Orleans County

American Legion in Lyndonville donates to veterans’ van service

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 29 February 2024 at 6:03 pm

Photo by Ginny Kropf: John Follman, left, treasurer of Lyndonville’s Houseman-Tanner American Legion Post, presents a check to David Kusmierczak, president of the Orleans County Joint Veterans’ Council, toward the purchase of their next van, while van service coordinator Phyllis Schrader looks on.

ALBION – As the Orleans County Joint Veterans’ Council gets ready to put a new van into service, donations are already being accepted for the next new one.

On Tuesday, the Houseman-Tanner American Legion Post in Lyndonville presented a check to David Kusmierczak, president of the Joint Veterans’ Council, toward the purchase of the much-needed van.

The check was presented by John Follman, treasurer of the Lyndonville Post, on behalf of post commander Steve Goodrich.

The van service, which provides free transportation for veterans to medical appointments, is coordinated by Phyllis Schrader, who said they are approved for five vans by the Buffalo Veterans’ Administration. The VA pays for all gas and repairs, but the local veterans’ agency must buy the vans.

Two of the five were ready to be replaced, with the last one, a 2010 with 109,000 miles, being out of service since last July.

All of the vans purchased are late-model and low-mileage, Schrader said.

The vans, driven by volunteers, will take veterans to medical appointments at any medical facility approved by the VA, mostly to Batavia, Buffalo, Rochester and Canandaigua.

Volunteer drivers are always needed, Schrader said.

Orleans County’s 25,000 eclipse glasses will be available starting on Friday

The County Legislature in August approved spending $9,045 from its contingency fund to buy 25,000 eclipse glasses with the Orleans County tourism logo.

Posted 28 February 2024 at 4:32 pm

Press Release, Orleans County Tourism Department

ALBION – The Orleans County Department of Tourism today announced that the county will be making solar eclipse glasses available to the public at no charge, beginning this Friday.

The county has 25,000 solar eclipse glasses to distribute. The solar eclipse will pass over Orleans County on April 8.

Orleans County Tourism expects an influx of visitors on April 8.

“I know many residents are looking forward to the total solar eclipse and we want to make sure our residents can view this extraordinary event safely,” said Dawn Borchert, director of Orleans County Tourism.  “We have locations for distribution spread across the county, so I encourage those interested in getting glasses to do so while supplies last.”

Borchert said the distribution of the glasses will be done through the county’s four libraries located in Medina, Albion, Lyndonville and Holley along with the Kendall Town Hall during normal business hours.

These are Orleans County-branded eclipse glasses that are ISO certified and are safe for direct solar viewing of the eclipse.

Families can visit these locations and pick up glasses for the number of family members they have in their households.

The partial eclipse will happen on Monday, April 8th, and will start at 2:06 p.m. in our area and will last until 4:34 p.m.  The total eclipse prime viewing time will be from 3:19 to 3:23 p.m.

 “Dawn Borchert and her team have been promoting this for the last year and have information available for both residents and visitors on the different events that will be taking place throughout the weekend leading up to the eclipse,” said Lynne Johnson, Chairman of the Orleans County Legislature.  “The Legislature is very appreciative of our tourism department’s efforts, including organizing the distribution of the eclipse glasses.”

For more information on the eclipse in Orleans County, click here.

STOP-DWI funds available to support school activities

Posted 23 February 2024 at 10:41 am

‘These grants are particularly focused on post-prom and graduation activities that provide students with a place to go where they can have fun without the presence of any alcohol or drugs.’

Press Release, Orleans County Youth Bureau

ALBION – The Orleans County Youth Bureau, on behalf of Orleans County STOP-DWI, today announced it is accepting applications for funding in support of safe and structured school activities in alcohol-and drug-free environments.

Any student or school personnel from an Orleans County school district can submit an application.

“These grants are particularly focused on post-prom and graduation activities that provide students with a place to go where they can have fun without the presence of any alcohol or drugs,” said Jack Welch, chief administrative office of Orleans County.  “Grants can be used in support of things like hiring a DJ, renting a speaker system or purchasing supplies to create an entertaining event. Our goal is to promote a safe and healthy prom and graduation season.”

Grant awards will be based on availability of funds and school districts can only receive one grant per year. All grant applications are due by March 29.

