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The OBSERVER’s View

The OBSERVER’s View: P-TECH proving its worth with Westfield firm

A major $3.2 million upgrade to a Westfield manufacturer is worthy of plenty of praise. Besides the company investment with state assistance, there also is an effort to maintain a younger generation within the region. According to an article in last weekend’s edition, Renold Westfield at 100 Bourne St. is actively marketing itself to prospective hires. The company has hosted factory tours for students enrolled in P-TECH, an Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES program for high school students that offers career and technical education and certifications in skilled trades, engineering ...

The OBSERVER’s View: Some bright spots for Blakeman campaign

As November gets closer, so do the polls for governor in New York state. Earlier this month, a Siena Poll found Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul leads Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman 49-39%. "With less than three months till Election Day, Hochul holds a 10-point lead over Blakeman, 49-39%, not crossing the magic 50% mark. In June, among registered voters, Hochul's lead was twice as large, 52-32%," Siena pollster Steven Greenberg said. "At this point four years ago, August 2022, when Hochul was just finishing her first year as governor, she led her opponent, former ...

The OBSERVER’s View: Village always appreciates Farm Fest

Ready or not, the largest Fredonia event is ready to fill Barker Common this weekend. Starting Friday, the annual Farm Festival will get started and continue through Sunday. "We're excited, we have a lot of new things coming in this year," said organizer Lauren Boyle at a recent village meeting. "We have a street square dance coming in, we have a petting zoo coming in. We have a ton of presentations throughout the weekend." One event Boyle mentioned was a live performance of "Hamlet" in the gazebo by Main Street Studios. Co-organizer Greg Krauza also noted the Fredonia Farmers ...

The OBSERVER’s View: State can take lead on e-bikes, scooters

An increase in the number of serious accidents involving e-bikes and standup scooters in New York City is prompting calls to better regulate the personal mobility devices in the city. That regulation should extend statewide. So far this year, 12 people have been killed while riding e-bikes in New York City with another nine killed while using stand-up e-scooters. Only three have been killed while riding regular pedal bicycles. Which compares to three who died while riding old-fashioned pedal bikes. Last year those figures were 17 dead on e-bikes, six from e-scooters and four on ...

The OBSERVER’s View: With state support, hospital beats the odds

When state Gov. Kathy Hochul came to the north county on Thursday, Brooks-TLC was a big winner. For starters, the new north county hospital that will be located at 412 E. Main St. is making progress. Construction crews are entering the site daily — and a shell of a structure is evident to passersby. In addition, Hochul announced another $50 million that will be earmarked for the facility, making the state’s total contribution for the $223 million facility at $124 million. "While Washington may be defunding hospitals, here in New York, we're building hospitals. We believe in our ...

The OBSERVER’s View: Faltering Fredonia keeps leaking cash

You do not need to have a background in accounting to understand the troubles that continue with the village of Fredonia’s finances. Besides having a negative fund balance that is near $1 million, two of its major revenue sources are struggling. According to figures announced at a meeting earlier this month, the water and sewer funds both spent more than they took in for 2025-26, according to the treasurer's figures. Year-end revenue for the water fund was $2,190,004 against $2,540,000 in expenses. That comes out to a net income of minus $349,996. The fund balance in place registered ...