The turnout for the recent local election, which included candidates for towns and county offices, was 26.7 percent or 6,519 voters out of 24,415 registered countywide. That included nine days of early voting and the general election on Nov. 2.

Many of the races were uncontested. Towns without opposition for the candidates had the lowest turnout – 18.3 percent in Albion where three candidates were unopposed.

That compared to the 45.6 percent in Barre, where the town supervisor was contested and two councilmen faced write-in opposition.

Here is a breakdown of the turnout at each of the 10 towns.

• Albion: 18.3% – 631 voted out of 3,446 registered
• Barre: 45.6% – 599 voted out of 1,314 registered
• Carlton: 32.3% – 644 voted out of 1,996 registered
• Clarendon: 26.7% – 653 voted out of 2,449 registered
• Gaines: 23.1% – 449 voted out of 1,941 registered
• Kendall: 34.2% – 613 voted out of 1,793 registered
• Murray: 25.8% – 749 voted out of 2,908 registered
• Ridgeway: 25.1% – 998 voted out of 3,977 registered
• Shelby: 22.3% – 670 voted out of 3,001 registered
• Yates: 32.3% – 513 voted out of 1,590 registered
• Orleans County: 26.7% – 6,519 voted out of 24,415 registered

Orleans County voters opposed all five state-wide propositions on the ballot, proposals about the redistricting process, voting, the environment and civil courts in New York City.

Here are the results in Orleans County:

• Proposition one (redistricting) – 5,259 no votes and 928 in favor

• Proposition two (environment) – 3,380 no votes, 2,630 voted yes

• Proposition three (voting) – 5,443 no votes, 799 voted yes

• Proposition four (voting) – 5,284 no votes, 943 yes votes

• Proposition five (courts) – 3,781 no votes, 2,000 yes votes

State-wide, propositions 1, 3 and 4 were rejected and propositions 2 and 5 are likely to have passed, according to media reports.

The Republicans and Conservative parties were among the most vocal opponents to propositions 1, 3 and 4. Proposition 1 would have amended the state’s redistricting process. Proposition 3 would have eliminated a deadline of 10 days before an election for someone to register to vote. Proposition 4 would have authorized no-excuse absentee voting.

Proposition 2 called for established the right to clean air and clean water. And Proposition 5 was focused on civil courts in New York City.

A coalition supporting the changes in redistricting and voting called the results “a black eye for democracy.”

“These results are a cautionary tale showing that even in deep blue New York, we can’t take pro-democracy outcomes for granted,” Susan Lerner, executive director of Common Cause/NY, said in a statement. “Anti-democracy forces are drowning out common-sense reforms with fear mongering scare tactics, and voters are listening.”

Gerard Kassar, NYS Conservative Party Chairman, tweeted this reaction to the three propositions failing: “Propositions 1,3 & 4 were handily defeated. Shows NY Legislature out of touch with the people. Even in NYC 40 % of those voting sided with the Conservative and Republican Parties in voting no.”

Orleans County voters have elected two new members to the County Legislature.

Ed Morgan, a retired Murray highway superintendent, was elected to fill the spot currently held by John DeFillipps, who didn’t seek re-election.

John Fitzak, a Carlton town councilman, also was elected for a district that includes the towns of Carlton, Kendall and Murray. He will succeed Ken DeRoller who didn’t seek re-election.

Here are the results for county positions:

Orleans County (all unopposed)

• Kim DeFrank, country treasurer – 4,659
• Merle (Skip) Draper of Medina for county legislator, at-large west – 4,427
• Don Allport of Gaines for county legislator, at-large central – 4,338
• Ed Morgan of Murray for county legislator, at-large east – 4,283
• Bill Eick of Shelby for District 1 – 1,250
• Lynne Johnson of Lyndonville for District 2 – 1,625
• Fred Miller of Albion for District 3 – 439
• John Fitzak of Carlton for District 4 – 1,308

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature doesn’t want to see the northern part of the county again used in an “earmuff” district that connects Rochester to the Niagara frontier.

