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The OBSERVER’s View

DUNKIRK: Control board remains best path

Following a scathing report last month by the Comptroller’s Office on the 2026 Dunkirk budget proposal for 2026, state Sen. George Borrello reiterated a call — once again — for a control board. “This report makes one thing unmistakably clear: my call for a financial control board was not only warranted, it was necessary,” said Borrello, R-Sunset Bay. “In light of these findings, I will be renewing my push for a control board in the 2026 legislative session to ensure the responsible oversight and fiscal discipline that Dunkirk taxpayers deserve.” At the moment, city ...

HOLIDAY: Delivery rush is coming fast

As of today, there are exactly three weeks to Christmas. That means time to shop — and send packages through the mail — is dwindling. Last week, Dunkirk Postmaster Kenneth Harenza offered some advice to those planning to send holiday gifts via delivery. Those items included a list of recommended dates to get the gift to the location before Dec. 25: — Dec. 17: USPS Ground Advantage service; First Class Mail service — Dec. 18: Priority Mail service — Dec. 20: Priority Mail Express service “My team and I are here to help your holiday cards and gifts move to their ...

FIRE DISTRICT: Change never comes easy here

No matter where you get fire protection, there will be a high price. With a vote looming on Tuesday regarding the commissioners of the Bay Creek Fire District, there is a sentiment — as usual — that change is not good. Last week, Hanover Center Fire Department sent a letter to residents that noted as of Jan. 1, it will no longer be the first responding department to emergency calls by residents north of King Road. All properties on the north side of King Road are now part of the Bay Creek Fire District, along with other properties from King Road to Routes 5 and 20 that were ...

DONATION: Volunteer efforts keep area moving

In a region that relies heavily on local governments to provide answers and assistance, those who are not elected to serve often get more done. That was the case last month with The Citizens for a Better Cassadaga community organization. It received a grant from the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation totaling $15,000 to be used to restore the gazebo at Cassadaga Beach. For now, the village is seeking quotes for the work that must be completed within a year to remain eligible for the grant funding to cover the cost. Trustee Cindy Flaherty made the announcement about the funds ...

COUNTY: SNAP numbers here are eye-opening

It was important to resolve the federal budget knowing that there are hundreds of families who rely on the SNAP program to put food on their table every night. But it should be a challenge to everyone we elect at the local, state and national levels to double our efforts to decrease poverty in Chautauqua County when one considers exactly how much money the SNAP program brings into Chautauqua County. Carmelo Hernandez, county commissioner of Mental Hygiene Services, told county lawmakers $1.2 million worth of SNAP benefits were distributed on Nov. 10 and another $2.7 million worth ...

NORTH COUNTY: Still going our separate ways

We’re all in this together, but we still want to go our separate ways. That best describes our northern Chautauqua County community that allows the proliferation of government while population trends keep declining. A most recent example was a potential partnership between the towns of Pomfret and Dunkirk. When Pomfret purchased the former Mormon church — with federal funds from COVID that we initially decried — an opportunity arrived for two municipalities to work together. So much for that idea. The town of Dunkirk, with offices less than half-a-mile from the Chestnut Road ...