Auburn and Cayuga County speaks up: Letters to the editor for the week of Oct. 11, 2024
- Updated
Our weekly round-up of letters published in the Citizen.
- Don Daly
John Mannion admittedly supports the current bail reform law! His clarification of not voting for it in 2019 is valid but has nothing to do with the matter of voting in support of it since does. His defense of "wanting changes" means nothing until he moves to affect those changes to the law.
Talking out of both sides of his mouth has been too common with some politicians and this is a prime example of that. Candidates wanting it both ways is a lack of clarity voters should be concerned and opposed to because once in office they will swing whatever way benefits their current mission, then swing back when it doesn鈥檛. This positively represents his "party over people" approach to me and should be a major cause to all voters when deciding character in this election cycle.
Sincere candidates stick with their causes in spite of some negative voter responses, others sugarcoat their defenses to attempt to appeal to all, then do what they will depending. Trust is an important virtue and hopefully voters will demand nothing less come November.
- Sue Komanecky
I have had the pleasure of getting to know Steve Buschman for the past 39 years. We met at Auburn High School back in the ninth grade. He had a humble upbringing 鈥 the youngest sibling in a very large family. While he was a "popular鈥 student, he never let it get to his head. Steve was kind to everyone. His wit and humor made him stand out in a crowd.
Fast forward through his college years, Steve always knew that he wanted to live out his career in his hometown of Auburn. He chose law, not to become rich, but to be able to help his community as far back as 1997. He has been a senior partner at WHMB, PC since 2008 serving family court in Cayuga County as well as surrounding jurisdictions. He has a work ethic that exceeds the 鈥渘orm." He rarely takes any time off, but when he does, it鈥檚 to spend time with his siblings and his two sons.
For the past two and a half years, I have had the honor of working for Steve and his partners as their office manager. Steve is the type of boss that really cares. If you have something going on in your personal life, he takes the time to listen and relate. Steve took a chance on me because he knew me. He gave me an opportunity to take my career in a different direction and I will be forever grateful!
Throughout his campaign, Steve has been a rock star! He has been going door to door now for months, talking face to face with his supporters. Now that's some 鈥渙ld school mentality鈥! Not only that, but he attends every event possible in this county 鈥 sometimes two or three a day! Always the professional, Steve, has been able to fulfill his duties to represent the clients at his practice during this time.
I can confidently say that I join the masses when I say that Steve is the perfect choice for the position of Cayuga County family court judge.
- Chuck Mason
In the New York State Assembly, a home rule request refers to a local government's appeal for the enactment of a specific law. One such special law that is increasingly being adopted by cities, towns, and villages in New York state is the hotel occupancy tax. This tax is levied on visitors staying in hotels and short-term rentals, like Airbnb, and the additional revenue generated helps provide relief for property taxpayers in those municipalities.
During his four years in Albany, Assemblyman John Lemondes has supported home rule request legislation pertaining to hotel occupancy tax 37 times, allowing other municipalities to implement their own hotel occupancy tax. However, when the city of Auburn sought his help with a home rule request this year, he responded with a no.
In central New York, John Lemondes has assisted the following municipalities in establishing a hotel occupancy tax:
City of Syracuse: Established a 2% hotel tax (Bill A09707-A), Lemondes voted yes.
City of Cortland: Established a 3% hotel tax (Bill A10014), Lemondes voted yes.
Town and village of Skaneateles: Established a 5% hotel tax (Bills A07286 and A07287), Lemondes voted yes.
Village of Weedsport: Established a 7% hotel tax (Bill A07391), Lemondes voted yes.
Town of DeWitt: Established a 2% hotel tax (Bill A06558), Lemondes voted yes.
Throughout his time in the Assembly, Lemondes has consistently supported every hotel occupancy tax home rule request that has come before him, except for Auburn. His actions suggest that he prioritizes the interests of property taxpayers in other municipalities over those in Auburn, indicating a lack of support for our community.
Fortunately, there is something we can do about this. Ian Phillips is running for state Assembly. Having known Ian for several years, I can attest to his genuine concern for our community. His approach and engagement with voters during this year's campaign demonstrate that he will be an Assemblyman who represents everyone, including the residents of Auburn. I encourage you to reject John Lemondes' efforts to undermine Auburn by voting for Ian Phillips for state Assembly.
