Editor:

Mr. William’s letter is spot on. And I should know. In a photo of a recent class reunion in Medina, I’m the guy with the hat, white beard and cane. I (almost) always wear my mask when entering any public place.

I had my mask on when I got out of my car to join the group but when I saw that none of my classmates had a mask on I took mine off. I was the last one there and I figured they’d all agreed not to wear their masks and who am I to get in their faces?

I was wrong not to keep my mask on. I do take issue with Mr. William’s opinion that wearing a mask is just a matter of public health. There is an extreme right wing in this country that wants to take the country back to 1956, the year me and my classmates graduated.

In my opinion this right wing has made mask wearing a political matter. It is their way of expressing their opinion that Covid is a hoax and the number of Covid deaths is a liberal fabrication.

One last point. I believe the extreme right wingers, and the mostly Republican politicians who ride their coat tails, have become a force for evil.

Dennis Seekins

Lyndonville

Editor:

As we face the continuing coronavirus pandemic, we must do so united in the goal of taking care of ourselves and each other.

The photographs of community members without masks in public, as seen on the Hub, are very alarming. Each person in the pictures has a duty to themselves and each other to wear a mask. The photographer should not take photos if the subjects are not wearing masks and the photos should not be published if they are not wearing masks.

The science has become clearer that a properly worn mask protects the wearer, as well as others. There is no evidence that doing so causes any harm whatsoever.

This is not a political issue about personal freedom. This is a public health issue, and people’s lives and livelihoods depend on our commitment to wearing masks. Doing so will slow the spread of the virus, thus sparing businesses (which should make sure their employees and customers properly wear masks) from permanently closing, and preventing more of our loved ones from dying. Please, let’s all come together on this issue.

Alexander Williams

Medina

Editor:

In regard to Tami Martin’s letter, there are four states that are mail-in voting only: Colorado, Hawaii, Utah and Oregon. These four have either been traditionally “blue” or are tending left since mail in voting has been implemented. Coincidence?

In addition, in the recent Presidential Primary, there were more than 550,000 votes rejected (over 80,000 from NY) compared to 319,000 in the previous Presidential Primary. According to the left leaning NPR, the vast majority of these rejections were due to first time mail-in voter mistakes. 550,000 votes not counted due to simple mistakes. If there are mistakes at the polling booth, the ballot is rejected right then and there, giving the voter the opportunity to correct it.

Also according to NPR research, “The numbers compiled by NPR are almost certainly an underestimate since not all states have made the information on rejected mail-in ballots available” and “has raised alarms about what might happen in November when tens of millions of more voters are expected to cast their ballots by mail, many for the first time.”

“Election experts said first-time absentee voters are much more likely to make the kinds of mistakes that lead to rejected ballots,” NPR said. “Studies also show that voters of color and young voters are more likely than others to have their ballots not count.”

In addition, a study by Rob Griffin of FAR left UCLA  and the partisan Democracy Fund reveals, “If something goes wrong with any of this, that’s a problem writ large, but it’s also going to be one that hits some populations of the United States a bit harder than others, potentially disenfranchises different groups of folks at higher rates.”

Given the above – all of which come from strong supporters of the left, I submit that an all-mail vote disenfranchises minorities, increases rejected ballots, and increases the chance for fraud. The election is 71 days away from the date of this writing. How will the post office spend the $25 billion it has been awarded to ensure a secure ballot handling process in 71 short days? Thinking that it can is unrealistic.

Bob Harker

Clarendon

Editor:

Republicans are pushing Russian propaganda. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis), Chairman of Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee, has opened an investigation of Ukraine interference in the 2016 Presidential campaign.

This is a conduit for Russian dis-information. The U.S. Intelligence Community, (ODNI, CIA, DIA, NSA, NGA, NRO, department of defense of Army, Navy, Marine Corp, and Air Force), the Mueller Report, and now the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, (report issued 8/18/20), have stated that Russia, not Ukraine, interfered in the 2016 presidential election.

