Editor, OBSERVER:
The vacant lot where a big building collapsed a year or two ago was never cared for by the present owner.
Longtime village resident Robert Bateman came to the rescue! Bob pulled the weeds out by the roots by hand. He is a senior citizen, 70 years old and up.
Many thanks to him from his friends from Forestville. We love you for your efforts.
THOMAS M. GEARY,
Forestville
Easy answer is 'raise taxes'
Editor, OBSERVER:
What is the 2 percent tax cap suppose to mean? I thought that your school and county taxes were not suppose to go up more than 2 percent. My taxes on school and county have gone up between 4 and 5 percent in the last year.
I think some of the people in charge of setting up budgets don't try as hard as they could. If they run short on money, just raise taxes. I read a while back where one school district in the county hired a custodian for $18 per hour. Pretty good with benefits extra.
Up until last year, we did not get a raise in our Social Security for two years.
MIKE?GRUBER,
Forestville
County Home
is competitor
Editor, OBSERVER:
There was a time when government had to make sure that the aged and disabled were cared for. Since the advent of Medicaid and Medicare this need has changed. Every legitimate health-care facility can accommodate those who need assistance.
I assume that the Chautauqua County Home also receives those reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid.
I do not believe that government should compete with private businesses. Health care facilities should operate as a business whose primary concerns are its residents.
I believe that the Chautauqua County Home should be sold. It will still be a home for the residents, they will simply have a new landlord.
The taxpayers of Chautauqua County should not subsidize what should be a private business.
NANCY HANKS,
Westfield
