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Commentary

Putting perspective on referendum

Regarding the recent commentary, “Fredonia referendum is likely illegal,” I would like to address the question of the referendum in the mid 1980s regarding Village Hall removal and replacement. I was village attorney at the time. The referendum on demolishing Village Hall was authorized ...

Performance ‘better than Broadway’

Recently, we attended a musical put on at the high school where our grandkids attend–in this case, Maple Grove. During the spring, musicals are being conducted at many of our local schools. As usual, I was “blown away” by the level of skill and professionalism displayed in the ...

There are reasons for referendum

I am writing in response to Don Michalak’s commentary in the OBSERVER (April 23) headlined “Fredonia referendum is likely illegal.” I would like to address some specific points. First, I want to thank the writer for openly stating that local officials must know basic municipal law. ...

A good barometer when talking ‘affordability’

“Affordability” is the word grabbing the headlines in public discourse these days. However, if affordability is a problem, it’s important to be clear about what exactly the problem is and what can be done. Gallup has new polling data noting that the “high cost of living continues ...

Fredonia appears on borrowed time

I have a favorite saying about history which goes against the common perception that it repeats. “The past is a foreign country. They do things differently there.” Author J.P. Hartley is saying that we might not understand events outside of the context of their times. Today’s context ...

It’s becoming troubling for all to determine truth

It has come to this point: Just who and what are we supposed to believe anymore? Are we all more susceptible to conspiracy theories now? I worry that we might be. And I worry that those of us who are normally rational, logical thinkers, will find it easier to believe there are connections ...