The Republican-controlled Senate report stated that Konstnatin Kilimnik, a Russian Intelligence Officer, “Kilimnik almost certainly helped arrange some of the first public messaging that Ukraine had interfered in the U.S. election” (page 108 of the Select Senate Committee on Russian Interference).

This supports testimony under oath by current and former senior officials that Ukraine interference in the 2016 election was Russian propaganda. Including testimony by State Department top Ukraine experts, George Kent, Fiona Hill, and Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman and Ambassadors Maria Yovanovitch and David Hale.

Furthermore, Sen. Johnson has been warned by U.S. Intelligence officials that their investigation could spread Russian propaganda. Andrew Desiderio of Politico.com reported, (2/27/20), that: “In a Dec. 5 meeting, Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr (R-N.C.) told the leaders of the Senate Homeland Security and Finance committees — Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Chuck Grassley of Iowa, respectively — that their probe targeting Biden could aid Russian efforts to sow chaos and distrust in the U.S. political system, according to two congressional sources familiar with the meeting.”

The evidence is clear; Republican are more interested in spreading Russian propaganda, and lies than solving real world problems.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

Mail-in voting is not now nor has never been an issue. Soldiers have used the mail to vote since the Civil War.

Some states use mail-in ballots completely. This is another trumped-up nonsense story. Unless the Post Office is destroyed by the corrupt Republicans, mail-in voting will continue as usual.

Maybe try reading or watching actual news? This helps with critical thinking.

Tami Martin

Albion

Editor:

I write to ask the proponents of mail in ballots a question:

If you trust the USPS with the very future of our nation, why is it you don’t trust it enough to send cash through it?

The advancement of electronic payments in the last decade notwithstanding, what about before? Did you mail cash for your mortgage? Utility bills? As a birthday or other gift?

I think not.

This is proving to be the most divided national election day in our history. Why should we change what is proven? I don’t accept Covid as the reason espoused by the left. They know full well that they have the weakest ticket in recent, if not all, history. What is their true motive? Could it be that they are hoping for ballots to come up missing? The left’s response is that the ballots are anonymous and unidentifiable. Not so. Each and every mail-in ballot will have a unique “identification number.” You cannot convince me that this unique identifier will not in some way be deciphered.

As far as voter ID, how does that suppress the minority vote as the left so often recites? You need ID to get any permit, license, or just about any transaction with the government. You need an ID to purchase alcohol, cigarettes. The list of circumstances where you need to show proof of identity goes on and on.

And they continue to repeat that it suppresses voting – especially with minorities.

Really?

Bob Harker

Clarendon

Editor:

Before the conspiracy theorists and FN fans start welcoming another Civil War—as a friend of mine did about a week ago—they might want to reflect on at least two things.

First, people die in civil wars, as my Confederate ancestor general did at Shiloh. Second, another civil war is just what Putin and his pals had in mind when they injected themselves into our Presidential politics in 2016.

Would you want to be complicit in a KGB scheme?

Before you say, “We need a civil war”, you might want to check out the Constitutional definition of treason. It is in there. While you are at it, why not find out how many died in the last one.

Alarmedly yours,

Gary F. Kent

Albion

Editor:

Although I appreciated the fine write-up by Mike Wertman and enjoyed reminiscing about the numerous “Albion Sports Night”  events that were coordinated by its Chairman, Rich Monacelli, who always did a fantastic job – I was disappointed in the fact that the Albion Council 1330 Knights of Columbus was not mentioned.

The event was always held at the K of C’s hall and was backed, and very largely financially supported, by the Council.

Joe Gehl

Kent

Editor:

A free thought to be shared by those who like to advocate their own intellectual shortcomings with falsehoods, fabrications and rhetoric long ago proven to be . . . well, just plain wrong.

