politics

Press Relase:

​Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) spoke Wednesday during the Farm Laborers Wage Board’s hearing on a proposed reduction of the farm laborer overtime threshold, speaking passionately against the proposed reduction. During his testimony, Hawley described in detail why such a reduction would be perilous to the existence of farms throughout New York state and why the proposal would be harmful to the farm workers its proponents intended for it to help.

“Farms cannot operate on a less than 60-hour work week, and the failure to recognize that
fact will lead to the loss of our beloved family farms and all the jobs they provide,” said Hawley.

A caller to dispatch reports that a group of juveniles on North Spruce Street in the area of North Street were taking down Biden political signs and replacing them with Trump signs.

They are riding bicycles and skateboards. The caller says a neighbor is one of the people whose sign was replaced.

City police responded to the area but with "negative results" -- the youths left.

UPDATE 1:30 p.m.: A caller to dispatch reports a group of kids on bicycles are in the area of Chase Park and Elm Street "with a large amount of election signs." An officer is out with the juveniles now.

Local Republicans opened their campaign headquarters on Saturday at 214 Ellicott St., Batavia.

Local Democrats were pleased, elated, really, with the turnout Thursday night at Moon Java for a Meet the Candidates event.

Nate McMurray, running for the NY-27 in the anticipated April 29 special election, and three candidates vying for the nomination for the 61st State Senate District in the June Democratic primary were on hand for the event.

Moon Java was filled to capacity to hear from the candidates.

Micheal Plitt, chairman of the Genesee County Democratic Committee, said local Democrats have a record number of volunteers signed up for this campaign season.

"I think the blue wave will continue," Plitt said.

A statement from Bronze Star recipient and New York State Senator Rob Ortt:

“It is vital that we continue to have a strong, conservative voice representing the residents of New York’s 27^th Congressional District and elect a candidate who will defend President Trump’s agenda," Ortt said. "I am the only candidate in this race who has proven that they are willing to do both.

"It is time that we send a battle-tested patriot to Washington who will stand up for our district, stand up to the Party of Impeachment, and push back against the radical socialists running our nation’s Democrat Party.”

Rep. Chris Collins paid a visit Thursday to the Child Advocacy Center in Batavia (more on that later) and after his visit we spoke with him about his campaign plans and his criminal case.

When the Genesee County Women's Republican Club convenes its emergency meeting tonight to discuss its anemic body politic, Melissa Haacke will seek guidance and direction, input and feedback.

The chairwoman and other members of the board need to know what the 65 dues-paying members (at least on paper) want to see happen this year. Are there changes that ought to be made? What can be done to boost participation? Do you know what the club's purpose is?

It's aim is to encourage candidates to run for office; help them get endorsed; and support their candidacy for office.

But that is getting harder to do.

The notice sent out last week about the 6:30 meeting at Oakfield's Community & Government Center cited low attendance at last year's spring breakfast and the summer cancellation of the Lucky Numbers basket raffle fundraiser at T.F. Brown's because of lack of interest.

"It is becoming more and more difficult to continue this Club with little to no participation or support," the notice said.

Haacke knows that problem is not uncommon for volunteer groups, particularly with people's tight schedules, regardless of whether the groups are focused on partisan politics, civic or religious purposes, sports or hobbies.

"We've had the same five people, with one or two migrating in or out for the last 10 years," Haacke said, an untenable track.

The echo chamber and self-interest bubble perpetuated and fostered by social media is perhaps part of waning real-world participation in many groups, she acknowleged.

"People are at one end of the spectrum or the other," Haacke said.

And fewer young people are taught about the virtues of volunteerism, she said, and many equate volunteering with punishment: wrongdoers are often given community service in lieu of a harsher penalty.

The irony is that Genesee County is solidly red territory in a blue state, and the GC Women's Republican Party is having trouble pulling off a breakfast when Democrats and Progressives say it's "standing room only" at their events these days.

Asked if Trump's treatment of women or his language concerning them is causing Republican females to go missing in action, Haacke said unequivocally and 100-percent "No. Trump is not a factor."

Any awkwardness in his oratory is because he's "not a politician" but "he tells the truth."

"If we want to get to where we need to be as a Christian and God-loving people, we need to support Trump and the Republican candidates," Haacke said.

