Editor:

We are writing this letter to express our support for Randy Bower as Town of Murray Supervisor in the primary election.

A good leader to us is someone who has vision, integrity, courage, passion and humility. Randy has a proven track record in all these qualities.

He has the vision to lead this Town in a direction that benefits all our residents’ and to provide the services that keep our Town running smoothly and efficiently.

He has integrity, a proven set of core values that engages others to work with him as a team.  He has demonstrated his courage to take on the hard things that face him, and not shy away from obstacles that may block his path or direction.

Randy has passion for his work and seeks quality in all his achievements.

And last, he has the humility to appreciate what others do and recognize their accomplishments and achievements above and beyond his own.

We have all seen Randy’s ability to successfully lead a complex, Countywide organization when others doubted if he could “do the job”! Probably his most redeeming quality is his ability to get others to work together as a team that will best serve all individuals, not a select few. Probably the best way to say it is there is no “I” in Bower, only “WE”!

We highly encourage our fellow Republicans to vote for Randy Bower for Town Supervisor at the primary election on June 22, at the Town Building.

Thank you for your support.

Lloyd Christ, Councilman

Paul Hendel, Councilman

Mike Mele, Councilman

Editor:

This is in response to the letter from Chris Loss. There is a fine line between those who will be gravely impacted by commercial turbines planted close to their home and someone whose family will be profiting by it.

You can take all the bus turbine tours you want, but until you are a parent of a child who has special needs, it would be best to take a back seat and do some real research.

I can assure you that a child who has autism will indeed be negatively impacted by not only 1 but 6 turbines close to their home. This includes the risk of seizures.

I too am a parent of a child who has special needs and also certified in the field of Special Education. If children with autism did not have difficulty processing movement, light or sound, it would make our lives as parents and educators a whole lot easier.

If there were not medical or scientific evidence of the negative side effects of turbines (including risk of seizures), a doctor would never have written a letter expressing their concern over them so close to their patient’s home. There also would not be a need for that population to wear headphones, sunglasses, to block out excessive light and noises that are amplified causing pain and over stimulation; nor reason to avoid or remove our children from places or activities that cause them so much distress and pain.

Have some compassion and concern for others Town of Barre! Support Dr. George McKenna and Dave Waters for councilmen on the Town Board.

Sue Smith

Gaines

Editor:

Here it is time for our Town of Murray Republican Primary and Joe Sidonio is being challenged by Randy Bower. Joe’s campaign material describes his many accomplishments including reducing spending and cutting taxes.

He is the driving force to reduce the town’s 50 percent water loss rate. Joe provides transparency by posting a Supervisor’s Corner on the Town’s website, has initiated Town Hall work meetings with community involvement and provided his cell phone number making himself available to everyone.

Since becoming Supervisor, Joe – who is an accomplished businessman with a degree in accounting – has demonstrated his ability to manage our Town finances better than anyone. That is after all the primary responsibility of Town Supervisor.

As a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Army’s 23rd Infantry Division, I also appreciate that Joe is a  U.S. Marine Corps veteran and it shows in his unrelenting work ethic.

This election should not be turned into a popularity contest because Joe’s challenger comes from a popular family, several of which are employed at the Town of Murray.

Joe’s opponent has been a town councilman for as long as Joe has been Supervisor. What are his accomplishments on the Town Board? What is his platform? He voted against healthcare reform driving up healthcare costs 24%. Why is he in favor of insuring girlfriends and boyfriends of town employees at the expense of the town’s residents? That’s fiscally irresponsible, exhibiting a more liberal than Republican value.

I’m supporting Joe because he’s the endorsed Republican candidate, because of his work ethic and proven track record as supervisor, because he is not related to anyone in Murray Town government, and because he has accomplished everything he promised to do including his tax cuts – all in his first year. He deserves a second term to continue his drive for a  better more efficient town government.