Applications will be reviewed by a committee comprised of community members. Awardees will be notified by the middle of April. A copy of the application can be found by clicking here. Those with questions can email the Youth Bureau at OrleansCountyYouthBureau@OrleanscountyNY.gov.

County forms technical rescue team with members from multiple fire departments

File photo by Tom Rivers: Albion firefighters, including Steven Papponetti in front and Fred Piano in back, try to locate a man who went into cold water after his dog in a former quarry in Murray on April 23, 2021. Firefighters from several local departments scoured the quarry waters for the man, who was found after drowning.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 February 2024 at 9:51 am

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has authorized the county’s director of emergency management to form a countywide technical rescue team.

Justin Niederhofer, emergency management director, said the team will include firefighters from multiple departments in the county who will be trained together and will practice on the different rescue equipment among departments.

Niederhofer said the new team will be trained for highly technical rescues, such as rope rescues, grain entrapment and water rescues.

The move to a countywide team is in response to a declining number of volunteers at many of the departments, Niederhofer said at Tuesday’s Legislature meeting.

Carlton, Clarendon, Medina, Murray and Shelby fire departments each have equipment for technical rescues. Firefighters from those departments, as well as other departments without that equipment, will have an opportunity to be trained to be on the technical rescue team.

Not all departments with rescue equipment have the same gear. The team will train on each department’s equipment to be familiar with the ropes, harnesses and other tools. Some departments also have grain rescue equipment which includes steel plates and an augur. The team members will also have wet suits for going into the water.

Niederhofer said firefighters deploy rope rescues when people are stuck down ravines and embankments.

The formation of the team will also increase the chances for grant funding for equipment and training, Niederhofer said.

County approves spending $900K to replace fuel farm

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 February 2024 at 8:01 am

File photo by Tom Rivers: The county will replace its fuel farm on West Academy Street in Albion, a facility constructed in 1993 and operating at 50 percent capacity due to deterioration.

ALBION – Orleans County legislators agreed on Tuesday to a $900,000 construction bid to replace the fuel farm on West Academy Street.

The site is used by the county fleet of vehicles, and other municipalities and not-for-profit agencies.

The fuel farm was built in 1993 but is currently at 50 percent capacity due to deterioration of various components of the system, legislators said.

The Legislature approved a bid from The Pump Doctor in Eden to demolish the current fueling system and install a new station at a cost not to exceed $900,000.

The fuel farm in 2022 was used for 161,700 gallons of unleaded gas and 95,720 gallons of diesel. County vehicles used 64,500 gallons of unleaded and 22,570 of diesel while other agencies used 97,200 gallons of unleaded and 73,150 gallons of diesel, according to a 2022 report on user data.

The county users include the DPW, Sheriff’s Office, Major Felony Crime Task Force, Animal Control, Emergency management Office, Public Health, Office for the Aging and Probation Department.

The outside agencies and other municipalities include Albion Central School, Town of Albion, Village of Albion, Community Action, Ministry of Concern, ARC, Mental Health Association, Mercy EMS, Soil & Water, RTS, Town of Carlton, Murray Joint Fire District, as well as being an emergency stop for various towns.

The users all pay the same price for the fuel. There is a fee that goes towards maintenance of the system, said Jack Welch, the county chief administrative officer.

It will take 12-16 weeks for the equipment to be fabricated and available for the delivery, he said.

“We hope the new system will be operational in August, prior to the start of the new school year,” Welch said.

Welch said the county did an analysis of the pros and cons of an in-house fuel farm vs. a WEX program where municipalities and not-for-profits can buy fuel at a retail store without taxes.

“When the analysis went beyond the dollars and cents and looked at the size of the vehicles, school buses, fire trucks and ten wheelers,” Welch said. “We discussed the idea of the WEX program with the owners of Crosby’s, our largest chain of gas stations. We also considered how the change could impact the retail customers of fuel stations in a positive or negative manner.”

County Legislator Fred Miller said the larger vehicles such as school buses don’t fit at some of the local gas stations, and he was concerned without the fuel farm there would be longer waits at the local gas stations with municipal vehicles filling up.

Editor’s Note: This article was updated from the original version to include more data and comments from county officials.

County proclaims March as ‘Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month’

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 February 2024 at 10:27 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has declared March as “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.” County Legislator Don Allport presents a proclamation to Arc GLOW CEO Martin Miskell.

