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The OBSERVER’s View

NORTH COUNTY Merger talks take look of lip service

Urgency is always an issue for municipal governments when it comes to planning at the start of the new year. Both the city of Dunkirk and village of Fredonia, however, owe it to their residents — even with new representation — to be more accountable after recent budget train wrecks that ...

COUNTY: Getting it right with the public

We often criticize a lack of action and results by Chautauqua County legislators in this corner. Most of it is deserved, but we do have to give the 19 members credit for being attentive to the public. In December, The New York State Coalition on Open Government released its Naughty and Nice ...

COUNTY: Airport restaurant may bring traffic

County officials have spent the past several years trying to talk up the amount of activity at the Chautauqua County Airport at Jamestown. Those efforts have been part of efforts to both balance the airport operation’s budget and to convince the federal government to reinstate the ...

DUNKIRK: Cutting $20,500 is not even a dent

One of the most controversial pieces to Mayor Kate Wdowiasz’s 2026 budget proposal released last October was a $20,500 pay increase for her position. That was not approved and her annual salary remains at $54,500. That cut to the 2026 plan, in the larger picture, is very minimal. ...

Cassadaga: Quick goodbye no fitting farewell

No good deed goes unpunished, at least in the village of Cassadaga. When Sam Alaimo, Department of Public Works supervisor, was charged by the county Sheriff’s Department with criminal mischief in June at a local business, elected leaders let him continue in the post. That was a poor ...

BUFFALO SPORTS Magical moments close out holidays

It is a historic weekend for Buffalo sports. On Saturday afternoon, the Sabres go for an unbelievable 11th straight win when they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets while on Sunday at 4:25 p.m., it is likely the final game for the Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. For the Sabres, a ...