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Peoples column

Republicans muddy renewable efforts

Editor, OBSERVER: George Borrello’s new legislation proposes that for every industrial wind project sited in Upstate New York, a similar project should be sited in New York City (Aug. 4). He implies that upstaters lose to downstaters in a competition to see who sacrifices less for a green energy transition. His views are problematic for a number of reasons. First, climate change affects all of us. No area of the state has been immune this summer to sudden flash floods or extreme heat. We are learning first-hand that an existential crisis exists. Installing renewable energy ...

People’s column

GOP cowardly when it comes to Trump Editor, OBSERVER: Election 2024 is looking more and more critical as charges pile up against Donald Trump and Joe Biden continues to falter. Isn’t it time for Republicans to finally grow a backbone and break from Trump? Or should they hang close to ensure their precious re-election? Wouldn’t it be great if we could remove re-election from the equation ... one 5-year term for every office in the land? And add a recall provision. For too long politicians have resembled hogs with two snouts feeding at the public trough. Maybe this time around ...

People’s column

Rodeos take toll on the animals Editor, OBSERVER: If people taking part in or attending an event — a rodeo — that glorifies animals being spurred, roped, slammed to the ground, being strapped with bucking straps, or their necks violently twisted is something to be celebrated, I think it is time to give pause. Actually, it is sick and depraved, in my opinion, much like the gladiator events in ancient Rome. Maybe it is time to think about what goes on behind the scenes, too, as if what is happening before the audience’s very own eyes shouldn’t be enough. Veterinarians have ...

People’s column

Generosity coming at a high price Editor, OBSERVER: I am really so very happy for the labor leaders of Chautauqua County who have negotiated a huge payday increase over the next four years for our county rank and file unionized workers. As for County Executive PJ Wendel who continues to freely give away the taxpayer dollars, I just shake my head. I do appreciate that PJ does not come from a history of managing and obviously does yet understand his role to protect the taxpayers. But soon one or more county departments will be fully back on the local tax share, the housing ...

People’s column

‘Caring people’ help in battle Editor, OBSERVER: Thank you to everyone for your prayers and support during my treatments for cancer and for the benefit held for me on June 4. A special thanks to Gary and Beth Dudek and Gene and Jana Tarnowski, chairpersons for the benefit, along with all the committee members, the kitchen and dinner crew, and “team Julie” workers. Thanks to Michael Hund for providing the live music. I am grateful to the First Ward Falcons Club for hosting the event. Thank you to all the individuals, family, friends, neighbors, classmates from SCCS ...

People’s column

New marker adds to region’s history Editor, OBSERVER: It was a pleasure being witness to the unveiling of a marvelous new historical marker commemorating Gen. Lafayette’s visit to our village of Fredonia in 1825. Many thanks to Historian Todd Langworthy, Mayor Doug Essek, town Supervisor Dan Pacos, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Pomeroy Foundation for securing the historical plaque. Special thanks to Mayor Essek for his remarks on the importance of preserving history. Our country has much to be proud of and much to repent. It’s important to learn from ...