Editor:

Fireworks were launched into the sky and state landmarks lit up in blue and gold to celebrate the high rate of vaccinations against Covid-19 and the accompanying removal of most restrictions.

Hold on. What are we celebrating? Are we really cheering about His Majesty, King Cuomo, returning the freedoms he stole from us by the grace of his generosity? While it’s fantastic that infection and death rates are plummeting, we need to remember that the tyrannical restrictions put in place needlessly destroyed thousands of livelihoods and should never have been ordered in the first place.

King Cuomo had no right to tell any of us whether our jobs were essential or decide who was allowed to work – all jobs are essential. He likewise had no right to force businesses to close or put the entire state in lockdown. Even if he did, the science is clear: these measures didn’t work! Masks don’t work, lockdowns don’t work, social distancing doesn’t work – none of it works!

Cuomo himself reported last summer that most new infections in New York City afflicted those who stayed home, not people who continued to work outside their dwellings.

Let’s not forget that Cuomo also caused the deaths of elderly nursing home residents by forcing infected patients upon them, then tried to hide what he did by fudging the numbers.

Let’s also not forget that we can’t blame Cuomo 100 percent for these travesties;  Democractic and Republican lawmakers in Albany, including Colin Schmitt, Jonathan Jacobson, James Skoufis, and Karl Brabenec, held hands and abdicated their responsibility to legislate by giving Cuomo unlimited powers to handle the Covid crisis however he saw fit. They too, are responsible.

Our celebration of the removal of restrictions that should never have been put into place by the man who enacted them is frankly absurd.

We should be relieved that we can get back to normal, but I’ll celebrate when that parasitic tyrant Andrew Cuomo is booted from his throne.

Chase Tkach

Carlton

Chair of the Libertarian Party of Orleans County

Editor:

My name is Randy Bower, current Murray Town Councilman and retired Sheriff of Orleans County. During my lifetime, I have had the great fortune to serve the very community I live in and have loved my entire life. Taught to me by my parents at an early age, I have always been active and  involved in our community.

As Sheriff of Orleans County, I was in charge of an 8-plus million dollar budget, and had over 100 employees report to me. I set goals for all divisions: criminal, corrections, dispatch, civil and animal control. By surrounding myself with a great team, we met every goal within two years, as well as securing many grants, which offset our tax dollars.

I will bring this same commitment and team approach to my hometown. I will implement an atmosphere of support and vision that differs from what we have now.

As your Supervisor, I will first and foremost, run our board and work meetings professionally and with the best interest of our community as a priority.

I am competent, considerate, compassionate, honest and I treat people with respect and dignity.

I have had the opportunity to form great working relationships with our local, state, and federal partners over the last 34 years. Relationships that can only enhance my ability to serve this great town.

As your Supervisor, I will set goals with the community and town board while executing our objectives with fiscal responsibility.

One of my greatest attributes is the ability to motivate others to work toward a common goal, and that goal is to make the Town of Murray, our home, the very best it can be.

Thank you to all the town employees for your service and dedication to our town. Your love of this town is evident. Our town is successful because of you.

To all Republican voters, I ask for your support on election day. This Tuesday, June 22, polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Thank you so much for your confidence in me.

Sincerely,

Randy Bower

Murray

Editor:

It seems that some clarification of the endorsement process is needed, specifically in regards to the Town’s upcoming Primary for two Town Councilman seats.

On January 6, 2021, at a meeting following interviews to fill a vacant committee seat, a discussion was held on placing ads for the upcoming 2021 elections for Supervisor and two Councilman. In further discussion it was mutually agreed that if we did not receive any letters of interest, other than the current incumbents, we would hold a vote online considering the on-going Covid 19 restrictions. If other letters of interest were received, we would hold an in person meeting to interview all candidates.

During the weeks of January 10 and January 17, 2021, ads were published in both the Lake Country Pennysaver (free circulation to every residence) and the Orleans Hub front page, left side column (available to anyone with internet access).  It clearly stated to all Town of Shelby Republicans: “The following town positions are up for election in 2021: Supervisor, (2) Councilmen.”

The email address for the Committee’s Secretary and my personal cell phone number were listed in the ad with a deadline “No later than 1/21/21”.  It further stated that incumbent candidates may also interview for endorsement.