Naturally, Erica O'Donnell, chairwoman of the City of Batavia Democratic Committee, sees things differently, but she does sympathize.

"Political or not, all organizations struggle with participation at times, with the busy lives we lead," O'Donnell said. "But we decided to come out of the closet and do more community involvement -- be in parades, go to community events, be at Picnic in the Park (for the 4th of July).

"We are the party of inclusion and acceptance. We should have a big tent."

O'Donnell said that women's participation increased in Democratic and Progessive politics here and elsewhere after Bernie Sanders lost the primary and after the 2016 election.

And O'Donnell thinks Trump is not resonating with a growing number of Republican women, so they are sitting on the sidelines.

"The way he treats women, the way he talks about them," O'Donnell said. "I don't want my daughters exposed to that."

Friends of Assemblyman Steve Hawley invite everyone to a political fundraiser at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel on Friday, Oct. 19.

The 11th annual Night ot the Races will be attended by Hawley and Republican candidate for governor Marcus J. Molinaro, the Dutchess County executive and a former mayor of Tivoli.

The fun starts at 6 p.m.

Cost is $80 per guest, or $150 per couple.

There will be a two-hour open bar, a special buffet dinner, racing and $20 in Free Play at the casino per person.

RSVP by Oct. 13 by calling (585) 356-0686.

Sponsorship opportunities are available:

• $1,000 -- Triple Crown Level: 10 tickets, race named for sponsor, special gift, tote board and program recognition, group picture with "Triple Crown" race winner and Assemblyman Hawley;
• $800 -- Kentucky Derby Level: 8 tickets, program recognition, special gift, group picture with "Kentucky Derby" race winner and Assemblyman Hawley;
• $600 -- Belmost Stakes Level: 6 tickets, program recognition, group picture with "Belmont Stakes" race winner and Assemblyman Hawley;
• $400 -- Preakness Stakes Level: 4 tickets, program recognition.

Friends of Steve Hawley -- State Assembly 2018: mailing address is 7768 Oatka Trail, Le Roy, NY 14482. Visit www.hawleyforassembly.com

Press release:

Nate McMurray, the Democratic and Working Families Party Candidate for New York’s 27th Congressional District, today responded to the launch of Chris Collins’ so-called campaign comprised solely of TV attack ads:

“Right out of the gate, Chris Collins’ so-called campaign has nothing to do with Chris Collins. There’s a reason: there’s nothing to brag about while their guy is out on bail. This ad is desperate, it’s untruthful, and no one’s going to fall for it. I can’t believe they thought it was a good idea to start with this.

“I won’t shy away from the fact that I speak a foreign language, that I’ve been on the front lines of the trade war that’s redefining our economy, and that I’ve been fighting FOR American workers. Do you think I’d have the support of the local and national labor community if I was going to ship jobs to Asia? Of course not.

“I’ll use every experience I’ve got to fight for this district. No can play me in Warsaw or Washington, Beijing or Batavia.

“If this is the best they’ve got, bring it."

In 2003, Nate was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study the development of democracy in the Constitutional Court of Korea. He worked to represent U.S. farmers and U.S. manufacturers ensuring that they had an opportunity to feature their products in Korean stories, helping create jobs back here at home.

About Nate McMurray

Nate McMurray is a native of North Tonawanda. He’s a family man, an Eagle Scout. He is also one of seven children raised by his widowed mother when his father died of cancer at the age of 39. Nate worked his way through community college, earned a bachelor’s degree at SUNY-Buffalo, then went on to law school and a successful career in business.

For the last two years, he’s served as town supervisor of Grand Island, a conservative community in Western New York, where he has been instrumental in bringing fiscal responsibility to local government and millions of dollars in new business investment to the town. For more on Nate McMurray and his campaign for Congress in NY-27, visit www.votemcmurray.com.

CANCELLED: The Genesee County Women's Republican Club will hold its Lucky Numbers Fundraiser on Thursday, Aug. 16, at T.F. Brown's restaurant in Downtown Batavia. It is located at 412 E. Main St.

The public is invited to this basket raffle fundraiser, which begins at 5:30 p.m.

Cost is $30 per person. There will be hors d'oeuvres. Please RSVP by Aug. 8.

Corporate sponsorships are available for $500. This includes 10 tickets, a speaker, event signage, and press materials.

