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The OBSERVER’s View

Town business proves its partnership

It is not often that area residents see community improvements from agreements with the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency. While the businesses and employees remain inside the building — with maybe a bit of an expansion, it is often rare there is a trade-off. In the town of Dunkirk, that is exactly the case. Thanks to Supervisor Shari Miller voicing her objections to an Americold exemption agreement on behalf of herself as well as other members of the Town Board, the company is stepping up its contributions. "Since Americold has been in their location, we've had ...

The OBSERVER’s View: State effort promotes lakes, outdoors

With autumn officially underway, New York state is offering residents a taste of the outdoors this weekend. State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton this week announced Saturday as a Free Fishing Day. During any of the six designated Free Fishing Days, the fishing license requirement is waived for fishing on New York’s fresh waters. “Fishing in New York is better than ever,” Lefton said. “Whether it’s chasing salmon on a Great Lakes tributary, pursuing bass on a scenic lake, or casting a line in a local stream, there’s something here for ...

The OBSERVER’s View: Recent history shows county runs red

It was in 2018 when the tide officially turned in Chautauqua County. At that time, the Board of Elections released the official voter registration enrollment totals for 76,447 residents. For the first time since 2008, there were more registered Republicans in Chautauqua County than Democrats. Numbers that year had Republicans at 25,775 and Democrats at 25,235. It was a close margin, but the dominoes began to fall. By 2023, red was driving the results. A Post-Journal article noted then that even though there’s only 5% more registered Republicans than Democrats in Chautauqua County, ...

Successor to WCA Home a proper fit

A significant site on Temple Street in Fredonia is getting a new lease on life, thanks in part to an agreement worked up between two organizations. Last month Aspire of WNY and the WCA Home Board of Directors announced the finalization of the historic property, transferred to Aspire of WNY as a generous gift. Aspire of WNY says the WCA will remain with the location and stand for “We Connect All.” The naming pays homage to the legacy of the WCA Home and modernizes it to fit Aspire of WNY's nonprofit mission supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental ...

The OBSERVER’s View: New law another cycle of problems

In a bolt of bipartisanship, the Chautauqua County Legislature recently approved a local law that will require drivers to leave a minimum of three feet when passing non-motorists. The law is aimed at cyclists, but also includes pedestrians, those on horses and Amish buggies, among others. State law requires drivers to use "due care" but does not attach a measurement to that standard. We think there's a reason for that choice — how does one use the 3-foot law preventatively? Police aren't carrying tape measures, and even if they did they can't use one while moving if they see a ...

Accountability matters when commenting

We wholeheartedly agree with Fredonia Trustee Paul Wandel when it comes to reading letters during the public comment portion of a government meeting. If someone wishes to offer an opinion, they need to have their name attached to it. Why would it be any other way? Wandel’s resolution, which was not voted on this week, was spurred by comments read at a recent meeting with the writer requesting anonymity. That individual’s thoughts then included name calling of Mayor Michael Ferguson while bashing his behavior. Talk about not having courage in your convictions. That letter is ...