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Peoples column

We must act for our world

Editor, OBSERVER: This is in response to “Painful proposal looms at pumps” (April 19). I certainly agree with the OBSERVER that we all need to be concerned with the state’s environmental future. That’s why I don’t understand why efforts to rein in climate-killing fossil fuel use, electrify transit and switch to renewable energy are so controversial. A good piece of legislation, the Climate and Community Investment Act, which will get polluters to fund renewable energy, is suddenly shrouded in fear, uncertainty and doubt. Change is afoot! Beware! The idea that we’ll be ...

Noise is just beginning

Editor, OBSERVER: The weather is getting warmer and the little boys already have their loud exhausts on their vehicles: cars, trucks and motorcycles. Loud music again and again. Buffalo is concerned with ATVs roaming the streets. We see the ATV’ getting ready to roll. Hope this isn’t a repeat of last year. We were told at a meeting to report these violations and we did. The response from the police was “we talked to them.” They talked all summer. Hope they quit talking and start enforcing. We are entitled to live in a peaceful, quiet community. We have noise ...

Major issue is overlooked

Editor, OBSERVER: Let’s credit U.S. Rep. Tom Reed for retiring his seat in Congress to take care of his personal problems with alcohol. “The fall of a good man,” we say. “Look, unlike other men, he’s taking responsibility and being publicly honest about his behavior.” But is he being truly honest? Are we being truly honest? What was his real transgression? Was it that he couldn’t control his personal behavior because of alcoholism? I don’t think the sum total of his problem was alcoholism. I don’t think we should allow him or us to stop ...

Tribute to vet, Lakeside Club

Editor, OBSERVER: The Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council respectfully thanks the Dunkirk Lakeside Club Board of Directors for their generous donation to our organization, made in memory of departed U.S. Army Veteran Daniel G. Mikula. It was our honor to pay tribute and respect to our departed veteran. We appreciate your thoughtfulness and kindness. Our recruitment has been successful obtaining new Honor Guard personnel due to illnesses, retirements, and relocations. Once again, the D.J.V.C. has a dedicated Honor Guard contingency that accords full Military Honors under the ...

State’s voice not being heard

Editor, OBSERVER: New York should be on the campaign trail in presidential elections. But because of the current electoral college system, we are ignored. Moreover, the candidate with the most votes nationwide should become President. New York has already passed the National Popular Vote law. Although some want this repealed (S2552), I hope you will support the existing National Popular Vote. MICHAEL GREINER, Bemus Point

More high costs for Fredonia

Editor, OBSERVER: The 2020 property taxes for our modest corner lot home here in the village of Fredonia is $6,672. The March edition of Kiplinger’s magazine states that the average tax bill on a $350,000 home in New York state is $5,922. Now comes the front-page news that our mayor is proposing a property tax increase of 17%. Feeling squeamish — an adjective for made to feel sick, faint or disgusted. PAUL N. DiPALMA, Fredonia