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The OBSERVER’s View

The OBSERVER’s View: City market hitting its stride

A fairly new summer tradition gets started again on Wednesday. Dunkirk’s Farmers’ Market season begins Wednesday and lasts through Oct. 14. The event runs from 9 a.m.. to 2 p.m. — no matter what the weather — outside Dunkirk Senior Center at 45 Cliffstar Court under the agrarian ...

The OBSERVER’s View: Delay on climate bill is positive energy

Debate in recent months over changes to the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act had us wondering if there was any common sense left in the halls of the state Capitol. In the wake of last week’s vote to push back some parts of the 2019 law, it’s good to see there’s at ...

Overspending city needs a watchdog

A comptroller, that is sorely needed in the city of Dunkirk, has riled up some so-called penny pinchers. This week, council approved the appointment of Tracy Smith-Dengler for the position. It did not come without drama. In voting against the hiring, Third Ward Councilman Gary Frederickson ...

The OBSERVER’s View: State inconsistent on speed limits

So much for the spirit of home rule. At last month’s town of Pomfret board meeting, it was announced the state will not be lowering the speed limit on Fredonia-Stockton Road. Pomfret town officials mentioned at a Town Board meeting earlier this year that the LoGuidice Center had requested a ...

The OBSERVER’s View: Rising numbers add concerns over homeless

Since a crisis put Jamestown in a statewide spotlight in the summer of 2024, homelessness has become a major issue in Chautauqua County. A website poll finds that readers are in agreement. Last week’s question, “Are you concerned about the homeless problem in Chautauqua County?” found ...

The OBSERVER’s View: No derailing county wage hike train

We still struggle to justify automatic pay raises each year for Chautauqua County lawmakers — though judging from last week’s vote Republican lawmakers have no such struggle. In 2024, the county legislature voted to increase the base salary of individual legislators from $9,000 to ...