“To argue with a man who has renounced the use and authority of reason, and whose philosophy consists in holding humanity in contempt, is like administering medicine to the dead, or endeavoring to convert an atheist by scripture.” – Thomas Paine, March 21, 1778

A very timely thought offered by one of America’s most highly regarded political philosophers who served as a guiding light, not only to the Founding Fathers, but also to the newly enlightened masses whose blood would be shed fighting to free themselves from the derisive and divisive state of the autocracy from which they suffered.

Now very sadly, the realization that Thomas Paine could have possibly perceived our current reality means that for all of our “advancements” what is most important to the vitality of our civilization has been lost “to a man who has renounced the use and authority of reason and whose philosophy consists in holding humanity in contempt.” And, even as I write . . . he speaks proudly of it.

Doug Miller

Albion

Editor:

Hearing stories of the suffragette movement at the turn of the 20th Century and seeing it remembered all these years later is both incredibly important and gratifying to me.

And it’s more than just the fact that the promise of America – where every citizen has a say in the direction of the country – was one step closer to being fulfilled at that time (but that is incredibly important).

My personal connection to this movement comes from the fact that my great aunt, Ella Hawley Crosset of Wyoming County, was an integral part of the movement. Her example has helped guide me throughout my life.

Taking a look back at the era that these suffragettes were living in, there’s no doubt that they were in the fight for their lives in many cases. Political and social pressure undoubtedly kept pushing these brave women back, pressuring them to give up their cause.

Despite the trials and tribulations, women continued to push back for a seat at the table. They galvanized Albany legislators to push for further constitutional changes that had already been started in states lying to the west, and New York was the driving force to make Congress hear these women and grant them their wishes.

Today, my great aunt’s name is listed on the plaque in the Capitol on the first floor as you enter from State Street. Her name is listed alongside other notable women of history and suffragettes, including Susan B. Anthony.

To know that members of my family have been fighting throughout our history to ensure that freedoms and liberties are granted to all citizens fills me with a lot of pride, and makes me honored to continue their legacy. We should all look back to their example of fighting for rights and liberties to help us decide how we act today.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Batavia

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

Editor:

Congressman Chris Jacobs has not denounced the politically motivated slowing of the U.S. Postal Service.

The Postal Service is vital for the economy especially in small towns and villages in Western New York, an area represented by Chris Jacobs. In the past few months the Postal Service has taken measures to slow the mail and cause disruptions in services vital to the region.

Jerry Zremski reported in the Buffalo News, (8/13/20), that: “The Postal Service has removed five of the 20 mail sorting machines from the William Street facility, (Frank Resetarits, president of American Postal Workers Union Local 374), said. Called delivery bar code sorters, the machines sort mail the size of letters and post cards, including mail-in ballots.”

Small businesses depend upon the Postal Service and many in rural residents depend upon the Postal Service for medication and food items. Forcing the Postal Service to be a for-profit service will cost rural areas far more to mail letters, post cards and packages. It is an added expense that economically depressed Western New York doesn’t need.

When the residents of Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties learn that Mr. Jacobs is supporting disruption of services and mail price increase, the voters will not be happy. It is time for Mr. Jacobs to hold a town-hall style meeting and explain his position to his constituents. Thank you.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

I’d like to thank Mr. Capurso for his recent insights regarding community consolidation. I read with care the NY State Local Government Efficiency report on the Village & Town of Albion plus Gaines – paying close attention to the appendixes.

Mr. Capurso deserves credit for uncovering this information. The report runs over 100 pages however it took me just a few pages in to provide what I think is the most likely explanation for Mr. Capurso.

The larger savings number – $736,000 – is divided among 12,000 Albion & Gaines residents. Divide the larger number by the smaller number and you get a total annual per household tax savings of just $61 per year –  or $5 per month in reduced taxes. The smaller number – $535,000 – reduces annual household tax by just $44/year – or about $3.60 per month per household.