During this period I received letters of interest from incumbents Jeff Smith, Bill Bacon and Steve Seitz.

On January 22, 2021, I checked with the Town Committee Secretary and he stated he had not received any email correspondence of interest for any of the 3 positions. I told the committee I would hold off for one week, to 1/25/21, before proceeding in case someone had mailed their letter of interest and it was postmarked by 1/21. However, no such correspondence was received. I did not receive any phone calls.

On February 2, 2021 the Committee was still in agreement to forgo interviews with the incumbents and with no additional interest shown from residents of the Town of Shelby, an online vote was taken on February 3, 2021 and voting in the affirmative was unanimous to endorse Jeff Smith for Supervisor, Bill Bacon and Steve Seitz for Councilmen. No votes to the contrary or abstentions were made.

The endorsed names were submitted to the County Committee and petitions were prepared for signatures by the registered Republican residents of the Town of Shelby between March 2-15.

It was not until after March 23rd that I was notified of an additional person running for Councilman so we would be having a Town Primary on June 22.

The Letter to the Editor that I wrote on behalf of the Committee was restating the results of the vote on February 3, 2021. There is no conspiracy theory here. If a town resident doesn’t like the direction the town is taking, they need to speak up. Attend Board meetings, meet deadline dates to get the opportunity to be involved.

If you don’t know what a deadline date might be, you may submit your name to the Town Republican Committee to serve as a committee person or you may call the Orleans County Board of Elections office in Albion for additional information.

Pat Eick, Chairman

Town of Shelby Republican Committee

Editor:

In the old days we called it the “Good Old Boys Club.” Today we call it the “Team.” The “Team” does work well together … But, what do they work well on?

We experienced “Team Murray” under the previous administration and what did that get us? A continued 50% water loss paid for by a hidden tax.

We have also experienced the “Team First” approach. The “Team” amended the Town’s benefits package to unlawfully provide financial compensation to an outgoing “Team Official” on the eve of his departure. Fortunately, Mr. Sidonio at his first meeting brought it to light and prohibited that “team first” action.

Joe includes every citizen equally and fairly. Joe encourages and welcomes public comment which is a fundamental basis for his platform.

Isn’t it strange under the “Team” approach there was rarely a dissenting opinion or vote? Do we want a town board that is always in agreement? A healthy town meeting has discussion and debate and in the open. In this small town every voice is important.

If the “Team” works so well together, what have they really accomplished? Why is the “Team” opposed to monthly work meetings? Did the “Team” work to reduce taxes, were they the driving force all these years to address the water loss or refinance the district debt? What contributions are they making to the Fancher War Memorial restoration and rededication? Or are they simply riding the back of Supervisor Sidonio’s hours and hours of hard work to claim victory for their “Team”?

It’s obvious to me that Supervisor Sidonio is working very hard to improve our Town.

I suggest the “Team” get on board. The train left the station and the days of old are long gone.

Brian Fauci

Murray

Editor:

It is not hyperbolic to say Republicans are a danger to our democracy. Republicans have undercut the rule of law, refused to recognize separation of powers and undercut our free and fair elections.

Republicans used the Department of Justice to go after people they perceive as enemies, targeting people who sought oversight and accountability. After the Mueller Report, Republicans went after the Intelligence Community, and refused to hear any testimony or see any documents pertaining to Russian interference in the 2016 election. Even after the Republican-controlled Senate Intelligence Committee concluded that the Intelligence Community acted in good faith, they rejected their responsibility of oversight.

Republicans refused to hear testimony about the former President’s involvement in bribing a foreign government thus undercutting U.S. commitment to support democracy. Republicans refused to hold the former President accountable for inciting an insurrection and overthrow of the U.S. democracy.

Republicans refuse to create an independent commission to investigate the Jan. 6 insurrection. Republicans supported the previous administration’s refusal to appear before the House of Representatives to answer questions, even when subpoenaed, undercutting the separation of powers.

