LeRoy Pennysaver & News

LE ROY PENNYSAVER & NEWS - OCTOBER 22, 2017 Senator Ranzenhofer’s Monthly Column Legislation would further protect health of volunteer firefighters who become sick due to hazards from their service. Last month, I joined volunteer firefighters and can- cer survivors, at Hutchinson Hose Company Station Two, to call on Governor Cuomo to sign legislation (S1411B) that would expand medical coverage of certain cancers caused by haz- ards while protecting our com- munities. Our volunteer fire- fighters play a vital role in our community. They are extremely dedicated, working tirelessly to protect and serve our residents, children and families. Firefight- ing is considered one of the most dangerous jobs, and our volunteer firefighters risk their lives every day. Many dangers are as- sociated with volunteering as a firefighter, from explosions to collapsing buildings. Accord- ing to medical professionals, a mask, protective gear and other safeguards may not be able to fully protect the health of our volunteer firefighters. Exposure to smoke, chemicals and known carcino- gens are some of the many haz- ards encountered while on the job. Almost every home now has multiple electronic devices– mobile phones, computers and televisions– that release danger- ous carcinogens during a fire. All of these dangers continue to exist even after the fire has been extinguished. In 2013, the National Institute for Occupational Safe- ty & Health analyzed the health of 30,000 firefighters from three large cities, and another study two years later examined fire- fighters in California’s Cancer Registry. Both studies deter- mined, and numerous other studies confirmed, increased rates of cancer among firefight- ers when compared to the gen- eral population. Unfortunately, firefighters are at a greater risk for many types of cancer. Our firefighters volun- teered to serve and protect our communities, not to get cancer. They answered a call of service with no pay and minimal bene- fits. Currently, they are forced to pay out of their own pockets for expenses associated with a cancer diagnosis and treatment. This causes tremendous finan- cial and emotional stress for firefighters and their families. This legislation would expand existing coverage, avail- able under the Volunteer Fire- fighters Benefit Law, to include cancers of the digestive, hema- tological, lymphatic, urinary, prostate, neurological, breast and reproductive systems. Most importantly, this legislation would prevent fam- ilies of firefighters from facing financial hardship. Instead, it would provide some level of comfort and assistance to fami- ly members dealing with cancer. In June, I voted in fa- vor of the legislation when it passed the State Senate, and the State Assembly approved the measure as well. The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York is supporting the bill. I encourage you to join me in backing this important legislation by writing, calling or e-mailing Governor Cuomo to let him know that you support it too. I am hopeful and optimistic that it will be signed into law before the end of this year. “Proactive Problem Solver” Robert J. Stiles - Town Board After graduating from The State University of New York College at Brockport with two high honors degrees I fell in love with the town of LeRoy, NY. My wife Danielle Stiles, is a life-long LeRoy resident and we chose to raise our family here, in spite of dual commutes to Roch- ester for our jobs for the past 11 years. Danielle is a Registered Nurse and recently accepted the elementary school nurse position in LeRoy. I’m running for Town Board because I enjoy this community and it's residents. Furthermore, my career of asphalt maintenance and snow removal in the private sector allows me to transition into this position and understand the needs of the tax payers and our Town Crew. Professional Experience: -Extensive background in asphalt construction and snow removal. -General Manager of a mid-sized multimillion-dollar asphalt maintenance company. (Ranked in the top 75 Nationally) -Small business owner. -Worked for The United States Department of Housing & Urban Development. Community Involvement: - Football Coach, 3 years. - Instructional Baseball, 2 years. - Wrestling Coach, 2 years. - Free Masons, 6 years. - Founder and member of an anonymous community group that sponsors one local in-need family at Christmas, 5 years. I have worked with both the Town & Village Highway departments with planning, hot crack sealing, striping of parking lots, milling, and equipment loaning. My career, proven leadership abilities, character, and love of my family and LeRoy enable me to run for this position with great pride and confidence that I can assist with others to make choices that benefit all. I would appreciate your vote on November 7th. Thank you, Rob Stiles Rob@magicsealonline.com 585-734-3060 "You don’t do the right thing once in a while…you do them right all the time." - Vince Lombardi