Opinion

Leaders have ability to shift taxes for all

The OBSERVER’s View March 4, 2026

There was an interesting debate last week over an $8,000 increase to the income limit for Chautauqua County senior citizens to qualify for a property tax break. Legislator Dan Pavlock, R-Ellington, said the legislation proposed was not a “tax break” but more of a “tax shift,” because others will pay more since more seniors would be paying less. During committee meetings, Legislator Dalton Anthony, R-Frewsburg, noted that the more tax breaks are given to seniors, the more younger people have to pay. It was a notion that drew agreement from Legislator Fred Johnson, R-Westfield, ...

Lent reminds us of God’s ‘promise’

Commentary March 4, 2026

The 40 days before Easter are observed by many Christians as the Season of Lent. The first day of Lent is Ash Wednesday where we are reminded of our fallen, sinful human mortality and our inevitable death. “From dust thou art and to dust thou shalt return” (Genesis 3:19). The Season of Lent was not instituted in the Bible but was established by the early Christian church around 325 AD as a time for preparation of Christ’s resurrection on Easter. During the Season of Lent, and indeed throughout the entire church year, we are to examine ourselves and reflect on the fact that we ...

Stolen valor is insult to those who served

Commentary March 4, 2026

Setting aside our usual lessons in military history and how they play into our current lives, let’s look at some veteran related issues that although they seem to be all of that, also affect every tax paying citizen. As we review the forms to send our hard-earned dollars to the government, ...

Office closing lacked transparency

Peoples column March 3, 2026

Editor, OBSERVER: After U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy publicly cited safety threats as the reason for closing his Jamestown district office; newly obtained public records raise serious questions about that claim. Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests with both the Jamestown Police Department and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office seeking records of reported threats tied to the office were submitted. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed it found no records responsive to the request. Jamestown Police records show only a single February 2025 informational report involving minor ...

Birding challenge takes flight again

The OBSERVER’s View March 3, 2026

Warming temperatures are one sign that spring is marching closer. Another indication is an event that was announced this month by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Starting this week, the 2026 I BIRD NY Challenge for birders of all ages and abilities is underway. The challenge encourages New Yorkers and visitors to identify birds and learn about birdlife, and finishers are awarded a commemorative I BIRD NY Challenge patch and certificate — plus the opportunity to win birding-related prizes. “New York State’s globally significant habitat supports a wide range of ...

Race for governor has begun

Commentary March 3, 2026

The New York State conventions of the Democratic and Republican parties have ended, and the race for Governor has begun. Six months from now you will feel numbed by what is likely to be the most expensive and possibly the most negative race for Governor ever. The Republicans, of course, will blame all of the problems in New York upon Kathy Hochul. The issues they will hammer on will be “cashless bail,” high electricity costs and restricting hook-ups for natural gas. Hochul is trying to address these issues and move to a more middle ground, but she and her party are vulnerable ...