Governor wants to combat domestic terrorism with stronger state gun laws, crack down on social media that promote acts of violence
Governor Kathy Hochul outlines new proposals today in an effort to stop dangerous individuals from getting deadly weapons. (Photo by Kevin P. Coughlin/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
In direct response to the white supremacist act of terror at a supermarket on Saturday in Buffalo, Governor Kathy Hochul today unveiled a comprehensive package to combat the steady rise in domestic terrorism and violent extremism, strengthen and close loopholes in state gun laws and crack down on social media platforms that host and amplify content that promotes and broadcasts violent, lawless acts and endangers our communities.
“The horrific and despicable act of terror committed by a white supremacist this past weekend in Buffalo showed that we as a country are facing an intersection of two crises: the mainstreaming of hate speech – including white nationalism, racism and white supremacy – and the easy access to military-style weapons and magazines,” Governor Hochul said.
Hochul has issued two Executive Orders. The first Executive Order is designed to fight the troubling surge in domestic terrorism and violent extremism frequently inspired by, planned on and posted about on social media platforms and internet forums.
The Executive Order calls on the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to establish a new unit, dedicated solely to the prevention of domestic terrorism, within the Division’s Office of Counter Terrorism. This new unit will focus on threat assessment management, disbursing funding to localities to create and operate their own threat assessment management teams and utilizing social media to intervene in the radicalization process.
It will also educate law enforcement members, mental health professionals and school officials on the recent uptick in domestic and homegrown violent extremism and radicalization, as well as create best practices for identifying and intervening in the radicalization process.
The Executive Order also calls on New York State Police to establish a dedicated unit within the New York State Intelligence Center (NYSIC) to track domestic violent extremism through social media. The unit will develop investigative leads through social media analysis, with a specific focus on identifying possible threats and individuals motivated by radicalization and violent extremism. Finally, the Executive Order calls on every county to perform an exhaustive review of its current strategies, policies and procedures for confronting threats of domestic terrorism.
“This is a wake-up call and here in New York we are taking strong steps to directly address this deadly threat,” Hochul said. “Today, I issued Executive Orders to devote substantial resources and focus toward combating the troubling surge in domestic terrorism by identifying radicalized individuals and tracking their threats amplified on social media, and further empower State Police to keep guns away from dangerous people. I am also issuing a referral letter to the Attorney General to investigate social media’s role in the Buffalo shooting, and am calling for the passage of several pieces of legislation that will help law enforcement get more guns off the street.”
The second Executive Order will require State Police to file for an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) under New York State’s Red Flag Law whenever they have probable cause to believe that an individual is a threat to themselves or others.
“We will continue to confront this epidemic head-on, stamp out extremists who threaten our communities, strengthen the toughest gun laws in the country and do whatever it takes to keep New Yorkers safe,” Hochul said.
As part of the package, Hochul is also pushing a series of legislative measures designed to help law enforcement investigate and prevent gun-related crimes. The governor is proposing new legislation to close the “other gun” loophole by revising and widening the definition of a firearm, making more guns subject to various preexisting firearm laws.
Hochul is also working with the Legislature to pass two bills to address and streamline the investigation of gun-related crimes. The first would set forth a process to require semiautomatic pistols manufactured or delivered to licensed dealers in New York to be microstamping-enabled.
Microstamping is an innovative ammunition-marking technique that marks bullets and cartridge cases with a unique fingerprint each time a firearm is discharged. This allows investigators to link bullets and casings recovered at crime scenes to a specific gun and potentially other crimes.
The second piece of legislation would strengthen gun reporting protocols by requiring all law enforcement agencies to report the recovery of any crime gun within 24 hours of their discovery.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In light of the ongoing baby formula shortage, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a video press conference to announce the introduction of her bicameral Emergency Infant Formula Act.
The new legislation would take important steps to increase domestic production and expand sourcing of formula in order to alleviate the current crisis and prevent future shortages. This bill is led in the House of Representatives by Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA).
“No family in America should ever be concerned they cannot feed their babies. Corporate greed and malfeasance have put us in this dire situation and now we must act with urgency,” said Senator Gillibrand. “That’s why I’m introducing the Emergency Infant Formula Act, a bill that would authorize the president to suspend tariffs and significantly expand the sourcing of baby formula in times of emergency, and spells out the president’s ability to invoke the Defense Production Act to increase domestic production of formula. These key steps will help address hoarding, offset price gouging, and alleviate the stress and anxiety faced by too many parents desperately searching for food to keep their children fed.”
