letters to the editor/opinion

President is leaving a wake of destruction for the country

Posted 30 October 2020 at 8:32 am

Editor:

As in his personal life, Trump’s driven US into deep debt (and Illness). Current targets: the Vote and Post Office.

As former GOP strategist and Bush appointee, Rick Wilson, entitled his book, “Everything Trump Touches Dies.”  Very harsh and maybe not everything.  But … 4 bankruptcies, hurting and destroying many subcontractors, investors, workers.

He has 28 major business failings, with the same trail of destruction. He couldn’t even make it at gambling and selling booze.

He has a record of dodging taxes, fines, debts, commitments, the Army, marriage, family responsibilities.

He’s apparently personally $400 million in debt.

Now, he’s driven this country into unbelievable debt (with no discernible plan to change things) and with huge tax cuts that further enriched the super-rich.

He’s polarized genders, races, police, religions, classes, the military.

He defies scientists and his own advisors. He gambled on Covid, choosing business over health, and failed both. Just like he did in Atlantic City, now he’s failed not only business, but lives as well.  We’re 1/5 of both deaths and cases in world, but we’re only 1/18th of the world population.

Now he’s attacking the vote and the U.S. Postal Service.

He’s hampering voting, using a $20 million fund to sue states trying to make voting safer, especially for elders.

He’d crush the US Postal Service, started by Benjamin Franklin, with 245 years of service. another show of disrespect for elders, and voters, and history.

Maybe Wilson is right: Everything he touches dies, or kills? And worse, he doesn’t seem to care.

Bob and Marg Golden

Waterport

Hanlon has served with honor and has respect of her peers

Posted 30 October 2020 at 7:52 am

Editor:

I am writing this in letter to highlight one of the candidates for Orleans County Clerk, Nadine Hanlon.

As this election season has unfolded and I had the unique opportunity to hear each candidate in the race for county clerk give their “sales pitch.” In my opinion Nadine is the most prepared for the position and is poised to make it a more efficient and effective office. She was the only candidate to share a vision to improve access to services and take the office to the next level.

I encourage voters to check out the resume Nadine has built over her career – it’s quite impressive. In brief, she has an education beyond a Bachelor’s degree, she has served in many volunteer roles, and has held countless leadership positions.

Nadine is certainly not the “Know Nothing” her opponent’s mailer would lead you to believe. Only desperate and inferior politicians with contemptible campaign managers distribute such repugnant propaganda.

Nadine has run her campaign absent a campaign manager and absent negativity. The fact that a county clerk candidate would even need a campaign manager calls into question the candidate’s long-term suitability for the job. Nadine is truly an honorable person who has let her achievements, abilities, and leadership experience stand up on their own.

While both candidates have been Orleans County employees for a significant amount of time, only Nadine was named “Employee of the Year” by her peers… Your choice for county clerk really is a simple decision to make.

Chris Caufield

Clarendon

Shelby GOP has many reasons for supporting Wilkins on Town Board

Posted 29 October 2020 at 12:52 pm

Editor:

I am writing to urge support for Shelby Town Council candidate Ryan Wilkins. Ryan has been a Village of Medina resident for 47 of the last 49 years, and Ryan has been a resident of the Town of Shelby for 45 of the last 49 years.

The Shelby Town Board has not had a Village of Medina resident as a member since 2017. When interviewed here is what the committee saw in Ryan:

• Being a Village of Medina resident, Ryan would be able to share with the Town Board a village perspective.

• Ryan does not have any family members seated on the current Town Board.

• Ryan would like to expand the current “shared services” with the village and other area municipalities (water savings, shared fuel farm, cooperation of labor force).

• Ryan would like to ensure the best value is received from the money taxpayers pay in taxes to the Town of Shelby.

• Ryan would like to explore enhancing resident’s services without creating additional tax burden.

• Ryan would like to explore the creation of a regional ambulance service by enhancing the services provided by the Village of Medina.

These are a few of the many reasons Ryan received the Republican endorsement from the Shelby Republican Committee.

Skip Draper

Medina

Former Shelby Republican Chairman

Republicans urged to vote with courage in presidential election

Posted 29 October 2020 at 10:31 am

Editor:

There are Republicans I would have voted for over Joe Biden, but I would never vote for a person who, in my view, is as depraved as Donald Trump.

