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Peoples column

Art event picture perfect

Editor, OBSERVER: North Shore Arts Alliance’s Art Trail Hub Crawl was a resounding success over Memorial Day weekend. Hundreds of people took to the roads and byways throughout Chautauqua County to visit artist stops along the way. Whether a studio, hub of artists, or an artist run gallery, visitors were able to talk to the artists about what inspired them. Often they had an introduction to the process of a work’s evolution. Many found one of a kind pieces as special gifts for others or themselves. If you were not able to visit this weekend, you will have another opportunity ...

Village needs some balance

Editor, OBSERVER: As an American citizen, a local resident and current chairwoman of the Fredonia-Pomfret Republican Committee, it’s my experience that effective local government is comprised of knowledgeable folks from both political parties, who have an overriding desire to accomplish what needs to be done to make our village a great place to work, live, play and raise a family. We need a Village Board that puts partisan politics and personal hubris aside and puts a focus on infrastructure, growing our tax base and attracting both small and large businesses to our area. The ...

Stolen planter is despicable

Editor, OBSERVER: For Memorial Day, I purchased some plants and a planter for a relative who is buried in the town of Pomfret Webster Road Cemetery. It lasted two days before someone stole it. I hope whoever stole it enjoys stealing from the dead. You can return the plants and the planter back to the cemetery with no questions asked. Maybe you will get a clear conscience, if you have one. PETER PETT, Fredonia

People’s column

Fredonia School Board had strong candidates Dear Editor: I decided to write this letter the morning of the Fredonia Board of Education letter. As I watched the debate again and struggled to make my decision I realized what an impressive field of candidates we have. All five of the candidates are quality people and we are lucky to have this level of interest. To the two new board members, congratulations and good luck. I am confident you will balance your role as advocate for both students and taxpayers. To the three candidates who were not elected, thank you, please stay ...

Redraw district lines to serve all

Editor, OBSERVER: Last year was a monumental year for many reasons, including the census. The census population counts will impact much in New York state, from school funding, to Medicaid, to how our legislative lines will be redrawn for the next 10 years. The League was a proud partner in supporting the census and is now focused on seeing that our state and local lines are redrawn not to serve the incumbent legislators, but to serve all New Yorkers. Voting districts need to reflect actual communities, not carefully crafted districts that protect the party in power (whichever ...

Leon Fire lucky to have help

Editor, OBSERVER: The Leon Fire Co. would like to thank everyone who so generously donated to our annual fund drive. The department consists of volunteers who perform fire suppression and other related emergency services for the Leon Fire District. They are also on call to provide mutual aid to our neighboring fire districts as needed. Volunteer firefighters are expected to be on call to respond to emergency calls at any time. They are also expected to attend other non-emergency duties as well. Volunteer firefighters/EMS are an integral part of your community and make many ...