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Letters To The Editor

Voting is free speech and should be protected as such To The Reader’s Forum: Why aren’t voters and their votes protected by the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment? When we vote, we speak; we express in writing whom we want to represent us and whom we do not want to represent us, based on shared political values. According to the Supreme Court, independent expenditures for political communications by corporate, organizational, and other wealthy donors, is protected Free Speech (Citizens United decision). Why not voters and their votes? Aren’t they more ...

Blakeman deserves a chance despite flaws

In Our Opinion

Voters across the state need to be realistic when deciding upon the race for New York state’s top position. No matter who wins, there will still be mandates and growing local property taxes. Neither incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul or challenger Bruce Blakeman are addressing those crises facing residents, counties, municipalities and school districts. Instead, this race has come down to personalities. In Hochul’s eyes, her challenger is a President Donald Trump disciple. On the opposing side, Blakeman has used a line from Trump’s “Apprentice” shows that is resonating with his ...

E-bikes: The “Wild West”

Local Commentaries

Few things are scarier than driving your car and then suddenly realizing there is an e-bike coming at you heading the wrong way on a one-way street. In eight years as a City Court Judge (2014-2021) handling Vehicle and Traffic tickets, among many other duties, there were no obvious issues with e-bikes and e-scooters. I do not recall a single traffic ticket related to the operation of an e-bike or e-scooter. Now everyday exposes area drivers to encountering e-bikes going against traffic, blowing past red lights and stop signs, randomly alternating between traveling on sidewalks and ...

Changing stories on high gas prices

Local Commentaries

Mr. Trump’s diesel deal with Putin will force Americans to fund both sides of the Iran war and finance the ongoing slaughter of Ukrainian civilians by Russia. It is blood money that will fund Putin's war economy. Russia in turn will continue to support Iran with intel and weaponry that will be used against U.S. military personnel and assets and our allies in the region. It’s not just (another) massive strategic blunder; It is morally repugnant. Blaming Ukraine for high diesel prices is a talking point straight from the Kremlin. It brings to mind the old Soviet joke “The past is ...

Giving thanks for those who grow Lakewood’s flowers

Letters To The Editor

To The Reader’s Forum: I am writing this in regard to the flowers that cover Chautauqua Avenue in Lakewood all the way from Fairmount Ave to Hartley Park. There are a number of people that deserve a thanks. Number one is Mike from Mikes Nursery. Year after year Mike donates all the flowers that are seen planted in all the flower boxes in the main business avenue. Also the Lakewood sign area at the top of Chautauqua Avenue is full of different flowers. At Harley Park in the new flower area it is also filled with beautiful different flowers. Thank you, Mike. To Jim at the DPW, it ...

Langworthy has earned two more years in Congress

In Our Opinion

Facing long odds in the race for Congressional District 23, challenger Aaron Gies is to be commended for his tireless efforts on the campaign trail over the last four months. He has held numerous town hall meetings from Erie to Tioga County during the summer and fall. His major talking points at the meetings are all hot-button issues this election. Those include health care, education and preserving the region’s agricultural base. “I am running for Congress because I believe every person in this district deserves to have a representative who shows up, listens, and works with ...