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The OBSERVER’s View

SHELTER: Some big plans for Westfield site

There’s no denying our region’s love for pets — and those looking for homes. Every year, residents donate to animal shelters while others generously take in dogs and cats. Two of our largest north county shelters — Lakeshore Humane Society and Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue — utilize volunteers to keep costs down. Lakeshore’s new building is outstanding. Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue at 7540 North Gale St., however, needs more assistance. That’s why the organization, which recently celebrated 25 years, is eyeing a new facility. “Northern Chautauqua Canine ...

CASSADAGA: Village inaction insults residents

There is a responsibility that comes with being a supervisor. It is even greater when you are serving the community. That is why it is so discouraging to see what happened in Cassadaga. Sam Alaimo, who is the village’s Department of Public Works supervisor, was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief, trespassing and tampering after an incident June 6 at the Valley Outdoors business at Route 60 and Maple Street. “At this point, there’s nothing we can do,” Cassadaga Deputy Mayor Bill Astry said of the situation. “He’s innocent until proven guilty.” That is not ...

DUNKIRK: No council heroics in written words

In March, state Sen. George Borrello proposed legislation for a control board in the city of Dunkirk in an attempt to change the path of the municipality’s beleaguered finances for the future. Last December, Common Council members — including Republicans Abigail Zatorski, James Stoyle and Nancy Nichols — voted to approve an 84% property tax increase. After that decision in late 2024, there was silence from the trio at public Common Council meetings when it came to the deficit for five months. No talk or discussion from them on how to cut spending, what to do about the fiscal ...

HIGH COURT: Verdict defends freedom of speech

We are grateful for the Supreme Court’s unanimous verdict in National Rifle Association v. Vullo — a case that cut to the heart of freedom of speech. New York state officials targeted the NRA specifically because they found the NRA’s message objectionable, and pressured private enterprises to “blacklist” or refuse to conduct business with the organization. “Today’s decision confirms that government officials have no business using their regulatory authority to blacklist disfavored political groups,” David Cole of the American Civil Liberties Union, which argued on ...

Dunkirk: Council keeps missing reality of crisis

How serious is the Dunkirk Common Council about solving the city’s fiscal crisis? To put it mildly, its bark is worse than its bite. That is because no one on council, with the exception of maybe Nick Weiser who serves in the at-large role, is ready to take on the reality of overflowing expenses. We saw that earlier this month regarding the animal control officer discussion. There is no need for that debate. So maybe the city is getting complaints about pets running rampant. Where’s the money coming from to fill the position when you cannot even begin to repay $13 million from a ...

ATHLETICS: Championship runs bring lots of fanfare

As the school year winds down, there is no doubting the winning atmosphere that is being celebrated for a number of schools. Some of the most impressive performances came from the diamond last week. Both the Forestville Hornets and Gowanda Panthers punched their ticket to the state tournament in Binghamton. Forestville’s softball team is making a bit of history by getting to their first Final Four, which is a total team effort with big plays from the younger members. “The young girls have been able to step up this entire season,” Forestville senior pitcher Megan Gruber stated. ...