Mayors Wilfred Rosas of Dunkirk and Doug Essek of Fredonia are definitely taking the recent uptick in COVID-19 seriously. In a letter sent to the area media, including the OBSERVER, the mayors spoke in one message in addressing the communities of 23,000 residents.

“While there are differences geographically and in the way in which we live our lives, it is imperative that each of us do our part to stop the spread of this dangerous pandemic,” the two noted. “Now is not the time to let our guard down.”

Rosas and Essek appear to be working closer together than any recent other Dunkirk and Fredonia mayors. They also continue to send a unified message, which is important for a county and region so fractured.

Sometimes the worst events can bring people — and regions — closer together. In all, the Dunkirk-Fredonia municipal budgets cost residents some $34 million. Interestingly, both fire and police departments — as well as the Department of Public Works staff — can work close together.

This month’s drive-by shooting that began in Dunkirk and ended in Fredonia was a team effort. It’s too bad more cannot be done — in terms of efficiencies and improvements.

Nothing happens quickly in Chautauqua County. That being said, it’s good to see two communities — often rivals — working together.