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The OBSERVER’s View

DUNKIRK: Spending plan has its flaws

On Monday, Dunkirk Common Council will be meeting to approve the 2026 budget proposal that totals more than $29.5 million. Even if the legislative body approves the document, the public needs to know it is flawed. Last month, the state comptroller issued a critical and scathing report on the spending plan. “City officials do not have accurate, complete and up-to-date accounting records,” the November letter from the office stated. “As a result, city officials do not know the city’s current financial position and cannot properly monitor the city’s cash flow or deteriorating ...

FREDONIA: Potential policy faces challenges

Fredonia Village Board is attempting to tackle a complicated issue. During a recent workshop, Mayor Michael Ferguson discussed a potential social media policy for those who work in the village. “I reached out to the Board (of Trustees) and asked for feedback on a social media policy for all village employees and officials,” Ferguson said at the trustees’ most recent workshop. “This does not have to be part of a contractual obligation. It becomes policy once a person becomes either an employee of the community or an elected official of the community.” Let’s face it. Social ...

FORESTVILLE: Area group making things happen

Last week’s headline regarding the Center and Pearl Streets Historic District receiving approval from the New York State Board for Historic Preservation was more than just an announcement from New York state. It was a lot of leg work and perseverance by the Imagine Forestville group. That district is one of 19 properties and districts approved to be added to the State and National Registers of Historic Places. In the article last week by Braden Carmen, he touched on resident Nancy Adams Fry’s sentiments from previous articles. She said Imagine Forestville was excited to discover ...

SILVER CREEK: Praising effort for village pantry

A recently announced collaboration in the village of Silver Creek is an opportunity to give and be grateful. This week, the Silver Creek Food Pantry and Anderson-Lee Library announced they have been working together to establish a Little Free Pantry, located in the lobby of the library, at 43 Main St. The Little Free Pantry will be open during library hours and is stocked with shelf stable food and personal hygiene items. When taking, there is a limit of five to six items. When giving, please make sure the item is unopened, not expired, and is a non-perishable item. Personal hygiene ...

NEW YORK STATE: Let feds decide on benefits for vets

It’s hard to disagree with the sentiment behind Assemblyman David DiPietro’s push to create a state dental benefits program for veterans. Veterans have access to health care through the Veterans Administration, so it stands to reason there should be a program for dental or vision benefits. The real question isn’t the program, but who creates the infrastructure and who pays for it. It’s a little surprising that dental benefits weren’t included in the VA program when it was originally created, but that decision creates the situation DiPietro is now trying to solve. The East ...

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 ...