Republicans want to restrict voting and allow their appointed people to disenfranchise votes that they don’t like. (Texas and other states are passing laws to allow judges to throw out votes if they believe there is fraud). These voter restrictive laws are based on the lie of massive voter fraud, that somehow ballots were secretly flow in from Asia with bamboo, or that Italy somehow changed votes by satellites. Apparently any crazy-nut theory will do for Republicans to try a recount to achieve the ends they want.

It is not hyperbolic to say Republicans want to destroy the rule of law, abolish the separation of powers and undercut free and fair elections. It is not hyperbolic to say they are a danger to our democracy.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

In response to the Shelby Republican committee letter to the editor on the Orleans Hub, as a voting Shelby Republican Committee member my name was listed on the endorsed candidate letter without my knowledge.

The lack of transparency among the committee was purposefully done to confuse voters. I tried to stay neutral as part of my committeemen duties, however, this last ditch tactic is not right and is certainly unacceptable.

Let the record be clear, I fully support my brother Eddie Zelazny, for Town of Shelby Councilman. Period. 100%. He brings the kind of commitment, fairness, and trust we need in Town government.

I know for a fact that Eddie will look out for the best interests of the Town every day. He’s the kind of man who makes a deal with a handshake and honors it. He’s the kind of person who despises backroom negotiations. He’s the type of individual who has the guts to say you’re just putting lipstick on a pig. This is exactly what we’ve been missing in Town, someone who represents us and someone who brings our voice to the forefront.

This “fake news” letter was intended to make you think, that I was not behind Eddie. You see the signs in Town, you can’t miss them, and clearly I support him! Truth be told, Eddie contacted the Shelby Republican Secretary and inquired about getting his name on the ballot. It was then stated that it was past the deadline and he could not be in the primary. Complete and utter lie. He is proudly on the ballot as a lifelong Republican. You will see his name and I encourage you to vote for him. Kind of sounds familiar, like the when the Establishment tried to stop President Trump, doesn’t it?

My brother Eddie, or any other person, has the right to run for a public position. No individual should be deterred or misled this way from any town committee. The Establishment doesn’t get to dictate our voice, politicians work for us!

Town committee members need to speak up and condemn this type of action.

James Zelazny

Town of Shelby Republican Committee member

Editor:

This coming December 28th, I will have lived in the town of Murray 79 years. That is really a long time. I started taking interest in politics when my good friend and neighbor, Reed Beebe, was the zoning offer around 1969 (some 52 years ago).

Mr. Beebe was a very fair person and worked hard to accommodate everybody so they could get into business without becoming a burden to other people in the town.

I remember my cousin Tom DePalma being supervisor, followed by my cousin James Piedimonte. They worked very hard to keep taxes down. I believe we paid around $2.00 per thousand. I also served on the planning board for 24 years from September 1990 to 2014. We all worked very hard for the people in the town, trying to make the town a better place to live for everybody.

A couple years ago, Joe Sidonio made a decision to run for Supervisor, promising to lower taxes and he did (1.6%); get to the bottom of these water leaks and he did and reduced costs to the taxpayer every place that he could, and he did. Many of these savings are not only for one year but many years to come.

We are pleased and I feel blessed to have Joe. First – he is accountable; Number two – he is a successful businessman, and the town is a business and needs a successful businessman at the head.

I have talked to Joe and as soon as he gets the rest of the loose ends repaired, he will go ahead with the other things that would help the town – like help the people to get free of drug and alcohol addictions; work with tourism to being more money in the town to help the businesses and generate money to relieve the tax burden.

I could go on and on with all the things he is thinking of but I would simply like to end saying – in the 52 years of being around politics in the town of Murray, I have never seen a man work so hard to accomplish so much in a year and one half than Mr. Sidonio.

We are blessed to have him. So please get out and vote for him June 22. By the way, if you get a chance, give him a call at the town of Murray buildings and let him know how glad and thankful he is on your team (585-638-6570). He would love to hear from you.

Thank you.

David Piedmonte

Murray

Editor:

Western New York is home to an incredible amount of agriculture. In fact, in 2017, NY-27 ranked the number one congressional district in the entire state for agricultural sales. An impressive achievement, one that makes me proud to represent our farmers on the House Agriculture Committee in Congress.

