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The OBSERVER’s View

Dunkirk: Timid council lacks power with pacts

What happened earlier this month at a Dunkirk Finance Committee gathering is one more example of why a Control Board is desperately needed to rein in what’s wrong in the fiscally strapped municipality. During the meeting, Assessor Erica Munson criticized city officials for creating a toxic, politicized atmosphere amid the financial troubles. Munson brought up the insurance issue, stating that it is part of the duty of city officials, in taking care of all residents, to care for their employees. On Tuesday, there will be a public hearing regarding a local law that would stop ...

DUNKIRK: ‘Celebration’ aids those in need

An event this weekend is a trip back in time — while supporting an important cause. On Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club in Dunkirk, a “Let’s Glow Crazy” event that is an ‘80s-themed fundraiser begins rocking. According to organizers, the event benefits Chautauqua County Rural Ministry, specifically The Friendly Kitchen and the Emergency Food Pantry. Both programs provide meals, groceries, and support to local residents struggling with food insecurity. “This event is a celebration of community and compassion,” said organizer Lorie Mets. ...

COUNTY: Spending addiction keeps taking flight

We can’t disagree with Chautauqua County choosing to spend $31,625 in order to receive $1.265 million from the federal government. The county would, frankly, be stupid to turn down that deal, just as school districts receiving 95% state aid on a project would be dumb to turn down building projects that are largely paid for by state taxpayers. On the other hand we have no idea what the heck the federal government is thinking. In 2018 the federal government decided that Chautauqua County wasn’t meeting the requirements of the Essential Air Service subsidy – a decision that ended ...

FREDONIA: Watching pennies worth it in village

A $3.33 bottle of antacids may not seem like much in an $11 million village of Fredonia budget. But after a tax increase of 54% last spring, questions need to be asked. Last week, Fredonia Trustee LeeAnn Lazarony asked Department of Public Works Director Dave Bird about a bill one of his employees submitted to the village for antacids, during a Board of Trustees workshop last week. “I know everyone’s going to go, ‘Oh my God, she’s so picky.’ But there was a bill submitted to bills and payroll for antacids. I don’t think that’s part of the first aid kit,” Lazarony said ...

LEGISLATURE: Ending comments full of hypocrisy

What opinions, exactly, are the ones the Chautauqua County Legislature is tired of hearing in its second privilege of the floor during monthly legislature meetings? Is it federal matters that could impact the county or its residents? Is it local residents’ opinions on energy policy? Is it Chautauqua Lake? Are they tired of Legislator Tom Nelson, D-Jamestown, using time at the end of legislature meetings to speak about federal issues as he did five times in the first six months of 2025? We ask because those were the most common topics addressed by the public during the second ...

COUNTY: DMV closings set to bring benefits

For those needing the assistance of the Department of Motor Vehicles in the coming days, this is an important reminder: the office will be closed Friday until Feb. 18. It is not just in Chautauqua County, it is statewide as a new, modernized DMV software system known as DRIVES is implemented. “This temporary closure is an important step toward improving the overall DMV experience for our residents,” said Chautauqua County Clerk Greg Carlson. “By preparing in advance and allowing time for a smooth transition, we can help ensure our customers receive more efficient and reliable ...