Reading Judge Punch’s recent letter was encouraging, though not particularly surprising. How about that? Another Republican—along with Mitt Romney, John Kasich, Bill Weld and numerous others—with courage.

Our accidental, aberrational President is deplorable as a leader. It sickens me to think teens such as the ones I had the pleasure to work with for decades are hearing some of his rhetoric dressed up as “tweets”.  He referred to the highly respected Dr. Fauci as an “idiot” not long ago. That wasn’t strange enough, so he called someone else a “dumb (read a synonym for a child without an acknowledged father)”.

As a Democrat whose nephew is a deputy sheriff, I am offended by the notion that Joe Biden wants to “defund” the police because less than one-tenth of one percent are “bad apples” of one sort or another.  No one I know—black, white, or brown—thinks most in law enforcement are evil. I rarely miss an opportunity to thank those doing conscientious law enforcement for the dangerous work they do.

Heaven forbid that Donald Trump performs as President the way he runs his business ventures.  He will never pay our Nation’s bills any more than he has his own and will likely bankrupt the Nation the way he has so many of his businesses. My condolences to anyone who has ever worked for Mr. Trump expecting to be paid. Good luck getting paid if you ever do any work for Mr. Trump.

Isn’t it swell that he puts corporate lobbyists and those with histories of polluting and otherwise destroying the environment in charge of our regulatory agencies? (Of course, he could not do so without a complicit United States Senate to approve his appointments.) The environmental groups I support leave no doubt about which candidate is preferable if we are to save the planet.

But none of what people such as Judge Punch, Joe Gehl, Doug Miller, and I say makes any difference if voters use the cover of the secret ballot to reinstall a President who believes he is above the law and money is everything.

Your readers will have to look at themselves in their mirrors and think of some line of baloney to give their children and grandchildren should any of them ever ask how such a con man got elected President—twice!

Sincerely,

Gary Kent

Albion

Stalker would follow father’s example in being a voice for Shelby community

Posted 29 October 2020 at 8:58 am

Editor:

The voters of Shelby should know who we are voting for and what they stand for.

Medina One (the dissolution of the village of Medina) was a hotly debated topic. Mr. Ryan Wilkins was very much for that proposal as seen by many of his social media posts. Another question we all should be asking of Mr. Ryan Wilkins is “What political party has he been registered as prior to July 1?”

“What is his stance on Amazon, Windmills, Solar Farms, Proposed Stone Quarry and Property Rights?”

As seen in his past social media posts, Mr. Ryan Wilkins may hold opposing views of many Republicans within Shelby. There are many significant issues that come before councilpersons that determine the future of your community and your backyards.

My father Dale Stalker (who served as councilman for Shelby for many years) took in consideration of all his constituents, not just the few, in determining the direction of our great community.

Craig Stalker, my brother, wishes to continue being that voice for our community that Dale worked so hard to protect from outside influences, that seek to take advantage of our hard-working families.

Please make your vote count and write in Craig Stalker for Town of Shelby Councilperson.

Thank you,

Michael Stalker

Medina

Many reasons to reject industrial solar projects, which threaten the countryside

Posted 29 October 2020 at 8:16 am

Editor:

The heavy promotion of industrial solar electric generating installations and their many claimed “benefits” demand further scrutiny.

Setting aside the misuse of the term “farm” and the anecdotal stories and excessive rhetoric about the benefit to bees, sheep, and such, consider the following:

• Backup Power Needed: Solar power is only available when the sun shines. Where will the power come from when the sun does not shine? Deceptively, we are told about the thousands of households solar installation will power, but no mention ever of the necessity for backup power or its source.

• Load Mismatch: Power demands peak early in the day and late in the afternoon when solar power is limited. At mid-day there may be an excess. Solar power is generated at exactly the wrong time. By what means are those relying on “clean solar” to be supplied with electrical power when it is needed and not available? California has a solution called “Rolling Blackouts.” The recent banning of the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035 only compounds their situation. The term “Rolling Blackouts” has taken on a new meaning.

• Battery Storage: One solution to the intermittent and unreliable nature of solar and wind power is battery storage. Battery storage introduces a host of environmental and safety issues that are being hidden from the public. Lithium-ion batteries are one of the storage devices proposed for use.

Hazardous chemicals are involved, fire hazards exist. There are reasons why devices (laptops and such) are not allowed to be carried in shipped luggage on commercial airlines. Further the automobile industry is currently wrestling with unexplained fires in their electric vehicles that contain lithium-ion batteries. Recalls are in the works. The safety hazard of battery storage is real and local fire companies are not equipped to fight such fires.

