Editor, OBSERVER:
I am visually impaired. When I moved to Fredonia four years ago, I was able to safely cross Main St.. at the designated crosswalks, where almost all cars would stop. In the ensuing years, the situation has continually gotten worse, so that I feel that I am taking my life into my hands if I now attempt to cross at the crosswalks.
I agree that Westfield is a much safer place in this regard. They have signs in the middle of the road at their crosswalks, and that seems to force people to pay attention.
If we want our village to be friendly to pedestrians, this really needs to be addressed.
KAREN KWIATKOWSKI,
Fredonia
Blame judge
in invasion
Editor, OBSERVER:
When I first read in the OBSERVER about Mr. Hank Serafin's home being invaded by four young men I was concerned but I didn't remember all the details. (My only source of information in this case is what I have read in the OBSERVER.)
If my memory serves me correctly Mr. Serafin has had three unpleasant experiences with our legal system and has gotten "justice" later in the first two cases. I think that it is up to all senior citizens to do all they can to come to his aid in this third case. We senior citizens should do this in our own self interest. If people that commit these crimes get off so easily none of us are safe in our homes.
What should senior citizens do? First, we should try to get Judge John Ward out of office as soon as possible.
This is a case in point of not appointing any judge to the job for life. Second, do all we can to keep this injustice in the public eye.
Question: Was Judge Ward involved in any way with either of the first two cases in which Mr. Serafin finally got justice?
In fairness to Judge Ward there may be information about this case that the public is unaware of. However, until I hear more information, I am totally against Judge Ward's handling of this case.
I can't help but wonder if what happened to Mr. Serafin happened to Judge Ward's dad, or grandfather how he would feel if the "criminals" got off this easily.
DAVID FANCHER,
Silver Creek
Bring on
control board
Editor, OBSERVER:
In regard to your article "Beyond bleak" (Feb. 23), County Executive Greg Edwards states, "There is nothing left in operations to cut," blaming Albany for what he says will be a 23 percent rise in property taxes. Then concerning the $14 million shortfall, the Legislature's chairman Jay Gould says "14 million dollars always amazes me. We kind of just put off some of the bad stuff another year."
What amazes me is that anyone ever voted these two into office.
The city of Buffalo and Erie County both rebounded with Control Boards. How do the taxpayers in Chautauqua County get a Control Board?
JOHN NOVAK,
Silver Creek
