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The OBSERVER’s View

Thruway Turbines were a waste of money

State Sen. George Borrello was not Monday morning quarterbacking in criticizing the New York State Thruway last week over its poor decision to place turbines at its exits more than a decade ago. He was only speaking of the frustrations he’s heard from thousands of residents he serves. Last Wednesday, Thruway Authority officials took down the turbine at Exit 59 that had been out of operation for nearly five years. The removal ended an embarrassing tenure for the agency. “The Thruway Authority raised tolls because they claimed they are facing a multi-year, multimillion dollar ...

COUNTY FAIR Week showcases the best of region

Today marks the unofficial beginning of the Chautauqua County Fair, which brings thousands annually to Dunkirk. While grandstand events include horse harness racing this afternoon, a majority of the happenings kickoff on Tuesday. Fair board president Dave Wilson said residents can come and see everything the fair has to offer. “You can see a show, see the animals in the barns, ride the rides, go to grandstand events,” Wilson said. “It costs more to go see a movie these days. Theoretically it will offer a good day out and let you support local people and vendors.” At the ...

FREDONIA POLICE: Repeating history in the village

What a surprise. The Fredonia Police Department, in a recent meeting, says it needs more room. Welcome to the recurring north-county story of poor decision-making from the past that continues to hamper our lifestyles today. How many times has the antiquated station that we all know is too small been an issue for the community? Over the last two decades, we’ve heard the complaints and concerns. Not only from current Chief David Price but from those who preceded him. What has the community leadership done? What it normally does when there is a problem: nothing to very little. Were ...

Federal: Special education needs attention

Unfunded mandates, products of the federal and state governments, do not sit well with local-level units of government. Neither do those mandates sit well with school districts and institutions of higher learning, especially as they are trying to prepare and balance new budget packages. Depending on the scope of such a mandate, an unfunded or weakly funded edict can wreak havoc on the most well-thought-out of spending plans, not only for a year but possibly extending far beyond. Why is it a good time to be reflecting on budget challenges, especially in regard to ...

DUNKIRK: Airport tradition serves up memories

An airport tradition takes off again on Sunday in the north county. The annual Dunkirk-Fredonia Rotary Fly-In Breakfast will mark its 57th year. Besides offering a full menu for the morning meal, there is an arts and crafts show as well as experimental and antique planes usually among those displayed. Organizers for the event note that visiting pilots get to eat for a fee, and the cost for local residents is only $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Plane rides also are available with breakfast being $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under during the event, which ...

DUNKIRK: Questions aren’t the tough choices

It was good to see Common Council asking questions in regard to the recent Community Development Block Grants that were approved earlier this month. All too often — especially during the last four terms of those who have served — worry about the pennies and not the big dollars. Last week, Councilwomen Abigail Yerico and Nancy Nichols sought clarification for the position that oversees the disbursement. Vince DeJoy, planning and development director, said it pays for CDBG coordinator Nicole Clift’s salary and fees but also partially funds another position, though that was unstated ...