Following a recall at Abbott Nutrition, the nation’s largest infant formula manufacturer, reports suggest that roughly 40% of formula nationwide is out of stock. Compounded by supply chain disruptions as a result of the pandemic, this recall has created a life or death situation for many of the millions of families that depend on formula to feed their infants, and without immediate action to speed up the production and distribution of formula, babies who rely on formula may go hungry or starve. Senator Gillibrand’s plan will help ensure that desperately needed formula gets to vulnerable children and families as quickly as possible.
Specifically, the Emergency Infant Formula Act would:
Give the president the authority, during periods of shortage, to specify that certain baby formulas may be imported and sold in the U.S. This applies only to formula legally sold in the E.U., Canada, the U.K., and Japan. The president would also have the authority to limit the authorization to particular brands, manufacturers, or particular manufacturing facilities, and to modify or suspend labeling requirements.
Authorize the president to suspend tariffs on baby formula and baby formula ingredients, and instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to give these products priority processing.
Clarify that the Defense Production Act applies to infant formula.
Earlier this week, Senator Gillibrand also sent a letter calling on President Biden to invoke the Defense Production Act to urgently address the current baby formula shortage.
UPDATE at 8:26 p.m.: Gillibrand issued this statement after President Biden announced he would invoke the Defense Production Act.
“I am grateful that President Biden has invoked the Defense Production Act, which will enable the U.S. to ramp up domestic production of baby formula, address hoarding and prevent price gouging. This swift action will help millions of American families and their babies in this time of need.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 May 2022 at 3:31 pm
Charts courtesy of Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments
The confirmed Covid cases in Orleans declined the past seven days after about two months of steady weekly increases.
There were 190 cases in Orleans from May 11 to May 17, which is down from 220 the previous seven days, 197 from April 27 to May 3, and 166 from April 20 to April 26.
The cases in Orleans in the past week include 140 from lab tests and 50 from take-home tests, the Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments reported this afternoon.
In Genesee the cases have declined from 286 from April 27 to May 3, to 283 from May 4 to May 10, and 261 the past week.
Both counties are reporting a Covid-related death in the past week, which brings the total Covid deaths to 188 in Genesee County and 117 in Orleans since March 2020.
The 7-day positivity rate state-wide was at 7.66 percent on Monday, and was the highest in Western New York at 18.20 percent. The nine-county Finger Lakes Region was second highest at 13.15 percent. New York City is the lowest at 5.18 percent.
The federal Food and Drug Administration on Monday authorized the first Covid-19 booster dose for 5 to 11 year olds.
“Following approval from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New Yorkers will be able to safely provide this life-saving tool to their children,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “In the meantime, I am calling on our parents and guardians to do what they can to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. That includes getting boosted, if you haven’t already. Let’s continue to work together and take care of one another, New York.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 May 2022 at 2:34 pm
ALBION – A man from Middleton in Orange County was sentenced to 1 ½ to 3 years in state prison today for bringing Oxycontin, Suboxone strips and marijuana into the Orleans Correctional Facility, attempting to give them to his brother.
Jamarr Gooden, 33, was charged on Nov. 13, with first-degree attempted introduction of dangerous prison contraband.
He allegedly had the contraband in four latex balloons. He was visiting his brother, who was an inmate at the prison in Albion.
County Court Judge Sanford Church gave Gooden, a second-felony offender, the maximum sentence that was part of a plea agreement.
In other cases today in court:
• Judge Church set bail at $10,000 cash and $20,000 bond for a Genesee County man who is accused of multiple car and building break-ins.
Travis Cook of Le Roy was charged on Saturday after a break-in in Barre. He has a codefendant who isn’t being held in jail. Cook, however, has four probation revocations and three prior felonies.
He has been charged with burglary, petty larceny and conspiracy with the break-ins in Orleans County.
• After a sex offender registry hearing, Judge Church determined James Johnson, 24, of Brockport is a level three sex offender. Johnson is on probation for 10 years for second-degree rape for having sexual intercourse with a girl aged 14 in June 2019.
• Also after a sex offender registry hearing, Judge Church determined Spencer Burton, 20, of Albion is a level two sex offender. Burton was recently sentenced to six months in the county jail and 10 years of probation for second-degree rape. He forced a 13-year-old female to have sex when Burton was 19.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 May 2022 at 12:06 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: A Strawberry Shortcake character waves to the crowd during the Albion Strawberry Festival parade on June 8, 2019, the last time there was a Starwberry Fest parade in Albion. The character was among several people in costume from Enchanted Princess Parties of Rochester. The parade returns on June 11.
ALBION – Organizers of the Albion Strawberry Festival are welcoming participants in the parade on June 11.
The floats don’t need to be grandiose displays, said June Persia, festival organizer.
