Lockport Union-Sun & Journal — CHEERS: In five months, we’ll be humming Christmas songs in anticipation of the big day. Among the tunes that will be stuck in our heads will be “Winter Wonderland.” Supporters of a new Winter Wonderland in Lowertown hope to transform a one-mile stretch of Market Street into an electric promenade for the Christmas season. This is a fantastic idea; it would compliment the annual Light Up Lockport event. If successful, it would be another reason for people to head downtown, and keep them there.

JEERS: Do our state legislators ever learn? OK, stupid question. But what gall they have to even suggest that they need a raise in pay. Of course none of them have said it out loud — hey, it’s an election year — but recent comments and activity in Albany suggest that our elected “leaders” will give themselves a nice financial pat on the back in a special legislative session, after the elections, mind you. We don’t care that it’s been 13 years since they received a raise. They’re doing far better on their $79,500 per year (plus stipends of up to $40,000) than most of us.

CHEERS: It just got a little easier to recycle those old electronic gadgets. The City of Lockport and Harrison Place have teamed up to provide residents with a drop-off point at the South Street entrance, from 10 a.m. to noon on the first and third Saturday. Televisions, computers, old VCRs and other items all contain materials that we either don’t want in landfills, or are no longer accepted by landfill operators. A company from suburban Rochester will collect what we no longer want or need. A clean, safe — and profitable — program makes for a win-win situation.

CHEERS: This isn’t a cheer but more of a tip of the cap to former mayor Kenneth Swan, who passed away last week. He had his detractors but also had many supporters. Mr. Swan oversaw the beginning of redevelopment efforts downtown and helped launch the restoration of the famed “Flight of Five” canal locks, just to name two accomplishments. People knew where they stood with him. If he felt something was right, it was right, and there was no changing his mind. If only there were more like him in this world of flip-flop politics.

CHEERS: A round of applause to the Lockport Public Library! Most people know that you can borrow DVDs, CDs and more, along side the rows of books and periodicals. However, dig a little deeper and you’ll find a building teeming with activity. For instance, a visit to a computer class this week found people from all walks of life looking to improve their computer skills, and the class was taught by people who made the class fun and interactive. Find some time to stop in and see what’s available.