Jim Johnson

Holley

Editor:

We are getting close to voting day, June 22nd (and don’t forget that early voting starts on June 12th) and I want to urge Republican Barre voters to make time to vote!

Please make it a priority! And please vote for Sean Pogue, Lynn Hill and Tom McCabe for Barre Town Board if you don’t want endless litigation hampering the Heritage Wind Project (turbines).

More importantly, don’t put people on the Board who only have one issue they are concerned with rather than governing. It would be a disaster for this town, in my opinion.

This current Board has been strong and visionary in trying to get the best deal for Barre. All concerns raised that they are not giving residents information or are not following protocols is just plain false.

Claims that special needs children are at risk or that there will be health concerns in general are not backed up by factual evidence. And the two credible surveys in Barre clearly showed that the majority of residents support the project. The survey that the anti’s are touting that 70% are against the project would not hold up to any scrutiny by an independent audit.

The fact is that turbines and solar are coming one way or another. We can either get a good deal for the town, county and schools now while it is offered, or see them coming anyway and we get very little. It is not just New York State going to green energy; turbines have been built in 44 states, and there are 12,000 major solar projects currently in the US database. Green energy is on the rise in both blue states and red states. The fact is that people are doing just fine living with them.

It is my belief that in a few short years, no one will freely admit that they opposed wind turbines because the facts will be more widely known. I visited the High Sheldon wind farm community a few years ago with a group to hear residents and Board members talk about their progress after 10 years, and they were very excited to talk to us and tell us how great things have been.

In Sheldon, they also had a group of anti-wind protestors, who claimed that they would  move if the turbines were built, and predicted that all kinds of awful things would happen. As a bus took us around the town, one Board member pointed out that none of the residents who indicated they would move actually did. And the group of speakers said that after the turbines had been around for about a year, many of the residents who had been previously opposed came to thank the Board, citing the lower taxes and other great benefits.

Property values did not go down. The roads were vastly improved. The Town had new equipment. The schools had benefited greatly. The farmers flourished.

So don’t let the anti-crowd mislead you about the turbine project. Don’t let them scare you away from the best deal Barre has ever seen! Please vote on June 22nd for Sean Pogue, Lynn Hill, and Tom McCabe, who will support this issue but will also serve all the residents and do care about many issues besides the turbines.

Chris Loss

Barre

Editor:

This legislative session we passed the most bloated budget in our history, eviscerated Second Amendment rights, raised taxes and failed to gain any new information about the highly questionable actions of our governor.

The Majority gave over double what they did to small businesses to illegal immigrants, and stood silent as those small businesses were forced to close their doors because of the governor’s nonsensical restrictions, which they did not work to rescind.

A focus on passing progressive, activist legislation has left the kitchen-table concerns of working families unaddressed, while pleasing only a small vocal minority of radicals that drown out the voices of everyday people.

I only hope soon the Majority will realize the consequences of ignoring those voices.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Batavia

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

Editor:

Early voting is quickly approaching! June 12^this the first day we can get out to vote in the 2021 primary.  In the Town of Ridgeway, we have two primary races on the Republican line.

There are two seats up for election for the town council. The Ridgeway Republican Committee has endorsed Jeff Toussaint and Cliff Barber for these seats. Jeff has served the town for over 20 years and brings invaluable experience to the roll. Cliff is looking to be elected to his first term as a councilperson.  As a lifelong resident of the area and a small business owner in Ridgeway, he is looking to bring a fresh set of eyes to the table.

For Town Clerk, Ridgeway residents have three candidates to choose from. Hannah Hill is the Republican Committee’s endorsed candidate. Hannah has past experience in the Clerk’s office as well as several years of experience in the banking industry. Her solid financial background and organizational skills will benefit the town in her role. Hannah is a lifelong Orleans County resident and a Ridgeway homeowner who is raising her family here and is excited to work to keep the Town Clerk’s office fiscally responsible and accessible to residents.

