A teacher called in and said that she is tired of people who choose not to get a college education and have no right to complain about those who do. Unfortunately I do have a college education, but in this economy I can’t just go out and get another job because quite simply there aren’t that many out there. My employer has chosen, due to the economy, not to give raises for the last two years. With that in mind, to give 16 percent pay raises to teachers over the course of four years in unconscionable. The concept that taxpayer money is a never-ending deep pocket is preposterous. All the while, they continue to spend and spend tax dollars without a thought for other people who pay taxes who are not fortunate enough to get 16 percent raises over four years and who would be thrilled to get 4 percent over four years. C’mon. Stop looking at yourselves. Look at the folks around you who are paying your salaries. When you start paying mine, then I’ll be glad to give a 16 percent pay raise.
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Just returned from a driving trip in the state of Florida and am back home in Tonawanda. I went through six states and every state had gasoline at $2.70 a gallon or less. We are getting ripped off in New York! Write to your congressman.
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I hope that everybody realizes that when the Senate passes this health care bill, your average working person is going to pay $125 to $150 a week for health coverage, because most companies are going to opt out and pay the fine. It will be cheaper for them.
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So Mayor Soos doesn’t know why he lost the election. It’s called reassessment. Everybody’s taxes went up during the greatest recession since the great Depression. It’s called taxes, mayor. That’s why you lost the election. My school taxes went up more than $400. That’s why you lost.
Opinion
SOUND OFF: Published November 24
- Opinion
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HOPKINS: Big mistakes by Romney, Obama
Rick Santorum’s strong showing Tuesday in Minnesota, Missouri and Colorado should come as no surprise.
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Sound Off published Thursday, Feb. 9
If you keep taking signals down on Nash Road, it will become a regular speedway. Don’t forget: It’s still a city street, with side streets driveways and businesses.
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DUVALL: Church shouldn’t be forced to offer birth control
In announcing that the federal government will require religious institutions to provide free access to birth control, President Obama touched off a heated debate about religious freedom — one he is likely to lose.
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Sound Off published Wednesday, Feb. 8
I think the North Tonawanda school district should look into requiring school uniforms. I think if the school board members walked around the high school and saw how some of these students dress they’d be appalled, to say the least. No school dress code is being enforced. They should consider the pros and cons of bringing back school uniforms.
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OUR VIEW: Time is up for SPCA board
This is no time for subtleties or polite requests.
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CONFER: Time to end the NFL’s blackout rule
Long ago, in a much simpler time, ticket sales accounted for the majority of revenues for professional football teams.
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LEFFLER: Don’t wait to be productive
I’ve always been a bit of a night person. It started in college when I would stay up all hours of the night — doing homework. Or something.
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Sound Off published Tuesday, Feb. 7
I’m very grateful I can’t watch the Butterknives on TV anymore. I mean the Sabres, heh-heh.
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Sound Off published for Sunday Feb. 5
Bob Confer, looks like you did get a little help, regarding your unexpected sights in Niagara. Personally I don’t feel imperiled by bobcats, bears and other wild animals. But I am afraid of you and opinions.
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DUVALL: Immigration, not economy, could tip 2012 election
In a handful of swing states that will decide the election, immigration will play a large — perhaps even determining — role in whether Barack Obama gets another four years.
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