Could this be the end or a new beginning for the Fredonia water system? That’s one of the questions that need to be posed during tonight’s public hearing at the Fredonia Opera House that begins at 7 p.m.

Community members who attend – or view on the public access channel – will be able to hear more about the options for water moving forward as presented by LaBella and its study that was released more than a month ago. They also will be able to offer their comment on what direction they think is best for the village.

Our thoughts on this process are simple. The village needs reliable water, which is not what it has at the moment. It has driven out and frustrated businesses while playing a role in the decreasing number of students at the State University of New York at Fredonia.

A plan for the future, something government does not always excel at, is needed. This forum tonight is part of that plan.

Voices matter in an issue as important as this. Come Friday, the Village Board may be making a decision on its next step during a special meeting.

No decision will make everyone happy. But something is likely to get done by the end of this week – for the better, not worse.