I’ll throw this out there to Mr. Capurso as a best guess: I have a sneaking suspicion that no significant consolidations have taken place in our area because the time-cost to do so is very large while the average person’s tax burden is only reduced by what amounts to a couple of large pizzas and a 12-pack per year.

Respectfully,

Darren D. Wilson

Lyndonville

Editor:

In response to the article titled “NY approves 17 million in funding for Lake Ontario businesses,” we were originally stated in this publication to receive $542,000 of which we would have to pay 15% which would have been $81,300. Since we had our own equipment and could do the work ourselves, we could use that as payment towards the $83,100.

A couple closed-door meetings and it got adjusted to $200,000 at 50%. In other words, if we spent $400,000 and everything was approved by the state they would reimburse us $200,000.

Trick is we don’t have $400,000 to spend. Add to that where the representative we were dealing with from the DEC retired in the middle of our paperwork and the new DEC representative working from home and not having access to all the document because of Covid-19 delayed all of our paperwork. Now our case has been closed with no funding.

The Governor said he wanted to make sure businesses had skin in the game but we didn’t have enough skins to play his game. Meanwhile two miles down the road at the little used Yates Town Park they were awarded $2.5 million of which they had to pay 15% which according to my understanding was dropped to 5%. Funny how that works.

In the first round in 2017 we were told we would receive $50,000 but again we first had to spend $100,000 and hope we would get refunded $50,000. We ended up with about $6,500.

That’s how they can afford to give $2.5 million to other government pet projects like the Yates Town Park.

Don and Barb Anderson

Green Harbor Campground and Marina

Lyndonville

Editor:

Our rural community has got a major problem. Small business sends its bills and we get parts, social security checks, bills, cards, medicines by the United States Postal Service. There is no good alternative.

On Aug. 14, a plan to pull thousands of mailboxes across the country was stopped when a reporter’s photos from Montana spotted it. The public outcry stopped that.

Now we learn almost 700 functioning sorters have been removed. Each scans 30,000 pieces of mail an hour. That is massive. All our mail goes through these centers.

The USPS pensions are required to be funded for decades. This service is required in Art 1 of our Constitution. The Republican Board of Governors has told us how much is needed to get us through as we deal with the COVID beast.

As with so much else right now keeping our way of life will be far cheaper to pay for now – and  keep – now rather than rebuilt later from the ashes. Everyone has to put their foot down on this one!  Call, write, scream, vote.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

Some time ago I posted a Letter to the Editor suggesting discussion on the top of consolidating the 10 Orleans jurisdictions into one organization. Two citizens responded with thoughtful letters.

After I wrote that letter, I was surprised to learn that a “Consolidation Study for the Village of Albion, Town of Albion and Town of Gaines” had already been completed in March 2009. The study was conducted by the Center for Governmental Research (CGR) at no cost to the jurisdictions. The study stated in the Key Findings (page 8) that:

• “CGR estimates that if the Village of Albion merges with the Town of Albion, taxpayers should save at least $535,000 (an 18% property tax reduction).
• If the Town of Gaines also consolidated with them, taxpayers savings should be at least $736,000 (a 22% property tax reduction).

This study  was funded by the New York State Local Government Efficiency (LGe) office, (phone 800 367 8488). The LGe has also funded over 50 other consolidation studies that have included:  Ulster County, Town and Village of Chester, Cohocton, Orange County, Town of Elba (Lake Placid area), City of Mechanicville, Town of Portland and Village of Brockton, etc.  The entire list can be found on the LGe website.

I remain puzzled at the lack of interest in consolidation by leaders in all levels of government in the county. The above noted jurisdictions cited increased efficiency and lower taxes as their main reasons for considering consolidation.

A note to Republicans, Democrats and Libertarians: as they have in hundreds of jurisdictions across the state, it would seem reasonable that voters would favor lower taxes and improved efficiency at future elections.

Jack Capurso

Ashburn, Va.