Please consider donating a basket; donations accepted in advance.

To donate a basket or to inquire about a corporate sponsorship, contact:

• Trisha Werth:  twerth74@hotmail.com  or  (716) 560-0843
• Melissa Haacke:  mhaacke5@gmail.com  or   314-4501
• Michele Smith:  msmith1548@frontiernet.net  or   329-7967

Press release:

New York gubernatorial candidate Larry Sharpe (L), will meet with citizens of Batavia to share a Sunday afternoon of music and fun on July 22.

Joining Larry will be Lieutenant Governor Candidate Andrew Hollister and Mark Glogowski, who is running for the 139^th District NY Assembly seat. Music will be provided by the Old Hippies.

The event, hosted by the Genesee County Libertarian Party will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at T. F. Brown's (214 E. Main St., Batavia). Tickets are $20 and include a buffet lunch to be served at 2 o'clock.

Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Sharpe campaign. Music will begin at 1 p.m. and continue until 2:30, at which point the candidates will make their remarks and answer questions. 

The event will also include a basket raffle and silent auction for the benefit of the Genesee County Libertarian Party. Results will be announced at 3:50 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online here: 

For more information regarding this event or to purchase tickets directly, please contact Deborah Kerr-Rosenbeck as 585-356-1712.

Larry Sharpe (L) is a Bronx native, a Marine Corps veteran, an entrepreneur, and a management consultant with 15 years of experience mentoring international executives, entrepreneurs and sales people.

He is also a teacher, previously serving as a guest instructor for business management and leadership at institutions such as Yale University, Columbia University, Baruch College and John Jay College.

He is running for Governor of New York in order to make education more effective through innovation, reform the criminal justice system to focus on rehabilitation, and build an economy that works for all of New York State.

To schedule Larry for an interview, contact Lauren McKinnon at (347) 916-7732, or lauren.mckinnon@larrysharpe.com.

For more information about Larry Sharpe’s plan for New York, visit http://www.larrysharpe.com/.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today condemned the Cuomo administration’s recent announcement that more taxpayer-funded resources across a wide array of departments will be available to illegal immigrants in New York state.

The announcement is another staple in Gov. Cuomo’s recent history of sparring with the federal government on a host of policy issues.

“While I believe it is always the best policy to keep families together, I am concerned about continual use of taxpayer-funded resources being dolled out by the Cuomo administration to individuals here illegally,” Hawley said.

“Instead of state leaders engaging in useless political quarreling and grandstanding we should be using those resources to better empower Child Protective Services and the Department of Social Services to protect the needy and less fortunate children that have already suffered in our state.”

Gov. Cuomo has recently called himself “undocumented” in recent weeks and boasted about the success of his signature Liberty Defense Project, a multimillion dollar taxpayer-funded program, signed into law last year, which offers legal defense and counsel for illegals facing deportation.

“Our state agencies and departments are already working at full capacity to help law-abiding citizens and to think Gov. Cuomo is pushing them to the wayside to help illegals is deeply regrettable,” Hawley continued.

“We need to end the billions of dollars in unnecessary expenses forced upon local governments so agencies working at the local level can realize more resources to care for our children. The priorities of this administration are extremely out of control and continue to endanger middle-class New York by the day.”

Photo: A garbage bin outside a parole office filled with discarded voter registration forms that were given to parolees by parole officers.

Submitted photo and information from Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

According to information obtained by Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia), a memo has been issued directing all department parole officers to begin presenting newly pardoned felons with voter registration forms, help them complete the process of registering to vote, and help them locate the local Board of Elections during the course of their taxpayer-funded duties.

It is from Acting Commissioner Anthony Annucci of New York State Corrections and Community Supervision, a department under Gov. Cuomo.

The three-page memo, dated May 22, was circulated to all bureau chiefs, all chiefs of the Parole Violation Unit, all senior parole officers, and all parole revocation specialists. CC'd on the memo were executive, associate and assistant commissioners, the director of Internal Operations, regional directors, assistant regional directors, the director of Executive Clemency and the deputy chief of the Parole Violation Unit.

