Stories from

Press release:

“Mere months after heralding a new era of open, honest and trustworthy government, our governor finds her right-hand man in federal custody, making it evident her declaration was nothing more than hollow rhetoric,” said Hawley. “We’ve now had four consecutive executive administrations in which either the governor or lieutenant governor have come under severe criminal scrutiny, and if that doesn’t tell New Yorkers it’s time for a change in our state government, I don’t know what would.”

Further reading: Lt. Gov. Benjamin Arrested in Campaign Finance Scheme

Press release:

On April 11th, the Genesee County Health Department Weights and Measures Department received a complaint from a customer that purchased fuel from the TA Travel Center (8420 Alleghany Road) in Corfu, NY on April 6, 2022. After purchasing fuel, the car sustained damaged due to a high level of water in the fuel.  

After further investigation by Weights and Measures, the TA Travel Center received a similar complaint on April 6, 2022 and completed an investigation. They found that there was water in the fuel tank above the New York State limit and the establishment immediately discontinued pulling fuel from the problem tank on April 7, 2022.

Customers are asked to contact the TA Travel Center at 585-599-4577 and to select option 4 if they purchased regular (87 octane) or mid-grade (89 octane) fuel at this station from April 6-7, 2022 and your vehicle required repairs. Proof of purchase and vehicle repair is needed to file the claim.

Press release:

Madison “Maddie” Masters died unexpectedly on September 25th, 2020 at the age of 17.

Today would have been Maddie’s 19th birthday. A donor, who wished to remain anonymous, provided The Le Roy Police Department with eleven 50-dollar gift cards to distribute within the community as a random act of kindness in memory of Maddie.

Officers conducted traffic enforcement this afternoon, but instead of tickets, officers issued gift cards.

Submitted photos.

Press release:

Spring is here and that means wild animals will be giving birth to their babies. Sometimes these cute baby animals will stray away from their mothers and wander into backyards, into barns, and onto porches tempting people to catch them and take them in as their own. “Please leave them alone because it can put you and other family members at risk of exposure to a fatal disease such as rabies,” stated Paul Pettit, Director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).

Rabies is a central nervous system disease, which attacks the brain and almost always results in death if rabies exposure is not treated. Rabies is most often spread through bites, scratches, and contact with infected saliva. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rabies is most often seen in bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes, but any mammal can be infected with rabies. In addition, pets and livestock can get rabies if they are not vaccinated to protect against infection.

In 2021, GO Health tested 46 animals for rabies, and four tested positive. Additionally, 221 dogs and 54 cats were observed in 10-day confinement between the two counties. A domestic animal is subject to 10-day confinement if they bite a human. The animal’s health and behavior is monitored for 10 days to determine if rabies may be present and if further action is required.

What can you do to protect yourself against rabies?

• Leave all wildlife alone, including any injured animals. If you find an injured animal, do not touch it and contact your local animal control office for help.
• Avoid feeding, approaching, touching, or adopting wild animals and stray domestic animals such as cats and dogs.
• If you see a stray dog or cat, do not pet it. This is especially important if you are traveling out of the United States to a country where rabies in dogs is common.
• If you find any animal that is acting strangely, you should contact your local animal control office for help.
• Be sure that your pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets) are up-to-date on their rabies vaccination. Even indoor pets should be vaccinated and it is also recommended that livestock animals are vaccinated.
  • Public Health Law, Article 21, Title 4 requires New York State (NYS) residents to keep their pets (cats, dogs, and ferrets) up-to-date on their rabies vaccination.
• Keep family pets indoors at night and do not let them roam alone.

Anyone who has been bitten by any animal or may have been exposed to rabies needs to take immediate action. Make sure to thoroughly clean any wounds or bites with soap and water, and then call your health care provider for further instructions. If you can do so safely, capture the animal (being careful not to damage the head/brain) and call your local health department to report the incident. Capturing the animal is vital in order for it to be tested for rabies. Testing will confirm if the animal is infected with the virus or not, making sure that only those who need treatment get it. 