County legislators last week passed a resolution stating their preference for the county to be included in a district with “communities of interest” – other rural counties rather than a metro area 80 miles away.

The northern lakeshore towns of Yates, Carlton and Kendall were included in the now obsolete 28^th Congressional District that was represented by Louise Slaughter until it was done away with redistricting in 2013.

That district “clearly violated the generally accepted criteria for good-government redistricting, particularly in terms of compactness and preservation of communities of interest,” according to a resolution from the Legislature.

The county the past 8 years has been in the 27^th Congressional District, which includes all or parts of eight counties, including the rural GLOW counties.

Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson said she wants to see Orleans remain in a district with similar nearby rural counties. She doesn’t want to see the county to be a tag-on to a district dominated by either Erie or Monroe County.

“We just don’t feel we’re like Erie and Monroe County with the way we do business as a small-county government,” Johnson said during a Legislature meeting last Wednesday.

If the county is added to a district that includes Monroe or Erie, Johnson said that district should include other rural counties, such as Genesee and Wyoming, in addition to Orleans.

“Folding any Orleans County towns into a district with a core in the city of Rochester is inconsistent with the principles of a sound redistricting plan,” the Legislature said in its resolution.

The Legislature’s declaration was sent to the New York State Independent Redistricting Commission, members of the State Assembly and State Senate, as well as the offices of the representatives of the 25^th, 26^th and 27^th congressional districts.

The polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. for today’s election at 11 locations in Orleans County.

There is one change in a polling location. Carlton voters usually vote at the Town Hall, but on Tuesday they will cast their ballots at the Carlton Fire Co. Rec Hall on Route 98.

Most of the polling sites are at town halls, although Albion votes at Hoag Library and part of Ridgeway uses the Volunteer Fire Company and Carlton uses the Fire Co. Rec Hall.

Here is a list of the polling sites:

• Albion – Districts 1 through 6 – Hoag Library, 134 South Main St.
• Barre – Districts 1 and 2 – Town Hall, 14317 West Barre Rd.
• Carlton – Districts 1 through 3 – Carlton Fire Co. Rec Hall, 1853 Oak Orchard Rd.
• Clarendon – Districts 1 through 3 – Town Hall, 16385 Church St.
• Gaines – Districts 1 through 4 – Town Hall, 14087 Ridge Rd.
• Kendall – Districts 1 through 3 – Town Hall, 1873 Kendall Rd.
• Murray – Districts 1 through 6 – Murray Town Hall, 3840 Fancher Rd. (Route 31)
• Ridgeway – Districts 1, 3, 6, 7 – Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company, 11392 Ridge Rd.
• Ridgeway – Districts 2, 4, 5 – Town Hall, 410 West Ave.
• Shelby – Districts 1 through 4 – Town Hall, 4062 Salt Works Rd.
• Yates – Districts 1 and 2 – Town Hall, 8 South Main St.

Residents encouraged to display green lights through Nov. 11

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Courthouse was lighted up in red last week in honor of Red Ribbon Week. The dome will be green through Nov. 11 as part of “Operation Green Light.”

ALBION – Orleans County residents are encouraged to display green lights in their windows at their homes and businesses as part of “Operation Green Light” through Nov. 11. The effort is intended to recognize the service of military personnel.

The county is planning to light the courthouse dome in green from today through Nov. 11 as part of the “Operation Green Light.”

Nancy Traxler, director of the Veterans Service Agency in Orleans County, urged the community to be part of the effort. She noted the veterans’ population has decreased by 44% over the last 20 years in the state.

Veterans continue to serve their community in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, church groups and civil service, county legislators said in resolution supporting the green light initiative.

Many of the military personnel experience significant stress in transitioning to civilian life, and many commit suicide in that first year out of the military, legislators said.

“With designation as a Green Light for Military Service County, Orleans County hereby declares from November 1st through Veterans Day, November 11th 2021 a time to salute and honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform transitioning from Active Service,” legislators said in a resolution last week.