- Don Daly Sue Komanecky Chuck Mason
Mannion wants it both ways on bail reform
John Mannion admittedly supports the current bail reform law! His clarification of not voting for it in 2019 is valid but has nothing to do with the matter of voting in support of it since does. His defense of 鈥渨anting changes鈥 means nothing until he moves to affect those changes to the law.
Talking out of both sides of his mouth has been too common with some politicians and this is a prime example of that. Candidates wanting it both ways is a lack of clarity voters should be concerned and opposed to because once in office they will swing whatever way benefits their current mission, then swing back when it doesn鈥檛. This positively represents his 鈥減arty over people鈥 approach to me and should be a major cause to all voters when deciding character in this election cycle.
Sincere candidates stick with their causes in spite of some negative voter responses, others sugarcoat their defenses to attempt to appeal to all, then do what they will depending. Trust is an important virtue and hopefully voters will demand nothing less come November.
Support Buschman for Cayuga County Family Court judge
I have had the pleasure of getting to know Steve Buschman for the past 39 years. We met at Auburn High School back in the ninth grade. He had a humble upbringing 鈥 the youngest sibling in a very large family. While he was a 鈥減opular鈥 student, he never let it get to his head. Steve was kind to everyone. His wit and humor made him stand out in a crowd.
Fast forward through his college years, Steve always knew that he wanted to live out his career in his hometown of Auburn. He chose law, not to become rich, but to be able to help his community as far back as 1997. He has been a senior partner at WHMB, PC since 2008 serving family court in Cayuga County as well as surrounding jurisdictions. He has a work ethic that exceeds the 鈥渘orm.鈥 He rarely takes any time off, but when he does, it鈥檚 to spend time with his siblings and his two sons.
For the past two and a half years, I have had the honor of working for Steve and his partners as their office manager. Steve is the type of boss that really cares. If you have something going on in your personal life, he takes the time to listen and relate. Steve took a chance on me because he knew me. He gave me an opportunity to take my career in a different direction and I will be forever grateful!
Throughout his campaign, Steve has been a rock star! He has been going door to door now for months, talking face to face with his supporters. Now that鈥檚 some 鈥渙ld school mentality鈥! Not only that, but he attends every event possible in this county 鈥 sometimes two or three a day! Always the professional, Steve, has been able to fulfill his duties to represent the clients at his practice during this time.
I can confidently say that I join the masses when I say that Steve is the perfect choice for the position of Cayuga County family court judge.
Lemondes has shown he doesn鈥檛 support Auburn
In the New York State Assembly, a home rule request refers to a local government鈥檚 appeal for the enactment of a specific law. One such special law that is increasingly being adopted by cities, towns, and villages in New York state is the hotel occupancy tax. This tax is levied on visitors staying in hotels and short-term rentals, like Airbnb, and the additional revenue generated helps provide relief for property taxpayers in those municipalities.
During his four years in Albany, Assemblyman John Lemondes has supported home rule request legislation pertaining to hotel occupancy tax 37 times, allowing other municipalities to implement their own hotel occupancy tax. However, when the city of Auburn sought his help with a home rule request this year, he responded with a no.
In central New York, John Lemondes has assisted the following municipalities in establishing a hotel occupancy tax:
- City of Syracuse: Established a 2% hotel tax (Bill A09707-A), Lemondes voted yes.
- City of Cortland: Established a 3% hotel tax (Bill A10014), Lemondes voted yes.
- Town and village of Skaneateles: Established a 5% hotel tax (Bills A07286 and A07287), Lemondes voted yes.
- Village of Weedsport: Established a 7% hotel tax (Bill A07391), Lemondes voted yes.
- Town of DeWitt: Established a 2% hotel tax (Bill A
- 06558), Lemondes voted yes.
Throughout his time in the Assembly, Lemondes has consistently supported every hotel occupancy tax home rule request that has come before him, except for Auburn. His actions suggest that he prioritizes the interests of property taxpayers in other municipalities over those in Auburn, indicating a lack of support for our community.
Fortunately, there is something we can do about this. Ian Phillips is running for state Assembly. Having known Ian for several years, I can attest to his genuine concern for our community. His approach and engagement with voters during this year鈥檚 campaign demonstrate that he will be an Assemblyman who represents everyone, including the residents of Auburn. I encourage you to reject John Lemondes鈥 efforts to undermine Auburn by voting for Ian Phillips for state Assembly.