A doctor in consultation with the health department will determine who needs to be vaccinated with rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (RPEP). The cost to treat an individual varies considerably based on weight, number of doses, and insurance.  In 2021, treatment costs ranged from $2,000.00-$9,000.00.  GO Health will work with the patient’s insurance company, but what is not covered by insurance is ultimately the responsibility of the taxpayers.  In 2021, Genesee County treated 14 people and Orleans County treated 13 people.

“We encourage residents to do their part to prevent rabies in the community by vaccinating their pets and practicing caution around wild and stray animals,” stated Pettit.  “Please visit one of the upcoming FREE drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets.”

• Genesee County Clinics at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia, NY)
  • Thursday, May 19^th, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, August 11^th, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, September 15^th, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 13^th, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Orleans County Clinics at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 Rt. 31, Albion, NY)
  • Saturday, April 23^rd, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  • Saturday, June 4^th, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  • Saturday, August 13^th, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  • Saturday, October 15^th, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For more information on Health Department services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call 589-3278 for Orleans County or 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 for Genesee County.

Press release:

The Batavia City School District (BCSD) has announced a plan to relocate the district’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program (UPK) from Jackson Primary to the Robert Morris building for the 2022-23 school year. 

The decision was made in an effort to address space concerns caused by increasing enrollment numbers at Jackson Primary.

The four classes relocating to the Robert Morris building for the 2022-23 school year will accommodate approximately 72 students and will operate as part of the Jackson Primary family. Students and staff will continue to be included in programming, fundraising, assemblies, and specials. Jackson Primary administration will oversee the new location, and student meals and transportation will continue to be provided. 

Once the district determines UPK enrollment transportation needs, it will release school day start and end times for the 2022-23 school year for the entire district.

The Batavia City School District is proud to provide four-year-old children in our community with a universal opportunity to access high-quality pre-kindergarten programs that set them up for future educational success. Registration is now open through May 1, 2022. Parents can pick up registration packets at the BCSD Registration Office at 80 Union Street. Parents will be notified over the summer regarding screenings for class placement.

BCSD owns the Robert Morris building on 80 Union Street, and it currently houses various district staff offices and the Community Schools resource center. The building’s classrooms and multi-purpose rooms are currently fully operational.

“At Jackson Primary we pride ourselves on the education our students receive during these formative years and will continue to give the rich experience to students in UPK, just at another location,” said Jackson Primary Principal Maureen Notaro.

“We’re thrilled to see increasing enrollment numbers here in the Batavia City School District,” said Jason Smith, Superintendent of Schools. “We’re fortunate to have a fully operational building on hand to help us accommodate our space needs, and I’m certain our students and staff will find the Robert Morris location a warm and welcoming extension of our Jackson Primary family.” 

UPDATE: The 12-year-old girl has been located.

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is looking for assistance in locating a missing 12-year-old girl who ran away from home overnight. (name redacted) is a BCSD Student and was last seen in the area of Liberty St. XXXX did not have a cellphone with her. If anyone has any information please contact the Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6350.

Press Release from the Automobile Club of America:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.11, down 8 cents change from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.86. The New York State average is 4.22, down 7 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.89. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $4.28 (down 4 cents from last week)
• Buffalo - $4.28 (down 5 cents from last week)
• Elmira - $4.17 (down 4 cents from last week)
• Ithaca - $4.21 (down 4 cents from last week)
• Rochester - $4.30 (down 5 cents from last week)
• Rome - $4.24 (down 2 cents from last week)
• Syracuse - $4.25 (down 3 cents from last week)
• Watertown - $4.28 (down 4 cents from last week)

In the past week, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has decreased by eight cents. According to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks decreased while gasoline demand increased from 8.5 million barrels per day to 8.56 million. Although supply and demand factors would have typically supported elevated pump prices, the fluctuating price of oil continues to be the main factor influencing pump prices. Pump prices will likely face downward pressure if oil prices remain below $100 per barrel. 

