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The OBSERVER’s View

FREDONIA Rec program proves popularity

There is definitely a value in the Fredonia summer recreation programs. As noted in a recent meeting, 326 children have signed up for the events so far. Overall, the effort offers summer outdoor activities, traditionally supervised by older teens and college students, for children at village playgrounds and other sites. Mayor Michael Ferguson said he received a letter from a parent congratulating Kayla Sullivan, department director, and the village on a great summer program. “I think our numbers are up significantly,” he said. During the budget process earlier this year, the ...

PAROLEE: Kindt’s escape puts focus on bill

Imagine the shock of Cattaraugus County residents earlier this week when convicted murderer Edward Kindt fled his halfway house in Dutchess County and made his way back to Cattaraugus County. State Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, said it is the second time Kindt has violated his parole since being released by the Parole Board last year, while Kindt also violated an order of the Seneca Nation of Indians banning him from their nation for at least one year. Perhaps the worst part is that the state Parole Division didn’t notify the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office of Kindt’s ...

FREDONIA Survey seeks more than just input

Fredonia Central Schools last week announced a survey it has on its website that seeks public comment on its proposed $50 million capital project. It begins by asking for an email address — and if you are a voter in the district. But this item really is not looking for input. It’s canvassing potential voters on whether they will vote yes or no to the three potential items up for vote in December. “The district is working hard to finalize the scope and cost of the project. We’re seeking input from eligible voters through public comment and our Capital Project Survey,” states ...

DUNKIRK: No-show council short on time

Is it any wonder the city of Dunkirk is facing financial troubles? Since finding out in late March that the municipality would have trouble paying the bills and making ends meet, what have the elected officials done about it? One thing. They borrowed $16 million through a Revenue Anticipation Note from the state. This month? They met once before the Independence Day holiday — and nothing substantial happened. As we move toward the final five months of the year will the city take any steps to change how it does business? We already understand that the $26 million operation is too ...

DEMOCRATS Party missed having an open process

For a brief moment on Sunday following President Joe Biden’s announcement that he would not seek re-election in November, Sen. Joe Manchin considered switching parties back to Democrat to explore running for office. That changed a short while later as support coalesced around Vice President Kamala Harris, but don’t expect Manchin, I-W.Va., to sit on the sidelines and simply toe the line for any nominee the Democrats put forth. “I am not running for office,” Manchin said Monday on CBS, comments he reiterated several times through the day. What Manchin said he would like to see ...

DUNKIRK: Breakwater work a need near harbor

Lake Erie can be treacherous once the winds begin whipping. Besides damaging the Lake Front Boulevard breakwall, it can hammer boats and shorelines. It is why Monday’s announcement by U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer and U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy that Dunkirk Harbor improvements for the breakwater totaling more than $7.5 million are so welcoming. Work is planned to take place over the course of two construction seasons, with completion in 2025. “Dunkirk Harbor is a critical component of the Great Lakes Navigation System, supporting economic growth in the local economy,” said Lt. Col. ...