As many of you may know, June is National Dairy Month. A month dedicated to recognizing the importance of dairy to our culture, our economy, and our health. Let’s start with some statistics. In 2017, NY-27 alone accounted for $538,665,000 in milk sales produced from over 280,000 cows, second in the entire state. New York consistently ranks in the top five dairy-producing states in the entire country as well.

Not only is dairy a regional economic cornerstone, it’s part of our culture. Our region has been built by generation after generation of family farms working tirelessly to provide nutritious dairy products. Towns across our region celebrate dairy farmers every year; we hold parades and festivals, farmers markets are flooded with delicious products, and schools routinely bring children to dairy farms to learn more.

It is not enough to solely celebrate this industry as part of our heritage – we need to ensure it is a thriving part of our future. For you, that means buying local dairy products whenever possible to support our great family farms. This not only helps farmers, but it also helps the countless small businesses that collaborate with producers to make exciting new products.

I also understand that this is not a one-sided effort; that is why I have prioritized supporting dairy farmers, especially with my role on the Agriculture Committee. In Congress, I have called for action to compel Canada to uphold dairy market expansion provisions included in the USMCA. Just last month the new U.S. Trade Representative acted on this request to start a formal process to challenge Canada’s dairy tariff rate quota program, which has hurt exports of American dairy products to Canada. Enforcement efforts like this will provide new opportunities for our dairy farmers to thrive.

I have also been working tirelessly to increase broadband access. As recently as 2017, 21% of farmers in our region did have reliable internet access. As operations become more advanced, lack of internet access will be a major barrier to increased success. As such, I recently cosponsored the Broadband for Rural America Act to target funds directly to hardest-to-reach rural communities.

Finally, dairy farming only survives if there is an eager and well-trained new generation to carry the torch. I am a strong supporter of programs to get our children more engaged in a career in agriculture. I believe we need more programs to develop interest and show our young adults there is an exciting and fulfilling career in farming.

Dairy Month gives us a chance each year to celebrate dairy farming at the forefront, but the fact is this industry supports our region and our families year-round, especially this past year. Say thanks this year by buying some extra milk, cheese, ice cream, or any of your other favorite dairy products!

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27)

Orchard Park

Editor:

Primary season is here, a very important time for registered Republicans from the Town of Shelby. Please take some time from busy schedules to vote. Voting may be done early or on primary day, June 22.

Since 2018 the Town of Shelby Board has seen the passing of Councilmen Stalker and Schaal, and the resignation of Supervisor Houseknecht. We lost their experience, knowledge of town operations, and their dedicated service.

Current councilmen, William Bacon and Stephen Seitz, have been encouraging me from my first day on the Shelby Town Board. Their knowledge, experience and encouragement were a tremendous help as I moved from councilman, to deputy supervisor, and then supervisor in a little over two years.

The Covid crisis was a real test of all the town council members. Councilmen Bacon and Seitz were a helpful, guiding force during the troubles of the past year.

Councilmen Bacon and Seitz are key members of a Town Board that is dealing with numerous proposed projects in Shelby such as solar, wind, town-wide broadband, and a pedestrian bridge over Oak Orchard Creek. The next year will bring many decisions about how to use the federal stimulus funds.

Please return them to the Shelby Town Board. We need their experience and dedication.

Jeff Smith

Shelby Town Supervisor

Editor:

I am very encouraged that this election cycle, in particular, this year’s Primary Race for Carlton Town Clerk, has voters taking the initiative to become as informed as possible in regards to the two candidates and why this Primary is necessary.

As chairman of the Carlton Republican Committee, I would like to offer some insight as to why we, the Committee, endorsed the incumbent, Karen Narburgh.

To paraphrase McKinney’s Town Law §30, the basic job description for a Town Clerk is to be:

• Custodian of all Town Records, including, but not limited to all meeting minutes, the Ordinance Book, and deeds of conveyances

• Receiver of all monies due the Town (taxes, water bills, etc.)

