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People’s Column

New meters would help water revenues Editor, OBSERVER: An editorial, “Fredonia: Consequences are spilling over” (Feb. 17) comments on concerns about the village water system. The editorial asserts, first, the system costs have increased because of lack of investment. In fact, those costs have increased primarily because of a recent switch from gas to powder chlorine disinfection in the interests of staff safety. Second, “there’s a three-way division” among those who want a) reliable water, b) reservoir preservation, and c) regional integration of water systems. In fact, ...

People’s column

Hochul strikes again with appointment Editor, OBSERVER: Gov. Kathy Hochul has just announced recent appointments to her staff and agencies. What I cannot wrap my head around is her promoting the former HR Director of The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to the “Acting Commissioner” position. During Daniel F. Martuscello’s III tenure as HR Director, he was a defendant in a case (Public Record Alfred P. Montegari V NY State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision). This court case listed alleged violations of Federal and State ...

People’s column

Reservoir is important resource Editor, OBSERVER: The people need to understand that the Village of Fredonia water system is an asset that they all are shareholders of and that they, by state Constitution, have the right to benefit from the reasonable rate of return from outside water sales. With proper oversight that can be reality. But three trustees took that away from the nearly 10,000 residents on Dec. 26. Water is more and more becoming a valuable commodity. Many people sacrificed and worked hard at great cost to establish a quality fresh water village-owned system. The ...

People’s column

Credit student for comments Editor, OBSERVER: As a high school student newspaper adviser for many years, I have always appreciated the support of our local paper, the OBSERVER, and its editor, John D’Agostino. Stories about student awards and conferences, as well as assistance with student press events helped build our programs. Therefore, I was stunned to read the front page story in the Jan. 10 issue. In the story, which attempted to cover the Fredonia Village Board meeting, the article noted: “Ray Dai, a teen who said he was a reporter for the Spectator, the Fredonia High ...

Sheridan offers open invitation

Editor, OBSERVER: In my comings and goings around town here in Sheridan I hear all sorts of rumors, half-truths, and outright false information. I would ask that anyone wishing to know factually what the Town Board is doing or not doing to attend the board meetings which are held the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the town community building. Bring your concerns, comments, and ideas. JOSEPH WHITE, Sheridan

People’s Column

A battle over ‘Merry Christmas’ Editor, OBSERVER: The “war on Christmas” is not a figment of the imagination. It’s a real battle for the soul of America. When we say “Merry Christmas,” we’re not just uttering a holiday greeting; we’re affirming our heritage, our culture, and our faith. This isn’t about excluding others; it’s about preserving a fundamental aspect of our national identity. This isn’t just a war on Christmas; it’s a war on the traditional American way of life. It’s a war against the principles of freedom of expression and religious ...