This morning, oil prices are hovering right around the $100 per barrel mark. They dropped after domestic crude stocks increased in the past week by 2.5 million barrels. Additionally, crude prices faced more downward pressure this week after the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) 31 member countries, including Mexico, Japan, Germany, and Canada, announced plans to release 120 million barrels of crude oil from their emergency oil stockpiles. The amount includes a previously announced 60 million barrels of oil from the U.S.  It would be the second coordinated release in just over a month in response to spiking oil prices after Russia invaded Ukraine. The announcement has helped ease some supply concerns, pushing crude prices lower.

From Gas Buddy:

“Gas prices have continued to move in the right direction - down- saving Americans approximately $100 million every day compared to when prices peaked about a month ago. And, more good news is on the horizon: the national average this week will likely fall back under the critical $4 per gallon mark," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "It remains possible that gas prices may have hit their 2022 peak, barring the typical caveats like the Russia war on Ukraine, the economy, hurricane season and Covid don't take drastic and unexpected turns. Diesel prices are also falling and are likely to go back under the $5 per gallon average this week. The situation, for now, continues to show signs of improving, with the national average falling back into the $3 range as early as this week."

Press release:

“As the Majority passes another record-breaking budget, costing taxpayers $220,000,000,000, more than what Florida and Texas spend on their budgets combined, I'm left wishing their ambition to protect public safety was as strong as it is to test our state’s fiscal limits,” said Hawley. “New Yorkers needed decisive action to be taken to lift our economy and restore public order, but instead, they were given a band-aid budget full of half-measures that will make little impact on the well-being of everyday people. We should be working to slash wasteful spending and aim for austerity in our budget, not worsen the spending spree our state has been on for far too long.”

Press release:

The City of Batavia would like to encourage members of the community to “adopt a park” and volunteer in cleaning city parks in honor of Earth Day. Residents are encouraged to take part in “adopt a park” on Saturday, April 23rd.

Batavia is very fortunate to have several local park settings with over 35 total acres of playgrounds and open land to offer to the public. Groups and individuals are encouraged to assist the City with improving parks through litter and debris pick-up in an effort to help keep parks and playgrounds clean and attractive. Your volunteer effort in our parks generates pride in our parks system, increases awareness of the importance of protecting our natural resources and will demonstrate commitment to your community in a way that promotes appreciation to beautify and keep our parks clean in Batavia.  Director of Public Works, Brett Frank said “On behalf of the City of Batavia, we’d like to thank all of our residents for the pride they take in keeping our parks clean and thank them in advance for their participation and support.”

Please use the receptacles within the parks or bring your own bags for refuse and gather yard waste in a separate pile that will be removed by the City.

Press release:

“Medicated-Assisted-Treatment in Our Communities” is the topic of the GOW Opioid Task Force quarterly meeting scheduled for 10-11 a.m. April 21 at The Recovery Station, 5256 Clinton St. Rd., Batavia.

The hybrid-style meeting – both in person and via Zoom videoconferencing – is open to the public at no charge.

“We are excited to offer this hybrid option and, more importantly, to provide information on M-A-T to the community,” said Christen Ferraro, GOW Opioid Task Force coordinator.

Discussion will center around what M-A-T is, how it is used in substance use disorder treatment and recovery and its effectiveness, as well as sharing their experiences working with M-A-T services in various settings.

Speakers are:

• Ann Bowback, clinical director at Spectrum Health & Human Services in Warsaw. She is the project director of the Medicated-Assisted-Treatment program in collaboration with Evergreen Health.

• Melissa Weingarten, Wyoming County Jail nurse. In November 2021, she joined the Wyoming County Health Department in a full-time capacity as the nurse for jail medical services, administering medication to the inmates.

• Kathy Hodgins, chief clinical officer at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. She oversees the M-A-T services and Opioid Treatment Program clinic in Genesee and Orleans counties.

For more details and how to register, visit www.gowopioidtaskforce.com or contact Ferraro at cferraro@gcasa.org.