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- Don Daly
John Mannion admittedly supports the current bail reform law! His clarification of not voting for it in 2019 is valid but has nothing to do with the matter of voting in support of it since does. His defense of "wanting changes" means nothing until he moves to affect those changes to the law.
Talking out of both sides of his mouth has been too common with some politicians and this is a prime example of that. Candidates wanting it both ways is a lack of clarity voters should be concerned and opposed to because once in office they will swing whatever way benefits their current mission, then swing back when it doesn鈥檛. This positively represents his "party over people" approach to me and should be a major cause to all voters when deciding character in this election cycle.
Sincere candidates stick with their causes in spite of some negative voter responses, others sugarcoat their defenses to attempt to appeal to all, then do what they will depending. Trust is an important virtue and hopefully voters will demand nothing less come November.
- Sue Komanecky
I have had the pleasure of getting to know Steve Buschman for the past 39 years. We met at Auburn High School back in the ninth grade. He had a humble upbringing 鈥 the youngest sibling in a very large family. While he was a "popular鈥 student, he never let it get to his head. Steve was kind to everyone. His wit and humor made him stand out in a crowd.
Fast forward through his college years, Steve always knew that he wanted to live out his career in his hometown of Auburn. He chose law, not to become rich, but to be able to help his community as far back as 1997. He has been a senior partner at WHMB, PC since 2008 serving family court in Cayuga County as well as surrounding jurisdictions. He has a work ethic that exceeds the 鈥渘orm." He rarely takes any time off, but when he does, it鈥檚 to spend time with his siblings and his two sons.
For the past two and a half years, I have had the honor of working for Steve and his partners as their office manager. Steve is the type of boss that really cares. If you have something going on in your personal life, he takes the time to listen and relate. Steve took a chance on me because he knew me. He gave me an opportunity to take my career in a different direction and I will be forever grateful!
Throughout his campaign, Steve has been a rock star! He has been going door to door now for months, talking face to face with his supporters. Now that's some 鈥渙ld school mentality鈥! Not only that, but he attends every event possible in this county 鈥 sometimes two or three a day! Always the professional, Steve, has been able to fulfill his duties to represent the clients at his practice during this time.
I can confidently say that I join the masses when I say that Steve is the perfect choice for the position of Cayuga County family court judge.
- Chuck Mason
In the New York State Assembly, a home rule request refers to a local government's appeal for the enactment of a specific law. One such special law that is increasingly being adopted by cities, towns, and villages in New York state is the hotel occupancy tax. This tax is levied on visitors staying in hotels and short-term rentals, like Airbnb, and the additional revenue generated helps provide relief for property taxpayers in those municipalities.
During his four years in Albany, Assemblyman John Lemondes has supported home rule request legislation pertaining to hotel occupancy tax 37 times, allowing other municipalities to implement their own hotel occupancy tax. However, when the city of Auburn sought his help with a home rule request this year, he responded with a no.
In central New York, John Lemondes has assisted the following municipalities in establishing a hotel occupancy tax:
City of Syracuse: Established a 2% hotel tax (Bill A09707-A), Lemondes voted yes.
City of Cortland: Established a 3% hotel tax (Bill A10014), Lemondes voted yes.
Town and village of Skaneateles: Established a 5% hotel tax (Bills A07286 and A07287), Lemondes voted yes.
Village of Weedsport: Established a 7% hotel tax (Bill A07391), Lemondes voted yes.
Town of DeWitt: Established a 2% hotel tax (Bill A06558), Lemondes voted yes.
Throughout his time in the Assembly, Lemondes has consistently supported every hotel occupancy tax home rule request that has come before him, except for Auburn. His actions suggest that he prioritizes the interests of property taxpayers in other municipalities over those in Auburn, indicating a lack of support for our community.
Fortunately, there is something we can do about this. Ian Phillips is running for state Assembly. Having known Ian for several years, I can attest to his genuine concern for our community. His approach and engagement with voters during this year's campaign demonstrate that he will be an Assemblyman who represents everyone, including the residents of Auburn. I encourage you to reject John Lemondes' efforts to undermine Auburn by voting for Ian Phillips for state Assembly.