The New York State Association of Counties is launching the new Operation Green Light initiative to encourage homeowners, businesses, and governments to light up their homes, buildings, courthouses, and bridges green in support of America’s veterans the week of November 7th.

By shining a green light, participants let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported, NYSAC said.

“We wanted to do something special this year to honor the service and immense sacrifice of all our veterans, especially those who served over the last two decades in our nation’s fight against terrorism,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. “Operation Green Light gives individuals, businesses and government leaders a way to reach out and let members of the veteran community know what we’re with them and that we appreciate all that they have done to protect our country and our way of life.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: This sign directs people to the early voting location at the County Office Building on Route 31 in Albion.

ALBION – Nearly 250 people have cast their ballots through early voting in the first seven days it was available in Orleans County.

Early voting continues today and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Board of Elections at the County Office Building on Route 31 in Albion.

There have been 247 early voters in the first week and the daily numbers so far include: 23 on Oct. 23, 21 on Oct. 24, 41 on Oct. 25, 32 on Oct. 26, 40 on Oct. 27, 37 on Oct. 28 and 53 on Oct. 29.

Early voting was popular last year when nearly 4,000 people cast ballots during the nine days. The 3,753 people who voted early was about 10 times the number of early voters in 2019 when early voting debuted and 374 people went to the polls early. There are about 24,000 registered voters in the county.

The polls for the upcoming election will also be open Nov. 2 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at sites in all 10 towns in the county.

ALBION – Orleans County has reached agreements with RTS Orleans and Medina Transport Taxi for transportation services for seniors in the county.

The Office for the Aging and County Legislature worked out the agreements after Community Action Transportation System (CATS) discontinued the service.

RTS Orleans in Albion will transport seniors, people 60 and older, from September 20, 2021 to September 19, 2024 at a cost of up to $75,000 for the first year. The county cost is up to $12,352.

Medina Transport Taxi LLC in Medina will provide medical transportation services for Orleans County residents 60 and older from Nov. 1, 2021 to Oct. 31, 2022 at up to $30,000 for the first year, with the county cost up to $5,250.

Melissa Blanar, the Office for the Aging director, said the agreements “give options for older adults to get to their medical appointments.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Orleans County DPW workers continue to work on new sidewalks and steps in front of the Orleans County Courthouse, facing East State Street.

The top photo shows Dan Cook of the DPW using a bull float to smooth out the new concrete for the sidewalk.

Neil Bartel of the DPW smooths out the concrete in the new steps by the entrance near the street leading to a walkway to the courthouse.

Joe Gregor works on the stairs before the concrete was poured. They were in a frame with rebar.

A new main walkway has already gone in, which is slimmer than the previous one. Next week the DPW expects to put in new light pole bases.

These are part of several improvements at the site, where the building was constructed in 1858 and is the focal point of Courthouse Square, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Waterport woman recognized for years of volunteer service

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – State Assemblyman Steve Hawley presents a citation from the Assembly to Jeanne Crane who was recognized for her many years of volunteer service to the community.

Crane was nominated for an award through the Office for the Aging. Normally the award winners go to Albany for a special recognition as part of Older American’s Day. Crane and the other winners will be recognized during a virtual ceremony on Nov. 5.

Hawley and State Sen. Rob Ortt presented Crane with the citations in person on Wednesday.

“Jeanne embodies what it truly means to volunteer and care for one’s neighbors,” Hawley said.

Jeanne Crane also received a special commendation from County Legislator Fred Miller, left, and Melissa Blanar, the director of the Office for the Aging in Orleans County.

Crane, a retired nurse at Medina Memorial Hospital, has been a long-time volunteer for the hospital, the Orleans County Democratic Party and numerous other organizations and causes in the county.

She was nominated for the award by Cindy Perry and Dorothy Follman for her volunteer work with the hospital. She helps raise funds for the hospital through events such as Treasure Island, Mega Drawing and golf tournaments. These events support renovations to the hospital, purchase updated medical equipment and improve services to patients.

