Office closing lacked transparency

March 3, 2026

Editor, OBSERVER: After U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy publicly cited safety threats as the reason for closing his Jamestown district office; newly obtained public records raise serious questions about that claim. Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests with both the Jamestown Police Department and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office seeking records of reported threats tied to the office were submitted. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed it found no records responsive to the request. Jamestown Police records show only a single February 2025 informational report involving minor ...

Fears are real throughout district

February 24, 2026

Editor, OBSERVER: U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy has been tasting the other side of immigration problem. He closed his Jamestown office, which recently reopened, because of fear. He and his staff are afraid to go to work because of fear of harm. Does he now see how many of his constituents are living in fear? Afraid to go to work? Afraid to go grocery shopping? Afraid to send their children to school? Afraid to attend church? They are innocent of any violent crime, but Langworthy continues to support his party leaders’ bullying and threats. These threats are carried out by masked ...

Loyalty syndrome grows in nation

February 21, 2026

Editor, OBSERVER: A recent (Feb. 6) commentator proposed his theory of “Trump Derangement Syndrome” and theorized symptoms of the condition. The writer supports President Trump while applauding Trump’s “persuasive” message. I don’t share that support, but I do seek common ground with conservatives. We can agree, for example, on the need for immigration reform. But the sight of masked and armed men assaulting citizens is going too far and is a valid cause for my “derangement.” President Trump assured us he’d go after the “worst of the worst.” Instead, his actual ...

People’s column: Former planner hails city senior center

February 17, 2026

Editor, OBSERVER: As the former Social Planner of the Dunkirk Senior Center, I decided to write this letter after reading the article in the OBSERVER about the new Social Planner. I want to let the seniors, who participated in our programs and went on our trips, know that I did not leave my position. Five members of the Board decided to relieve me of my duties. I want to thank all of the volunteers who helped me with my trips either physically or with ideas. I appreciate my experiences with all of you. We are very lucky to have this center for seniors so continue to support the ...

Show God’s love, not your judgment

February 11, 2026

Editor, OBSERVER: This is an open letter of response to a commentary published in The Post-Journal and the OBSERVER “Finding clarity in protests over ICE.” The writer taunts “Play stupid games, win stupid prizes” Really? What an immature response to the fatal “prize” awarded by the unrestrained, untrained, out of control ICE agent who shot Renee Good at point blank range! No ICE agent is empowered to be judge, jury and executioner for the “stupid game” of not following instructions. You are blaming the victim. And this is an Immigration Customs Enforcement agent! What ...

Primaries have important role in election

February 10, 2026

Editor, OBSERVER: When you hear “Election Day,” do you think of the November general election? There’s another Election Day that’s often overlooked by a majority of voters: Primary Election Day. If turnout for the general election seems low, participation in primaries is even lower. Yet in New York state, primaries can often decide the outcome of elections. New York has a closed primary system, which means you must be registered with a political party to vote in that party’s primary. Saturday is the deadline to enroll in a party if you want to vote in the June ...