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Peoples column

People’s column

Saddened’ by verdict opinion Editor, OBSERVER: As someone who has twice had the privilege of serving on a jury, I was saddened to read U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy’s recent press release on the verdict in the Trump trial (https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases/langworthy-statement-verdict-trump-trial ). Langworthy alleges that “a corrupt prosecutor, a corrupt judge, and a corrupt jury conspired to undermine our democracy in a manner more fitting of a banana republic than the United States of America.” Both times I served as a juror, I took my responsibilities very ...

People’s column: No tax hike for Brocton is flawed

Editor, OBSERVER: Beware of a zero tax increase on our school taxes. The only reason this is happening is the administration for Brocton Central School was found by the state comptroller to be several hundred thousand dollars over the allowed limit on the fund balance. When I questioned this, the board president immediately blamed COVID. Maybe I am tired of hearing about COVID being the fault. There are several things to consider here: all costs will rise — employee insurance, retirement, and wages. Do not forget about utilities and supplies. The other consideration is ...

People’s column

Forestville made right call on vote Editor, OBSERVER: Congratulations to the Forestville school board and administration. They set a bond issue referendum to coincide with the annual budget vote and board election. This was a great thing to do. It saved the taxpayer the expense and aggravation of a one-issue election. It allows the voter to express his or her opinion on several issues with one trip from home. It also reduces the risk of the tyranny of the minority. I believe it would be a great service to the people if the state passed a law that required that all bond issue ...

People’s column

Catholic Charities meeting challenges Editor, OBSERVER: The need today is real and Catholic Charities is, as it has been for the last century, here to meet the challenge. Hope is central to the work we do every day. Hope for our neighbors when they are homeless, hungry, in need or troubled. Everything starts with hope, thanks to the generosity and support of those who give through the annual Appeal. Now underway through June 30, Appeal 2024, the agency’s 100th campaign, helps fund many programs and services administered by Catholic Charities along with several ministries ...

People’s column

Note of gratitude for donations Editor, OBSERVER: Thank you to all who made donations for the Roger Lombardo benefit on April 13. The businesses and organizations include: American Legion Post 62, Dom Polski Club, Columbus Club, First Ward Falcons Club, Fourth Ward Falcon Club, World War II Vets Club, Knight of Columbus , Conservation Club, Bart’s Cove, Ellman’s Garage, Fender Menders, Jussie’s Barbershop, Service Hardware, The Point Restaurant, Main Wine & Spirits, Gilbert’s Collision, Mary’s Deli. Service Hardware, Save A Lot, One Stop, Add Lumber, Chautauqua, Federal ...

Proposed budget is ‘unsustainable’

Editor, OBSERVER: The proposed Fredonia budget is unsustainable. It will ensure that the village will have to go over the tax cap next year. The state tax cap will likely be 2% next year and the village will have no carry over to add to that. The village is reducing the minimum fund balance requirement to 10% and using those funds $217,455, bringing the balance down to near the minimum. Knowing what the mandated and contractual costs are and expect insurance and regularly needed maintenance and supply costs to have increases. They are adding a number of employees and giving ...