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The OBSERVER’s View

A trickle-down effect on water orders

We understand the frustration of the Chautauqua County Health Department. Its presence at Fredonia Village Board meetings in the last 18 months is about being accountable while attempting to shed light on the challenges regarding water treatment. What we did not agree with was a statement by Jessica Wuerstle regarding the boil-water and conservation orders, the latter of which ended Friday afternoon. Wuerstle complained the media picks and chooses what it wants to run from her department's releases, and accused it of not providing the full details on events. She suggested that people ...

The OBSERVER’s View: Hochul needs to quit delaying on Kyra’s Law

We've reached the time of year when Gov. Kathy Hochul begins signing legislation passed by the state Legislature before the end of its session in June. It's ludicrous to us that this process takes half a year in some cases, particularly when it comes to legislation that was approved with overwhelming legislative support like Kyra's Law (A.6194-C/S.5998). Kyra’s Law is named in memory of 2-year-old Kyra Franchettie, who was shot and killed by her father during a court-ordered unsupervised visit in 2016, and was passed with bipartisan support in the state Legislature this year. It ...

The OBSERVER’s View: Balancing act with winter heating

There is good and bad news when it comes to potential costs for heating during the coming winter months. In October, National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp. said it expects the typical residential customer to spend approximately $742 to heat their home this winter, nearly 5% less than last winter’s average cost of $780. The projected decrease reflects lower natural gas supply costs, the impact of strong storage inventories, and National Fuel’s long-term gas purchasing strategy, which helps reduce exposure to market volatility and seasonal price spikes. The lower supply costs are ...

The OBSERVER’s View: Special library tribute built ‘relationships’

A tradition at Anderson-Lee Library will pay tribute to a former employee who was part of the idea. This Saturday, a special one-day event in recognition of Native American Heritage Month begins at 11 a.m. at 43 Main St. “From the beginning, one of the most important parts of the program has been the opportunity to build relationships and collaborate with members of the Seneca Nation,” the library said in a statement. “This year's celebration will be especially meaningful as we gather not only to honor Native American heritage and culture, but also to remember and celebrate Huff ...

The OBSERVER’s View: One last chance to vote

Thousands of residents have already taken the time to cast their ballot during Early Voting, which was Oct. 24 through Sunday. If you have not, there’s one day left — that’s Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. That remains a heavy turnout day. Even with the Early Voting, there is a large contingent of the population that hits the polls on the traditional day. As usual, we urge residents to be part of the process. This year’s races have important implications on the future. If you’re not happy with how things are being run in Washington, Albany and here at home, complaining is not ...

Proposal again proves council’s lack of power

Over the last two weeks, there has been plenty of banter regarding the city of Dunkirk budget proposal — both on social media and during the most recent Common Council session. Overall, the plan calls for a 11% tax increase with spending totaling more than $32.2 million. Is that fair or responsible? That’s not the question that needs to be asked. For taxpayers, especially those who have complained about the burden and the hardship of living in Dunkirk, the most important issue is this: how do we stop the pain? The answer: You cannot. Dunkirk, like many other municipalities in ...