The Ridgeway Republican Committee had the opportunity to interview all three candidates running for town clerk as well as the three candidates running to fill the two town council seats. Our committee of 14 felt the endorsed candidates, Hannah Hill, Jeff Toussaint and Cliff Barber, are best suited for the jobs.

The last year and a half have been tough for a lot of people. Covid has made many people pay more attention to politics, both locally and nationally. There are many people that would like to see change happen in our town.

The primary election is a great opportunity to start that change! If you are a registered Republican in the Town of Ridgeway, please take the time to vote.

Early voting is from June 12 to June 20 at the Board of Elections Office in Albion. The primary election is June 22 at the Ridgeway Fire Hall or Ridgeway Town Hall, depending on your address.

Ridgeway Republican Committee

Laura Olinger, Chairperson

Kenny Baker

Charlie Smith

Virginia Nicholson

Ayesha Kreutz

Dawn Meland

Gary Lawton

Steve Bunch

Matt Kreutz

Melody Parker

Amanda Kroening

Kevin Bogan

Steve Songer

Nancy Traxler

Editor:

I would like to extend my support for Randy Bower in the June 22nd Republican Primary for Murray Town Supervisor. In the recent past, Randy was elected to serve as Orleans County Sheriff, where he successfully implemented every objective and tackled every goal he laid out during his campaign, and in just his first two years in office.

He took over a department that lacked vision and instilled a “team-first” mentality while promoting servant leadership. In my position as the Union President of a local law enforcement association, I had the good fortune of working closely with Randy on many occasions. I found him to be a great listener, approachable, and accountable.

After getting to know him over the past six or seven years, it is easy to see why he was once named Person of the Year (2015) by the Orleans Hub – he embodies putting the community first and has selflessly served the public in a variety of roles for many years. He inspires others around him to be the best version of themselves and offers support when needed. Personally, his leadership style inspired me to take on greater responsibilities both professionally and in the community.

The Murray Republicans have a unique opportunity to elect a leader who has proven he can achieve great things undeterred by life’s obstacles. If you are a believer in the core values (integrity, accountability, diligence, perseverance, and discipline), I urge you to join me in supporting Randy Bower for Murray Town Supervisor.

Respectfully,

Chris Caufield

Union President, Orleans County Sheriff’s Employees Association – Local #2966

Editor:

I write to ask readers to call or write their elected state representatives today and oppose the misguided legislation soon to be acted upon in the State Assembly known as the “Gender Recognition Act.”

According to New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms, “Bill S.4402-B-Hoylman/A.5465-D-O’Donnell, known as the “Gender Recognition Act,” pertains to name changes, changes of sex designation, and changes to birth certificates. This bill would require the State of New York to issue identifying documents based on the stated gender identities of “transgendered” persons rather than on the biological sex of those individuals. The bill has passed the New York State Senate and could receive a vote in the State Assembly in the near future.”

Those holding offices and leadership positions in government, schools, businesses, and churches must speak unequivocally that “God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” One need not be religious to know intuitively that there are only two biological sexes. Nature reveals this plainly for all to behold.

Public officials and leaders are placed into office with the goodwill and trust of those who placed them there. Courage, clarity and common-sense instead of fear and shameless pandering by public leaders is necessary when facing a radicalized minority of our population. Especially when so many unintended consequences threaten us.

Community leaders cannot, must not be silent when wisdom, experience, and sound judgment is needed. Allowing people to choose their gender, codify it by law and legal documents, then grant access to any facility that they choose, puts many who are vulnerable at risk, and engenders confusion in our community when clarity and guidance is so desperately needed. Today we need sound leadership more than ever and a public resolve to allow this misguided and misleading agenda to go no further.

Please do not allow fear, censorship and cancel-culture threats to rob this generation and those that follow of the importance of true leadership that serves the public interest and benefit of all of society. Each one of us must decide and declare how far will we allow the radicalized ideology of the minority to influence and erode our community.

