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The OBSERVER’s View

THANKSGIVING Celebrating spirit of holiday

This week kicks off the busy holiday season, although, considering the many Early Black Friday sales that have enticed shoppers in recent weeks, many people no doubt wonder whether the holiday season somehow expanded to a quarter of the year, rather than having remained confined to about a month and a half. Traditionally, the shopping boom began the day after Thanksgiving - Black Friday - but no more is that true. The non-stop home-shopping channels and online sales have changed all that. Unfortunately, local brick-and-mortar shopping, which helps to keep strong the economic ...

New YORK STATE Take out red tape for sharing services

We have no doubt that the state Legislature will pass legislation that is needed to free up more than $600,000 the former Mayville Fire Department has in reserve funds for equipment and a new ambulance. Mayville Mayor Rick Syper said the state does not permit the village to give that money to the district on its own, since villages cannot give away taxpayer money. But the process takes months. The Mayville Village Board had to pass a resolution asking the state to take action. Nothing can happen on that resolution at the state level until at least January - and more likely in May and ...

Elections Those engaged went at the polls

Roughly a quarter of registered voters took part in the Nov. 4 election. It’s disappointing, of course, to see so few participate in the election of local leaders who will decide the future of Chautauqua County and its cities, towns and villages. We’ve made it easier than ever to vote, but turnout in local elections barely budges. It’s obvious that the issue isn’t how people cast their votes but rather a lack of interest in local issues that are decided in odd-year elections.It’s disappointing, though not surprising, that local elections generate little interest from many ...

DUNKIRK: One more reason to examine costs

Dunkirk’s double-edged sword in the payments in lieu of taxes provides some added angst for city taxpayers. Refresco, an important business and community partner, has a 15-year agreement in exchange for redeveloping a Talcott Street building formerly used by Kraft and ConAgra. That deal made in 2023 was for Refresco to pay $6,963 a year for the first five years; $20,890 per year in years six through 10; and $34,817 annually in the final five years. Outgoing Treasurer Mark Woods reminded council members about the PILOT at the final review meeting of Mayor Kate Wdowiasz’s proposed ...

Westfield: Village continues at improving

It is obvious that downtowns across upstate New York are desperate to reinvent themselves. Small stores are in short supply and without foot traffic, restaurants can suffer. Then there is Westfield, an energetic village that has seen a renaissance in recent years. This weekend, its traditional Christmas event will take place that will add plenty of joy and cheer to Main Street. A bigger picture includes the effort at the former CE Welch building that took another step to bring added apartments and commercial space by 2027. Samuel Savarino, chief executive officer of Savarino ...

New YORK STATE: All-electric effort short circuits

News last week that the state will pause enforcement of its All-Electric Buildings Act was cheered by many. Those cheers are warranted and, unfortunately, likely only temporary. Reducing emissions is a laudable goal. It’s good for all of us and for future generations if we emit less carbon dioxide into the environment. We should want to be more environmentally friendly in the cars we drive, the homes we live in and the power that we use. The problem is New York pursues those goals in the most ham-handed ways possible. The All-Electric Buildings Act is no different. Forcing more ...