She also was instrumental in a recent campaign to improve the Long Term Care Residential Unit (North Wing) at the hospital. When the call came out for nurses to assist with Covid-19 vaccines, she stepped up and helped several days a week, all day to assist and eventually she was hired to help with the continued effort.

“You have donated and committed numerous hours,” Blanar said. “We appreciate all that you’ve done for Orleans County.”

Central, eastern Orleans in particular often face long responses

Photos by Tom Rivers: Justin Niederhofer, deputy director of Emergency Management Office in Orleans County, speaks at Tuesday’s Orleans County Association of Municipalities meeting at Tillman’s Village Inn. Dale Banker, the EMO director at left, also shared challenges facing EMS providers.

ALBION – The EMS system is in crisis in Orleans County, with too few responders and not enough ambulances, often resulting in delayed responses.

That was the message from the county’s Emergency Management Office which reviewed recent data showing increased dropped calls and slower responses, especially in eastern and central Orleans.

The western end of the county, which is primarily served by the Medina Fire Department with career firefighters, isn’t plagued by the issues.

Justin Niederhofer, deputy director of Emergency Management Office in Orleans County, said many of the paramedic and EMT positions require extensive training, but don’t pay very well with little fringe benefits. The pay isn’t much better than working in fast food or minimum wage jobs, without the training and responsibilities.

The shortage of responders has long been a concern among local officials, but in recent months the response times have grown longer with more dropped calls in central and eastern Orleans, Niederhofer said.

The ambulance providers are fiscally challenged with low reimbursement rates from Medicare and Medicaid, and many patients who keep the insurance checks rather than turning them to the ambulance companies, Niederhofer said. There are also many patients without insurance resulting in little revenue for COVA, Monroe Ambulance and other providers.

The county is looking to establish a task force to strengthen the local EMS, and one solution may include creating some positions through the county to help improve response times and service to residents in a health crisis. Some other counties have added ambulances and staff to supplement services and fill gaps in EMS coverage.

“There are 12 broken pieces to the puzzle,” said Dale Banker, the county’s emergency management director.

He wants to see the state change a law to allow the ambulance providers to directly be paid by insurance companies, rather than the checks going to patients who often keep them.

The companies also need higher reimbursement rates to better cover their costs and pay their staff more.

Banker and Niederhofer said they will continue to look at models in other counties in the state, to see how they are trying to improve EMS services.

“Every county around us is being impacted,” Niederhofer said.

Allen Turner, communications director at the dispatch center for the county, said many people call for an ambulance when they don’t need one, which stresses the EMS system.

In Orleans County, only the Kendall Fire Department continues to run an all-volunteer ambulance. Albion, Clarendon, Holley and Carlton all have taken their ambulances out of service.

That puts more pressure on COVA in central Orleans and Monroe Ambulance for eastern Orleans to respond to calls.

The fewer ambulances in the county also are tend to be more unavailable with the closing of Lakeside Memorial Hospital in Brockport. Those ambulances have to drive farther towards Rochester to hospitals. Although the Brockport site is now Strong West, the ambulances still are often sent to Rochester hospitals and that ties up crews for longer times. Niederhofer said the short-staffed hospitals also are slower in being able to accept patients. What used to be one or two hour call is often four hours or more, Niederhofer said.

That longer time commitment also is leading to increased burnout, especially for the volunteers, he said.

County legislators Ken DeRoller and John DeFillipps said the EMS challenges need to be a top priority for the elected officials at the village, town, county and state levels.

“This is a major deal,” DeRoller said during Tuesday’s meeting. “We need leadership in this county.”

DeFillipps urged the county officials to “step up” and take the lead. The county showed with broadband internet it can lead in resolving an issue of county-wide importance, he said.

Many of the town, village and county officials said they would serve on the task force and would push for solutions with the EMS crisis.

