Editor, OBSERVER:

Last month, the Chautauqua County Legislature unanimously adopted a historic 2022 budget resulting in a property tax rate reduction of 40 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation or 4.7% along with a tax levy reduction of just over $270,000. Furthermore, this historic county budget is structurally balanced which means that no fund balance or savings were used to balance expenses with revenues. This wonderful accomplishment was achieved by county elected officials from both parties working together with the executive branch to deliver remarkable results for the taxpayers of Chautauqua County.

As we listen to the news of the gridlock, grandstanding, and in-fighting in Washington, D.C., we can only just shake our heads and take comfort in knowing that good government is not only possible but is happening right here in Chautauqua County. Once again, we see that compromise, bipartisanship and respectful dialogue is the way to deliver results over gridlock. Congratulations to all our county staff and elected officials for showing us how good government can work.

VINCENT W. HORRIGAN,

Bemus Point