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The OBSERVER’s View

DUNKIRK No holiday spirit in tax increase

City of Dunkirk taxpayers have a real lump of coal in their stockings this Christmas. Despite months of knowing about the fiscal crisis, elected officials did nothing to hold constituents harmless when it came to passing the buck. On Saturday, council approved an 84% property tax increase. ...

POWER Hochul’s veto on grid disappoints

The New York Independent System Operator continues to raise concerns about the reliability of the state’s electric grid in coming years - particularly in New York City - as questions continue to arise about the planning behind New York’s transition to an emissions-free power grid. It’s ...

COUNTY: No minimizing big money woes

About a decade ago when Vince Horrigan served as Chautauqua County executive, our newspaper did an editorial referencing how this area’s curse is minimizing continuing tax increases. At that time, Horrigan noted the county tax rate was increasing by pennies per $1,000 of assessed ...

Nation: Cabinet nominees deserve hearings

With plenty of buzz surrounding President-elect Donald Trump’s planned nominees for cabinet positions, it is understandable for opinions to form early. West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice was right, then, to suggest the candidates named should be given a chance. “He’s got to appoint the team ...

HANOVER Keeping fire plans on front burner

Credit to Hanover for continuing to stay on top of the possibility of consolidating fire departments. As we have already seen with the North Lake Fire District, which is made up of Mayville, Dewittville and Hartfield, there are benefits. This week, town Supervisor Lou Pelletter reported he ...

DUNKIRK Overtime issue is costly to city

It is not only the lack of oversight with city budgets that has been troubling the city of Dunkirk in recent years. During this week’s Finance Committee meeting, another revelation came to light: the city is not properly keeping track of overtime. What other disaster is on the ...