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Peoples column

Removing dam boosts nature

Editor, OBSERVER: I’m currently working on an internship tasked with promoting environmental awareness along with the hopes of creating as large a wildlife refuge as possible. I believe I have a possible solution to the obsolete dam problem in Brocton that should be brought to light. All over the country, municipalities have been removing obsolete dams completely which offers a wealth of benefits as compared to maintaining them or even altering their purpose. Around 70 dams were removed in the U.S in 2020 which may not sound like much, but the rate of dam removal is increasing as ...

Vaccines are doing their job

Editor, OBSERVER: The recent commentary “Mixed messages on ‘best’ COVID practices” (Jan. 29) needs to be challenged. The writer makes the comment “The COVID vaccine does not prevent infection or transmission.” This is true but it is incomplete. The function of a vaccine is to activate the body’s immune system to counter the infection by agents such as viruses or bacteria. This occurs with polio, measles, smallpox and others like shingles. Thus the COVID vaccines have been marvelously effective in activations the immune systems of millions of people in the US and around ...

Having a right for self defense

Editor, OBSERVER: I would like to comment on the article in the OBSERVER concerning Sen. George Borrello’s legislation (5,8026) that would eliminate the “duty to retreat” clause from New York self- defense statutes (Feb. 3). Sen. Borrello is spot-on! Our right to self-defense should not be limited to our homes. We should be able to defend against violent attacks wherever we may be. As the senator stated, “We have a right to use firearms to defend ourselves. That right doesn’t end the minute we leave our homes.” Think about it. This is common sense! Thank you, Sen. ...

‘Disturbing’ tone on cannabis

Editor, OBSERVER: I found the statements made by Tremaine Wright of Brooklyn, the chair of the state’s cannabis control board in the Jan. 29 article “Conversation on cannabis plots next steps” quite disturbing. Wright tells us it will be run with “equity, inclusion and justice at the forefront of the new cannabis industry we are building.” How about administrating this controlled substance with safety, efficiency and accountability instead? And if that’s not foolish enough she declares that she would be using the word “cannabis” instead of referring to it as ...

Getting stricter on redistricting

Editor, OBSERVER: As the public aspect of state redistricting starts to wind down, the League of Women Voters of Chautauqua County shifts its focus to local redistricting. In particular, our league calls attention to the recent passage of bill S.5160-B / A.229-C, a bill setting solid redistricting standards for all New York’s charter counties, such as Chautauqua. In the past, these counties have had “significant leeway when it comes to redistricting,” as noted by one of its sponsors. Weak standards and reliance upon leeway by any political party can undermine public faith. The ...

Republicans on wrong road

Editor, OBSERVER: Let’s deal in straight talk. The only reason Republican politicians are kissing up to President Donald Trump is because of their precious re-election. They want to maintain their privileged lifestyle, and their positions of power. Many are living in an alternate universe, and no amount of logic, reason or evidence will convince them that they’re going down the wrong road. My advice to each of them is find another line of work — those of you with law degrees, go into private practice. Or enroll in a trade school, enabling you to do something useful with your ...