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Opinion

State Lawmakers Don’t Deserve A $42K Pay Raise

In Our Opinion

Surely, New York’s Democrats can’t be serious with yet another proposal to increase legislative salaries. Unfortunately, at least one is. Sen. James Sanders, D-South Ozone Park, is proposing a new increase in lawmakers’ salaries from $142,000 to $180,000. We’d say the bill is an April Fool’s Day joke, but it was introduced March 2 instead of April 1. It’s only been three years since state legislators gave themselves a $32,000 raise in exchange for a $35,000 limit on outside income. Sanders says state lawmakers have earned the raise by overseeing one of the largest state ...

No, The City Isn’t Coming For Christmas Decorations, Displays

In Our Opinion

Well, that quick City Council Housing Committee discussion escalated quickly. We don’t think the City Council is coming for the Christmas displays that everyone enjoys in December. Nor do we think the city is going to all of the sudden start issuing code violation citations for Halloween or Fourth of July displays. By and large, people enjoy holiday decorations. Even the grinchiest curmudgeon in our midst can find a little joy in a beautiful Christmas display on a cold December night. You don’t have to be Jack Skellington to appreciate a neighbor’s Halloween when taking the ...

Progress May Be Coming On Dunkirk Code Blue Sites

In Our Opinion

We’ve been critical of the lack of progress on transitional housing programs for the homeless in Chautauqua County in recent weeks. Transitional housing is still moving too slowly for our liking, but it’s good to see the county beginning to push for increased services in the north county. Jamestown’s homeless population exploded over the past few years, but the issue is becoming more pronounced in the north county too. We have to give credit where it’s due. And it’s good to see the county is working to find a Code Blue site for the north county similar to the ROME shelter ...

The Sweetness Of March

Local Commentaries

By Margot Russell In March, winter never really loosens its grip—not in Western New York. It just shifts its weight. One day the snow softens and slides off the roof in heavy sheets, the next morning it’s back again—hard, frozen, and stubborn as ever. The calendar says spring, but no one here believes it. Not yet. Still, something begins to change. You hear it first—the birds returning, tentative at first, like they’re not entirely convinced either. Then a warmer afternoon arrives, and for a moment, just a moment, you feel it—the possibility of something beyond all ...

From One ‘Middle’ Paul To Another

Local Commentaries

In 1969, Noel Paul Stookey wrote a song and first performed it at the wedding of his Peter, Paul and Mary folk bandmate, Peter Yarrow’s, marriage to the niece of Senator Eugene McCarthy, Mary McCarthy. In 1971, it was released as a single, later added to his solo album titled “Paul and,” and has become one of the most played songs at weddings. The song is titled, “The Wedding Song (This is Love).” It reportedly, came from divine inspiration in a time of Stookey’s religious awakening, from what he deeply felt was an answer to a prayer. The song references some of the words of ...

What’s A ‘Studshaker’?

Local Commentaries

In February 1852, two brothers began making horse-drawn wagons and buggies in South Bend, Indiana. They eventually transitioned to building automobiles, including electric and gas-powered vehicles. Nearly 160 years later my family attended an auto show in Western New York state where we experienced one of those vehicles for the very first time. Its shiny red paint, clean lines, and chrome trim, reflecting the sun and highlighting its recently waxed exterior, caught the attention of many onlookers. While exploring the car’s meticulous craftsmanship, its make, year, and model ...