• Destruction of Farmland, Forests , Grasslands, Wetlands: Solar power is space hungry. Hundreds of acres of land, populated by thousands of ugly solar panels, are required for any given installation.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets considers the installation of solar panels as a permanent conversion (destruction?) of agricultural lands. Further, The Nature Conservancy considers forests, grasslands, and wetlands to be power houses for carbon storage and oxygen release. How does wanton destruction of these lands “Save the planet?” Rural communities, such as Somerset, already have policies in place to protect these valuable assets. These policies should be strengthened, not disregarded. We have become enamored with trashing up the countryside!

• Environmental Damage: Future generations will inherit thousands of tons of expended solar panels and batteries. Satisfactory recycling and disposal methods do not exist. A legacy of a junked and polluted landscape is being left to our children and grandchildren. Case on point: California considers photoelectric panels to be hazardous waste.

• Subsidies: Developers of solar and wind projects rely heavily on subsidies. Fast write-offs, production tax credits, carbon credits, direct subsidies, low interest loans and payment in lieu of taxes (PILOTS) keep the industry alive. The claim that electrical rates will be reduced is false when subsidies are stripped away. Germany, a country heavily dedicated to solar and wind, has electricity rates almost three times higher than average rates in the United States. Industries that cannot survive without endless subsidies should not survive.

Serious issues involving industrial solar installations alter the physical and social framework of a community. The same is true of industrial wind. Other options exist to clean up the environment.

They are being ignored. The cure for alleged “Climate Change” is becoming worse than the disease. Those most affected are being ignored. Big Business in conjunction with Big Government are depriving us of our freedom to decide the destiny of our communities. The opposition is mounting.

James C. Hoffman

Town of Somerset

Murray highway employees have significantly reduced water losses

Posted 29 October 2020 at 7:49 am

Editor:

During this election season, there have been those who have used the Town of Murray water loss as a campaign issue.

I would like to set the record straight. Over the past couple of years, our water loss has gradually increased, despite continuous efforts to find the problem. At the beginning of this year, our loss was up to 48%.

The Water Superintendent and employees continued searching for the problem by shutting off valves and listening to services and hydrants. A leaking hydrant was repaired and the loss was lowered to 37.35% at the end of June. Another hydrant repair brought the loss to 31.92% at the end of July.

While listening to curb valves, they found a leak on Ridge Road. On September 10th, they repaired that leak, where they found a huge hole in a pipe that ran under Ridge Road. No water had ever shown at the surface. While the readings we took on September 28th showed an improvement to 29.93% loss, the full impact of that repair would show at the next reading. On October 15th, we took another reading and I am happy to document that our loss is now down to 15.5%.

Neither Dirk Lammes or Jimmy DeFilipps have a Water Operator’s License. Whomever wins the election for Highway Superintendent will work under our Interim Water Superintendent Dennis Mandigo’s water license, per NYS Department of Health regulations. We are lucky to have Dennis Mandigo’s expertise and 20 years of experience working on our water lines with our past superintendent, Ed Morgan.

Our two newest employees have completed their Water Operator’s course at Morrisville College and will be able to apply for their licenses in February and May of 2021. I am beyond proud of our employees. They are the unsung heroes of the Town of Murray, coming to work every day to keep working on the water issues, despite unfair and unwarranted criticism.

The Town of Murray Water Department has corrected the major water loss issue.  We will continue searching for water leaks and any other issues as they arise. We do not need “fixing” – we just need a leader for this great team.

Louise Passarell

Interim Town of Murray Highway Superintendent

Libertarians, third parties needed more than ever but face extinction in NYS

Posted 28 October 2020 at 10:01 pm

Editor:

The Democrats and Republicans may be right!  This may be the most important election year of your life – but not because one of the two major parties will win.

You are about to lose another of your constitutional rights – your ability to form an independent political third party.

Legislation was passed unconstitutionally earlier this year in the budget and much of that legislation itself is being challenged as unconstitutional. The last section of the Governor’s budget threatens the very existence of the current political third parties.

That legislation raises the bar for recognition so high that Independent Nominating Bodies (INB’s) (third parties in the making) are unlikely to ever be able to get their candidates on to the ballot in NYS. The INB’s were required to collect three times more petition signatures than the Democrats and Republicans and now are required to collect nine times the number of signatures. Since the population in NYS has been essentially flat since 1965, what is their justification for raising these requirements?