Stand with me please and voice your opinion loudly, respectfully, and resolutely. I’ve made my call, please make yours. Call your elected officials today and hold them accountable for their vote. Thank you for your respectful consideration of this pastor who speaks the truth in love to all people, of all colors, creeds, race, gender, and the community I gladly serve.

My prayer is that principled leadership and the irrefutable wisdom of God’s Word will prevail in a time so perilous as ours. “Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near. May God bless you!

Pastor Steven Pawley

Shelby Center

Editor:

You might have noticed that political signs are popping up in people’s yards lately. They are even on the side of The Orleans Hub as you read this article. It is officially primary season!

Why should you care about the primaries? Well anytime you can exercise your right to vote, you should. The right to vote is important, it is your opportunity of having a say in what the government does. Voting is a chance to select the person who will represent your beliefs and vision for government.

Primaries are the first step in the process of electing a candidate running for office. Primaries are held to see who will be nominated from his/her political party for the general election in November and are one of the most important phases of the election process. It gives everyone the ability to decide who the best candidate is.

In this year’s primary, there are two Town of Shelby councilperson positions available and I think that William Bacon and Steve Seitz, Sr. are the best candidates for these positions. I have had the pleasure of working with both gentlemen on the Town of Shelby Board since last August.

The amount of experience and knowledge that they bring to the board is immeasurable and has made my first year on the board an incredible learning experience. These men are very approachable to discuss questions and concerns and always represent the best interests of the residents of the Town of Shelby.

These two gentlemen need to be able to continue their work so that the board can continue to be a cohesive and collaborative unit for the Town of Shelby.

Early voting starts on June 12 and continues through June 20. The actual primary day is June 22.  Each and every vote counts, so please take the time to get out, get involved, and vote.

Ryan Wilkins

Town of Shelby Councilperson

Editor:

With regards to the upcoming primary election on June 22, two town council positions will be available. It is important for the Town of Barre residents to have a voice, be able to express concerns on all matters, and have people in town council positions who have the best interest of all residents.

On November 4, 2020 I submitted an email to all four town council board members including the town supervisor expressing my concerns regarding six 680-foot-high wind turbines being placed all within ¾ of a mile from my residence.

My four-year-old child was diagnosed with autism two years ago. Autism is a neurological developmental disorder. All children with autism have Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) which causes their nervous system to respond to stimuli much different than an ordinary individual.

People with autism are extra sensitive to sound and visual disturbances due to the abnormal neural connectivity in their brain which can impact their ability to function daily. Therefore, close proximity of wind turbines to an individual with autism can severely impact their quality of life due to the shadow flicker, audible noise, and infrasound. It is important to note that only one town council board member responded to my letter addressing these concerns.

Then on February 3, 2021 I submitted an article to all town council board members written by Grace L. Howell from Western University entitled, “Autism and the effect of introducing a new noise source into quiet rural communities: risk factor from industrial wind power generation,” which validated my concerns regarding the effects on individuals with autism in close proximity to wind turbines. Again, only one town council board member responded to my article.

On February 10, 2021 all four town council board members along with the town supervisor were emailed a note from my daughter’s developmental pediatrician, who diagnosed my child’s autism, expressing concerns for the impact wind turbines can have on a child with autism. Again, only one town council board member responded to the doctor’s note.

In addition, on February 10, 2021 a town board meeting was held without public attendance due to Covid restrictions allowing virtual access through YouTube. One town board member addressed my concerns as a resident while some town board members acknowledged receipt of my three emails including attached documents but dismissed my concerns regarding my child with autism.

It doesn’t matter where you stand on the proposed Wind Turbine Project the concern is that if your position doesn’t align with the current town council board members your concerns may be dismissed and not addressed.

If the Town of Barre residents want to be heard and have their concerns addressed please make a change and vote for George McKenna and Dave Waters for town council on June 22.

Sincerely,

Katie Smith

Barre

Editor:

Congressman Chris Jacobs objects to President Biden’s budget because it will show that government still works; that it is not the problem.