“Let’s get a task force together and get it done,” said Richard Moy, the Clarendon town supervisor.

In the meantime, Allen Turner, the county’s communications coordinator for dispatch, said a public information campaign is needed to educate people on appropriate calls for an ambulance. Many people could be transported in a personal vehicle which wouldn’t tie up an ambulance, Turner said.

“We have a lot of people who call unnecessarily,” he said.

The public also has an unrealistic expectation that the ambulance will be there within five minutes of a call, Turner said.

DeRoller said quick action is needed because he fears some of the ambulance providers are struggling and may not be able to keep providing service, “which will put even more pressure on the system.”

ALBION – Registered voters in Orleans County can go to the polls beginning today and through Oct. 31 for early voting.

This will be the third year of early voting with polls open at the Board of Elections at the County Office Building at 14016 State Route 31.

The early voting hours include:

• October 23: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• October 24: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• October 25: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• October 26: noon to 8 p.m.
• October 27: noon to 8 p.m.
• October 28: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• October 29: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• October 30: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• October 31: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Early voting was popular last year when nearly 4,000 people cast ballots during the nine days. The 3,753 people who voted early was about 10 times the number of early voters in 2019 when early voting debuted and 374 people went to the polls early. There are about 24,000 registered voters in the county.

The polls for the upcoming election will also be open Nov. 2 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at sites in all 10 towns in the county.

Most of the candidates on the ballot will be unopposed. None of the candidates for county positions have opposition and only a few positions at the town level are contested.

Here is the slate of candidates:

• Orleans County (all unopposed) – Kim DeFrank for country treasurer; Merle (Skip) Draper of Medina for county legislator, at-large west; Don Allport of Gaines for county legislator, at-large central; Ed Morgan of Murray for county legislator, at-large east; Bill Eick of Shelby for District 1; Lynne Johnson of Lyndonville for District 2; Fred Miller of Albion for District 3; John Fitzak of Carlton for District 4. All the county candidates are Republicans, except Fred Miller, who is a Democrat.
• Albion — All of the candidates are unopposed, including Richard Remley for town supervisor; and Sandra Bensley and Arnold Allen Jr. for the Town Board.
• Barre – Sean Pogue, a Republican, is being challenged for town supervisor by Gerald Solazzo, who is running under the independent “Voice of the Citizens.” George McKenna and David Waters are on the ballot for positions on the Town Board. They have the Republican line and also the independent “Voice of the Citizens.” However, Steve Harling and Tom Decker are mounting a write-in campaign against McKenna and Waters.
• Carlton – Two are vying for town clerk with incumbent Karen Narburgh having the Republican and Conservative lines while Dori Goetze runs under the independent “Be the Change.” Other Carlton candidates are unopposed: Kevin Hurley for town justice, Jeff Gifaldi and Debbie Yokel for Town Board, and Kurt Van Wyke for highway superintendent.
• Clarendon – Richard Moy is unopposed for another term as town supervisor, while three candidates seek two spots on the Town Board. Chris Caufield and Marc Major are backed by the Republican Party and William Fox is running as a Democrat.
• Gaines – The Republicans are all unopposed including Tyler Allport for town supervisor, Susan Heard for town clerk, Charles Prentice for town justice, and James Kirby and Kenneth Rush for Town Board.
• Kendall – The candidates, all running under the Republican Party line, are unopposed including Anthony Cammarata for town supervisor, Amy Richardson for town clerk, Debra Kluth and Robert Fagan for town justice, Wayne Martin and Paul Jennings for Town Board, and Warren Kruger for highway superintendent.
• Murray – The candidates are all unopposed on the ballot, including Joe Sidonio for town supervisor, Cindy Oliver for town clerk, Gary Passarell for town justice, Michael Mele and Paul Hendel for Town Board, and Dirk Lammes Jr. for highway superintendent.
• Ridgeway – There are races for town clerk and the Town Board. For town clerk, Hannah Hill is running under the Republican line and independent “Hannah Hill for a Better Ridgeway” against Laurie Kilburn, who is endorsed by the Conservative Party and also is running under the independent “Laurie Kilburn for the People of Ridgeway.” Three are seeking two spots on the Town Board including Jeff Toussaint and Cliff Barber, who are running as Republicans against David Stalker, who is backed by the Conservative Party. John Olinger is unopposed for highway superintendent.
• Shelby – Jeff Smith is uncontested for town supervisor and Stephen Seitz Sr. and Edward Zelazny are unopposed for the Town Board.
• Yates – There are seeking two spots as town councilmen with Harold Suhr and Terry Chaffee Jr. running as Republicans against Paul Lauricella Jr., who is backed by the Conservative Party and also is running under the independent “Lyndonville Taxpayers First Party.” Jim Simon is unopposed for town supervisor and Donald Grabowski is uncontested for town justice.