She wants to see businesses, community organizations and agencies put together floats for the parade from the school on Route 31 and then down Main Street to the canal.
There wasn’t a festival in 2020 or 2021, but it returns for the 35th year on June 10-11.
There are already about 10 marching bands in the parade. Persia would like more community groups, partly to space out the bands so they aren’t playing over each other.
She also wants the floats to showcase a vibrant and dynamic community.
“This parade is all about just having a good time,” she said. “Just come out and enjoy being a part of the parade.”
There are forms about the parade rules on the festival website (click here). The main guidelines are to avoid political messages and keep the display family-friendly.
The festival has about 50 craft vendors committed so far, plus 14 food vendors. There will be a 5k/8k race, the turtle race, a car show, a new 3-on-3 basketball tournament, a pie-in-the-face fundraiser, bounce house, I Got It game and other activities.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 May 2022 at 9:10 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: This banner of Kevin Kaderli Jr. is on East Center Street near Bates Road in Medina. It is one of 240 that will be on utility poles in time for Memorial Day.
MEDINA – The banners of Hometown Heroes are already going up in Medina, and 240 will be hanging on utility poles in time for Memorial Day.
This is the fourth year Medina has the banners up. There were 38 the first year, with 69 more the second year, and 133 new ones last year. This year 40 new ones will be up. The 38 from the first year won’t be included this year.
Medina has the banners on a three-year cycle. After three years they are returned to the families or sponsors. The banners also are displayed in different areas for each of their three years on the public landscape.
Mary Woodruff is coordinator of the Hometown Heroes. She wants to keep adding banners for as long as community members and families want to recognize someone who serve din the military.
She thanked the village officials for backing the effort, and the Medina Department of Public Works for hanging the banners which are 5 feet tall and 2 ½ feet wide.
“It’s history,” Woodruff said about the banners with portraits of soldiers and veterans from Medina. “These people made a difference. Some gave their lives. They’re all heroes to me.”
Families and sponsors pay $200 for each banner, and they receive the banner after its three-year cycle.
Woodruff said she knows many residents look forward to the banners going up each year. They will be displayed until just after Veterans’ Day in November. One woman told her she sees the banner outside her window, and it’s a reminder to say a prayer for soldiers every day.
Woodruff would like to add a fund with donations from the community to help cover most of the costs for a banner for families under financial pressure.
She is pleased to see many other nearby communities have added banners. She encourages other communities to start with a small and manageable number the first year, and then grow.
“It’s not a race,” she said.
Applications for new banners in 2023 will be available in late August through heroesofmedina.com. That website includes options for people to donate to the Hometown Heroes, with funds going to some of the costs beyond the expense of the banners and to help pay some of the cost of a banner and hardware for families and friends who don’t have the full amount.
Woodruff, a Ridgeway town councilwoman, has coordinated the banners in Medina after seeing a similar display in Alfred. Her late father-in-law Willis Burr Woodruff was among those recognized with a banner in Alfred.
Mary Woodruff, coordinator of the Hometown Heroes effort, is pictured in June 2019 with banners of showing Mitchell Mason and the late Vincent Cardone. They were among 38 included in the first group of banners. Those initial banners in 2019 have completed their three-year cycle and won’t be back out this year.
MEDINA – Congratulations to Sigma Motors, Inc. and Performance Manufacturing, Inc. for receiving the Niagara Frontier Industry Education Council (NFIEC) Commitment to Education Award.
Sigma Motors, Inc. is located in Middleport and is an innovator and industry leader in medical pumping technologies. Performance Manufacturing, Inc. is also located in Middleport, NY and is a kart and custom kart part/component manufacturer.
Both companies have been working hand-in-hand with the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) program at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center. AME teacher Bill Rakonczay nominated the two companies because of their generous donations of equipment, and shadowing his students in the Orleans/Niagara BOCES Co-Op program.
“The cooperation, volunteerism, equipment donations and support in providing employment opportunities for my students is nothing short of spectacular,” said Mr. Rakonczay. “The contribution that they make on my students’ lives in terms of confirming that this is a great career path for them, providing them with mentorship through the course of the program and on many occasions, job offers upon graduation, has impacted their lives significantly.”
Kelly Oldenburg, Executive Director of NFIEC, presented Performance Manufacturing, Inc. owners, Tim Werth and Jody Herriven, and Sigma Motors owner Don Heschke with their awards and a gift basket at a ceremony at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center.
“It’s an honor to recognize these two companies for helping us with our mission which is to build bridges between industry and education to benefit students and adults for the workforce of today and tomorrow,” she said.