Press release:

The Genesee County Board of Elections is looking for poll workers, table inspectors, and coordinators for the November 8th General Election and Early Voting beginning October 29th.  The positions pay commensurate per diem rates. There is a paid training, which takes place on several dates in late summer – dates to be announced.  Candidates will have a year-to-year appointment and must complete the training annually.

If you are civic-minded and interested in serving your community and earning extra money, please call 585 815-7804. Per NY State election law, we can only accept enrolled voters from the two major parties – Republican and Democrat. The Board of Elections works with equal teams of bi-partisan employees.

Must have transportation.

Press release:

Genesee Community College has officially opened enrollment into its newest offering- the Solar Electric Technician Certificate for the Fall 2022 semester. Requiring a total of just 15 credit hours, this program is designed to be completed in as little as one semester. In addition, students can apply those credits toward a concentration within an Associate in Applied Science degree in Individualized Studies.

Careers in renewable energy in the form of solar electric (photovoltaic) grid systems are expanding rapidly throughout New York State both residentially and commercially. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for solar technology workers is projected to increase 50% over the next ten years which translates into roughly 6,000 new workers.

"Solar Tech skills have never been more relevant and more needed," said Director of Mathematics and Engineering Science, Christopher Kemp. "Solar projects from residential homes to major commercial solar farms are going up across the world and in our own back yards. The Solar Tech program is unique in that it can springboard directly into high-paying entry-level installer jobs, higher-level and specialized training, national accreditations, and four-year programs in renewable energy and the sciences. It can also enhance the current marketable skills of current practicing electricians, and educate individuals on the versatility and utility of solar technology. Starting out in solar is easy to do, and the opportunities are almost unlimited."

Upon graduation, GCC students are positioned to enter high-demand and lucrative solar-related employment opportunities, including residential and commercial solar panel installer, solar sales, solar electric maintenance, and recreational vehicle solar package installer.

Further details can be found at https://www.genesee.edu/home/academics/programs/tech/solartech/

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply for FREE online at https://www.genesee.edu/offices/admissions/apply/ or to call (585) 343-6800 or 1-866-CALL-GCC, or email admissions@genesee.edu.

Press release:

The NYS Principles of Instructions course is an introductory course for individuals who will be conducting training at the fire company level.  This 15-hour course was recently offered at the Genesee County Fire Training Center and is designed for fire service training officers and company officers. 

Participants reviewed the qualities of a good instructor, job performance requirements, components of a lesson plan, cognitive and psychomotor lesson plans, dealing with adult learners, meeting individual learning needs, factors that affect learning, the instructor’s role in safety, new technologies in course delivery, and learning characteristics of different generations. 

Volunteer and career firefighters regularly attend training courses to continually develop and refresh skills making the job of quality instructors even more valuable.

Ten firefighters representing five county fire companies completed the program held March 16 through March 21, 2022.

ALABAMA

• Ryan M. Thompson

 ALEXANDER

• Anthony R. Johnston

BERGEN

• Jared Hicks 

ELBA

• Jennifer A. Cardinali   
• Nicholas J. Esten        
• Michael Heale
• Michael J. Pfendler
• Michael J. Schad
• Nathan J. Tabor          

LE ROY

• Fay Fuerch  

Visit your local fire department to find out more about volunteer opportunities

Press release:

The Hazardous Materials First Responder Operation Annual Refresher is a 4-hour class, which satisfies the annual refresher training required by OSHA for hazardous materials.  NYS Fire Instructors ae conducted these 4-hour refresher classes in locations around the county, the most recent of which was held in the West Battalion on March 21, 2022.

This course provides participants with a review of the nine classes of materials, the use of the US DOT Emergency Response Guidebook, principles of containment, confinement, and extinguishment within the scope of the duties of a first responder at the Operations Level.

