Breaking News

The OBSERVER’s View

Parking often a real predicament

One of the more controversial topics to come to Fredonia in recent months — that did not involve water — was a potential parking plan that would have made motorists pay for spots through a cellphone app. While some questioned the lack of the program being user friendly, especially for those who do not use smart phones, the reality is this type of parking program is located in many areas of New York state, including Buffalo and highly trafficked tourist locations. Parking meters are out — and cellphone apps are in. When there is a vibrant downtown, parking can be an important ...

County’s latest goal tough to measure

After weeks of debate and discussion, points and counterpoints, the Chautauqua County Legislature has decided that the number one economic development goal for county government is sustainable disposable income growth. It sounds like a good goal. No one is against the idea of increasing disposable income for county residents. Certainly no one would say they are against such a goal in an election year. The problem is few know what the heck the legislature means with this goal. Wouldn’t it be simpler to use household income growth as the goal rather than disposable income growth? ...

Making proper call on robot teacher

The state Education Department was right to ask the Salamanca City Central School District to pause its plan to launch a pilot program featuring a Realbotix educational robot and digital avatar in its high school STEAM program during the upcoming school year. There are a lot of unanswered questions that should be answered before this newest bit of technology is used in local classrooms. Concerns raised by parents and educators prompted Betty Rosa, state education commissioner, to send a letter to Salamanca school district officials requesting the pause. The pause prompted the New York ...

Perfect solution in village parking debate

For all the troubles and controversy surrounding the village of Fredonia in recent months, it is refreshing to see that the elected leaders appear to have reversed course when it comes to its parking-fee plans. On Thursday afternoon, the Mayor Michael Ferguson announced instead of motorists paying with a phone app system, a two-hour parking limit would be the norm for downtown. “I pride myself on being an advocate and supporter of shopping, dining and conducting business in our village,” Ferguson said. “I know I have spoken about the increase in business on the Route 60 corridor ...

The OBSERVER’s View: Another high cost for SUNY to absorb

New York state this week announced the ratification of a five-year labor agreement with the United University Professions (UUP), which includes approximately 42,000 SUNY faculty and professional employees. The agreement, which runs until July 1, 2031, was approved by 98% of UUP members who cast ballots. As part of the deal, raises in each of the five years include: 4.5%, 4%, 3.5%, 3%, and 3%. The contract also includes boosts to location pay and several other unit-specific payments “This agreement invests in the hard-working members of the United University Professions, recognizing ...

Surging prices impacting summer travel

One year ago this week, motorists were paying $3.15 per gallon to fuel up their vehicle. This year, that cost is $4.23 across New York state — and closer to $4.36 in Chautauqua County. Those figures come from AAA of Western and Central New York, which notes that volatility along the Strait of Hormuz and instability in the region have pushed crude oil prices into the high $90 per barrel range last week. According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand is on the rise while total domestic gasoline supply is also up along with gasoline ...