Executive Order 181 "Restoring the Right to Vote for Parolees" states in part “…the Parole Officer must also provide the recipient (of the pardon certificate) with the NYS Voter Registration Form and the NYS Voting Rights form…The Parole Officer must be prepared to assist the parolee with filling out the registration form and the Parole Officer is responsible for providing information regarding the location of the local Board of Elections.”

It says this "requires high priority attention..." and at the bottom of the memo is this: "PLEASE NOTE: This is a priority initiative and needs to be completed as soon as possible."

“This is the most outlandish abuse of power and taxpayer-funded resources I’ve witnessed in my time as a legislator,” Hawley said. “Gov. Cuomo is using state employees as campaign workers to register recently paroled felons to vote. Absolutely outrageous.”

The memo dictates detailed instructions for corrections employees on how to execute pardons and help parolees register to vote and does not specify that this be done outside the purview of their official, taxpayer-funded duties.

“This governor continues to use our money as his money and there seems to be no bound to how autocratic his tenure has become,” Hawley continued. “It’s very possible that there is added pressure on Parole Officers to hit some sort of ‘quota’ on registrations ahead of the governor’s upcoming gubernatorial primary.”

Press release:

As the result of years of inaction by the Cuomo administration to clean up Albany’s widespread bid-rigging and pay-to-play paradigm, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is making a late push for legislation that would provide greater accountability, transparency and safeguarding into the state’s economic development spending.

“New York no longer offers fair opportunity for the best, brightest and hardest working, as state leaders only offer opportunities and favoritism to whoever can satisfy their itching palm,” Hawley said.

Following a press conference held by Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I,Ref-Canandaigua), Hawley and a host of his Assembly Republican colleagues are blasting the state’s corrupt programs like START-UP NY and the illegal I Love NY signs and arguing that strict auditing, deadlines and oversight must accompany any further spending in these initiatives.

“It has become abundantly clear in New York that in order to do business with the state, you have to know someone, be politically connected or make a large campaign contribution,” Hawley continued.

“This is taxpayer money that belongs to our hardworking families, and I am calling for an immediate cease, audit and analysis of all state economic development spending to ensure that state leaders are playing by the rules.”

Assemblyman Hawley represents the 139^th District, which consists of Genesee, Orleans and parts of Monroe County. For more information, please visit Assemblyman Hawley’s official website.

From Dave Olsen, chairman of the Genesee County Libertarian Party:

The 2018 GCLP convention will be Monday June 4, at 6:30 p.m.; we will meet in the side room at T.F. Brown’s Restaurant, 214 Main St.

There are a couple things of note for you to think about between now and then. 

We will be electing a new Chairperson for sure. I shall be resigning as soon as the next chair is elected.

We will be electing or re-electing the Vice-Chair. The Secretary position is also up for election. Jim Rosenbeck has served in that capacity in addition to his duties as Vice-Chair of the LPNY for three years. He has now been elected as the LPNY Chair and would rather someone else take over the duties of Secretary. That is understandable as state chair is a time-consuming post. Many thanks to Jim for all his hard work and dedication to the GCLP and all the great things to come.

Please consider if you would be willing to serve the GCLP as Chair, Vice Chair or Secretary. In my five years with this party, the board has always worked together as a team and I expect that would continue. You will have lots of help. Please let me know if you are interested, so I can nominate you. 

LPNY chairman Jim Rosenbeck has asked that each county chapter designate a county coordinator for petitioning efforts which will begin on July 10 for statewide offices. Fifteen thousand signatures are the minimum required to get our Governor candidate on the ballot. We usually like to see at least 50-percent more to reduce the chance of a challenge knocking us off the ballot.

Mark Glogowski, the local NY Assembly candidate, will need a minimum of 3,000 signatures; he wants to double that. The more petition signatures gotten by volunteers reduces the amount of paid petitioners the LPNY will need to hire. Finances are slim and every opportunity for savings is important.

This also gives us all an opportunity to continue the outreach the GCLP has designated as our primary mission; you get to talk to registered voters about Larry Sharpe and Mark Glogowski along with the other statewide candidates and spread the message of liberty!

Serving as the GCLP coordinator will not be overly time consuming. You will be the liaison to volunteers who may need guidance or tips on how to petition.  We will provide the resources you need. The petitioners will submit their completed petitions to you for a quality review and then you would mail them to our master petitioning operation in Albany. Petitions will be electronically distributed by the LPNY communications division. If this interests you, please let me know.

