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Opinion

Democratic Socialists are transparent in who they are

Commentary

The less-radical Democrats (there are still some) are getting nervous because they cannot hide the take-over of the Democrat Party by the radical Marxists (communists) who are calling the shots now. The take-over of the Democrat Party by Marxists has been in the works since Chicago 1968 and has come to fruition through the relentless efforts of people dedicated to Totalitarian rule over the masses while we slept. Receipts are provided below. All socialism requires elimination of private property and takeover of the means of production and distribution by the Government ...

No bang for buck in parking revenue

The OBSERVER’s View

In the big scheme of things, revenue from parking is a pittance to the village of Fredonia coffers. According to the 2026-27 budget, only $25,000 is expected to be collected. That is extremely minimal. In fact, with each trustee making $6,000 per year, that cash coming in does not even cover their salaries. But in a struggling downtown, the village is moving forward with a hearing on a new web app that allows motorists who stop for shopping or to do business downtown to pay via cell phone for a space. On Monday, a public hearing was to take place on the proposed change. That was ...

Another ‘unacceptable’ city action

Commentary

The taxpayers of Dunkirk should be outraged. How can a city that has repeatedly claimed to be in severe financial distress justify creating a comptroller position with a reported salary of $140,000 per year? This comes on the heels of an 84% property tax increase that has already placed an enormous burden on homeowners and businesses. Residents were told sacrifices were necessary, yet City Hall now appears willing to spend taxpayer dollars as if money is no object. Even more disturbing is what occurred at the June 2 Common Council meeting. By a 4-1 vote, the Council approved creating ...

Feather in cap of serving turns into heavy lift

Editor's corner

Being elected to serve on a municipal board does not appear to come with the prestige it once brought in Chautauqua County. Instead, it often brings oversized headaches. Within the last year, especially in the north county, debates with the public have become almost as fractured as partisan ...

Upward mobility indicator may be surprising

Commentary

CHAUTAUQUA—What’s the greatest indicator of children’s upward mobility? Think about that. What do you suppose the answer is? American Enterprise Institute fellow Naomi Schaefer Riley raised that question during her presentation to Advocates for Balance at Chautauqua, or ABC, on July ...

The OBSERVER’s View: Giving spirit strong part of region

The OBSERVER’s View

For those who have not yet looked at the calendar, do not forget that today is July 16 — or 7/16, which is a major deal for the region. Give 716 is Western New York's biggest day of giving — powered by the Buffalo Bills Foundation and the Buffalo Sabres Foundation. According to the https://give716.org website, since 2021 $5,918,670 has been raised to support 944 charities with 29,331 unique donors and 47,297 total donations. Those donations, though based on teams who call Erie County home, also benefit organizations in Chautauqua County. So on this day of assisting, we show ...