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A WIDENING DIVIDEA column from Senator Rob Ortt (R,C,IP,Ref-North Tonawanda)After over a year in charge of the State Legislature, it is fair to judge our state’s leadership on the body of work they have prioritized, the issues they have created, and thechallenges that we continue to face. It is also fair to point out the growing divide between the needs of Upstate and Western New York and the priorities of the DownstateDemocrats who lead all chambers of state government.During their time in control, Democrats have passed legislation that favors the priorities of New York City at the expense of Upstate and Western New York. They passedcriminal justice reform (which did away with bail for individuals who commit crimessuch as aggravated animal cruelty, manslaughter in the second degree, criminal sale ofa controlled substance, and possession of child pornography). Now, these offenders aresimply released back into our communities with an appearance ticket. They passed the“Green Light” Law and the “Dream Act,” which granted drivers licenses and taxpayer-funded college tuition to illegal aliens. They passed the Farmworker UnionizationAct, which allows part-time seasonal workers the ability to unionize and requiresmandatory overtime pay for extended hours of work. They passed additional guncontrol measures, which further infringe on law-abiding New Yorkers’ right to defendthemselves. They passed the Reproductive Health Act, which allows abortion up to themoment of birth. Lastly, they passed taxpayer-funded political campaigns, which willuse your tax dollars to fund the campaigns of those running for office, whether youagree with their policies or not.These are only a few of the laws enacted by the State Legislature over the last year thatprioritized the rights and needs of criminals over the safety of our communities andhighlights the chasm between the values of downstate Democrats and our own.It is clear that when it comes to passing legislation, the first and only thing that entersthe minds of Democrats in the Legislature is how it will serve the political interests ofthe most radical, far left, socialist wing of the Democratic Party.Let us take the current hot button issue of bail reform as an example of why everyone’svoice matters, not just those in downstate New York. Before passing this legislation,Democrats in the Legislature only spoke with criminal rights’ advocates. They refusedto hold any statewide public hearings and ignored the voices and concerns of prosecutors, law enforcement, and victims. In the months since these reforms have taken effect,there has been widespread condemnation of these laws from citizens and law enforcement from across our entire state.That is not how governing should work. When you only listen to one narrow viewpoint, you will end up with laws – and a government – where large segments of thepopulation are ignored. On top of these numerous poorly crafted policies, larger issuesremain unaddressed. Our state still faces a budget deficit of over 4 billion. New Yorkis consistently ranked as one of the least friendly states to do business, one of the worstfor economic freedom, and leads the United States in outmigration.Unfortunately, as the legislative session days go by, we continue to see a wideningdivide. The “progress” that Democrats promised when they took control has come tofruition. It just seems that this progress has come at the expense of the hard-working,law-abiding taxpayers living north of the Tappan Zee Bridge.NORRIS: INFRASTRUCTURE AND LIBRARY PRIORITIES FOR OURCOMMUNITYA Column from Assemblyman Mike Norris (R,C,I,Ref-Lockport)Generally speaking, the majority of Western New Yorkers, including myself,feel that our state spends and taxes too much. However, I believe we all canagree that infrastructure investment and library funding need far greater attention – especially in our region compared to downstate areas that receive muchhigher resources.Budgets are about priorities. It does not matter if its your household, businessor civic organization’s budget – you examine your income and determinewhich needs are most critical to fund. As the state Legislature and governorfaces the up-coming budget deadline of March 31, I believe that we must placea greater emphasis on these areas and I call upon the legislative leaders to joinme in this important objective.Improving our roadways, bridges, and culverts will keep us all safer and improve our quality of life. Not only do we need to drive to get to work, school,appointments or to run errands, but our economy depends on the quality of ourroads, bridges and culverts. Recently, I joined highway superintendents andworkers from across our state at a rally in our state Capitol to call for an increase in funding for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway ImprovementProgram (CHIPS). We were joined by other groups, including the NY FarmBureau, who talked about the impact that our state’s poor roads, bridges andculverts have on the