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The OBSERVER’s View

NORTH COUNTY: Control expenses with hiring freeze

It is far beyond time for two troubled north county governments to implement a consideration that was definitely needed long before now: a hiring freeze. Both governments in putting forth devastating tax hikes have offered no other possible solutions in planning for the future, so why not this? Realistically speaking, if something were to happen — just like the Non Fred Fest occurrence — village or city officials can take the steps needed to handle the situation by using mutual aid. When it comes to fire departments in Dunkirk and Fredonia, there are two. When it comes to law ...

NEW YORK STATE: Homeless item has uncertainty

Included in an agreement Monday night to resolve the state’s late budget includes a change in state law to allow hospitals to involuntarily commit mentally ill New Yorkers to their care if patients cannot meet their basic needs. It’s a change from the previous standard, which allowed involuntary commitment only when a patient posed a physical threat to themselves or others. Could the new standard help with some of Jamestown’s most persistent homeless residents? It’s entirely possible. County officials have stepped up in recent months to do more to help those who find ...

County: Fight has begun against intruder

It was only a matter of time before the spotted lanternfly was found in Chautauqua County. For years, this region has heard warnings about the devastation this creature can bring to agriculture, especially grape vineyards. The Chautauqua County Master Gardeners shared a Facebook post on Saturday showing a spotted lanternfly at Hogan’s Hut in Stow. Those who find a spotted lanternfly are asked to collect the insect, put it in a plastic bag and freeze it, or place it in a jar with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. Email a picture and location to spottedlanternfly@agriculture.ny.gov or ...

Thruway: Welcome repairs come at high cost

Last week, the New York State Thruway Authority announced it would be resuming work on a $45 million pavement revitalization project from the Fredonia to Westfield exits. That’s a large chunk of change for about 40 miles of road in both directions. “The Thruway is putting toll dollars to work, reinvesting toll revenue into rebuilding and modernizing the Thruway system,” Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare, Esq. said. “We are committed to enhancing safety and reliability with these infrastructure investment projects, while providing some of the lowest toll rates ...

New York State: Prison crisis just keeps growing

Is the state’s early release of non-violent inmates going to immediately create a public safety issue throughout the state? Of course not. But state officials are deluding themselves if they think this won’t be the only time the state’s lack of corrections officers is going to mean releasing inmates early in order to maintain safe staffing levels in prisons unless something changes. State officials are also deluding themselves if they think they can continue paying the National Guard tens of millions of dollars a month to maintain what were already poor staffing levels in the ...

DUNKIRK: City silence not fixing huge deficit

Elected city of Dunkirk officials who have voiced worries about the potential of a control board potentially overseeing operations are within their rights. But instead of looking out for its poorly managed government, shouldn’t this be about the current residents and future of the municipality? At the moment, the operation is sinking. It is $20 million in debt. Since the crisis came to light 13 months ago, what solutions have been put forth by the mayor or Common Council? We can think of only one — and it had horrific implications: raise the property tax rate 84%. This week, ...