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The OBSERVER’s View

Proposal again proves council’s lack of power

Over the last two weeks, there has been plenty of banter regarding the city of Dunkirk budget proposal — both on social media and during the most recent Common Council session. Overall, the plan calls for a 11% tax increase with spending totaling more than $32.2 million. Is that fair or responsible? That’s not the question that needs to be asked. For taxpayers, especially those who have complained about the burden and the hardship of living in Dunkirk, the most important issue is this: how do we stop the pain? The answer: You cannot. Dunkirk, like many other municipalities in ...

Lots of treats in seasonal happenings

In terms of consumer popularity, Halloween is becoming a real treat for retailers. In a survey conducted for the National Retail Federation’s annual consumer survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, it’s expected that $13.5 billion will be expensed in America in preparation for the Oct. 31 day. “Consumers continue to make Halloween a spending priority, but they are also approaching the season with affordability in mind,” NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights Allison Zeller said. “For more than two decades, NRF’s Halloween survey has tracked how ...

Attorney general needs to stick to law

Saritha Komatireddy isn’t a household name for many New Yorkers. And that’s too bad, because she could be your next state Attorney General. We know all too well what we will get statewide by electing Letitia James as attorney general - more lawsuits that are so tinged by party politics that it’s hard to discern whether or not the case makes sense. That happens, in part, because James has been smacked down by courts often enough in her attempts to fill her prior campaign pledges to make life hard on President Donald Trump that it’s hard to tell where a case actually exists or ...

Our selections for state Supreme Court

Seven candidates are on the ballot for four justice positions on the state Supreme Court Eighth Judicial District that serves the Western New York counties, including Chautauqua. State Supreme Courts hear civil matters while the County Courts hear criminal matters. In making our selections for these positions, we consider ratings by the Erie County Bar Association to assist the public in the process. The Association notes candidates are evaluated on criteria necessary to hold judicial office, including integrity, experience, professional ability, education, reputation, industry, ...

Energy costs crucial in governor’s race

Voters across the state need to be realistic when deciding upon the race for New York state’s top position. No matter who wins, there will still be mandates and growing local property taxes. Neither incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul or challenger Bruce Blakeman are addressing those crises facing residents, counties, municipalities and school districts. Instead, this race has come down to personalities. In Hochul’s eyes, her challenger is a President Donald Trump disciple. On the opposing side, Blakeman has used a line from Trump’s “Apprentice” shows that is resonating with his ...

The OBSERVER’s View: Our choice for District 23

Facing long odds in the race for Congressional District 23, challenger Aaron Gies is to be commended for his tireless efforts on the campaign trail over the last four months. He has held numerous town hall meetings from Erie to Tioga County during the summer and fall. His major talking points at the meetings are all hot-button issues this election. Those include health care, education and preserving the region’s agricultural base. “I am running for Congress because I believe every person in this district deserves to have a representative who shows up, listens, and works with ...