Bee Editorial
Prevent fires this holiday season
      While many folks celebrate the holidays with Christmas trees, Hanukkah bushes and other decorative foliage, it is important to note that trees sometimes cause home fires resulting in injury or death, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
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Spindle items
JACK SHARPE
DAVID F. SHERMAN Managing Editor
      No one dominated the office of Amherst town supervisor like Jack Sharpe did. You could look back over the names of the men and women who have run the town since its inception and none would have the authority, determination and nerve that he did.
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Out of the Past
      125 Years Ago Dec. 15, 1881 We really must economize somewhere! Yes, indeed, we must! But I’m sure we are neither of us extravagant. We must eat, we must drink and we must live. Probably nothing tires one as much as feeling hurried.
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Spitzer collecting substance points on way to governor’s mansion
BRIAN ACKLEY Political Columnist
      Like they did with the Beatles at Shea Stadium, voters and the media have an ongoing love fest with Gov.-elect Eliot Spitzer that at the moment appears to have no bounds. But what exactly is the over-under on just how long his honeymoon will last?
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Sound financial practices, community input keys to budget
HOWARD S. SMITH Williamsville School Superintendent
      With the holiday season as the backdrop, this is a busy time of year for all of us. It also marks the time when public school districts across New York State are immersed in the challenge of developing fiscal plans for the upcoming school year.
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County makes gains in 2006 — more expected in 2007
JOEL GIAMBRA Erie County Executive
      As 2006 comes to an end, it is time to take a look back at the gains we have made. It was a year that saw the County of Erie regain sound financial footing and make for a bright future. Despite a political climate that predicted higher deficits and doom and gloom, we will end the year with $30 mil...
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A thankful director bids farewell to library system
MARY F. BOBINSKI Director Amherst Libraries
      Iwill be retiring by the end of the year as thedirector of the Amherst Public Library following 33 years of service. But, I will always support public library service as a private citizen.
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