Merger progress stays quiet, even after funding

August 8, 2026

We are not against the recent action by the Chautauqua County Legislature to approve additional funding to the town of Pomfret for a study to investigate options for shared services and mergers. We do believe, however, that not enough is being said regarding where the effort stands. In July, lawmakers approved a resolution to award Pomfret $25,000 from the county's Government Reduction initiative for the initiative. The money is not part of the county's budget but rather will be coming from its reserve accounts. To his credit, Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel called upon the ...

Busy weekend a draw for county

August 6, 2026

It is Chautauqua County’s time to shine. Besides the regular staples that include Music on the Pier in Dunkirk and area Farmers’ Markets, there’s reason to believe this could be one of the biggest tourism weekends of the year. Other major events taking place include: — The 81st annual rodeo will be through Saturday. Shows at 8 p.m. Thrill to PRCA events, with bareback bronc, saddle bronc, bull riding, tie down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, and breakaway roping. Rain or Shine! 20 vendors at midway. — The National Comedy Center’s Lucille Ball Comedy ...

Parking often a real predicament

August 5, 2026

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

August 4, 2026

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

August 3, 2026

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

August 1, 2026

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 ...