agriculture industry and the impact it has on us. If a road isin disrepair and a delivery truck cannot deliver items to a local store, you can’tbuy those items and will need to travel elsewhere to get what you need. Thishurts everyone.The frustration you feel every time you drive over the same pothole, knowing how much the wear and tear on your car will cost, could be reduced if thestate would just increase its investment in programs like CHIPS. And it could.Yet, for the eighth year in a row, the governor proposed no increase in CHIPSfunding. Further, the governor also eliminated the 65 million Extreme WinterRecovery (EWR) program. As a member of the Assembly TransportationCommittee, I would like to see a modest 150 million increase for CHIPS, plusa full restoration of EWR as budget negotiations continue.Secondly, the governor’s budget proposed major cuts for our libraries. His planreduced their overall funding by 5 million and slashed their construction aidgrants by 20 million – a cut of nearly 60 percent! This comes at a time whenour libraries are providing more services to our community than ever before,and desperately need the space and the improvements. Not only do manylibraries in our rural communities struggle with modernizing historic structuresto provide air conditioning and handicap accessibility, but they also need additional space for computer labs and technology.I remain very critical of the reckless spending, high taxes and outrageous mandates in New York. But, though these numbers for infrastructure and librariesdo sound big, when you’re considering a 176 billion overall state budget, theyare like a pebble in a pond. Fully funding CHIPS, EWR and our libraries isattainable, well warranted and a worthy long-term investment in our communities. On behalf of Western New Yorkers, I will keep advocating strongly forthese priorities and to make sure our voice is heard during the budget process.As always, I welcome your feedback. Please feel free to contact me at norrism@nyassembly.gov.Please note: The pieces submitted by our local politicians are the opinions of theindividuals submitting the articles and does not necessariily reflect the opinionsof the Town of Newfane.3

Syracuse continued.The next playground update will be at Oppenheim Park, Wheatfield. This work should be completed by this summer. The playground will have a zoo theme that payshomage to the old Oppenheim Zoo, which many remember, opened in 1943. Back then, Burmese yaks, Mynah birds, Angora goats and Rhesus monkeys greeted patrons.Bonds Lake Park is now known as “The Clyde L. Burmaster Park”. The legislature unanimously supported this name change shortly after the passing of LegislatorClyde Burmaster last year, who was instrumental in advocating for Bonds Lake. The formal dedication will be in the spring of 2020. A major improvement here was thedevelopment and installation of a professional-level Disc Golf Course. This picturesque, 18-hole course uses a variety of terrain with tight fairways while also adding somegreat elevational challenges. The course has 36 turf pads, 18 Professional (blue) and 18 Amateur (White) tees. The front 9 plays down the escarpment and traverses backup the escarpment, with a new scenic pathway overlooking the Niagara Escarpment. This leads you to holes 8 and 9. The back nine starts across the road and makes itsway through a mix of woods, open fields and the lake. Disc golfers have been giving us rave reviews. Most disc golfers say it is the best course in the area!We recently completed the construction of a brand new bathroom facility at Royalton Ravine. I previously spoke about disc golf at The Clyde L. Burmaster Park. Well,Royalton Ravine will soon be breaking ground on their own 18-hole disc golf course!The Niagara County Golf Course continues to evaluate and upgrade drainage work. The staff has been prepping the equipment and grounds for the 2020 season. CW’s19th Hole Bar and Grill will be returning to operate the concessions.These upgrades are part of a series of improvements to all county parks. The projects successes are the result of the efforts of the Niagara County Department of PublicWorks under the direction of the Niagara County Legislature.Financial assistance has been provided through the efforts of Senator Rob Ortt, who continues to lobby successfully for SAMS Grant funding for our county-wide parkprojects. Some projects were also funded by the Niagara River Greenway Commission.We continue to battle the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). EAB is responsible for the destruction of tens of millions of all 16 species of Ash Trees in more than 30 states. Nativeto Asia, it most likely arrived in the US hidden in wood-packing materials. The EAB has wreaked havoc on our county parks. The Niagara County Parks, under the guidance of Davey Tree Service, has implemented a Tree keeper program. This is an all-in-one Urban Forestry Management System which will help us manage and replant alarge variety of tree species throughout the Niagara County Park