Our convention speakers will be: Andrew Hollister, Libertarian for New York Lt. Governor, Mark Glogowski, Libertarian for NY Assembly, and James Rosenbeck, Libertarian Party of New York Chairman.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone again on Monday! Bring a friend, tell others.

A statement just issued from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“As the retrial of corrupt former Speaker Sheldon Silver hangs over the state, it is shocking that New York City politicians would consciously vote to block the most comprehensive ethics reform package in state history – the Public Officers Accountability Act.

“It is a grave disservice to taxpayers that Assembly leadership continues to vote down and bury legislation that may have prevented corrupt thieves like Sheldon Silver and Dean Skelos from committing crimes.

“What we need is an end to Gov. Cuomo’s bid-rigging culture, term limits for legislative leaders, stronger income disclosure requirements and an end to lawmakers using campaign contributions as a golden parachute. Taxpayers deserve a more honest and faithful government.”

Assemblyman Hawley represents the 139^th District, which consists of Genesee, Orleans and parts of Monroe County.

Submitted photo and press release:

Turn 27 Blue proudly endorses Nate McMurray for Congress. For the first time in a generation, Democratic leaders, who normally endorse, have joined ranks with grassroots activists to make a strong endorsement in this year’s congressional race. We believe that McMurray has what it takes to represent the people of Western New York. His impassioned and energizing campaign is already gathering the momentum and support it needs to win in November.

McMurray is an experienced businessman, dedicated public servant, and Western New York native, who believes that families should have access to quality healthcare and education, that full-time work should come with a decent paycheck, and that elected representatives should represent their constituents, not their donors.

Turn 27 Blue brings together voices from the county Democratic chairs and from many of the district’s dedicated activist groups. We endorse McMurray because of his demonstrated ability to work across the aisle as Town Supervisor of deep red Grand Island (NY) and his dedication to improving the lives of hardworking Americans.

“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of this group of county Democratic Chairs and grassroots leaders. I’m confident we are going to turn the 27^th District blue, and I’m eager to take this fight to Chris Collins,” McMurray said, in response to the news.

Michelle Johnston Schoeneman, a resistance leader in the 27^th and member of Turn 27 Blue, said “we were incredibly impressed with Nate’s passion for Western New York, his platform for bringing jobs and prosperity to the area, and his ability to persuade people who have never voted for a Democrat that he’s the person for the job.”

Over the past several months, Turn 27 Blue has hosted public forums, meetings, and interviews with the several talented and dedicated individuals running.

“From the start, our goal was simple: identify the best candidate to beat Chris Collins,” said Judith Hunter, chair of the Livingston County Democratic Committee, “and create the best possible conditions for victory in November. Each of the five announced candidates has something to offer, and we are grateful that they volunteered to serve. We are extremely proud to conclude our process by supporting Nate McMurray for the Democratic nomination.”

As the candidates traversed the 27^th and met residents from every county in the district, one thing was clear: “from the pending ethics investigation against him to his decision to ignore his district in favor of his wealthy donors, people were fed up with Chris Collins and his cronies," said Jeremy Zellner, chair of the Erie County Democratic Committee.

Supporters of McMurray say Collins’s arrogant disregard for his constituents and his support for extreme policies that directly hurt New Yorkers has remade NY-27 into a competitive district.

Jamie Romeo, chair of the Monroe County Democratic Committee added, “we urge everyone who cares more about Western New York’s economy than tax cuts for the rich, who cares more about affordable healthcare for our families than favors for donors, and who cares more about a true representative of the people than a talking head who rushes onto cable news to talk about anything but the needs of his constituents, to support Nate McMurray for Congress.”

Press release:

As required by NYS election law, Genesee County's local Democratic Committees recently held their reorganization meetings and elected their officers. The new Committee Chairs are as follows:

 

Batavia -- Erica O'Donnell

Bergen -- Anne Sapienza

Darien -- Michael Plitt

Le Roy -- Ninja Calhoun

Pembroke -- Aaron Blake

Stafford -- Jacqueline Cavanaugh 

 

You don't need to be a political junkie to get involved, you just need a desire to make a difference in your community. If you want to get involved locally or are interested in running for office contact us at geneseenydemocrats@gmail.com