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Opinion

Dunkirk: Timid council lacks power with pacts

The OBSERVER’s View

What happened earlier this month at a Dunkirk Finance Committee gathering is one more example of why a Control Board is desperately needed to rein in what’s wrong in the fiscally strapped municipality. During the meeting, Assessor Erica Munson criticized city officials for creating a toxic, ...

Loyalty syndrome grows in nation

Peoples column

Editor, OBSERVER: A recent (Feb. 6) commentator proposed his theory of “Trump Derangement Syndrome” and theorized symptoms of the condition. The writer supports President Trump while applauding Trump’s “persuasive” message. I don’t share that support, but I do seek common ground ...

Plate fraud driven by New York City

Commentary

When I was on the campaign trail for Chautauqua County Clerk, the news stories about possible wrongdoing at our county DMV locations were impossible to miss. County residents were receiving toll charges, in some cases thousands of dollars, for tolls and speeding infractions on license ...

Wants of the left do not bring freedom

Commentary

It’s 1984 again. Government servitude is freedom. Violence is a peaceful protest. George Orwell’s masterpiece explores the historical reality of Socialism, and how “newspeak” and “doublespeak” have been used to manipulate naive people. Men can bear children. Healthcare can be ...

Residency trajectory still going south

Editor's corner

Latest U.S. Census projections should not have New Yorkers in the doldrums, but they are far from a beacon of hope. According to the estimates released in late January, the Empire State saw a smidgeon of growth in 2025 when compared to the previous year with a gain of more than 1,000 ...

Legislature gets this one right

Commentary

MAYVILLE — Sometimes the most forward-thinking among us are those first to realize they took a wrong turn, and then reverse course and take the right road. In that light, congratulations go to the Chautauqua County legislature. Let’s set the stage. During its regular meetings, the ...