This legislation is deliberate and is intended to eliminate current political third parties as well as all INB attempts to place candidates on the ballot. The Democrats and Republicans want political 3rd parties gone.

Why? Because, they just created a new taxpayer funded campaign slush fund. That fund will supply to both the Democratic and Republican parties over $125 million each for their candidates and they don’t want political third parties or INB’s to dip into “their” taxpayer funded political slush fund. For the details, read the two articles on “Legislative Tyranny” on my website.

When one considers that 1) many legislative bills are unconstitutional, 2) incumbent legislators used an unconstitutional process to increase their salaries, 3) this year legislators walked away from their responsibility to legislate and unconstitutionally gave their legislative powers and responsibilities to the Governor, and 4) elected officials used their legislative powers to eradicate their political competition and reap the benefit of an enormous slush fund themselves, why would anyone even consider rewarding an incumbent with re-election?

Demonstrating their willingness to ignore the NYS Constitution – not one incumbent deserves to be re-elected.

Our society slid down the slippery slope and is now imbedded in tyranny quicksand. You have witnessed, and probably felt the consequences of the government tyranny – civil unrest, financial hardship. While you still can, vote for people in a political party who will not trade your rights for government benefits. Cast your vote for liberty. Vote Libertarian and help end the tyranny.

I will work to restore county representation in the Assembly, will oppose the creation of a regional government being inserted between county and the State governments (a proposal my opponent co-sponsored), will work to promote legislation that encourages homeschooling, will work to eliminate state mandates, and will work to get government to comply with the 2nd Amendment prohibition and restore your 9th and 10th amendment rights to defend yourself and your family.

This year, vote Libertarian.

Mark Glogowski, Ph.D.

Hamlin

Libertarian Candidate, 139th Assembly District

President is quick to blame others and not take responsibility

Posted 28 October 2020 at 7:25 pm

Editor:

I’ve followed the recent submission of letters, as I normally do, and find myself unsurprised by the influx of regular voices disavowing the “radical left,” socialist, Marxist Biden-Harris ticket and praising the overwhelming policy “successes” of President Trump.

As is to be expected, the regurgitation of right-wing talking points is the best that these readers can provide; “greatest level” of economic success in history, love for the Constitution, LAW AND ORDER! (great show by the way) and a man who does what he says he is going to do.

The President is campaigning on the success of the last four years, which is nothing more than babbling about the alleged failures of his predecessor and, for some reason Hillary Clinton, who was not even involved in this round of campaigning.

In 2016, the RNC released a 66-page platform that promoted American competitiveness, reduction on the Federal debt, “a new era in energy,” “saving Social Security,” and “honest elections” among other policy proposals.

In 2020, the RNC refused to adopt a new platform and instead readopted, without amendment, the previous platform. Logically speaking, the GOP seemed to willingly acknowledge that the President’s agenda was unsuccessful, or they were just plain lazy. Perhaps they banked on short attention spans and a willingness to rally around bumper-sticker slogans like “Make America Great Again, Again,” or Kimberly Guilfoyle screaming at everyone, “The best is yet to come!”

I took the advice of one writer and perused the 91 pages of the DNC platform for 2020. Raising wages, massive infrastructure projects, eliminating health inequalities, investing in health science and research, and reforming elections provide a window into the improvements that the Biden-Harris ticket has planned.

A whole section of the platform committed to protecting the rights of women, the LGBTQ+ community, combating gun violence, supporting the freedom of the press, and expanding arts and culture seem quite appealing. I will not waste valuable space attempting to synthesize the platform here, but I would echo that writer and encourage you to read it for yourself. If you can barely sleep after reading it, there might be deeper issues at play.

Another contributor wrote that Trump is the “John Wayne of our times.” I would argue that Donald Trump has more in common with John Wayne Gacy, right down to the orange make-up, but I digress. As the right proclaims the Democratic-led effort to systematically dismantle and bankrupt the nation in an effort to discredit the President, the leader of the free world continues to spew hate and complain about the “tough questions” he gets during TV interviews (and we Millennials are snowflakes?).

In January of 1953, President Harry S. Truman said during his farewell address that, “The President – whoever he is – has to decide. He can’t pass the buck to anybody. No one else can do the deciding for him. That’s his job.”