• Maintainer of the Town’s signboard for legal postings

• Issuer of licenses and permits

In addition to the above, Karen has proven countless times, the actual job description should also include:

• A genuine desire to see that the Town is managed in a positive manner for growth

• Taking pride in being a customer service professional by knowing the residents and landowners

• Being attentive to the resident’s needs and having the ability to resolve issues at the basic level, in a timely fashion, often immediately

• Commitment to being available, whether herself personally or her staff, at any time day, night, or weekend as events arise

• Having the ability to recall prior situations and their outcomes in order to maintain continuity

• Demonstrating knowledge in the various, current programs, and being able to coordinate with each (REDI, LWRP’S, Solar, Wind)

• Being an effective liaison between the Town Board and sub-set boards and positions (Planning, Zoning, Highway and Water Depts., Assessor, Courts)

• Professionally able to work with outside contractors and consultants to better maintain Town assets

These attributes are not ones we are born with. They are developed over time and honed in with dedication, determination, and experience. The Town of Carlton and Karen have committed a lot of time, effort, and resources to give the residents of Carlton a Town Clerk to be proud of.

There is no hidden agenda as to why the Carlton Republican Committee made Karen our endorsed candidate. We, as a Committee, are charged with the duty of putting forward the best and most qualified candidates to serve the Town’s best interests.

That, is in fact, what this position is all about, public service to the community, of which Karen has excelled at.

Respectfully submitted,

John Fitzak

Carlton

Editor:

My name is Laurie Kilburn and I’m currently the Deputy Town Clerk for the Town of Ridgeway. Karen Kaiser, the current Town Clerk, is retiring at the end of this year and therefore I am running for the office of Town Clerk.  I am a lifelong resident of Ridgeway, a dedicated Republican, and have been endorsed by the Conservative Party.

I have been Deputy Town Clerk for over two years and have had the privilege of receiving hands-on training from the Town Clerk. During this time, I’ve learned many duties of the Town Clerk’s office including processing dog licenses, issuing birth, death and marriage licenses, using the DEC system to issue hunting and fishing licenses, records management, tax collection, time keeping and payroll. I’ve also had the opportunity to learn duties that are not performed on a daily basis such as how water districts are formed as well as creating and maintaining cemetery documentation.

I continually focus on my career by attending trainings via webinars and have had the opportunity to attend the NYS Town Clerk’s Conference during my first year as Deputy Town Clerk. Although there is always more to learn, I believe I have the experience and dedication needed to make a smooth transition during the change in office.

I’m asking for the voter’s support on Primary Day, Tuesday, June 22nd.

I will work to make the transition as smooth as possible by serving you with honesty, dedication and respect. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Laurie Kilburn

Ridgeway

Deputy Town Clerk

Editor:

This is not a letter I wanted to write, but I feel that it is important to set the record straight. In true fashion, I am telling it like it is. It is interesting that Murray Town Supervisor Joe Sidonio chooses this moment in time to finally thank the Highway and Water crew.

Dennis Mandigo and myself took over as Highway and Water Superintendents when Ed Morgan retired last year. It would have been nice to have had the Supervisor’s support at any time last year, when it was needed.

The same Highway & Water crew he praised in his letter is the same crew that he belittled all of last year. When the Water crew found a significant leak under Ridge Road in September, Supervisor Sidonio felt the need to take their pipe and have it analyzed, presumably to verify that it was legitimate and not a fake.

During our time as Highway & Water Superintendents last year, Dennis Mandigo and myself saved $180,000 of our Highway Budget, therefore reducing budget spending. The long-term debt was a refinancing of the water districts brought to the Town Board by our previous accountant, Bob Fox.

The discretionary highway spending of $92,000 is still in the budget for the highway to spend, it was simply moved to the General Fund. We do not have live streaming, but did had Zoom meetings, which was a necessity brought on by Covid-19.

The Fancher War Memorial is being restored, thanks to the request and generous donation of Fancher’s own Fred Fiorito.

Lastly, the Water Department Crew, led by Dennis Mandigo, reduced the almost 50% water loss to less than 25%. Although the Board members offered support, the Supervisor did not. Our fine crew accomplished that on their own.

Residents are being deliberately misled. The Supervisor now thanks the same Town Board that he ridiculed last month. Accomplishments listed are from team efforts, not for one person to take credit for. Thank you to our Town Board members – Lloyd Christ, Paul Hendel, Mike Mele and Randy Bower – along with the fine employees, residents and professionals that we rely on to get things done.