ALBION – Today is National Drug Take Back Day and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office will be accepting unused and expired medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Public Safety Building, 13925 State Rt. 31, Albion.

“This is a great opportunity for the public to surrender unwanted and/or expired medications and sharps for safe and proper disposal,” said Sheriff Chris Bourke. “Events such as these have dramatically reduced the risk of prescription drug diversion, abuse, as well as increasing awareness of this critical public health issue.”

This will be drive-up event due to Covid-19 concerns. All medications and sharps will be collected from participants at their vehicles.

Waterport woman to be recognized by state and county

Photo by Tom Rivers: Jeanne Crane shows her patriotic spirit during the Fourth of July parade in Lyndonville in 2015.

WATERPORT – A very active community volunteer will be recognized on Older American’s Day in Albany during a virtual ceremony on Nov. 5.

Jeanne Crane also will be commended for her service by the Orleans County Legislature next week.

Crane, a retired nurse at Medina Memorial Hospital, has been nominated and selected to be the county’s representative for Older American’s Day.

She has been a long-time volunteer for Medina Memorial Hospital, the Orleans County Democratic Party and numerous other organizations and causes in the county.

She was nominated for the award by Cindy Perry and Dorothy Follman for her volunteer work with the hospital. She helps raise funds for the hospital through events such as Treasure Island, Mega Drawing and golf tournaments. These events support renovations to the hospital, purchase updated medical equipment and improve services to patients.

Crane spent hours planning for the events, preparing for them, promoting the events, as well as volunteering at the events. She was instrumental in a recent campaign to improve the Long Term Care Residential Unit (North Wing) at the hospital. When the call came out for nurses to assist with Covid-19 vaccines, she stepped up and helped several days a week, all day to assist and eventually she was hired to help with the continued effort.

The Office for the Aging in Orleans County said Crane volunteers at many organizations:

• Orleans Community Health – TWIGS (current president), many hospital projects (Treasure Island, golf tournaments, Mega Drawings, Orleans Community Health Foundation Board member (past president), and vaccinations clinics
• AFS – hosted 3 students from Columbia, Costa Rica and Mexico
• HANYS Statewide Committee for Healthcare Auxiliaries
• Genesee Valley State Parks Commission Board
• Current Vice President of Beta Sigma Phi – women’s group with a goal of culture, social and education development
• Catholic Daughters – current Regent
• 25 years of leading Orleans County Democratic Party
• Volunteers with Holy Trinity Church
• Volunteer at vaccination clinics
• first woman in Orleans County to serve on Lewiston Trail-Council of Boys Scouts of America Board Member

Crane has always felt a “calling” to help others, said Melissa Blanar, the Officie for the Aging director in Orleans County.

“This is evident by the career she chose as a nurse and by the multitude of volunteering she has done in the past and continues to do,” Blanar said. “She has touched the lives of hundreds of individuals. She feels a commitment to improve the health and well-being of her community.  Volunteering enables her to support her beliefs and to help others by giving back to her community. The reward you get from volunteering is unmeasurable. Volunteering cannot be measured by any pay!”