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Opinion

Attorney general needs to stick to law

The OBSERVER’s View

Saritha Komatireddy isn’t a household name for many New Yorkers. And that’s too bad, because she could be your next state Attorney General. We know all too well what we will get statewide by electing Letitia James as attorney general - more lawsuits that are so tinged by party politics that it’s hard to discern whether or not the case makes sense. That happens, in part, because James has been smacked down by courts often enough in her attempts to fill her prior campaign pledges to make life hard on President Donald Trump that it’s hard to tell where a case actually exists or ...

Prevention best protection against cancer

Commentary

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of early detection, regular screening and improving women’s health. It is also an opportunity to talk about prevention and the steps we can take to reduce the risk of cancer. Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death. In New York State, 9.9% of adults smoke cigarettes and 6.3% use e-cigarettes. And for women, smoking has been marketed to us as glamorous, stylish, fierce, and trendy… even a way to control weight. However, tobacco use contributes to cancer and negatively impacts ...

Our selections for state Supreme Court

The OBSERVER’s View

Seven candidates are on the ballot for four justice positions on the state Supreme Court Eighth Judicial District that serves the Western New York counties, including Chautauqua. State Supreme Courts hear civil matters while the County Courts hear criminal matters. In making our selections for these positions, we consider ratings by the Erie County Bar Association to assist the public in the process. The Association notes candidates are evaluated on criteria necessary to hold judicial office, including integrity, experience, professional ability, education, reputation, industry, ...

The fragility of human institutions

Commentary

This is not an uplifting subject to write about. If you are having a bad day, just put it off or forget about reading it. What it deals with is the reality of how fragile and easily broken can be those institutions which frame our lives. Probably the best example is marriage. It can be easily entered into but its lastingness is not a given. Marriage is a fragile human institution which can easily give way to disharmony, discord and divorce. Business organizations, partnerships, and professional associations have all been created to promote human activity and cooperation towards a ...

Energy costs crucial in governor’s race

The OBSERVER’s View

Voters across the state need to be realistic when deciding upon the race for New York state’s top position. No matter who wins, there will still be mandates and growing local property taxes. Neither incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul or challenger Bruce Blakeman are addressing those crises facing residents, counties, municipalities and school districts. Instead, this race has come down to personalities. In Hochul’s eyes, her challenger is a President Donald Trump disciple. On the opposing side, Blakeman has used a line from Trump’s “Apprentice” shows that is resonating with his ...

There’s two sides when it comes to election

Commentary

Am I the only person in Chautauqua County disgusted with the nonstop lying from our elected representatives? I listened to Nick Langworthy, during his debate with Aaron Gies, repeat the name of Kathy Hochul, and Albany Democrats ad nauseam. Gies is running for a seat in Congress. It appears Langworthy is running for governor of New York. The constant deflection, by our congressional representative to imply every failed policy the federal government has enacted, and Langworthy supported, is somehow the fault of Hochul and Albany Democrats is not only a lie, it is the continuation of ...