Responders who fulfilled their annual refresher training requirement on March 21 were:

ALABAMA

• Ronald D. Bauer
• Richard T. Brunea
• Patrick J. Buczek
• Ashley B. Thompson
• Sidney N. Eick
• Annette J. Johnson
• Henry  Mudrzynski
• Joshua V. Mullen
• Gary L. Patnode
• Gary P. Patnode
• Gary R. Patnode
• Michelle Patnode
• Brianna D. Smith
• Mark Smith
• Alison L. Thompson
• Ryan M. Thompson
• Terry R. Thompson
• Todd M. Thompson
• Joseph A. Uhrinek
• Patrick J. Watson

OAKFIELD

• Sean T. Downing
• Daniel C. Luker
• Jacob D. Matteson
• Andrew S. Pilc
• Peter A. Scheiber

Future Hazardous Materials First Responder Operation Annual Refresher will be offered on Monday, April 11, 2022 at the Elba Rec Hall (7143 Oak Orchard Road) and Monday, April 25 at the Pembroke Fire Hall (630 Main Street, Corfu, NY).  Contact the Genesee County Fire Training Center to register.

Visit your local fire department to find out more about volunteer opportunities

Press release:

The Forum Players will be presenting Alice In Wonderland by Brainerd Duffield, an adaption of the classic tale written by Lewis Carroll. Performances will be held on April 21, 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the Stuart Steiner Theatre at Genesee Community College.

After a chance meeting with the White Rabbit, Alice finds herself tumbling down a seemingly endless rabbit hole. Once she reaches the bottom, she finds her world has been turned upside-down. She meets the tempestuous Queen of Hearts who invites her to play a game of croquet. Things only get more peculiar from there. From dangerous encounters with vengeful queens, to new companions who may not have Alice's best interests in mind, Wonderland soon loses its luster. If Alice has any hope of getting home to her cat Dinah, she must traverse through Wonderland to the border of Looking-Glass Land. From there she'll have to travel square by square on a giant chessboard. Only once she reaches the eighth row and becomes a Queen herself can she be free to go home.

Brainerd Duffield's adaption of Lewis Carroll's classic tale takes on a much darker tone. Alice and her adventures through Wonderland become an allegory for a child facing the nightmare of growing up. It's a coming of age story where the dream becomes a nightmare. Take an expedition into Wonderland and see a fresh look at the horror of the journey to adulthood.

This show features themes of abuse, bullying, drug addiction, alcoholism, narcissism, peer pressure and selfishness. It is not suitable for young children. There are some scenes that may be too intense for children under 16. This is not a children's theatre production. No child will be permitted without an adult.

Alice in Wonderland by Brainerd Duffield features an international cast of GCC students. Audiences will enjoy the many talents of the following Forum Players:

• Jillian Curtis, LeRoy NY as Alice
• Gyandro Marselia, Willemstad, Curacao as The White Rabbit
• Mya Thomas, Akron NY as the Queen of Hearts
• Rob Reiss, Elba NY as the Mad Hatter, The Executioner
• Haylea-Ann Self, Brocton NY as the Caterpillar, The March Hare
• James Barcomb, Batavia, NY as the Duchess, Cheshire Cat, Gryphon
• Francesca Pieter, Willemstad, Antilles, Netherlands as the Red/White Queens
• Reina Fujikawa, Sakaide, Kagawa as the Mouse, Dormouse
• Jessie Pierce, Batavia, NY as the Mock Turtle
• Raylynn Ryan, Fillmore NY as Tweedledee, Knave of Hearts
• Celeste T. Dzielski, Rochester NY as Tweedledum, Humpty Dumpty, King of Hearts
• Crimson Allis, Gasport, NY as the Fish Footman
• Cheri Pekurny, Binghamton NY as the Frog Footman
• Cheri Pekurny, Crimson Allis, Belancia Joseph (Jamaica, NY) as the Cards
• Ayaka Nakamura (Osaka, Japan), Tiffanie Drum, Tiffany Smith (Arkport NY) as the Flowers
• Ayaka Nakamura, Tiffanie Drum (Cohocton, NY), Tiffany Smith, Cheri Pekurny, Crimson Allis as the Dance Ensemble
• Rob Reiss Special Sequences

Director Maryanne Arena shares, "This beloved tale is what nightmares are made of, and being a teenager is a nightmare! We are not telling this tale to play to children, using fun, one dimensional characters. Rather, we are exploring the expectations and circumstances or growing up in a world where you feel you don't belong. A world of monsters, bullies, and questions with no answers. Alice In Wonderland by Brainerd Duffield can be told with a variety of themes in mind. We wanted to explore the pains of middle years of growth and not knowing where one belongs. Not a child, yet, not an adult; Alice fights for survival and the strength to overcome the many nightmares of youth. Please enjoy this interesting tale of youth. Maybe you can find yourself and the monsters that pursued you in your youth."

