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Performance ‘better than Broadway’

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 ...

A good barometer when talking ‘affordability’

“Affordability” is the word grabbing the headlines in public discourse these days. However, if affordability is a problem, it’s important to be clear about what exactly the problem is and what can be done. Gallup has new polling data noting that the “high cost of living continues to top Americans’ list of the most important financial problems facing their families.” Per Gallup’s new data, 31% say “high cost of living/inflation” is the most important problem,” 13% say energy costs/oil and gas prices, 13% say “cost of owning or renting a home” and 8% say ...

There are reasons for referendum

I am writing in response to Don Michalak’s commentary in the OBSERVER (April 23) headlined “Fredonia referendum is likely illegal.” I would like to address some specific points. First, I want to thank the writer for openly stating that local officials must know basic municipal law. Even more so, the mayor, who, under our charter and New York state law, is responsible for the faithful execution of all laws and bylaws. During my four-year term, I was truly fortunate to work with two exceptional municipal attorneys, Sam Drayo and Dan Gard, who taught and guided me while ensuring ...

Fredonia appears on borrowed time

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

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 ...

Southern Poverty Law Center indicted

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, ...