are completing our third year of what should be the final year of our efforts to remediate the general town-wide negative reserve fund. Some of the negative reserve was inherited, and some of it was a result of fighting Apex Clean Energy and increases in the fire and ambulance budgets.  While we did raise taxes above the tax cap in 2021, we remained below the 2% tax cap in the previous 4 years and are proposing a budget for 2022 that is below the tax cap.

Through fiscal belt-tightening as well as challenging but fair and earnest negotiations with Town Department Heads, the Lyndonville Fire Company, and the Yates Highway union members, we are very pleased with the recognition of our strong financial forecast as identified by the September 2021 S&P Global Rating of “Stable, A-”.

Our strategic planning efforts are a high priority of our Town Board.  We completed the Yates-Ridgeway-Shelby-Medina-Lyndonville Comprehensive Plan; are nearing completion on Yates-Carlton-Kendall-Lyndonville Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP); and are looking forward to partnering on a deeper level with the highway and fire departments to ensure appropriate equipment, training and support for the future is planned and budgeted for by developing long term, fiscally responsible goals and action steps to enhance the safety of our community and the employees and volunteers.

Promising economic development initiatives include the opening of Niagara Specialty Foods, a new Mennonite Market Store breaking ground on Route 18, and a recently completed scoping study with the Town of Somerset to explore manure bio-digester renewable energy options for local dairy farmers.

We will continue to fight the state’s efforts to try to eliminate our town’s NYS constitutional right to home rule when it comes to approving, taxing, and siting industrial renewable energy projects.  We most recently enjoined a lawsuit (with no cost to town taxpayers) against the Office of Renewable Energy Siting regarding dictatorial laws and regulations.

Finally, we are very excited that the 200th Anniversary planning committee is in the final stages of producing a plan for the 2022 anniversary year to include: a July “Family Fair” during the July 4th weekend with historical artifacts displayed in the town hall; an August “Harvest Fair” with live music, period children’s games, and locally harvested foods; and a September “Grand Finale Lake Fair” featuring the ribbon cutting of the town park with a formal ceremony followed by live music, birthday cake, and more!

We hope to continue to faithfully serve the Town of Yates.

Please vote for Jim Simon (Supervisor), Harold Suhr (Councilman) and Terry Chaffee, Jr. (Councilman) on November 2nd.

Very Respectfully,

Supervisor Jim Simon

Councilmembers Harold Suhr, Terry Chaffee, Jr., John Riggi and Susan Hrovat