system.In the past 2 years, the Parks Department has removed well over 335 trees at Krull Park alone, most of these were infected by the EAB, dozens also had an irreversiblefungal disease.This year the Parks Department started EAB tree removals at Oppenheim Park. We have removed 80 infected trees in less than 2 months. We are also removing affectedtrees from Clyde L. Burmaster Park.I wish to extend to you another safe and joyful spring and summer.God Bless, John SyracuseSPECIAL RECOGNITION GIVEN BY THE NIAGARA COUNTY FEDERATION OF CONSERVATION CLUBS (NCFCC)The NCFCC held its annual banquet and awards ceremony February 15, 2020 at the Cornell Cooperative Extension. The “Pinky” Robinson Memorial Award is givento an individual who exhibits exceptional dedication to our Great Lakes Fishery. Congratulations are in order for the Town of Newfane’s Facilities Manager, ScottScheffler. Scott’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Scott was recognized for his outstanding work ensuring the Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon Association’s Olcott PenRearing Project runs smoothly. It was also noted the support he gives during many of the fishing derbies and tournaments held each year. In addition, Scott serves as amember of the Niagara County Fisheries Advisory Board. What really made him shine above the rest of his colleagues was his ability to devise a way to overcome the2017 Lake Ontario flooding within our harbor. Scott developed a way to keep the docks accessible for people to launch and retrieve their boats. His ingenuity allowedNewfane to maximize the fishing industry despite those 2017 challenges. Way to go Scott!At this same meeting, another one of Newfane’s outstanding individuals was recognized for “Dedicated Service to Bowhunter Education.” David Schmidt was therecipient of the Steve Fountain/Arch Lowery Award. David is a Certified Bowhunter Education Instructor with over 15 years experience. He is a member of the WilsonConservation Club. David will also be receiving a “Service Award” from the New York State DEC at a recognition dinner in April. Without a teacher like David, wewould not be able to enjoy the outdoors as we do.So the next time you see these men, offer them a nice “thank-you” for the work they have done, and will continue to do.LET’S REVITALIZE T-BALL AND BASEBALL IN OUR COMMUNITY.Historically, In-town “House” leagues have been a setting where kids of all skill levels and backgrounds play atthe same local field FOR FUN, rarely roaming beyond the town borders. But today, house leagues can be stigmatized as inferior, a casualty of tryout-based, early-forming travel teams that cater to the “best” child athletes.Over the past few years our Community T-Ball and Baseball program has lost enough participants that it is nolonger viable. This is a major loss, especially as local play is the only affordable option for many families as wellas encouraging sport sampling to our young athletes.The Town of Newfane is looking for someone to revitalize the T-Ball/Baseball Program for our Community. If youare interested please reach out to the Supervisor’s Office at the Newfane Town Hall.Together we can bring Back the FUN in SPORTS!4

News from our Niagara County Sheriff’s Office:See! Be Seen!Spring has arrived and so has warmer temperatures and longer days. It is important for motorists and the more vulnerable users of the roadway, such as pedestrians and cyclists, to be extra vigilant during these warmer months. Motorists should expect to see more pedestrians andcyclists on the roadways. Please share these roadways, don’t drive distracted and obey speed limits. Be sure to give space when passing thesemembers of your community to ensure safety for all.Cyclists are considered slow moving vehicles and as such should be following the rules of the road like all other motorists including ridingwith traffic. Pedestrians should walk against traffic in order to keep a proper look out. Pedestrians should also use crosswalks when availableand avoid crossing mid-block. Crossing at intersections are a better option since most intersections have stop signs or traffic lights to aid incrossing. Pedestrians should also pay attention – don’t text and walk especially when crossing the street and always obey traffic signals. Pedestrians and cyclists should wear bright colored and/or reflective clothing in order to be seen by motorists and avoid riding or walking in theearly morning or late evening when visibility is already low. Lights and bright, reflective clothing will help motorists see you if you must be out when there are low lightconditions. Please feel free to contact the Traffic Safety Educator/Coordinator, Cathleen Davis at 716-438-3464 or Cathleen.Davis@niagaracounty.com with any questions regarding traffic safety topics like pedestrian, bike, passenger safety, car seats etc.