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Opinion

Tax cuts are only for the rich

Local Commentaries

All we ever hear from Republicans is, we must deny benefits in order to reduce taxes. In reality our tax system is forever increasing taxes on those who have the least and reducing taxes for those that have the most. In fact many of the wealthiest people in this country pay no income tax, at all. If people really cared about reducing their tax burden, they would stop voting for those who deny earned benefits to those with lower incomes, so grants and contracts can be provided to those who already have all the money. In theory we have a progressive system of taxation. Since the ...

The post-commercial air service future is here for county

In Our Opinion

It should come as no surprise to anyone except the most ardent supporters of the Jamestown Airport that the federal government has once again declined to restore the airport’s Essential Air Service subsidy. We noted last year that the number of passengers had decreased in the latest Essential Air Service proposal while the amount of the federal government’s subsidy was projected to increase. That was hardly the best way to show the federal government that there was so much pent-up demand locally that the Jamestown airport would be able to average 10 passengers per flight and a ...

Greatest indicator of upward mbility may be surprising

Local Commentaries

CHAUTAUQUA—What’s the greatest indicator of children’s upward mobility? Think about that. What do you suppose the answer is? American Enterprise Institute fellow Naomi Schaefer Riley raised that question during her presentation to Advocates for Balance at Chautauqua, or ABC, on July ...

Feather in cap of serving becomes heavy lift

Editor's Corner

Being elected to serve on a municipal board does not appear to come with the prestige it once brought in Chautauqua County. Instead, it often brings oversized headaches. Within the last year, especially in the north county, debates with the public have become almost as fractured as partisan ...

City housing problem is driven by an economy problem

In Our Opinion

It is little secret that affordable housing in Jamestown is a problem, though in recent years the affordable housing crunch has shown up most publicly in the number of people being housed in hotels and motels throughout the county. So it is little surprise why documentary photographer Karen Lippowiths would want to spend time in the city as part of her newest project, Extended Stay. Work on the exhibit will cross 13 states and 30 cities across Appalachia, from New York to Mississippi, starting earlier this week with a two-day stop in Jamestown. The project will document what ...

Safety net shortfall puts GOP’s stance on reserve fund to test

In Our Opinion

There was an interesting debate during a recent Chautauqua County Legislature meeting over the county’s ever-escalating safety net program costs. Lawmakers delayed a vote in June on a resolution that would have spent a $2.8 million from the county’s surplus to pay for safety net costs that are coming in much higher than the amounts budgeted for when the legislature approved the 2026 budget. According to the county’s website, Safety Net Assistance is for individuals who are not eligible for other assistance programs. It is a state- and local-funded program for: Single adults; ...