Buffalo News Editorials
It seems to us . . .
LEADERSHIP LAPSE: At last, bipartisanship in Albany. Both parties are dissing the governor. (Updated: 11/07/09 8:38 AM )
Fighting pneumonia
In today's technologically charged environment, it's easy to forget that there are
struggling nations still lacking access to the most basic health care — and that many of
the world's children are suffering, as a result. (Updated: 11/05/09 9:52 PM )
A reform for health insurers
Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo last week unveiled his latest reform of an industry in need of supervision. This time, following his upending of the college loan scam, he has targeted health insurers. (Updated: 11/06/09 6:58 AM )
States should decide usage laws
At last, some common sense about medical marijuana, and from the federal government, no less. Unlike its interventionist predecessor, the Obama administration has decided to be conservative about this controversial issue, and leave state business to the states. (Updated: 11/05/09 7:23 AM )
Approve the shield law
After a few weeks of confusion and apprehension about counterproductive revisions, the
White House, Congress and the news media have agreed to a federal shield law that balances the
legitimate and constitutional needs of both journalists and the courts. The bill is now ready
for consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee, which should promptly approve it. (Updated: 11/04/09 9:57 PM )
Fix the HUD program
Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown continues to take heat over the handling, or mishandling, of
federal anti-poverty funds. He has inherited many of the problems, which date back through
earlier administrations — but he also has inherited the duty to fix them, and it's about
time somebody got that job done. (Updated: 11/04/09 11:20 AM )
Smoking laws saving lives
Where there’s smoke, there are heart attacks. (Updated: 11/04/09 12:00 PM )
Setting schools' course
Gov. David A. Paterson made a striking reference a few months ago to New York's education
system, calling it "world class." What was most striking about it was that here, "world class"
would translate to a city high school graduation rate of 52 percent compared to 70.9 percent
statewide. World class, indeed. (Updated: 11/02/09 10:37 PM )
Lawsuit should fail
We’ve reached a new low in pettiness. Two drivers—at least, we presume they’re drivers—are suing the New York State Thruway Authority to whine about the toll discount given to residents of Grand Island. Boo hoo. (Updated: 11/03/09 7:10 AM )
News endorsements
Here are the candidates endorsed by The Buffalo News in Tuesday's election.
The list, comprised of candidates facing active major-party opposition, is
intended to aid voters in their evaluation of those seeking office. Whether
you agree or disagree with our recommendations, we urge you to go to the polls
and take part in our democratic process of government. (Updated: 11/01/09 11:08 PM )
Art gallery gets a new leader
Moving a more than century-old institution into the next phase of its existence can be akin to moving mountains, even when that institution is not wedded so much to tradition as it is to exploration. The job is a difficult but not impossible task when it’s undertaken by those with enough faith and energy to get the job done. (Updated: 11/02/09 9:40 AM )
Oversight, not bonuses
It’s amazing, the human capacity not to learn. It’s been well established in this country that if you abuse the public, politicians who are eager to curry favor with voters will respond. It’s happened over and over and it’s happening again now. (Updated: 11/01/09 6:45 AM )
Consider the propositions
The problem with the propositions on New York State ballots — Erie County voters will
be asked to rule on at least three of them Tuesday — is that they are mostly unfamiliar,
often unreadable and even the best of them can fall victim to a reflexive "hell, no" vote if
the electorate doesn't know what it's being asked to approve. (Updated: 10/30/09 10:43 PM )
It seems to us . . .
MESSAGE FROM ABOVE: We feel for the investors who delivered their delayed down payment for the Statler on Wednesday—just hours before a chunk of the cornice fell off, smashing on the street far below. (Updated: 10/31/09 7:49 AM )
County Legislature races
All 15 Erie County Legislature seats are on the ballot this year, but there are real
contests in only 10 of them. Incumbents Tim Kennedy (D, 2nd District), Barbara Miller-Williams
(D, 3rd), Maria Whyte (D, 6th), Betty Jean Grant (D, 7th) and John Mills (R, 13th) have no
major challenges. (Updated: 10/30/09 12:49 PM )