Others pictured include, from left: Arc board members Marlene Hill, Ken Barchet (board assistant treasurer) and Joe Barchet, and Lisa Bors, public relations director.

The former Arc of Genesee Orleans and Arc of Livingston-Wyoming merged in 2021 following 18 months of planning to form the new Arc GLOW. This is the first four-county chapter of The Arc New York. This follows the merger in 2016 of the former Arc of Orleans and Genesee Arc.

In Orleans County, Arc GLOW has three homes for individuals with disabilities, operates Orleans Enterprises Work Center in Albion, day habilitation programs, Meals on Wheels/Nutrifare in Albion and Camp Rainbow in Ridgeway. Several programs and departments also share space with the finance department on Caroline Street in Albion, Arc GLOW officials said.

Retiring jail lieutenant praised for 32-year career

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 February 2024 at 9:16 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Michael Christopher, center, accepts a special recognition award this afternoon from County Legislator Skip Draper, right, and Sheriff Chris Bourke.

Christopher is retiring after a career as a corrections officer at the county jail. Christopher started in 1992 as a part-time correction officer and became full-time in 1994. He worked his way up through the ranks and was promoted in 2011 to correction sergeant, in 2016 to sergeant first class, and in 2020 he achieved the rank of lieutenant.

Christopher has taken on multiple job assignments within the jail including Incarcerated Individual Disciplinary Coordinator, Classification Coordinator, Livescan Coordinator, Fire Safety Coordinator, and Municipal Police Training Council Certified Instructor. He also served on the Orleans County Safety Board for several years.

“I appreciate Orleans County for hiring me and having faith in me and moving me up in the ranks,” Christopher told county legislators. He is known among his co-workers as “Cadillac.”

Mike Christopher accepts the special recognition award from Legislator Skip Draper. Joining Christopher are his colleagues from left: Sgt. Dawn Basinait, Sheriff Chris Bourke, Jail Superintendent Scott Wilson and Sgt. Chris Shabazz.

Chamber seeks vendors for Home, Garden & Outdoor Show on April 6-7

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 February 2024 at 8:03 pm

Event will be timed with special events leading up to solar eclipse on April 8

KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Home, Garden & Outdoor Show on April 6-7 at the 4-H Fairgrounds at a time when the community should see an influx of visitors due to the solar eclipse on April 8.

The Chamber is seeking vendors for the annual Home, Garden & Outdoor Show, which this year will include food trucks, a chicken barbecue, family activities, camping, a bonfire, fireworks and music, said Darlene Hartway, Chamber executive director.

“We are looking forward to combining this historic event with our showcase of the many wonderful businesses available in our area,” Hartway said in a letter to prospective vendors. “We are expanding our show to include a multitude of programs, workshops, events, and fun activities for all ages. We will be utilizing more buildings and outdoor space to accommodate the increase in vendors and attendees. Camping for the weekend event is also available.”

Hartway said the Chamber has boosted the advertising budget and purchased new signage to promote the entire weekend of events.

For more information about being a vendor, contact Hartway at director@orleanschamber.com or at (585) 301-8464.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension is teaming with the Chamber, the Albion Merchants Association and Orleans County Tourism Department for many events at the fairgrounds.

The solar eclipse path of totality will pass through Western New York and Orleans County with the duration of the totality about four minutes beginning at approximately 3:18 p.m. on April 8, a Monday. The partial eclipse starts at 2:04 p.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m.

Events at the Fairgrounds for Eclipse Over Orleans include:

  • April 5 (Friday) – Camp sites available. Visitors will receive Orleans County gift bag with discounts to local businesses.
  • April 6 (Saturday) – Chamber Home, Garden & Outdoor Show with food vendors and kids’ activities, and a chicken barbecue by Elks. The day is capped off with fireworks at Fairgrounds at 8 p.m.
  • April 7 (Sunday) – Chamber Home, Garden & Outdoor Show with food vendors and kids’ activities. There will also be an Orleans County scavenger hunt with prizes for top three teams and one unique hidden prize. There will be a campfire sing-along with s’mores by the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen from 7 to 9 p.m. The Albion Free Methodist Church will lead a Glow Party at 8:30 p.m. at the pavilion with a DJ.
  • April 8 (Monday) – There will be food vendors and kids’ activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be kids’ activity from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring the Orleans County 4-H nutritional program leading a session on astronaut food, including hands-on cooking.