“Please stay informed and connected with the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office by visiting our newly designed website at www.NiagaraSheriff.com or download our appthrough your app store by searching for “Niagara County Sheriff, NY” stated Acting Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti. “Our website and app allow users to submit a tip, viewpress releases as well as be informed about upcoming community events such as the Child Passenger Safety checks the 2nd Wednesday of every month and so muchmore”. Be sure to also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube for current stories, events and happenings throughout Niagara County.NEWFANE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNOUNCES:Universal Pre-Kindergarten Registration for September 2020The Newfane Central School District will hold registration for students who will be entering pre-kindergarten (UPK) in September.According to UPK regulations, children who will be 4 years old on or before December 1st, 2020 are eligible to attend pre-kindergarten. Students and their parent or legal guardian must live within the Newfane Central School District boundaries. Pre-kindergarten classes are half day with either a morning or afternoon session running five days a week. The classes are held at the Newfane Early Childhood Center and busing is provided. UPK is an outstanding program designed to prepare all children to learn andgrow through play and age-appropriate activities under the guidance of an experienced and caring certified teacher.Pre-kindergarten registration will take place on May 26th, 27th and 28th. Registrations will be held at the Newfane Early Childhood Center, which is located at 6048 Godfrey Road, Burt, New York 14028. Please call Mrs. Colleen Schultz at 716-778-6351between 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at your earliest convenience to receive the necessary paperwork and schedule an appointment toregister your child.NEWFANE COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRYThe Newfane Community Food pantry wishes to thank everyone in our communityfor their generous support during Thanksgiving and our Christmas day of sharing.This could not have been successful without the support of our churches, socialgroups, school groups and individuals in our community. It is a 100% group effortand was very successful. We continue to look for new volunteers, so if you areinterested in serving and giving back to your community, come give us a try. Anyquestions please call Coordinator, Kathy Phillips at 433-2499 or Asst. Coordinator,Wreatha Harvey at 807-7451.The Newfane Community Food Pantry provides food assistance to families livingin the Newfane School district, and they can attend our pantry once a month. Theyneed to provide proof of residency and ID according to The Food Bank of WesternNew York, now known as Feed More of Western New York requirements. Recentchanges in financial requirements will make it more accessible for more residents.We are also a “client choice pantry” which simply means that the client chooseswhat food items serve their family best from our inventory of stock. The pantry isopen on Tuesdays from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. Please call 778-9822 between the hoursof 10:00 am to 12 noon for an appointment that day. We are located at 3455 EwingsRoad at St. Brendan’s Church.Special thank you to our own RICKY OSTRUMfor her help at the pantry and ringing the bellfor The Salvation Army at the Newfane Topsstore.5

News from Hess Road Wesleyan ChurchOver the past year, the Hess Road Wesleyan Church has undergone a major transition. After nearly 20 years of service, Rev. David (Joe) Payne completed his pastoralcalling. A Party for the Payne’s took place last June to celebrate their ministry. Around that same time, Rev. Matthew Rose was selected as the new Lead Pastor. PastorMatthew, though, is by no means new to the church or community. Hess Road has been his home church since the mid 1980’s. He has served as the Assistant Pastor atHess Road since 2003.As Hess Road enters into this new phase of ministry, they welcome any and all from the community to check out what God is doing in and through the church. The churchaims to be a Jesus-centered, discipleship-oriented congregation. “Our goal is to honor Jesus by becoming like Him and helping others to do the same” states Pastor Matthew. “We believe our lives, community, and world, are in desperate need of recognizing that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life Jesus is King”The church also brought in new staff. Rev. Dan Wilson serves as Assistant Pastor. He and his wife (Carla) have served at Hess Road in the past and bring great experienceto the congregation. Nathan Marone is now serving as the Christian Education Director. He and his wife (Olivia) most recently lived in Bolivia where Nathan was teachingat a Christian

Building Inspector Doug Nankey 778-5947 #5 Water Superintendent Mike Mills 778-8587 . City has seen this uptick in crime." Major crimes grew by 22.5%, while shootings rose 7.1%. . (R,C,IP,Ref-North Tonawanda) After over a year in charge of the State Legislature, it is fair to judge our state's lead- .