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The OBSERVER’s View

Dunkirk: City still tripping over the pennies

We cannot help but have uneasy feelings about Common Council leadership through the current fiscal crisis in the city of Dunkirk. Last week, it appeared one member was more bent on finding loose change for a new sign. “Please know that after the Council meeting, (last week) Treasurer Mark Woods brought me to his office and sat me down at his computer to show me the latest bank statement of the Bill Cease fund; and in fact, printed out this last bank statement for me,” First Ward Councilwoman Natalie Luczkowiak said. “The city in fact, has a separate account for the Bill Cease ...

HIGH COURT: Justices defend 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 ...

GOWANDA: Village loses a strong leader

It is hard to blame former Gowanda Mayor David Smith for stepping down this week from his position. Smith, like many community leaders, is tied up in a number of organizations. Last weekend, he decided to take a step back. “This feeling of being overwhelmed has caused me to be less than 100 percent faithful in all of those services,” Smith said. He noted times where he has been short-tempered and quick to respond. Because of that, he said, “I have reevaluated my priorities.” In the Facebook video, Smith claimed that since he became mayor more than seven years ago, he has ...

CASSADAGA: Sticker shock may await water users

Water problems in the north county are not just restricted to the village of Fredonia. To the south, Cassadaga has been hampered with water issues for more than a decade. It is working to take its next step with its system. It will come at a hefty price: $8.5 million. According to a recent presentation, the village has just over seven miles of water main, featuring three groundwater wells and treatment buildings, one water storage tank, and one booster pump station. Concerns exist of the aging water main and aging equipment at the wells, along with poor chlorine residuals at the ...

HIDEAWAY BAY Resort is new gem on waterfront

A celebration of sorts is taking place today at the Hideaway Bay Resort in Silver Creek as a ribbon-cutting and a tour of the new facility will take place. From the looks and early reviews, it appears it is a gem on the waterfront — and something residents and visitors need to embrace. The establishment includes a new restaurant and event space, called Drift, along with villas that all feature balconies. An outdoor hot tub and sauna and cabana-style outdoor bar sits on the beach. “It’s an incredible coastline, this little tucked-in bay with the creek on the west side,” said ...

GOVERNMENT Being responsible when on the road

It is a privilege and responsibility for workers to be able to drive government-owned vehicles. Some are necessary, such as fire trucks, police cars, dump trucks and plows. Others are a bit more of a luxury. Governments could reimburse drivers for using their vehicle, but instead use taxpayer dollars to purchase the item for travel or as part of the job. But scrutiny comes — and is deserved — with those cars or pickups that are paid for with taxpayer dollars. On the New York state license plate, it notes if there is an agency the car belongs to — whether it be a ...