County to use state grant to buy new radios for village police officers

Posted 16 February 2024 at 3:52 pm

Press Release, Orleans County Legislature

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature today said it intends to pass a resolution at Tuesday’s meeting authorizing the county’s Emergency Management Office to utilize $174,000 in grant funding to purchase portable radios for three village law enforcement agencies.

Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature, said that action will completes Phase II of a multi-year project to upgrade aging portable radios, which have reached end of life.

“Like all technology, radios are not exempt from constant technological advances that are needed to improve overall system reliability and the security of our public safety communications infrastructure,” Johnson said.  “The Legislature will always make investments in public safety a top priority.”

Justin Niederhofer, director of the Emergency Management Office, said, “In a rural community, such as Orleans County, it is imperative to first responder safety that all responders have secure and reliable communication equipment. After determining that most of the portable radio equipment used throughout the county was reaching the end of its usable life cycle, and several radios were no longer being supported or repairable by the manufacturer, the Emergency Management Office launched a project to upgrade the aging radios.”

According to Niederhofer, Phase I of the project included upgrades to all eleven local fire departments at a cost of $229,528 and was completed in 2022.

Phase II includes replacement of radios for the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office at a cost of $165,164, and the villages of Albion, Holley and Medina at a cost of $174,000. As first responder radios are upgraded, the old radios will be utilized to replace older portable radios that are in use by town highway departments and school districts.

These upgrades will expand communications capabilities with our neighboring counties.  Currently all county law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies have direct communication capability with Genesee County agencies.

When this project is complete, the Sheriff’s Office will be able to directly communicate with all bordering counties law enforcement partners. Additionally, the Village of Medina PD will be able to communicate with Niagara County law enforcement agencies and the Village of Holley PD will be able to communicate with Monroe County law enforcement agencies.  Monroe and Orleans County fire agencies are working on programming updates that will allow for direct communications with each other when responding to fires and other emergencies.

The project is being funded by the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Statewide Interoperable Communications Formula-Based Grant. The grant money is generated from the public safety communications surcharge that is charged by wireless phone service providers to their customers.

The use of grant funding prevents increases in the county, town and village tax levies while improving mission critical communications and operational efficiency for county first responders.

County leaders lobby in DC for projects in Orleans

Provided photos: Orleans County legislators Skip Draper, Lynne Johnson and John Fitzak are shown outside the U.S. Capitol during the National Association of Counties’ Annual Conference.

Posted 15 February 2024 at 3:39 pm

Press Release, Orleans County Legislature

WASHINGTON, DC – Orleans County legislative leaders along with over 2,000 elected county officials nationwide attended the annual five-day conference for the National Association of Counties in Washington DC from February 9-13 and returned home yesterday.

The annual conference was at the Washington Hilton Hotel brings together elected officials from over 3,000 counties to focus on federal policy issues that impact county residents.

“We are fortunate to have effective representation in Congress and in the US Senate for our County,” said Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson. “It is important that we advocate to as many of our federal leaders as we can who sit on powerful committees.”

Also attending were Legislators Merle “Skip” Draper and John Fitzak. The conference focused on Broadband, Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Workforce Development, Health Care and Public Safety policies. The conference also was attended by President Joe Biden, who addressed the attendees Monday morning.

Orleans County legislators, along with Niagara County Legislator David Godfrey, far left, take part in a discussion with staff for Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.

Orleans County officials spent time on Capitol Hill meeting with key staff from Senator Charles Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s offices. In addition, Orleans County officials met with Chiefs of Staff from the county’s two Congressional Representatives, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney NY-24 and Congressman Joe Morelle NY-25. They also met with key Agriculture Committee Members, Congressmen Nick Langworthy NY-23 and Marc Molinaro NY-19.

Discussions centered around Orleans specific needs and more funding for emergency management, first responders, seniors, infrastructure, public safety, harbor dredging and broadband projects. The Agriculture Committee is key to funding many projects in rural America.

“One of the most effective ways to represent our county on the federal level is to meet in person here in Washington,” Johnson said. “Working with staff from our representatives’ offices, we can better articulate our county’s needs. We are always appreciative of the financial support that we receive on behalf of our residents and are grateful to our representatives in Congress.”

The National Association of Counties (NACO) serves nearly 40,000 county officials. Founded in 1935, NACO unites County leaders from across the United States to educate lawmakers and advocate for county priorities.