- Don Daly Sue Komanecky Chuck Mason
Mannion wants it both ways on bail reform
John Mannion admittedly supports the current bail reform law! His clarification of not voting for it in 2019 is valid but has nothing to do with the matter of voting in support of it since does. His defense of 鈥渨anting changes鈥 means nothing until he moves to affect those changes to the law.
Talking out of both sides of his mouth has been too common with some politicians and this is a prime example of that. Candidates wanting it both ways is a lack of clarity voters should be concerned and opposed to because once in office they will swing whatever way benefits their current mission, then swing back when it doesn鈥檛. This positively represents his 鈥減arty over people鈥 approach to me and should be a major cause to all voters when deciding character in this election cycle.
Sincere candidates stick with their causes in spite of some negative voter responses, others sugarcoat their defenses to attempt to appeal to all, then do what they will depending. Trust is an important virtue and hopefully voters will demand nothing less come November.
Support Buschman for Cayuga County Family Court judge
I have had the pleasure of getting to know Steve Buschman for the past 39 years. We met at Auburn High School back in the ninth grade. He had a humble upbringing 鈥 the youngest sibling in a very large family. While he was a 鈥減opular鈥 student, he never let it get to his head. Steve was kind to everyone. His wit and humor made him stand out in a crowd.
Fast forward through his college years, Steve always knew that he wanted to live out his career in his hometown of Auburn. He chose law, not to become rich, but to be able to help his community as far back as 1997. He has been a senior partner at WHMB, PC since 2008 serving family court in Cayuga County as well as surrounding jurisdictions. He has a work ethic that exceeds the 鈥渘orm.鈥 He rarely takes any time off, but when he does, it鈥檚 to spend time with his siblings and his two sons.
For the past two and a half years, I have had the honor of working for Steve and his partners as their office manager. Steve is the type of boss that really cares. If you have something going on in your personal life, he takes the time to listen and relate. Steve took a chance on me because he knew me. He gave me an opportunity to take my career in a different direction and I will be forever grateful!
Throughout his campaign, Steve has been a rock star! He has been going door to door now for months, talking face to face with his supporters. Now that鈥檚 some 鈥渙ld school mentality鈥! Not only that, but he attends every event possible in this county 鈥 sometimes two or three a day! Always the professional, Steve, has been able to fulfill his duties to represent the clients at his practice during this time.
I can confidently say that I join the masses when I say that Steve is the perfect choice for the position of Cayuga County family court judge.
Lemondes has shown he doesn鈥檛 support Auburn
In the New York State Assembly, a home rule request refers to a local government鈥檚 appeal for the enactment of a specific law. One such special law that is increasingly being adopted by cities, towns, and villages in New York state is the hotel occupancy tax. This tax is levied on visitors staying in hotels and short-term rentals, like Airbnb, and the additional revenue generated helps provide relief for property taxpayers in those municipalities.
During his four years in Albany, Assemblyman John Lemondes has supported home rule request legislation pertaining to hotel occupancy tax 37 times, allowing other municipalities to implement their own hotel occupancy tax. However, when the city of Auburn sought his help with a home rule request this year, he responded with a no.
In central New York, John Lemondes has assisted the following municipalities in establishing a hotel occupancy tax:
- City of Syracuse: Established a 2% hotel tax (Bill A09707-A), Lemondes voted yes.
- City of Cortland: Established a 3% hotel tax (Bill A10014), Lemondes voted yes.
- Town and village of Skaneateles: Established a 5% hotel tax (Bills A07286 and A07287), Lemondes voted yes.
- Village of Weedsport: Established a 7% hotel tax (Bill A07391), Lemondes voted yes.
- Town of DeWitt: Established a 2% hotel tax (Bill A
- 06558), Lemondes voted yes.
Throughout his time in the Assembly, Lemondes has consistently supported every hotel occupancy tax home rule request that has come before him, except for Auburn. His actions suggest that he prioritizes the interests of property taxpayers in other municipalities over those in Auburn, indicating a lack of support for our community.
Fortunately, there is something we can do about this. Ian Phillips is running for state Assembly. Having known Ian for several years, I can attest to his genuine concern for our community. His approach and engagement with voters during this year鈥檚 campaign demonstrate that he will be an Assemblyman who represents everyone, including the residents of Auburn. I encourage you to reject John Lemondes鈥 efforts to undermine Auburn by voting for Ian Phillips for state Assembly.