Mr. Biden’s budget will strengthen the social safety net, invest in healthcare, provide child and elder care and strengthen our infrastructure. Republicans, like Mr. Jacobs, want government to fail to establish their form of anti-democratic government.

I have often wondered why Republicans made it harder to apply for government assistance, opposed healthcare, even opposed infrastructure projects like the major bridge connecting Mitch McConnell’s Kentucky and John Boehner’s Ohio. The Republican claims of “reckless spending,” “runaway inflation,” or “increase in taxes,” is just deception, as shown by their violation of every Republican principle during the Trump administration.

The real reason they oppose the budget is so government will fail. To create a climate of political cynicism, and alienation, so that people don’t feel connected to their government. This was made clear with the events of Jan. 6 and its aftermath.

Why don’t Republicans want to investigate the insurrection. The only reason I can think of that the insurrectionist are Republican constituents. Why do Republicans continue to tell the lie of voter fraud and use this lie to create laws designed to suppress voting? Again, the only reason I can think of that Republicans want to establish their form of anti-democratic government. Rather than improve the lives of their constituents Republicans work to make government the problem; to make government fail. Congressman Jacobs voted to overturn the election on Jan 6th and supported the insurrectionists. It is no surprise that he opposes anything that shows that the government still works.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

Every now and then you endorse a candidate that makes you proud and actually does what they say they are going to do and that candidate is Murray Town Supervisor Joe Sidonio. His record for his first 2-year term actually makes me jealous that I can’t brag like this for my own town.

Joe is not a republican conservative, he is a conservative republican. He is conservative socially and most important a conservative fiscally. He actually looks for ways to save the taxpayers money while not turning a blind eye to practices that are ethically challenged and self serving to the politically connected within the governmental body. It’s very easy to go along to get along but that just makes you a democrat.

So with a record like Joe’s why on earth would anyone want to challenge that? Unless you are: against reducing budget expenses and property taxes by 1.6 percent, against eliminating Golden Parachute benefit packages for departing elected officials and saving over 70,000 dollars, against reducing water taxes over 70,000 dollars, against refinancing long-term debt saving 631,000 dollars, against acquiring a Moody’s Bond Rating of A1, against reducing the town wide water loss from 50% down to 30%, against reducing discretionary highway spending by 92,000 dollars, against a comprehensive plan and zoning plan that are near completion, against a new town website with live streaming capabilities for open government and transparency, against initiating monthly work meetings with community involvement, against restoring and rededicating the Fancher War Memorial.

Is Joe’s opponent going to pledge to top these monumental accomplishments if he wins or turn things back to the tax, spend, wink and nod days of old? What exactly is he running on? Is he going to be conservative enough to save the taxpayers money like this? Or will it be like firing Trump and getting Biden? With 2 weeks left before the election the voters of Murray deserve to know. The public has heard nothing.

The smart voters of Murray I believe know that they elected one of the best Town Supervisors they ever had in Joe Sidonio. Your town is heading in the right direction. You would be foolish to change and go backwards.

Re-elect Joe. He is a proven leader and no matter how much heat the establishment turns up on him he won’t quit on you. He will even “take one for the team” if he has to. Vote for Joe Sidonio on June 22nd in the Primary election. Promises made, promises kept.

Paul Lauricella

Orleans County Conservative Party Chairman

Editor:

On Saturday there was the community yard sale here in Medina and everyone seemed to have a good time.

But what a difference a week makes. Last Monday the local veterans held their Memorial Day  observances and were told by the Village Board that there were concerns about traffic tie-ups and interference with construction. But on Saturday there was backed up traffic all over the village pretty much most of the day.

What a difference a week makes. Last Monday the veterans were told that we had to stay six feet apart, even though we were outside and there were pretty much no restrictions to going into local businesses.

On Saturday there were no such restrictions in evidence throughout the village, In fact, even some board members had their own yard sales with no six-foot rule.