BROCKPORT – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is announcing that mobile office hours scheduled to take place at the Seymour Library in Brockport today from noon to 2 p.m. have been canceled due to scheduling conflicts.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 May 2022 at 10:05 pm
Voters in Holley, Kendall and Lyndonville approved their school budgets today.
Holley’s proposed $26,982,000 budget passed with a 235-130 vote.
The budget increases taxes by 1.95 percent. The budget maintains all current educational programs and represents a 3.18 percent budget-to-budget increase.
Other Holley propositions also were approved by voters:
Capital improvements reserve fund at a maximum of $6 million – 233 yes votes, 138 no votes
Proposition to purchase new school buses as a maximum of $334,000 – 232 yes votes, 139 no votes
Proposition to collect $194,966 for Community Free Library – 274 yes votes, 100 no votes
Two candidates for two three-year terms on the Board of Education were elected. Tracy Van Ameron received 287 votes and Anne Winkley was backed by 281 voters.
In Kendall, the $19,822,921 budget was approved with a 123-26 vote.
The budget keeps the tax levy at $4,964,656, and decreases spending by $157,808 to $19,822,921.
Other propositions include:
Authorize $250,000 from a Transportation Bus Reserve Fund to replace transportation vehicles of the district – 130 yes votes, 19 no votes
Establish a capital reserve fund for up to $5 million for a future capital project – 129 yes votes, 19 no votes
Lisa Levett, current president of the Board of Education, received 137 votes for another five-year term. She was unopposed.
In Lyndonville, the $15,704,953 budget passed, 226-76. That’s 74.8 percent in favor.
The budget calls for a 2 percent tax increase, or by $90,564 to $4,618,740 for the tax levy. The budget maintains all current programs, including music, athletics and extracurriculars, and also keeps a school resource officer and on-campus space for a mental health counselor.
The district had a very close four-way battle for three seats on the Board of Education. The incumbents all won with Vern Fonda at 185 votes, Harold Suhr at 178, Kristin Nicholson at 171, and James Houseman at 168. The positions are for three-year terms that start July 1.
Other propositions include:
Collecting $119,183 for the Yates Community Free Library – 199 yes votes, 104 no votes
Authorization to spend up to $145,000 for a 64-seat passenger bus – 248 yes votes, 57 no votes.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 May 2022 at 8:57 pm
ALBION – Voters approved a proposed $38,298,690 school budget today with a 406-98 margin, and also elected Wayne Wadhams to the Board of Education as well as Ocie Bennett Jr., who was a write-in candidate.
Wadhams received 394 votes and Bennett 347. Kevin Doherty, a former board member, received 156 votes. Wadhams and Bennett start five-year terms on July 1. Wadhams is a retired Albion teacher and Bennett worked 20 years for Albion as an aide, teacher assistant and coach. He now works for Vertus High School in Rochester as a physical education teacher and football coach.
The school budget doesn’t increase taxes. The budget keeps the tax levy at $8,449,039. This is the 14th time in the past 16 years the taxes haven’t gone up.
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to come out and vote today,” said Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent. “Support from the community is vital to continuing the success of our students and staff here at Albion. We look forward to another great year ahead with the passing of the 2022-2023 budget.”
Voters also approved the following propositions:
Bus purchases at $550,000 – 427 yes votes, 72 no votes.
Hoag Library funding at $648,964 – 380 yes votes, 124 no votes
New capital reserve fund – 394 yes votes, 106 no votes
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 May 2022 at 8:34 pm
MEDINA – The school district’s proposed $39,884,316 budget passed easily today with 247 voted in favor and 45 against.
That’s an 84 percent approval rate despite a budget with a 2 percent tax increase, the first in a decade in Medina.
Mark Kruzynski, the district superintendent, said the “runaway escalation of utility costs” is the biggest factor in the tax increase. The district still remains below the state-imposed tax cap, he said.
He is grateful the budget passed by a more than 5-to-1 ratio.
“We are very appreciative of the community’s continual support of our district,” he said this evening after the votes were counted.
The budget maintains all programs and staffing, increases student support services, purchases three large school buses and one wheelchair bus, adds new cafeteria tables for Oak Orchard Primary School, and returns a high school musical to the Medina auditorium.
Two candidates – Scott Robinson and Debra Tompkins – ran for two three-year terms on the Board of Education. Robinson received 239 votes and Tompkins had 236. Tompkins is a current board member and Robinson is new. The terms start July 1.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 May 2022 at 6:10 pm
BUFFALO – President Joe Biden was in Buffalo today to mourn with the families who lost loved ones on Saturday in a mass shooting at a Tops grocery store.
Biden also delivered remarks at the Delavan Grider Community Center in Buffalo and decried the “domestic terrorism” from the 18-year-old gunman from the Binghamton area.
