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The OBSERVER’s View

DUNKIRK: Cutting $20,500 is not even a dent

One of the most controversial pieces to Mayor Kate Wdowiasz’s 2026 budget proposal released last October was a $20,500 pay increase for her position. That was not approved and her annual salary remains at $54,500. That cut to the 2026 plan, in the larger picture, is very minimal. ...

Cassadaga: Quick goodbye no fitting farewell

No good deed goes unpunished, at least in the village of Cassadaga. When Sam Alaimo, Department of Public Works supervisor, was charged by the county Sheriff’s Department with criminal mischief in June at a local business, elected leaders let him continue in the post. That was a poor ...

BUFFALO SPORTS Magical moments close out holidays

It is a historic weekend for Buffalo sports. On Saturday afternoon, the Sabres go for an unbelievable 11th straight win when they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets while on Sunday at 4:25 p.m., it is likely the final game for the Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. For the Sabres, a ...

2026: Possibilities lie ahead for new year

We’ve done it. We’ve reached the end of 2025 and are looking ahead to all the possibilities 2026 holds. Some may be planning to put 2025 firmly behind them and not look back, others may have much upon which to build from one year to the next. Whatever the case — whether our dreams ...

New York State: Never consensus in aid in dying law

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s signature on legislation approving Medical Aid In Dying was, to put it nicely, not universally approved. Many state lawmakers didn’t like the decision. More importantly, tens of millions of state residents didn’t like it either. And the chances are they won’t ...

New York State: Gambling debate far from over

More than $2 billion a month is spent on sports betting in New York state - including a record $2.64 billion in October 2025. Needless to say there was pent-up demand when state legislators approved online sports betting back in 2022. And, let’s be honest, the state was looking for a new ...