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Peoples column

People’s column

Grades don’t off full picture Editor, OBSERVER: Dunkirk OBSERVER gets an “F” for investigative reporting. A recent article (May 21) headlined, “County government boards praised, criticized for openness” could be disturbing unless you explored the facts surrounding Open Meetings “scoring” of various governing bodies. In the article there was reference to a press conference held by the New York Coalition for Open Government to share a report titled “Local Governments Mute the Public During Remote Meetings.” There was an assumption made by Paul Wolf, president ...

People’s column

White Inn has lost prominence Editor, OBSERVER: What happened to the White Inn? The queen of Fredonia sits on the corner of East Main and White streets. Her crown is tilted and she looks forlorn and empty. The lawn is straggly and unmowed and bushes untrimmed. Wake up, Fredonia. History lies here and is overlooked. Mayor Doug Essek and Village Board trustees need to address this deplorable situation. Bring back the queen to her glory days. I am sure, like me, many other village residents have the same concern. NANCY CRANSTON, Fredonia Boards need Robert’s ...

People’s column

Centers combine for special tribute Editor, OBSERVER, Hats off to the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for reaching out to the Dunkirk Senior Center residents who reside in the Home and thank you to Julie VanValkenburg and staff for the well- organized car parade tribute for the residents. We had two cars that were there for our Dunkirk Senior Center members that have no family nearby. GREG SEK and BARB BAJDAS, Dunkirk residents ‘Global warming’ at a big price Editor, OBSERVER: Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the state is broke, yet he intends to tax New Yorkers $33 billion ...

People’s column

Bashaw brings village down Editor, OBSERVER: Fredonia’s three majority trustees have not changed. James Lynden, Kara Christina and now EvaDawn Bashaw — who was not elected but put in the trustee post — continue to make poor choices. Bashaw just happened to be in the audience the night of the meeting and was nominated to fill the empty seat. Vicky Cunningham, however, was the next highest vote getter in the November election. She should have been put in that seat. If not, the board should have gone with four trustees until the election. Mayor Douglas Essek could have ...

People’s column

Quit naming history’s villains Editor, OBSERVER: The April 30 “Today in History” concerning the tragedy at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte you go out of you way to mention the psycho shooter’s name but conspicuously leave out the student hero’s name. The student that gave his life to save the lives of so many under fire. How long will it take before the people of the media become aware that they are, to a great degree, responsible for these atrociously evil actions by proliferating and immortalizing the names of such criminals? The late newsman Paul Harvey had ...

People’s column

Editor, OBSERVER: Much has been reported, broadcast and written about the coronavirus pandemic. It is very difficult to process all the information available about staying at home, social distancing, masks, testing, and ventilators, as well as what the CDC, the governor, and the president report on a daily basis. It has taken its toll on our community both physically and mentally. I want to convey to everyone in our community how proud I am to be fortunate enough to live here. We constantly hear or read about the extraordinary and wonderful things that everyday people, businesses, ...