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There is some misinformation when it comes to the December vote by the Fredonia Village Board on choosing an option regarding its water. Some of those who are against the decision say it was rushed.
There is absolutely no truth to that.
For three decades, as pointed out by previous Mayor Douglas Essek, village leaders did little to nothing when it came to a deteriorating system. They did so during water emergencies and while adding to staffing levels at all departments. All the while, the water system kept getting worse.
Chautauqua County and the Health Department finally stepped in at the end of the summer to do something about the antiquated and troubled system. There was a quick study and trustees decided to do something different -- purchase water from Dunkirk.
Those complaining that it happened too fast are making excuses. The system has been failing right before our eyes. It has led to anxiety -- and exits -- by businesses and has played a role in a reduced enrollment at the State University of New York at Fredonia.
Locals may think water emergencies are a minor inconvenience. That's because, for them, they have become a regular occurrence.
There's more work to be done on the water issue by the village. But those who are saying it was hurried apparently were not paying attention during the last 30 years.