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Peoples column

People’s column

Environment needs to be a priority Editor, OBSERVER Getting outdoors and experiencing nature is one of the most highly recommended methods of keeping safe and sane in these times of social isolation. Just when we need clean fresh air the most, the Trump administration has announced it will be taking a break from enforcing legally mandated public health and environmental protection nationwide. This administration is letting oil refineries, chemical plants and other industrial polluters roll back EPA regulations that are meant to protect citizens. Never before has the EPA just ...

‘Together’ without drawing the lines

Editor, OBSERVER: I started writing a rebuttal to an article written by a lady from Sheridan. After reading what I wrote, I decided it was just another opinion so I scraped it and started a new letter. I am a 90-year-old guy who has lots of opinions but it’s the observations and experiences I most treasure. So much for opinions! I have become an avid reader and admirer of Winston S. Churchill, the prime minister of England during World War II. In 1940 after France surrendered to the over powering German Army, the battle of Britain began. Churchill knew Adolf Hitler’s next step ...

People’s column

County needs better numbers Editor, OBSERVER: A recent quandary by County Executive PJ Wendell concerning the uncertainty of when the apex of cases might reach Chautauqua County is answered in his next breath: “For us, our data is somewhat limited” (April10). Even Christine Schuyler states that “we are fully aware that testing rates are very low in our county.” It is a no-brainer to figure out that we can’t have a handle on the extent of the virus until more testing is done. Page one that day states that “117 residents remain under quarantine or isolation orders.” ...

People’s column

Nothing changes in Fredonia Editor, OBSERVER: The voters in November wanted a change so they elected a new mayor. But they didn’t want enough change to make a difference. Case in point: When Doug Essek was elected mayor, the three Democrats who were elected — instead of doing the right thing by appointing the next highest vote getter to fill his trustee’s seat — went out of their way to find a like-minded woman who would be just like the one just defeated in the election. They appointed EvaDawn Bashaw, who didn’t even want to be trustee enough to run for the office. ...

People’s column

Easter well worth celebrating Editor, OBSERVER: This is the time of the year when we celebrate the many blessings that the season brings. Although we may not be able to attend church or visit with our friends and families, we can still take time out to celebrate Easter and all that it has to offer. Let us take this opportunity to wish each of you a happy and healthful Easter Holiday. MAYOR WILFRED ROSAS and COMMON COUNCIL MEMBERS, Dunkirk Some stores need to add protection Editor, OBSERVER: Why is it that none of the pharmacies in our area have sanitizing wipes ...

People’s column

Those on front lines are heroes Editor, OBSERVER: I would like to thank all of the health care workers and first responders for the vital work they are doing right now, despite the risk to their personal well being. They are the true heroes in this crisis and deserve our full support. Let’s all do our part and stay home unless it is absolutely necessary to be out and about. Stay well! RICHARD KETCHAM, Fredonia Crisis brings out worst in Trump Editor, OBSERVER: What a stark contrast between Gov. Andrew Cuomo and President Donald Trump! Cuomo is relaxed, proactive, ...