Breaking News

Opinion

Trump, pope have different callings

Commentary

The war of words, which some describe as “trolling,” between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV boils down to this: They are very different men with different missions. Leo is the spiritual leader, the chief teacher, pastor and administrative head of 1.4 billion Catholics. He has made peace his top priority, calling it a “moral calling” rooted in human fraternity, justice, and humility, particularly in the Middle East. Trump is the President of 330 million Americans. His mission as president centers on an “America First” agenda, aiming to restore economic ...

Fredonia referendum is likely illegal

Commentary

I am responding to the Editor’s corner “Village vote can ice water debate” on April 17 by John D’Agostino. First I would point out that my experience is as a town attorney, not a village attorney, not a city attorney. Second, other than referring to at hand materials, and brief search using Google Scholar, I have not updated nor researched this at any length. Third, this is a preliminary informal communication, and to no extent constitutes a legal opinion or advice or representation of any involved party, and certainly no final comprehensive discussion, and no final ...

SUNY FREDONIA: Recital offers thanks for support

The OBSERVER’s View

During his time at the State University of New York at Fredonia, Lucas West has been right at home. The Fairport native, noting his senior year, has had his share of accomplishments in recent years. From singing the national anthem at Buffalo Bills’ games to his recent performance in “The Voice,” West has embraced Chautauqua County. Tonight, he says, is one more important event. West will hold his Senior Recital at 6 p.m. at SUNY Fredonia’s Rosch Recital Hall. He will be performing a series of songs for the audience in what will likely be a farewell performance to ...

EARTH DAY: Best practices for environment

The OBSERVER’s View

For more than half a century, the United States has been celebrating Earth Day. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it was in the spring of 1970, Sen. Gaylord Nelson created Earth Day as a way to force legal and regulatory mechanisms to protect our natural world. Today, our environment is consistently at the center of attention when it comes to the use of water, recycling and energy. As part of Earth Day, which is celebrated Wednesday, the EPA recommends ways residents can lower their carbon footprint. Those include: bike or walk; carpool or take public transportation; ...

Getting used to getting old

Commentary

I think that you have to be in your 80’s before you get used to getting old. It takes a while. So, in that respect, I have arrived. Every morning, at around 6 a.m., when I limp into Hogan’s Hut to get the paper and the staff says: “Good morning, Mr. Kidder!”—I realize that my gait and gray hair have given me seniority. It is a part of getting used to being old. Of course, when I meet with old friends there is also that constant reminder. Someone is getting a new knee, someone else is getting used to their new hip, others are seeing an oncologist or orthopedist for ...

NEW YORK STATE Wetlands Act delayed, not dead

The OBSERVER’s View

The more time one gets to look at the judge’s decision in local lawsuits challenging the state’s Freshwater Wetlands Act regulations, the more it is clear that the regulations are likely merely delayed, not dead. Judge Richard Platkin’s ruling last week in state Supreme Court in Albany didn’t strike at the heart of issues the local challenges to the regulations raised. Platkin found that the Freshwater Wetlands Act changes and the Part 664 regulations don’t violate landowners’ due process rights, that the challenges didn’t prove that the 2022 amendments and Part 664 ...