By Rikki Cason<br><a href="mailto:rikki.cason@journal-register.com">E-mail Rikki</a>
It was all about dairy at Wednesday’s Orleans County Legislature meeting. Betsy McKenna spoke to legislators about recently becoming the Niagara/Orleans Dairy Princess.
“I am honored to be the Niagara/Orleans Dairy Princess,” McKenna said. “When I received this position, I was honored. I could not explain in better words how much this organization has done for me. Whether it was teaching me responsibility, work ethic or poise, the dairy industry has truly exemplified all three of these and much more.”
Legislator Kenneth Rush presented McKenna with a proclamation naming June as dairy month in Orleans County. McKenna said she has been going around the two counties speaking to different groups and presenting the importance of dairy.
“June is a special month to recognize the farmers that work 365 days of the year and 24 hours a day,” McKenna said. “So it’s a great month to go around and say thank you to these individual and go out into the public and allow them to be recognized as well.”
In other board news:
n A resolution was passed supporting the state Senate and Assembly bills known as “Jilly’s Law.” A number of groups are urging the passing of this bill, because when setting bail in domestic violence cases, courts currently are not allowed to consider violations of court orders, history of threats or violence against a victim, previous records of protection against an individual, a person’s violent nature and many criteria. Courts are only allowed to look at whether a person is a flight risk when it comes to domestic violence cases.
“Jilly’s Bill” is based on Jill Cahill, who lived in Syracuse with her husband and two children. In 1996, her husband bludgeoned her with a baseball bat, causing her to go into a coma, according to court and police documents. While out on bail, he then sneaked into her hospital room, posing as a janitor, and murdered her, according to reports. The resolution passed states that if the courts had been able to consider the brutal nature of the attack, Cahill might be alive today. Copies of the resolution will be sent to Gov. David Paterson and many other state officials.
n Helen Zelazny was honored for her 42 years of service to the county. Upon her retirement, the Legislature recognized her for the 28 years she served as deputy commissioner of elections and 14 years she served as Democratic elections commissioner.
“The Orleans County Legislature reluctantly excepts Helen Zelazny’s retirement with profound appreciation for the contributions she has humbly made during a 42-year career in Orleans County,” Legislator Gary Kent said.