Orleans County extends application deadline to seek funding for youth programs

Posted 13 February 2024 at 11:06 am

Press Release, Orleans County Youth Board

ALBION – The Orleans County Youth Board today announced it is extending the deadline for youth service program and project funding applications to March 1.

The reason for this extension is to give youth organizations more time to review different funding opportunities since the New York State Office of Children and Family Services made three new funding sources available in 2024.

According to Orleans County Chief Administrative Officer Jack Welch, the Youth Development Program has historically been the main source of funding. This year there are three additional funding sources available for Orleans County – Youth Sports and Educational Opportunity Funding, Youth Sports Education Funding Infrastructure and Youth Team Sports Allocation.

“The Youth Board wanted to ensure that there was no confusion as to which funding allocation each agency was applying for so the deadline was extended,” Welch said. “Hopefully this will provide potential applicants more time to review all the funding opportunities, understand the different requirements for each, and ultimately maximize their funding requests for the benefit of the youth they serve.”

Applications and the required documents for each funding allocation may be found on our Youth Bureau website by clicking here.

STAMP court hearing between Orleans and Genesee EDC set for March 7

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 February 2024 at 8:20 am

ALBION – A State Supreme Court judge has set 10 a.m. on March 7 for a hearing in a court case between Orleans and Genesee counties, where Orleans is trying to block a sewer main from being built on Route 63 in Shelby.

Hearings have been cancelled or delayed the past few months. The hearing on March 7 will be at the Orleans County Courthouse before Judge Frank Caruso.

Orleans is represented by Lippes Mathias LLP in Buffalo and contends Genesee didn’t have the county’s permission to install the sewer main in Orleans County. The sewer, at full buildout of the STAMP manufacturing site in the Town of Alabama, would direct 6 million gallons of treated water to the Oak Orchard Creek.

Orleans states the sewer discharge would have a negative impact on the county’s fishing industry, which is a nearly $30 million economic boost to Orleans County. The additional water from STAMP could also hurt the economic development efforts in Medina by overtaxing the creek, Orleans attorneys say in the lawsuit. (The Town of Shelby has since joined the lawsuit as an intervenor.)

Genesee County in its court filings contend Orleans gave consent to the project, which was years in the making, by never objecting to it – until the very last moment. Its years of silence should be viewed as support of the project, say attorneys from Phillips Lytle LLP, which are representing the Genesee County Economic Development Center and others named in the lawsuit – G. DeVincentis & Son Construction Co., Inc., Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation, and STAMP Sewer Works, Inc.

The attorneys called the lawsuit from Orleans “a baseless attempt … to obstruct or delay construction of a long-planned, duly-approved infrastructure project.”

The Genesee attorneys claim Orleans is making “obstructionist proceeding” in a last-ditch attempt to stop the project as part of an “extortionate” demand from Genesee for money to get the Orleans blessing.

At full build-out STAMP can accommodate up to 6.1 million square feet of advanced technology manufacturing, office and retail space. GCEDC projects direct employment of up to 9,330 full-time jobs with a regional economic impact for support companies serving the site.

The first two tenants at STAMP – Plug Power and Edwards Vacuum – would have a daily discharge of 50,000 gallons of treated wastewater, GCEDC said.

Orleans County accepting nominations for youth recognition awards

Posted 9 February 2024 at 1:42 pm

Press Release, Orleans County Youth Bureau

ALBION – The Orleans County Youth Bureau today announced that nominations are now open for its 42nd Annual Youth Recognition awards.

The purpose of these awards is to recognize those youth who have performed outstanding service for our community and/or have assumed an extraordinary role within their families by helping to support themselves.

“These awards are a great opportunity to highlight the many young people who are doing some extraordinary things in service of others,” said Jack Welch, chief administrative officer for Orleans County.  “Every year, I am amazed at the nominations we receive and it makes me very happy to realize these are the folks who will one day assume leadership roles in our community.”

Anyone is welcome to nominate a candidate, but nominations from family members must be accompanied by a supporting recommendation from a non-family member. Nominees must reside in Orleans County and be a minimum of 14 years of age and under the age of 21 before June 30 of the current award year.

