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The OBSERVER’s View

FREDONIA: Foes fail to stop the overspending

It is not often that Trustees Michelle Twichell and Jon Espersen are on the same page. They were last month in a 3-2 vote that approved the hiring of a new firefighter. “I really don’t see where we have the money right now to hire anyone else,” Twichell said before the vote. Espersen also admitted his reluctance. “Unless and until we have a completed contract with the firefighters union, I don’t feel it appropriate at this time to hire any new firefighters,” he said. “I understand the implications of paying overtime, but I also understand that there has to come a point ...

COUNTY: Land Bank already aiding Jamestown

County Legislator Fred Larson, D-Jamestown, wants to see Jamestown represented on the Chautauqua County Land Bank board. It’s something that we would like to see County Executive PJ Wendel keep in mind when making appointments to the land bank in the future - but it’s really not a major issue, in our opinion. Lack of city representation on the Land Bank board would only be an issue if the city was being ignored by the Land Bank. That’s not what’s been happening. In fact, rural legislators could argue that rural areas aren’t receiving enough attention because Jamestown ...

JOB Corps: Start working now toward solution

News this spring the federal government is preparing to close the Cassadaga Job Corps Academy is a shock to many, including students and faculty. The Job Corps is a federal job training and education program designed to serve low-income youth between the ages of 16 and 24 who face barriers to education and employment, founded by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. The Cassadaga Job Corps opened in August 1978. It offers training in carpentry, electrical, painting, plumbing, certified nursing assistant, advanced training licensed practical nurse and security officer/guard ...

ENERGY: Grid’s reliability must be ensured

Twice during the heat dome that drove temperatures into the mid 90s in late June, the state Independent System Operator issued an energy warning. During the hottest days of the hot spell the ISO was noticing a decline in operating reserves. On June 29, the grid operated normally but emergency operations were a possibility to maintain system reliability. The morning of June 30, the ISO noted potential afternoon strains on the grid on a cooler Wednesday. “Special Case Resources and Emergency Demand Response Program resources are needed,” the notice indicated, between 2 and 9 p.m. in ...

Fourth of July: America more than its politics

On this Independence Day, America's politicians on both sides of the political aisle ought to be thinking more about this country as a whole - what is best for this wonderful free land - than mostly about their party, their party's agenda or the friction they might harbor and encourage against those with whom they disagree. But can they muster such a spirit of patriotism - what in a different time might seem inevitable? This year, probably not, amid the rampant divisiveness that haunts the halls of their governmental responsibilities. The nation's founders, if they today were able to ...

Social Media Warning labels sure to fail

We can’t disagree with a state bill that would require social media companies to post warning labels on their websites for users who live in New York. There has been more than enough study on the matter. Social media can be lousy for one’s mental health, and parents should do all they can to make sure children under the age of 18 are ready for the good and the bad that a life lived on social media can entail. It’s great to connect with friends or follow one’s interests via social media. But the pressure to keep up with the social media horde can feel crushing, and we know the ...