Mr. Sidonio is right about one thing; the job of Supervisor is more than just paying bills. It is about having a vision for the entire town, not just what one person wants for themselves. It is about being professional and treating employees and residents with respect. It is about being a good role model and representative for the Town. It is about listening to other people’s ideas. Randy Bower has all of these qualifications.

Search Randy Bower in this very paper to see for yourself and you will see that he is more than qualified on every level.

I do believe in Murray and I believe our residents will elect a Supervisor we can be proud of. Please vote Randy Bower for town supervisor during early voting and Primary Day on June 22nd.

Louise Passarell

Town of Murray

Passarell is the Murray Town Assessor and the Highway and Water Clerk

Editor:

During Men’s Health Month, the Cancer Services Program (CSP) is urgently asking men to get screened for colorectal cancer.

Men in New York State are diagnosed with colorectal cancer more than women. In fact, the rate of colorectal cancer is nearly 30% higher in men than women. Men are also more likely than women to die from the disease. This does not always have to be the case because screening may prevent colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer screening can find growths that can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening can also find cancer early when it may be easier to treat. There are several screening options, including take home stool tests.

New cases of colorectal cancer went down during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, but only because they weren’t being found. Closures caused many people to put off cancer screening. Now that there are safety measures in place at medical clinics there is no reason to delay screening.

If you are 50 or older, get screened. The CSP can provide a take home test kit at no cost to uninsured men ages 50 and older. The kit is quick, easy, and safe. Men younger than age 50 should talk to their health care provider about their risk for colorectal cancer and when to start screening.

Call your health care provider or the CSP to get more information about colon cancer screening.

Lisa Franclemont

Program Manager

Cancer Services Program of Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming & Niagara

Editor:

The Murray Republican Committee is proud to endorse Town Supervisor Joe Sidonio for a 2nd term. We, your elected Republican Committee, take very seriously our job to endorse the appropriate candidates for our town and endorsing Supervisor Sidonio was a right choice. The committee voted unanimously to endorse Joe because of his accomplishments as supervisor, his strong Republican values and his unwavering work ethic.

In Joe’s first year in office, he has accomplished a great deal of victories for the Town of Murray. Serving as the budget manager, Joe has been able to provide historic tax cuts for Murray. He has also saved the town upwards of $630,000 in debt refinancing and has delivered $70,000 in water tax relief.

Supervisor Sidonio’s accounting background and business mind coupled with his strong work ethic and Republican core values is exactly what the Murray Supervisor position requires.

Joe is not a career politician. He is the right person for that position right now. Joe is transparent, accessible and communicates.

He is getting the job done that needs to be done for our town in these changing times. Our town needs that. We believe that past performance is the best indicator for someone’s future behavior, and Supervisor Sidonio’s track record and leadership has spoken for itself which is why we your Town of Murray Republican Committee fully endorse and support Supervisor Sidonio. We ask that you do as well.

Sincerely,

Town of Murray Republican Committee

Letter submitted by Kellie Gregoire, secretary for Murray Republican Committee.

Editor:

As early voting for the 2021 Republican Primary gets underway, the Town of Shelby has a race for two Town Councilman positions. The Town’s Republican Committee has endorsed William Bacon and Stephen Seitz, Sr. for these positions.

William (Bill) Bacon has been on the Town Board for 10 years. During these recent terms, Bill has seen two water projects successfully completed and has been working with the Town Highway Department to lower highway expenses. He has also been the Shelby representative on the Medina Youth Board for 8 years.

Bill looks forward to continuing his work with the Town Board on a proposed solar project and taking steps to save money for the residents of the Town of Shelby.

Stephen (Steve) Seitz, Sr. has been working with the Town Highway Department during his five years in office to purchase new water equipment as well as improve additional road equipment for better efficiency.

Steve aspires to get town-wide water with lower costs to the Shelby residents.

Both of these candidates are open minded to any questions or concerns and very approachable to all residents in the Town of Shelby.

Please remember to place your early vote between now and June 20th at the Board of Elections in Albion or stop in at the Shelby Town Hall on Tuesday, June 22^nd, to vote at the polls.

Town of Shelby Republican Committee

Pat Eick, Chairman

Dale Root, Vice-Chair

CJ Woodruff

John Pratt

Ben Flansburg

Christine Pask