During the most recent debate, Trump was confronted about his March 2020 “I don’t take responsibility at all” statement regarding the Covid-19 response. He responded, “I take full responsibility. It’s not my fault that it came here.” You either shoulder the responsibility, or don’t, but you can’t have it both ways.

This, of course, placed in the context of the President’s past Twitter critiques of the Ebola response (to which “Obama should apologize to the American people & resign”) and his criticism of the H1N1 response paints a picture of a petty narcissist, with a silver spoon in hand and no concern for anyone but himself. A man who has more in common with the swamp creatures than anyone cares to admit.

I will close by reminding everyone that there is more at stake during this election than at any other point in our Nation’s history. Historians and political scientists have noted that we are closer to destabilizing political violence than ever before. If you truly value the Constitution and hope for a better America, vote out the despot.

Matthew Ballard

Statesville, NC

Retired highway superintendent says much more to job than operating equipment

Posted 28 October 2020 at 3:25 pm

Editor:

The time has come to elect a new Highway Superintendent for the Town of Murray. Having held this position for the past 30 years, I have first-hand knowledge of the most important qualifications a candidate needs to get this job done properly and keep things running smoothly.

Things have changed a lot from when I started over 30 years ago. Highway Superintendent is now mainly an administrative position. The majority of my time was spent in the office planning, organizing, directing and finding the most efficient, economical ways to get things done.

There are budgets to put together, spending to keep track of, reports and paperwork to complete, vehicles and equipment to keep in working order. You must approve all expenditures, including payroll and accounts payables. You supervise the direction of highway operations.

The Superintendent must be able to exercise leadership and judgment. He must be available day or night to handle emergencies that arise. He works under the administrative direction of New York State Law, “Powers and Duties of the Highway Superintendents”, he “DOES NOT” work for the town board or the supervisor, but works and is accountable to “YOU,”  the residents of the Town of Murray!

He independently makes decisions regarding procedures, operations and department plans and is responsible for department results.

Leadership abilities and communication skills are essential/critical to having a well-run and effective highway department. The ability to operate equipment is a handy skill, but it is certainly not the most important skill for your highway superintendent. Without the trust and respect of your employees, you have chaos and dysfunction.

The person you vote for must have great people skills because you work directly for and with the public, the employees, other towns, boards, government agencies, vendors and contractors. It is a huge part of this job.

Winter for the superintendent is filled with patrolling the roads and managing your employees on their plow routes to keep the roads clear and safe.

Summer duties include mowing roadsides and cemeteries, trimming trees, cleaning ditches and working very closely with the county and other town highway department under our shared service agreement.

This election is for Highway Superintendent. However, water usually goes along with it. Neither candidate has a water operator’s license, but fortunately, the Town of Murray has Dennis Mandigo heading up the water department. With his 20 years of experience working on Murray’s water lines, he is second to none and can handle any repair.

The Town of Murray employees are a very dedicated, loyal and hard working group of employees with no job that they can’t handle with professionalism. These are the guys that the Highway Superintendent leads and directs to get the job done. These are the guys with the operational skills and experience to continue to maintain the high level of service that you, the residents, have come to expect and deserve.

When you go to the polls on November 3rd, choose the leader that will continue to lead this great group of employees.

Ed Morgan

Retired Murray Highway Superintendent

Hanlon has long shown dedication and expertise in many roles of public service

Posted 28 October 2020 at 8:11 am

Editor:

As another major election is drawing near, I have come to reflect upon the division generated among us. I often wonder why each election year creates an environment where we feel individually attacked and divided from family and friends due to differing viewpoints.

We teach children in schools to be respectful, compassionate and receptive to their peers because we believe these are the traits that will make them successful. We believe in practicing what you preach and leading by example; however, we have created a society that deems it acceptable to discredit another individual’s accomplishments in order to achieve their goals.

I have now witnessed this first hand as my mother, Nadine Hanlon, has maintained a campaign with integrity and respect for her opponent while they work to discredit her experience and all the hours she has put forth to serve her community. It saddens me to watch these actions take place, and I refuse to stay silent while others attack the experience and hard-working character of my mother. I am here to tell you why I believe Nadine Hanlon is highly qualified for the Orleans County Clerk’s position and to provide you with a little experiential history.