I guess it’s more important to restrict those of us who would have fought and died for each other rather than restrict perfect strangers from coming onto your property to exchange your junk for filthy lucre.

What a difference a week makes. I’m writing this as a concerned citizen and veteran from Medina, no titles, nothing like that. Unlike one of the board members who felt it was important to use their title as village trustee when getting into a public interstate pissing match with a former area resident. How shameful was that?

I would have expected something better from an elected official who I took the time to come out and vote onto the board because I thought they had the maturity and capability to do a great job for the village.

What a difference a week makes …

Dan Anderson

Medina

Editor:

I’d like to thank the residents of Murray for your confidence in me and the privilege to serve as your Supervisor.

The job is very demanding. To do it right requires a commitment of time, lifestyle, and family sacrifice. It takes vision, leadership and compromise. An understanding of governmental accounting, business, community and the greater good.

In my first year we’ve accomplished a lot. Despite the pandemic we brought about difficult but necessary changes while taking on the toughest issues. The record speaks for itself.

• Reduced budget spending and property taxes by 1.6%
• Eliminated Golden Parachute benefit packages for departing elected officials saving over $70,000.
• Reduced water taxes over $70,000.
• Refinanced long-term debt saving $631,000.
• Acquired a Moody’s Bond Rating of A1
• Reduced the 50% town wide water loss to 30%
• Reduced discretionary highway spending $92,000
• Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Amendments are near completion
• A new Town website with live streaming capabilities for open government and transparency.
• Initiated monthly work meetings with community involvement
• Restoring and rededicating the Fancher War Memorial is underway.

I set the Town on an aggressive re-boot from day 1. I am proud of these accomplishments and must commend everyone for their contributions in making these achievements a reality.

Thank you to EFPR Financial Solutions for accounting upgrades and help refinancing debt.

Thank you to HV Audit for analyzing our water billing program and providing reliable water loss data.

Thank you to our amazing Comprehensive Plan Committee who have volunteered this past year to create a vision statement, master plan and zoning amendments for our future.

Thank you to our Highway and Water Crew for all you do. Working long periods of time in adverse weather conditions with little rest. With your grit and determination, we have significantly reduced our water losses. I’m confident you will rectify our remaining deficiency and lead the county by example.

Thank you to our Town Board for your service.

A very special thank you to Town Clerk Cindy Oliver who from the outset has welcomed me, tolerated my strenuous agenda and has been a constant delight to work with. Chief of Staff, nothing would get accomplished without you. Thank you.

Thank you to the Murray Republican Committee for unanimously endorsing me for Murray Supervisor for a 2nd term. It is a privilege to serve our Community.

We have more to do. A lot of big tough issues yet to address. Economic recovery, business development, renewable energy, sustainable employee health care, and the sad reality that so many of our children are living in poverty.

The job of Supervisor is so much more than paying bills once a month. You have to live it and breathe it. You have to do it for the greater good. You have to work hard and expect others around you to do as well.

I’d appreciate your support in the June 22nd Republican primary. I’d like to give it my best for another term.

Believe in Murray.

Joe Sidonio

Murray Supervisor

Editor:

I recommend Rochelle Moroz for re-election as Holley Trustee. She is a “Team Player” on the very efficient, cost-saving Holley Village Board.

Moroz diligently reviews village purchases/expenditures to help keep within budget. She has helped in the review of the ongoing infrastructure projects such as replanting trees, and replacing sidewalks and water lines.

Moroz has budget experience learned during her honorable service in the United States Air Force. She is an active member of the Murray-Holley Historical Society and participates in Erie Canal cleanup.

She is concerned with the safety and well being of all the residents and is a strong supporter of the Holley Police Department.

Moroz is hard working and honest and would like to continue serving you. There have been many accomplishments in the past four years. I hope she will have your vote on June 15th so she may continue to serve you.

Thank You,

William Moroz

Holley