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The OBSERVER’s View

HIGH COURT: Verdict defends freedom of speech

We are grateful for the Supreme Court’s unanimous verdict in National Rifle Association v. Vullo — a case that cut to the heart of freedom of speech. New York state officials targeted the NRA specifically because they found the NRA’s message objectionable, and pressured private enterprises to “blacklist” or refuse to conduct business with the organization. “Today’s decision confirms that government officials have no business using their regulatory authority to blacklist disfavored political groups,” David Cole of the American Civil Liberties Union, which argued on ...

Dunkirk: Council keeps missing reality of crisis

How serious is the Dunkirk Common Council about solving the city’s fiscal crisis? To put it mildly, its bark is worse than its bite. That is because no one on council, with the exception of maybe Nick Weiser who serves in the at-large role, is ready to take on the reality of overflowing expenses. We saw that earlier this month regarding the animal control officer discussion. There is no need for that debate. So maybe the city is getting complaints about pets running rampant. Where’s the money coming from to fill the position when you cannot even begin to repay $13 million from a ...

ATHLETICS: Championship runs bring lots of fanfare

As the school year winds down, there is no doubting the winning atmosphere that is being celebrated for a number of schools. Some of the most impressive performances came from the diamond last week. Both the Forestville Hornets and Gowanda Panthers punched their ticket to the state tournament in Binghamton. Forestville’s softball team is making a bit of history by getting to their first Final Four, which is a total team effort with big plays from the younger members. “The young girls have been able to step up this entire season,” Forestville senior pitcher Megan Gruber stated. ...

DUNKIRK: Proud banners are a bright spot

Dunkirk’s troubles over the last 15 months have been well documented. Its financial problems have created tension inside City Hall and all the way to Albany. Debate over whether there should be a control board or a $13 million loan will continue to play out in the coming weeks. But there is one thing that Dunkirk has done well — and continues to be celebrated. Without a doubt, the hero banners are a hit. They are all well done and placed in prominent locations around the city. If you missed the weekend edition, a lineup of the flags were included at ...

Agriculture: Big dairy farm ban is bad policy

Since the state legislative session is scheduled to end this week, we’re not sure legislation that would prohibit the state DEC from authorizing any permits to large farms should concern farmers this year. That’s likely a temporary reprieve for farmers who have plans to house more than 700 cows, which would require a Large Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation permit from the state. Legislation (A.6928/S.6530) introduced earlier this session by Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, R-New York City, and Sen. Jabari Brisport, D-Brooklyn, could hurt dairy farms that are relying more and ...

Fredonia: Keep pushing for fire district

A municipality facing a more than 60% property tax increase cannot maintain the status quo. Fredonia homeowners will soon be feeling the pain when the bills from the village arrive. After that, then what? Does Fredonia follow in Dunkirk’s footsteps and make nary a change while expenses keep rising? Already, there is some vision for changing the way the entity is run. Last month at a Village Board meeting, Fire Chief Josh Myers stepped forward and proposed a regional fire district — something that is long overdue. “The Fredonia Fire Department already collaborates closely ...