Before starting a family, my mother worked as a Legal Assistant for the Department of Social Services for 5 years upon graduating from the National Paralegal Academy. She then used her legal skills working in the Real Estate Owned Department as a Deficiency Judgement Analyst at Dime/Washington Mutual. She worked with large law firms across New York State to recover large sums of money during bank foreclosures and recovery actions.

My mother comes from a history of public service, which has allowed her to see firsthand the impact that effective leadership has on a community. My grandfather, Michael Paduchak, served 32 years as Kendall Town Supervisor, 40 years on the Orleans County Community Action Board and over 50 years as a volunteer at the Kendall Fire Department. He inspired my mother to donate much of her time back to the same community and run for public office.

It was 23 years ago, while she was 9 months pregnant with me, when she ran for her first public office position as Kendall Town Clerk. She won just days after giving birth to me. For the 9 years that she served as Kendall Town Clerk, she was also the Registrar of Vital Records, Records Management Officer, and Tax Collector, successfully maintaining accurate records before submitting them to local officials.

From there she went on to become the Clerk of the Legislature, a position which she has held for the past 14 years, and during which she has also served as treasurer for 12 years on the New York State Association of Clerks of County Legislative Boards. She has created positive working relationships with all the County Department Heads and managerial employees to be able to effectively complete assignments as a team.

She also works diligently to oversee various tasks to ensure that everything adheres to the administrative operations and that projects are completed within strict deadlines. Through this she has been able to fulfill not only the expectations of the community that she serves, but also the local officials that continue to advocate for our community at state and federal levels.

While her work experience is extensive, the multiple boards and organizations that she has donated her free time to outside of the office speak volumes as well. I am proud of all her accomplishments and the work ethic that she demonstrates on a daily basis as she continues to serve our community in all ways possible. Although she offers a different perspective and background, she has the leadership skills needed to make operations run efficiently within the Office of the Orleans County Clerk. She has proven her commitment to the residents of Orleans County and will continue to do so with the utmost respect if you vote for her to be the Orleans County Clerk.

Marisa Hanlon

Kendall

“Proud Daughter of Nadine P. Hanlon”

Shelby GOP Committee believes Smith, Wilkins best candidates for town positions

Posted 28 October 2020 at 7:50 am

Editor:

As a committee, candidates for the open positions of Town of Shelby Supervisor and Town Councilman were carefully interviewed in person. At that time each candidate had the opportunity to share their visions for the respective position in the Town.

Jeff Smith, interim Supervisor, was the sole candidate for Town Supervisor.

There were two candidates for the position of Councilman: Ryan Wilkins and Craig Stalker.  While both candidates had positive points, one stood out as a stronger candidate to fill the seat left vacant when Jeff Smith was appointed town supervisor.

The Town of Shelby Republican Committee most favorably endorsed Jeff and Ryan for these positions. We ask you to support Jeff Smith for Town Supervisor and Ryan Wilkins for Town Councilman.

Please exercise your right to vote for these candidates.

Respectfully,

Patricia Eick, Chairperson

Town of Shelby Republican Committee

McMurray would be strong advocate for region, putting country over party

Posted 27 October 2020 at 6:41 pm

Editor:

Responding to Paul Lauricella, Orleans County Conservative Party Chairman, whose letter was posted on Oct. 20 in the Orleans Hub.

Mr. Lauricella, you are mistaken. Nate McMurray is clearly the best choice for NY 27 Congress. “Lapdog,” your term, not mine, more appropriately applies to Chris Jacobs who, with a platform to support Trump, is blindly loyal.

Jacobs voted party line on 16 of 19 key votes. Jacobs voted against the post office, pleasing Donald Trump. On the way home, Jacobs learned that all other 26 NYS Republicans supported the post office. Jacobs excuse? He was “distracted”; it was a “mistake.” Lower than lapdog behavior, Jacobs tried to play both sides. Are you OK being lied to?

Nate McMurray loves this country.

Social Security helped his mom raise seven children when her husband died young. She worked 3 jobs and young McMurray was often left unsupervised. This country offered McMurray an opportunity to pull himself up and learn to thrive. He earned achievements: Eagle Scout, community college, scholarships, law school. Fulbright scholar.

McMurray is not an insider, isn’t bought off, refuses corporate money, loves our country, our flag and will fight for Social Security, Medicare and is endorsed by 26 labor unions. He does not seek to “oversee the destruction of this country with great enthusiasm,” as you carelessly and falsely claim.

