Lockport Union-Sun & Journal — Cheers:

Desiree Wiley, a Lockport native, recently placed fourth runner up in the Miss New York State Pageant. Not only did she finish in the top 5, Miss Wiley won the swimsuit and evening gown competitions. A recent graduate of Buffalo State College, Miss Wiley has been competing in pageants for several years and has always made Lockport proud. A wonderful result for a wonderful young woman.

Jeers:

To pool repairs at Lockport High School. The pool seems to have been nothing but trouble from the start. Just three years ago, the roof had to be repaired because it had been damaged by moisture. Imagine that, moisture associated with a swimming pool! This time, water has seeped into the exterior walls, causing bricks to fall out. The problem doesn’t pose a safety threat, but come on! If it had been done right the first time, there would be no problem to deal with today. Someone deserves a failing grade for this mess.

Cheers:

Great Lakes Surgical Associates recently opened its East Avenue facility with a public open house. A tour found that plenty of thought went into its planning. Everything is state-of-the-art and the entire building has a welcoming vibe to it, an important accomplishment considering its visitors are there for surgical procedures. Not to be forgotten is the fact that the group took a blighted piece of property on the edge of downtown and turned it into something good.

Cheers:

To all members of the area’s Class of 2012. From Lockport to Roy-Hart to Barker, Starpoint, WIlson and Newfane all of the grads deserve a round of applause. High school isn’t always easy, and we’re not just talking about academics. They’ve been in their own little social network for four years and now they’re stepping out, spreading their wings to see what the world has to offer thme.We wish them well with whatever the future may hold for them, be it college the military, the workforce or any other venture. Good job!

Jeers: To the Supreme Court and its ruling last week in the Citizens United case that corporations are “citizens” and need not be held to spending limits when it comes to campaign contributions. The decision also struck down key provisions of the 2002 McCain-Feingold law limiting political spending. This decision makes it more difficult for the average American to have his voice heard in political races that are increasingly moving to the biggest spenders on both sides of the political spectrum.