In addition to the youth recognition awards, the Youth Bureau is also accepting nominations for the Helen Brinsmaid Award, given to an Orleans County youth-serving professional, in a paid position, whose work surpasses normal expectations, and the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Recognition Award, presented to an adult who serves the youth of Orleans County in a volunteer setting.

All nomination forms can be found by clicking here. Nominations must be submitted to the Youth Bureau by March 31.

For information about the awards, contact the Youth Bureau at 585-589-7053 or OrleansCountyYouthBureau@OrleanscountyNY.gov.

Orleans sees $600K growth in sales tax revenue in 2023

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 February 2024 at 10:51 am

Sales tax up more than $5 million in the county since 2019

Orleans County continues to see growth in its sales tax revenue. The state comptroller reported the county’s sales tax collection went up more than $600,000 from $22.46 million in 2022 to $23.10 million last year.

That continues a streak of sizable increases in the local sales tax, which has now grown by more than $5 million since 2019.

  • $23.1 million in 2023
  • $22.5 million in 2022
  • $21.8 million in 2021
  • $19.4 million in 2020
  • $17.7 million in 2019

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli reported that 50 of the 57 counties outside New York City experienced growth in the local sales tax in 2023.

Here are the changes among the four rural GLOW counties:

  • Genesee up 2.4 percent from $54.87 million in 2022 to $56.20 million in 2023
  • Livingston up 6.9 percent from $44.79 million in 2022 to $47.89 million in 2023
  • Orleans up 2.8 percent from $22.46 million in 2022 to $23.10 million in 2023
  • Wyoming up 5.1 percent from $24.77 million in 2022 to $26.03 million in 2023

Sullivan County had the largest increase among counties in the state at 11.6%, followed by the counties of Schoharie (10.9%), Chenango (7.9%) and Schuyler (7.8%), DiNapoli reported.

Yates County saw the steepest decline in collections (-5.6%), followed by the counties of Cayuga (-2.5%), Steuben (-1.5%) and Rockland (-1.4%).

Local government sales tax collections in the state totaled $23 billion in calendar year 2023, up 4.2%, or $919 million, from 2022, largely influenced by growth in New York City sales taxes, DiNapoli said.

NYC’s sales tax growth of 5.9% in 2023 exceeded the amount for the counties and cities in the rest of the state (2.4%). NYC accounts for about 40mpercent of the state-wide total. NYC’s growth was boosted by increases in domestic and international tourism, which approached pre-pandemic levels this past holiday season, the state comptroller stated.

“Growth in local sales tax collections statewide moderated in 2023, following two years of double-digit increases,” DiNapoli said. “The fluctuations in sales tax collections that characterized the pandemic period have subsided. Local officials should plan for sales tax revenue with more stable and modest growth rates.”

In 2020, during the peak of the Covid pandemic, sales tax collections were down 10 percent statewide, and then increased by 19.1 percent in 2021, 12.7 percent in 2022 and then 4.2 percent in 2023.

Susan Howard backed by Conservative Party for DA

Provided photo: Susan Howard is interviewed by the Orleans County Conservative Party on Jan. 20 at the Hoag Library.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 February 2024 at 5:43 pm

Susan Howard

ALBION – The Orleans County Conservative Party is announcing its endorsement of Susan Howard for Orleans County district attorney.

Howard has been the first assistant DA for 12 years. Joe Cardone, the current district attorney, is retiring on Dec. 31 after 32 years in the position.

The Orleans County Republican Party earlier today endorsed John Sansone to the next district attorney.

Paul Lauricella, the county Conservative Party chairman, said the Conservative Party leaders met with both Howard and Sansone.

“Both candidates impressed the committee with their knowledge of the office and ability to do the job,” Lauricella said. “Susan and John Sansone are very capable candidates. The majority of the committee chose Susan. Good luck in the June 25th Primary.”

The Conservative didn’t endorse any of the local state legislators or Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.

“We have a 12-year term limit in our bylaws on any candidate that has been in any one position for that time or longer,” Lauricella said. “Assemblyman Steve Hawley reached out but was term limited out years ago.”

State Sen. Rob Ortt and Tenney didn’t not seek the local party’s endorsement.

“We are not going to chase after politicians that in many cases disappoint with their votes or spending sprees,” Lauricella said. “If they want an endorsement they can come in front of the full committee and answer questions. We would rather not endorse than have to be embarrassed by one of their liberal votes. This goes for local candidates also.”