Breaking News

Peoples column

People’s column

Consider climate when voting Editor, OBSERVER: I scratched my head in disbelief after reading the OBSERVER editorial, “New leadership for governor” (Oct. 29). Incumbent Kathy Hochul may be a flawed candidate, but her deficiencies hardly match Lee Zeldin’s. And the idea that Zeldin’s extremist views would be tamed by a Democratic Assembly and Senate is absurd, a recipe for inaction on the most important issues facing the state. Here are the facts: Zeldin’s idea of public safety is to put more guns in the hands of New Yorkers. His type of freedom exists to contest Joe ...

People’s column

Family ‘grateful’ for love, support Editor, OBSERVER The family of Carson Senfield would like to thank the communities of Dunkirk and Fredonia for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support during this most difficult time. We are forever grateful for every one of your messages of support and acts of kindness. The generosity of this community has been amazing, and we are so fortunate to have friends and neighbors like you in our lives. Carson made an incredible impact in his lifetime; he had a unique love for life and shared that love with everyone he met. His bright ...

People’s column

Community need for food growing Editor, OBSERVER: The Feeding Fredonia Challenge, sponsored by the Fredonia Presbyterian Church, is underway. The Feeding Fredonia Challenge is a completely volunteer effort, with members of the church contacting local businesses, schools and SUNY Fredonia. Community members who donate non-perishable food items are volunteering their time and finances to help needy people in the Fredonia 14063 ZIP code. Fredonia has more than 20 percent of its population living below the statistical poverty line. With the cost of living rising far faster than ...

People’s column

Party blinders worn on both sides Editor, OBSERVER: Sociopath, fascist, band of devotees, troubled disillusioned people, extremists, MAGA cultists, crime syndicate, violent fringe, dictator, etc. Do these words sound or look familiar? They should! They’re used by the present administration and their supporters every day to describe half of the American people. Lies? You bet! In a September commentary, a writer’s hatred for the former president was quite impressive. I didn’t think one person could spew so much ridiculousness to demonstrate their unrest. The writer has ...

People’s column

Gun laws take away from ceremony Editor, OBSERVER: My husband and I attended the 9/11 ceremony that the American Legion puts on every year at the County Courthouse. It was the 21st year for this Rememberance Ceremony. How sad to find out that the new gun laws that were passed in New York would alter this great ceremony to honor everyone that was lost or suffered in some way that day. The Court House is a public place so now guns are not allowed for the 21-gun salute. This is so wrong. The guns used by the Honor Guard are blanks. Can’t have guns on public property. Keep in ...

Someone has to be responsible

Editor, OBSERVER: Environmental Defense Fund director and senior attorney Adam Peltz warned of the long-standing problems of abandoned gas wells in Western New York State and its Southern Tier. Peltz was interviewed by Capitol Pressroom reporter David Lombardo on Sept. 12. Peltz asserted that improperly capped oil and gas wells emit methane and hydrogen sulfide, causing both greenhouse gas and local air toxicity concerns. The first gas well in the USA was drilled in Fredonia 201 years ago. Owners of a well in New York State are legally responsible for capping it when it is no ...