The front page of a recent Friday edition of the OBSERVER was loaded with a lot of very interesting news.

The first thing that caught my eye, as it usually does on Friday, was John D’Agostino’s Editor’s corner. It was another of his takes on the budgetary insanity that continues to characterize New York at many levels.

In the article he compared New York to its neighbor Pennsylvania with regard to state spending. In New York the proposed 2027 budget calls for expenditures totaling $260 billion to serve a population of 19.5 million while across the border Pennsylvania a proposed budget of $53.5 billion to serve a population of 13.8 million was recently announced.

The disturbing fact is that the Democratic majorities in the Senate and Assembly seem unable to control themselves when it comes to spending and as D’Agostino pointed out they will very likely add billions more in spending before the budget process is completed.

Our representatives in Albany Republicans Sen. George Borello and Assemblyman Andrew Molitor have done yeomen service fighting against increased spending by Democrats and legislation harmful to upstate but when Democrats control the State Senate by 19 seats, the Assembly by 56 seats and the Governor’s office there isn’t a lot Republicans can do.

Next my attention was drawn to a story about the possibility that the Chautauqua County Legislature may impose limits on comments from the public. Currently the County Legislature allows two opportunities at each session for the public to speak At the beginning of each session the public may comment on any subject relating to any local law, resolution, or motion appearing on the agenda. At the sessions conclusion members of the public are able to comment on any subject without restriction.

In January the legislature considered a resolution to amend the rules for the second opportunity to speak that would only allow members of the public to address the legislature on subjects over which it has authority. Several members of the public spoke out against the proposed resolution saying that part of the job of members is to listen to issues affecting the public even if they do not have a direct bearing on their areas of authority and that allowing your constituents to speak for “a mere three minutes is not too much to endure as part of your jobs as legislators.” The legislators could also have been reminded that they have just received a $5,732 raise.

On this matter I find myself in agreement with Marcia Westling Johnson, Democratic County Chairperson that limiting public comments sets a bad precedent. I also find it a little disturbing that eight Republican members voted against sending the changes to committee for further evaluation. Isn’t your job to listen to and represent the people of your district?

Then my attention turned to a story concerning a disagreement between Borrello and Mayor Kate Wdowiasz over the subject of control boards in righting Dunkirk’s fiscal ship. The Senator wants a local, strictly “Dunkirk” financial control board while the mayor wants a regional control board appointed. The mayor accused Borrello of not communicating with her regarding the city’s financial woes with the senator responding that while he found her comments on a control board disappointing he has made every effort to keep the lines of communication open with the mayor.

Borrello stated during a call last spring with the mayor and her attorney he was assured that everything was under control. Then just weeks later a high interest bailout loan was introduced in the Senate without any warning or consultation with him and passed by downstate Democrats. A mere bandage, the loan only adds to the cities debt.

In New York state, local financial control boards are state appointed and have authority from the governor to oversee and restructure the finances for a town, city or village facing bankruptcy or severe financial crises. It has supreme authority over budget, expenditures, investments and debt. Conversely, a regional financial control board often focuses on advising on financial standards across a broader geographic area.  Regional boards typically provide oversight and are collaborative entities made up of representatives from the region. 

Borrello is correct in this matter. The financial problems that Dunkirk has experienced in recent years were caused by inadequate financial controls, accounting practices, and a lack of oversight. On top of this was the indictment of the former city treasurer Mark Woods in January who is accused of stealing more than $120,000 in city funds between April 2022 and early 2025. Investigators allege he pocketed cash tax payments and manipulated city records to hide the theft.

The mayor who has been working to bring some sense to city finances might not like the loss of control over city finances however if I were her I would feel that since this mess was created long before I got here it would be best for the appointment of a state appointed control board so that is mess can be cleared up once and for all. I hope she does.

Finally a suit has been brought against the Handford Bay Homeowners Association for “abusing its authority and power and attempting to hold itself as a formal homeowners association when it is not.” I have never lived where there has been a homeowners association, but I know people who have and based on their experiences I never would.

Thomas Kirkpatrick Sr. is a Silver Creek resident. Send comments to editorial@observertoday.com