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Peoples column

People’s column

Constituent ‘embarrassed’ by county action Editor, OBSERVER: I am embarrassed and ashamed of the actions of County Executive PJ Wendel and the Legislature. The exception being Legislator Tom Nelson, who apparently paid attention in History class. As a child, I remember listening to uncles and grandfather speak about “NINA” — No Immigrant Need Apply — signs on business! After the war in Europe, I heard my own father complaining about Central European immigrants, taking “our” jobs! Of course then there were Koreans, Vietnamese, Middle eastern immigrants! ...

People’s column

A better engine for transportation Editor, OBSERVER: The Empire State Passengers Association is in agreement with the Editor’s corner “County’s airport dreams discount reality,” (April 28) noting the lost opportunities from Chautauqua County spending $1 million annually on two small airports. While opinions may differ on what public use to reallocate the funds to, our statewide passenger rail advocacy organization supports additional passenger train frequencies in the Lakeshore corridor along with a future passenger stop in Chautauqua County. Our association is working ...

People’s column

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

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

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

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 ...