Hochul's favorability ratings are her highest since taking office in new Siena poll...
Governor Kathy Hochul has her highest-ever favorability rating and holds a wide lead over Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman in a hypothetical race for New York governor. That from a Siena University poll of registered voters released Tuesday. The poll says Hochul has a 49% favorability rating, the first time she has hit 49%%. The Buffalo-area Democrat holds a 26-point lead over Blakeman, 54%-28%... and, among Democrats, holds a 53-point lead, 64%-11% over her only challenger from the left, Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. The Siena poll says when it comes to the latest federal issues, New Yorkers don’t like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the poll found, with only 28% supporting it and 67% opposed to it. The poll also found that President Donald Trump remains largely unpopular in his home state... with a 33% favorability rating, virtually unchanged from December. Siena pollster Steven Greenberg says... "while a 49%-40% favorability rating is not generally seen as something to gloat about, for Hochul it is a net 7-point gain from December, but more noteworthy is the fact that it is the first time in four and a half years as governor that Hochul has had 49% of voters view her favorably in a Siena poll.
Boil Water Order Lifted... but, Conserve Water Order Remains For Fredonia Village Water customers...
The Chautauqua County Health Department, and, the village of Fredonia have now lifted the boil water order for all Village of Fredonia water customers, including customers within the town of Pomfret. Officials say the issue at the treatment plant has been corrected and the water main leaks have been repaired. Two consecutive days of testing indicate that the water in the distribution system is safe for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, making coffee, etc. However... they add that the Mandatory Water Conservation Order remains in effect for all water customers. The large water main break, along with the smaller leaks, caused substantial water loss in the system and the water treatment plant is still working to refill the storage tanks. All Village of Fredonia water customers - both residential and commercial - must take steps to reduce water usage. These restrictions will remain in place until further notice.
Some ways to conserve water:
* Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth, shaving, or washing dishes.
* Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads.
* Take short showers; turn off water while lathering.
* Skip pre-rinsing dishes; most dishwashers can remove food particles and stains without pre-rinsing.
* Use disposable plates, cups, and utensils.
* Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator or microwave - not under running water.
* Clean vegetables in a bowl of water, not under the tap.
* Do not wash vehicles.
Village officials will provide updates on the conserve water order as they are available. For more information, residents should call the Village of Fredonia at (716) 679-2307 and Chautauqua County Health Department permitted facilities can call the Health Department directly at (716) 753-4481.
Legislature approves creating intermediate, DMV "Senior Motor Vehicle Representative" position...
The three Chautauqua County Department of Motor Vehicle offices will now be able to have someone carrying out both "front-line" service, and operational supervision duties. That from County Clerk Greg Carlson... who explained the reason for establishing a "Senior Motor Vehicle Represenative" position in Jamestown, Dunkirk and Mayville. The legislature recently approved the measure, 18-to-0... which he says will provide a back-up to the supervisor for audits, overrides, and operational management of the operations. Carlson says there are a total of 16 front-line service representatives that work the three DMV offices. He says there are six each in Jamestown and Dunkirk... and, four in Mayville. There will be a supervisor and two DMV "Reps" in those two offices. There would be on in Mayville. Carlson emphasized during questioning about the position that there would be no one new hired... adding this would be a promotion to an intermediate position. He says it will help in keeping the Mayville office open after illness forced it's closing for two days a week during part of December.
Geise says IDA approves PILOT program for new behavior health facility moving into former Lakeshore Hospital...
A major project to redevelop the former Lake Shore Hospital building in Irving has taken another step forward. On Tuesday.... the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency Board of Directors approved a 15-year, adaptive re-use Payment in-Lieu of Tax incentive, a sales tax abatement and mortgage tax exemption for Main Road Med Group, LLC, which will lease the facility to New York Medical Center. IDA Chief Executive Officer Mark Geise says the facility will become a behavioral health center when the approximately $42-million project is completed... with 180 beds. Geise says the project will create about 300 permanent health care-related jobs and 121 temporary construction jobs.
Comedy Center leads voting for USA Today's "Best Pop Culture Museum...
Voting is continuing for another week nationallly to name the "Best Pop Culture Museum..." and, the National Comedy Center in Jamestown is currently leading the pack of 20 candidates. Comedy Center spokesperson Megan Eckwahl says they're asking for continued support from area residents to help it secure first place. Eckwahl says you can go to the Comedy Center's website to cast your vote by Feb. 9. She says there are some really strong candidates the Comedy Center is trying to beat out. She says the winner of the USA Today 10Best poll will be announced on Feb. 18.
