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Peoples column

The people’s column

‘Gutter politics’ helps feed fear Editor, OBSERVER: I find it deeply disturbing that a recent commentary writer would insinuate that the Donald Trump rally was the reason for the murder of firefighter Corey Comperatore! The cause of his death was gross incompetence and carelessness on the part of the Department of Homeland security and U.S. Secret Service leadership! Those comments were/are the epitome of “gutter politics”! I might also point out that another writer in her commentary citing “project 2025” stated that Trump “claims he knows nothing about this ...

People’s column

State ignoring plight of officers Editor, OBSERVER: The hard-working men and women who work in the New York state Corrections system have given their all. Due to the recruitment shortage and poor public policy nobody wants to start a career in corrections. Recently, these officers have been asked to work an obscene amount of overtime. They have been asked to work their regular days off and now mandatory 24 shifts in many cases. This is not good practice. If this was happening in the private sector people would be crying for change. When the employer is the government, it seems ...

People’s column

Smooth work by councilwoman Editor, OBSERVER: It is so nice to now cross the railroad tracks on Route 60 without having to drive to the edge of the road. Kudos to Councilwoman Nancy Nichols for getting the ball rolling. She put in a lot of hours working with CSX in 2023. She was able to get them to commit to repairing the tracks this spring. We all appreciate your hard work. Nichols is someone who really cares about our city and gets things done. SANDRA A. BARRAS, Dunkirk

People’s column

Tree project needs support of city Editor, OBSERVER: Has Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz not seen the forest for the Tree For Thee project? What happened to the mayor’s inaugural promise to embrace “fresh ideas” and “work together for the common good?” Why aren’t all the trees in the ground planted in their requested locations? Mary Louise McGraw, lead volunteer of the project, has become the classic example of No Good Deed Shall Go Unpunished, starting with Nancy Nichols blast in the OBSERVER that McGraw announced the opening date a bit prematurely. The project still ...

People’s column

Helpful attitudes at drop-off event Editor, OBSERVER: We wanted to thank all involved in the Chautauqua County Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day at the Lucas Avenue Barns in Dunkirk on June 8. It was very well run and organized. All were pleasant, helpful and efficient. Many friends and neighbors were unaware of the event and there will be another on Sept. 14 at the Chautauqua County DPF Building, 454 N. Work St., Falconer, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It was sponsored by Chautauqua County, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Storer’s Container Service and ...

People’s column

Keep Dunkirk parishes open Editor, OBSERVER: The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo should not close Blessed Mary Angela Parish in Dunkirk For many years this predominantly Polish-American parish has served the community, providing the seven sacraments: baptism, penance communion, confirmation, marriage, and anointing of the sick! Also, the Polish Felician order of nuns taught in all the parish elementary school grades. The intercession of the Felician order founder caused a miracle to happen which promotes her cause for sainthood! WILLIAM PARKS, former Dunkirk-Fredonia ...