It is very well known that locals develop a negative attitude toward new businesses that come here. That is one of many reasons why new businesses hesitate to come to North Tonawanda. The citizens of North Tonawanda do not realize how the rest of Western New York looks at their community. I was a part of a conversation where I was discussing with other businessmen and women about developing business in North Tonawanda. Most all of the members of this discussion told me, “Why would I bring my business to that crazy little town?” “The locals all live in the past and do not trust new people that move into their community.”

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I hear people discussing tax increases and why they go up every year. This is not a simple answer, but new business development will help keep taxes from rising over time. It will bring new technology and new jobs that are so desperately needed to stimulate the local economy. I also hear people complaining why their kids and grandchildren have had to leave the area to find employment. Stop killing your community and work towards promoting it and inviting new businesses to develop here.The young people of this community need to get involved and help educate the people in this community to stop killing new opportunities for your future and your children’s future.

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I am not one to rock the boat but enough is enough. The parks supervisor has decided that the ice skating rink at Felton Field doesn’t need to go up. His company line is ”We don’t have enough manpower.” Correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t that your JOB? If you aren’t providing the public the services in your job description, then we don’t need you. When people look for a community to live in, they do check for recreation options. And, when we are told that a rink will be erected each winter, we expect it. Seriously, how long does it take to screw a frame together and flood the area? Just because it doesn’t interest you, you have no right to deny the residents a rink.

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I’m glad they are going to be building that Walmart off Erie Avenue, but I think that they should also build another one because some of us older folks don’t travel very well. We could always use another one maybe on Nash Road.

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Republicans only help the rich. Republicans are hateful obstructionists, they only give to the rich, not to the needy. They can steal elections but they can’t govern.

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How did the pothole killer work out last year? I’m noticing that the DPW is back out again, and I asked one of the gentlemen and he said that it didn’t work out that well last year.

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Obama sure fixed my health plan. My monthly premium went from $55 a month to $87 a month. My one prescription went from $25 to $42. He didn’t bother to give me a penny raise in my Social Security check. I’d be better off dropping my insurance and paying the fine that he is thinking of slapping on people.