That man, who surrendered to police and is in custody, targeted the store because it’s in a predominantly Black neighborhood. The gunman drove 200 miles to attack innocent people in a grocery store.
President Joe Biden greets a child while in Buffalo today.
Biden rebuked the white supremacy ideology that authorities say fueled the attack and poisoned the mind of the gunman.
Biden said “angry, alienated, lost and isolated individuals” are being radicalized into believing “replacement theory,” which depicts minorities as threats to overtaking white people. Biden faulted the media, political figures and the internet for fueling these thoughts.
“I call on all Americans to reject the lie, and I condemn those who spread the lie for power, political gain and for profit,” Biden said.
The president said he will call on Congress to keep assault weapons off the streets and fight how the internet is often used “to recruit and mobilize terrorism.” He called on Americans to reject white supremacy.
“In America evil will not win,” Biden said. “I promise you. Hate will not prevail, and white supremacy will not have the last word.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul, U.S. Senate Majority leader Charles Schumer, and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand also spoke at the Delavan Grider Community Center. Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and Congressman Brian Higgins also gave remarks.
“This should not just provoke a conversation in this community, this needs to stimulate a national conversation about how we make sure that we’re doing everything we humanly can to eradicate this evil and send it back under the rock from which it came,” Hochul said. “That is what we must do in our nation; continue to work on the access to guns. Yes, the gun he acquired was illegal in the state of New York, but it still had the capacity to kill people. But you couple that with an illegal magazine from another state you brought in literally minutes away in Pennsylvania. Do you know how easy that is? That’s why we need a national gun policy that’s common sense like we have here in New York. We need this everywhere.”
WILLIAMSVILLE – On May 14, the Buffalo community suffered a devastating act of violence when a gunman opened fire at the Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue on the East Side of the city, killing ten people and wounding three. Many have asked how to help.
In partnership with Tops, the National Compassion Fund has established the Buffalo 5/14 Survivors Fund to provide direct financial assistance to the survivors of the deceased and those directly affected by this tragedy. Tops has seeded this Survivors Fund with $500,000 to get it started.
“What happened was ruthless and heartbreaking,” said John Persons, President of Tops Friendly Markets. “Those that lost their lives will forever be in our hearts and will never be forgotten. Tops is committed to supporting those families affected and to help the community grieve and heal from this tragic event. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and we thank everyone for their incredible kindness.”
One hundred percent of the contributions donated to this Survivors Fund will go directly to families of those deceased as well as those injured, and those who were present in the store and experienced psychological trauma.
It is also our sincere hope to partner with many local and business leaders on this fund-raising endeavor. Qualifying charitable donations to this fund are tax deductible.
Press Release, Genesee Community College Foundation
BATAVIA – The Genesee Community College Foundation invites nominations for its Alumni Hall of Fame, which recognizes graduates who have achieved outstanding success and made a lasting impact on their community.
The GCC Foundation intends to induct the next class of nominees during the fall of 2022 semester.
“We encourage those who know outstanding graduates to nominate them now,” said Lori Aratari, Alumni Hall of Fame chair. “We know there are a lot of deserving graduates out there, and we are eager to honor more of GCC’s best and brightest.”
GCC introduced the Alumni Hall of Fame in 2007. In over 14 years, the college has recognized 43 outstanding graduates in a variety of fields, from law enforcement to economic development.
“The success of these graduates serves as an inspiration to all of us here at the college and the community at large,” Aratari said.
The criteria for nominating an individual to the Alumni Hall of Fame are based on the individual’s contributions to his or her profession, distinguished service to the community and/or service to Genesee Community College. Nominees must be well-established in their professional lives, having completed their GCC degree at least ten years prior to nomination.
Nominations may be submitted by the nominee or by friends, family or other colleagues who are familiar with the nominee. New inductees will be honored at a reception, and their photo and a short biography will be displayed in the Alumni Hall of Fame, located on the second floor of the Conable Technology Building.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 May 2022 at 1:10 pm
MURRAY – The Town Board filled three spots in the town government on Monday.
Scott Lang was appointed to the Planning Board, John Rich was named to Board of Assessment Review and Dan Seeler was appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
The town advertised the positions but only had three people show interest, said Mike Mele, a town councilman.
The Town Board also authorized Highway Superintendent Dirk Lammes to spend $235,000 in highway funding for 2022.
The board also rescinded a resolution to borrow money for a $119,000 to purchase a new loader backhoe. The interest rate have changed from 2.9 percent to nearly 5 percent. The town has the money in its fund balance and will pay for the loader backhoe without borrowing.
