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Peoples column

School professionals are major contributors

Editor, OBSERVER: In 2007, the New York State Legislature officially established the third Tuesday of November as “School-Related Professionals Recognition Day.” This Recognition Day is today, Nov. 19. We would like to publicly acknowledge the hard work that these men and women do every day, working side-by-side with other educational professionals that often go unrecognized within the school community as a whole. Who are School-Related Professionals and what do they do? Around New York state, more than 90,000 individuals are teaching assistants, school nurses, health office ...

People’s column

Wind comments are hot air Editor, OBSERVER: In response to Dr. Ellen Banks thoughts concerning offshore turbines, it is not true that the turbines will not affect the fish industry. She said the cod fish are starting to come back, why did they leave in the first place? These turbines that have been going up have ruined the landscape of Chautauqua County. Why the protest signs were not allowed is beyond me. Any government official who would vote for this project should not be re-elected. Dr. Banks is a not being truthful when she says the turbines will not be seen along the ...

People’s column

Give thanks today for veterans Editor, OBSERVER: Too often we go through our days thinking of the next item on our “to do” lists, but today, I hope you will join me in taking a few minutes to honor our Veterans. This day is a day for each of us to remember, thank and honor all of our military men and women who have served honorably in the various branches of the armed forces, and often under trying conditions. It is due to their willingness to serve, and their commitment to protecting our freedom, that we are able to live our lives in a country free from tyranny and ...

People’s column

Writer’s view proves misunderstanding Editor, OBSERVER: In his commentary (Oct. 28) criticizing “this administration” for “neglecting the downtown business district” in Dunkirk, Richard Makuch accuses the administration as being “already in the hands of illegals.” Clearly he is unaware, or in denial, of the fact that the mayor and others in his administration of Puerto Rican descent, are as much native/natural born U.S. citizens, as he is. Mr. Makuch’s message is as clear now as it was some time ago when he referred to those favoring a Hispanic-speaking fireman ...

People’s column

Revitalize Dunkirk grateful for donation Editor, OBSERVER: On behalf of Revitalize Dunkirk, Inc., and its membership we’d like to say how very pleased and surprised we are to be one of the 15 local not-for-profit organizations to benefit from the recent “Divots For Dunkirk” Charity Golf Tournament jointly sponsored by the Athenex Construction Team and the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation. The share apportioned to Revitalize Dunkirk will go far in allowing us to develop and undertake future community-oriented projects that meet our criteria for advancing improved ...

People’s column: Views on the candidates, issues of Election 2019

Dunkirk’s drive led by Rosas Editor, OBSERVER: The city of Dunkirk’s mayor has proposed a 2020 budget of just over $24 million for 12,000 residents. Yes, we did see an increase over the 2019 budget — but there was no increase in taxes, water rates or sewer fees. How is this ...