Production Staff

• Directed and Staged by: Maryanne Arena
• Production Designer: Brodie McPherson
• Musical Director: Lauren Picarro-Hoerbelt
• Choreographer: Tara Freitag
• Assistant Director: Rob Reiss
• Stage Manager : Hayley Jo Denaro
• Audio Engineer: Chris Stawiasz
• Light Board Operator: Yuina Otsuka
• Run Crew: Trevor Clark, Kaine D'eredita, Lindsey Windham
• Costume Run Crew: Julianna Turoldo
• Costume Designer: Beth Ohman
• Wardrobe Supervisor: Loy Gross
• Posters: GCC Digital Arts and Pam Swarts
• PR, Photos: GCC Marketing Communications
• Arts Center Assistant/Box Office Attendant: Jessica Skehan
• Promotional Materials: GCC Marketing Communications & Jessica Skehan

You may contact the Stuart Steiner Theatre box office for more information and ticket sales. They can be reached by phone at (585) 343-0055 x6490, or by sending an email to jeskehan@genesee.edu. Seating is limited and advance reservations are strongly advised. The show is designed for mature audiences only.

Press release from the Genesee County Office for the Aging:

The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) can help.

LIHWAP is a drinking water and wastewater emergency assistance program funded through new federal resources. Benefits are based on the amount of unpaid water and wastewater bills owed by applicants. This assistance is targeted at low-income households and income guidelines will mirror that of the Home Energy Assistance Program.

LIHWAP benefits are based on the actual amount of drinking water and/or wastewater arrears, up to a maximum of $2,500 per drinking water or wastewater provider, or $5,000 if drinking water and wastewater services are combined, per household. Benefits are paid directly to the household’s drinking water and/or wastewater vendor(s).

Eligibility and benefits are based on:

• income,
• household size,
• household includes a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or qualified alien, and
• Amount owed to drinking water and/or wastewater provider(s).

Primary applicants must provide:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of residence
• Documentation of earned and unearned income
• A drinking water, wastewater, or combined drinking water and wastewater bill listing their permanent and primary residence
• A valid Social Security Number (SSN) o SSNs of additional household members will be requested

For more information, visit https://otda.ny.gov/LIHWAP

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today joined his colleagues for a press conference in which Sen. George Borrello (SD-57), Assemblyman Chris Tague (R,C,I-Schoharie), and Assemblyman Michael Lawler (R,C,I,SAM-Pearl River) announced their lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a Department of Health regulation establishing isolation and quarantine procedures for those suspected of having a communicable disease. Hawley and those who’ve brought the lawsuit forward assert its implementation through the regulatory process violates the separation of powers.

Regulation 10 NYCRR 2.13 would empower the Department of Health to forcibly isolate and quarantine individuals exposed to communicable diseases, potentially in locations that aren’t their homes. Adopted on Feb. 22, 2022, the New York State Department of Health’s Public Health and Health Planning Council is set to renew the rule on an emergency basis today. Steps have also been taken by the council to make the regulation permanent.

“The role of the Legislature is to protect the public from dangerous policies like this, which would never survive scrutinous debate in the Assembly,” said Hawley. “When a bill containing most of the same measures this rule does was put before the Assembly in years past (A.416, Perry), it had only a single sponsor, so it seems to me the governor is truly trying to subvert our constitutionally-sanctioned legislative process to put this proposal into law. By subverting the Legislature, the governor has silenced the voices of the people they represent, who almost certainly would not wish to grant their government this overreaching authority.”