People’s column

May 1, 2023

Transparency lacks on some projects Editor, OBSERVER: It’s no secret the construction industry has gained — even earned — a dubious reputation. Lack of transparency, wasteful spending, and unfair labor practices, to name a few. While this may not apply to responsible contractors, (yes, they do exist) it comes as no surprise that there are crooks. Unfortunately, we the taxpayers, are doubly compensating them for their scams. The most egregious of which is tax fraud. As Tax Day took place recently, I asked the question: Why do we award thieving contractors with our taxpayer ...

We must evolve for our youth

April 24, 2023

Editor, OBSERVER: “Just for the (Fredonia Village Board’s) information, you have a number of other items that take priority over global warming at this time.” This was the dismissive and disheartening response from the mayor to the citizens speaking up because they are worried about the future of the planet during a Village Board meeting in March that was covered by the OBSERVER. As a young person who lives and goes to school in Fredonia, knowing the mayor of the village does not care about my future enrages me. Am I not as important as the people who will be dead when I am ...

Important lesson from road trip

April 22, 2023

Editor, OBSERVER: My sister and I went to some craft shows in Erie, Pa., recently. On the way home, my sister stopped to get a peanut butter pie for a party the next day. We were happy, had a fun day, but those feelings were about to change. As she went into the store, I waited in the car watching the traffic. I see this van, it says, “No dogs left behind.” I thought it was Erie’s dog warden. Little did I know then what I was going to find out. So my sister gets her pie and we head down the Thruway, now we need gas. We stop at a truck stop and while at the pumps I see people ...

Brooks-TLC outsiders taint hospital image

April 18, 2023

Editor, OBSERVER: I write in agreement with Richard Makuch’s points regarding Brooks-TLC Memorial Hospital’s possible relocation. As he noted, it appears that forces decreeing the hospital’s future are people who do not reside in our area and (my words) have “no skin in the game.” As the writer presently suggests (and has in at least one past letter to the OBSERVER, I recall) what would be the problem strongly considering the Route 60-Williams Street location? It is close to exit 59 of the New York State Thruway and offers a very clear route of travel for emergency ...

People’s column

April 1, 2023

Saluting those rescuing us Editor, OBSERVER: Men in Black On the second day of Covid 911 sent to me Two tall, masked men Clad in black from head to toe With care and kindness Handy black, leather gloves Fore and aft They lifted me off the floor. Thanks to the Fredonia Fire Chief and to their mothers too! PENNY WILLIAMS-YAQUB, Fredonia

People’s column

March 25, 2023

Is Brocton worth maintaining? Editor, OBSERVER: I have a serious question for village of Brocton residents. What exactly are we gaining by remaining a village? The village already shares most services with Portland and they’re always looking to share even more. The fire department is one such entity that has recently been discussed to merge with Portland, which isn’t a bad thing. However, let’s get right down to it. What does the village do for us that warrants the insane village tax for such a small population and nothing in return? We don’t even get garbage pickup! ...