McMurray will fight for healthcare for all. He said, “900,000 people applied for unemployment last week. Eight-million people since May have fallen into poverty in this country, and NY-27 has the worst job market in the country even before the pandemic. So many people either had health insurance linked to their employment. And now they’ve lost their employment, and have no other option, and at the same time, the President is attacking the health care they have. So making sure everyone has healthcare is my priority. I am open to looking at the options.”

Mr. Lauricella, you ask readers to vote party over country and “save the seat” by voting for Chris Jacobs.

While a seat was saved for Chris Collins, now serving time, we were without representation. Aren’t we worth more? We deserve someone who will work for us.

Twice, more than anywhere else in the country Republicans, Independents, and Conservatives have crossed over to vote for McMurray because he is moderate, not leftist, as you claim. McMurray successfully led a bipartisan town board in Grand Island. Unlike Jacobs, McMurray is not a career politician, speaks his mind, is sincere, and has spent thousands of hours visiting with people in NY-27.

People don’t know Jacobs, who takes an easy road, relying on party allegiance.

McMurray said, “I believe you need to represent, truly represent, people that you’re fighting for that you want to help lead in Washington. So, I am someone who will go and listen to them, and Chris, I don’t think he’s ever been to most of these towns.”

If you love America, vote country over party so that we may heal and thrive again.

Thank you,

Jeanne Crane

Carlton

President Trump has country on right track for economic prosperity

Posted 27 October 2020 at 9:15 am

Editor:

It is very disheartening and disappointing to read  letters from individuals, some previously considered to be very respectable and intelligent, who now appear to be so badly deceived and denying the truth of facts readily available to anyone seeking the actual truth of the matters we are facing in the upcoming  election.

I find myself agreeing with many of the tenets espoused by the Republican who has disavowed President Trump, but only on principle: stop watching and formulating an opinion from mainstream media (fake news), rejecting political labels, having an open mind, seeking out the facts, don’t blindly adopt the opinions of others, expose media manipulation, etc.

Yet I still must ask myself, “Where on earth did this writer conclude that President Trump hates the military and rejects family values?” Yes, the President despises what “government institutions” have become: corrupt, treasonous, untrustworthy, self-serving, haters of freedom and all things good and patriotic.

This has been called “the swamp” or “deep state.” These parts of our government have been working to destroy American values and freedoms and need to be exposed and brought down. As a  political outsider, the President has brought America to the greatest level of economic prosperity the world has ever experienced.

If the virus had not been released from China, our economy would be at a level never seen before in history. Despite the pandemic setback, President Trump has brought our economy back again and it is now only being constrained by leftist socialist state governors and mayors who want the economy destroyed in order to embarrass the President.

What sources has this opinion writer used to conclude Biden is not a socialist? Listen to his own words, confusing though they are, as he describes his “plans for America.” If you want actual facts and truth, go to the “Democrat Party 2020 Agenda” which Biden and Bernie Sanders both signed and agreed to.

Take the effort to find the truth, as my wife and I did recently. It is long, 110 pages, and will take you 90 minutes to read in its entirety. We barely could sleep that night after reading it. If Biden is such a moderate, then why has he picked one of the most radical socialist advocates as his running mate, who most certainly will take over as President once Biden steps aside?

The Bible says “My people (God speaking) are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Those who sincerely seek the truth will find it. Those who refuse to seek the truth will remain ignorant and be happy to do so. As for me and my family, we want the real truth.

Wayne Lemcke

Waterport

Write-in candidate states reasons for wanting to serve on Shelby Town Board

Posted 26 October 2020 at 9:14 pm

Editor:

I was born and raised in the town of Shelby and knowing the values of the people of Shelby, I have decided I would like to get involved and make a difference in our wonderful town.

I have been a registered Republican since I was old enough to vote.

I am residing here with my wife and 4 children and feel this is the perfect place to raise a family or grow a business with many opportunities.

Politics run in my blood as my father, Dale, served for many years as town of Shelby Councilperson until his untimely death in 2017.

I spent 2 1/2 years on the Republican Committee where I was able to demonstrate my capability building strong working relationships with fellow elected officials.

I pride myself in my ability to exercise clear communication skills and being a collaborative team member. I am a quick learner that has attention to detail and an excellent multi-tasker.

I am also dedicated, loyal and honest.

I would be honored to receive your vote and support as a write-in candidate for Town of Shelby Councilperson.

Thank you,

Craig Stalker

Shelby