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The OBSERVER’s View

Presidency: Trump showing ambition at start

A “golden age,” one in which the United States of America can aim even higher than the moon, was proclaimed Monday during President Donald J. Trump’s inauguration speech. And while Elon Musk may have thrown his hands in the air to cheer the goal to “pursue our manifest destiny into the stars,” and “plant the stars and stripes on the planet Mars,” ordinary Americans were more likely to find a common reason to cheer in Trump’s promise to seek a broad government effort to reduce inflation and reduce prices. Though he must be careful to avoid the executive overreach that ...

BUFFALO BILLS: Having another shot at the Chiefs

For some Buffalo Bills fans, Sunday night cannot get here fast enough. At 6:30 p.m. that evening, the team that so many here attach their emotions to hopes to reach its fifth Super Bowl in franchise history. It will not be easy. Standing in the way is two-time defending champion Kansas City that has handled Buffalo all three previous meetings in the playoffs since 2021. This Bills’ team, however, seems different. It is much more cohesive, unselfish and rarely becomes rattled under the leadership of quarterback Josh Allen. That was not the case in previous years — that likely led ...

WINTER: Staying safe inside in the cold

After today, the temperatures begin to show a warming trend — all the way to the mid 20s for the weekend. That’s not balmy yet, but it's an improvement from the teens. In any event, National Fuel issued some safety reminders worth noting during a deep freeze. In a news release issued Tuesday the company noted that natural gas furnace exhaust vents can become easily clogged by debris, ice or snow, causing the furnace to shut off or operate inefficiently. Blocked vents also can lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide (CO) gas inside a residence. “CO is a colorless, odorless and ...

HANOVER: Demand is key with hotel hopes

Hanover officials are moving in a positive direction when it comes to the prospect of a new hotel operation moving into the town. With the proximity to the lake and the Sunset Bay attractions, many would think the proposal makes sense. Of course, there already has been a significant upgrade in the region’s accommodations with the opening of the Hideaway Bay resort, which is located in Silver Creek on the waterfront. That construction came from a private and public partnership. That same type of agreement will be needed if Hanover is seeking for a location closer to Thruway exit 58 ...

DUNKIRK System can’t fix porous decisions

Dunkirk appears willing to move out of the dark ages when it comes to handling the heavy load of more than $28 million in city finances. During a meeting earlier this week, Fiscal Affairs Officer Ellen Luczkowiak said she is ready to contract with GovSense to keep better track of city funds. Luczkowiak told the Finance Committee the new program will allow the city government “come into what I call the 21st century. While it will be costly, it will save us money in the long run.” Though the $300,000 start-up cost is an issue, it can be a step in the right direction. Previously, ...

HEALTH Acknowledging dangers in alcohol

The word “transparency” is now big among Americans. Especially on the governmental front — local, state as well as national — anger pours forth when the public learns about secrecy having prevailed, especially regarding an important, controversial issue that impacts them directly, such as one that causes an increase in certain fees or their taxes. Sometimes the lowest levels of government end up sparking the biggest, noisiest outcrys and furors, as a result of people not having been accorded an early heads-up regarding relevant goings-on about which they deserved expeditious ...