People’s column

March 6, 2023

Dunkirk tied to train tragedies Editor, OBSERVER: The derailment of a Norfolk Southern freight train in New Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 3, brings to mind a derailment of a New York Central freight train in Dunkirk in 1966. The Dunkirk line was constructed in 1855 at grade level just north and parallel to Third Street before being raised to an embankment in 1940, bridging Main Street, Central Avenue, and Swan Street. The 1966 derailment demolished urban buildings both north and south of Third Street at Central Avenue. MICHAEL C. BARRIS, Ph.D., Fredonia

People’s column:

March 4, 2023

Editor, OBSERVER: “Winter Festival still scheduled despite warmer temps” in the Dunkirk OBSERVER last month reveals community resilience in the face of climate disruption. Nonetheless, New York must act more swiftly to address climate change by meeting the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. In this legislative session, we must pass the NY HEAT Act and the All-Electric Buildings Act. The NY HEAT Act is meant to eliminate subsidies for new gas hookups and enable neighborhood scale building decarbonization by eliminating the “obligation to serve” ...

People’s column

January 17, 2023

Editor, OBSERVER: I would like to commend the OBSERVER for its Dec. 30 editorial regarding Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. It appears that politicians on both sides of the aisle are ever more focused on maintaining power and influence in Congress, rather than preserving our democracy. If the extreme views of Greene and others like her continue to grow unchecked, then we the people of the United States will have closed our eyes to a dangerous and mounting threat. We must take their extreme political and religious views — and unsubstantiated conspiratorial ideas — at face ...

People’s column:

January 16, 2023

Editor, OBSERVER: Drivers in this area have had to contend with fog several times recently. What drivers do not realize is that newer cars with “automatic front lights” have idiots driving them who cannot be trusted to put on lights when needed. When they are depending on these lights; they unfortunately do not have any rear lights lit. Unless they step on their brake pedal, the driver behind them does not see them. The new idiot lights give drivers a false sense of security. Clearly, more education is required. MARILYN KOCIN ZLOTCHEW, Fredonia

A possible answer to high pump prices

January 10, 2023

A possible answer to high pump prices Editor, OBSERVER: Commentary writer Fred Larson inquired last month as to why gas prices are so high in Chautauqua County. Historically, most gasoline marketed in Chautauqua County has been transported by barge from refineries in Port Elizabeth, N.J., by way of the Erie Canal to Buffalo. From there it is transferred to tanker trucks for delivery in Chautauqua County. Communities along the Erie Canal have long had lower prices than Chautauqua County communities. The extra step in transferring petroleum from barge to truck is the reason for ...

People’s column

December 24, 2022

Bowled over by support Editor, OBSERVER: Chautauqua Area Potters is in awe of the support that is demonstrated as we worked with our community raising funds to rid hunger where we live. Those of you who signed on as supporters, bowl makers, raffle ticket buyers, volunteers, and anyone who advocated for Empty Bowls, we thank you. We are deeply grateful for ongoing support from the OBSERVER, Lake Shore Savings Band and Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation. You are all unbelievably generous and truly make Chautauqua County and our world a better place. CHAUTAUQUA AREA POTTERS