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Opinion

Fredonia appears on borrowed time

Commentary

I have a favorite saying about history which goes against the common perception that it repeats. “The past is a foreign country. They do things differently there.” Author J.P. Hartley is saying that we might not understand events outside of the context of their times. Today’s context in the village of Fredonia is a question of sustainability in the face of multiple actions taken by the board of trustees Trying to understand these actions in isolation as singular occurrences brings another popular saying to mind, “It’s never about what it’s about”. Intentionally or ...

It’s becoming troubling for all to determine truth

Commentary

It has come to this point: Just who and what are we supposed to believe anymore? Are we all more susceptible to conspiracy theories now? I worry that we might be. And I worry that those of us who are normally rational, logical thinkers, will find it easier to believe there are connections where there is coincidence, planning where there is actually lack of planning. Why is this happening? President Donald Trump is a big part of it. The groundwork has been laid for him to say and do whatever he wants, and there are those who will accept it blindly. There are those who go along for ...

District’s plan finds a balance

The OBSERVER’s View

After weeks of meetings — and number juggling — the Fredonia school budget is official and right at the tax cap. During a meeting last month, the district proposed a tax increase of 2.44% — the maximum allowable tax levy increase without requiring supermajority approval. “I appreciate all the work around this (Board of Education) table over the last five years to keep our programs strong and to keep the quality of what we’re doing in our building at a high level,” said Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox during the meeting. His comments also are a testament to the community. ...

It Was Better Than Broadway

Commentary

Recently, we attended a musical put on at the high school where our grandkids attend—in this case, Maple Grove. During the spring, musicals are being conducted at many of our local schools. As usual, I was “blown away” by the level of skill and professionalism displayed in the performance. It is hard to believe that kids ranging from 9th to 12th grade could put on such a performance. At intermission, I went up to the teacher and producer of the production and said: “This is better than Broadway,” and it was. There was a moving stage, a skilled ensemble playing the music...and ...

Southern Poverty Law Center indicted

Commentary

MONTGOMERY, Ala.—When there’s news about an indictment, it’s always good to remember that an indictment is not — repeat, is not — a conviction. To oversimplify the matter, the existence of an indictment merely means that a grand jury has found that the criminal case may proceed. It doesn’t mean the defendant will be convicted. It doesn’t even mean the allegations in the indictment are true. Criminal defendants are presumed innocent. Prosecutors must prove each case not by a preponderance of the evidence but beyond a reasonable doubt. ≤ ≤ ≤ With that in mind, ...

Candidates have no solutions for state despair

Editor's corner

New York’s uninspiring contest for governor remains stuck in neutral. As Albany Democrats blunder with a state budget that is now four weeks late and counting, both incumbent Kathy Hochul and challenger Bruce Blakeman are giving voters little reason for optimism. Hot-button topics for ...