Personally, I think that a fence for Barker Common in Fredonia is a very bad idea. Such a controversial proposal should be put before the entire community so that everyone might have a say.

For the past eight years, we have seen near dictatorial rule from the Democrats in Washington. Our little park is symptomatic of a much larger national problem: totalitarianism!

The village of Fredonia has been missing out on a golden opportunity to attract tourists and pay homage to our unique history. The first natural gas well in the world was discovered and developed here in Fredonia. There remains no historical designation nor appropriate monument to honor this site.

As a reasonable alternative to the imposition of an unwanted Barker Common fence, government officials should get busy and make the First Gas Well site something special for Fredonia.

That familiar rock moved to the site from Barker Common does not commemorate the Gas Well discovery at all. Rather, it honors General Lafayette’s visit. Perhaps, Fredonia should consider a statue for William Hart at the site. Personally, I like the idea of a waterfall arch over the creek.

As I was looking at the site a few years back, I was approached by two middle-aged tourists who asked where the site of the first gas well was. I was embarrassed to have to tell them that it was right before them.

They remarked that they had just visited the site of the first oil well in Oil City, Pa., and that they were greatly impressed by it. They shook their heads and walked away.

Jim Giatas is a Fredonia resident.