Fair always outstanding

We would not expect otherwise, but the Martin County Fair again proved excellent this year. Kudos to fair organizers who have maintained their winning formula for many years now.

Visiting the fair, one finds a wide range of people, from the very young getting their first taste of cotton candy, to the very old feeling young again, and all those in between.

The fair's appeal lies in its mix of attractions, as well as its reputation as a gathering place to see old friends. We wish continued success to this great event.

Walz takes questions

Citizens of the 1st Congressional District in Minnesota deserve praise for their impassioned yet civil tone at a health care forum in Mankato this week. Those in attendance let out some boos and cheers, but did not try to hijack the meeting away from Congressman Tim Walz, who was trying to gain some public input.

Health care reform is a daunting task and a controversial subject, and it has been generating quite a bit of emotion. Walz says he understands. We appreciate his efforts in putting this meeting together. He could have chosen to avoid it, but didn't.

Disappointing news

We don't like reading about one of our area industries having to pay a huge fine ($150,000) for creating environmental damage. It is disheartening and creates doubt in citizens' minds about what other industries are doing. That sets back progress on the environment and deregulation.

The Corn Plus ethanol plant in Winnebago allegedly discharged a pollutant into Rice Lake. It pleaded guilty to just that.

We hope Corn Plus has learned a lesson, and that all area businesses and industries take their responsibilities seriously. Bad behavior hurts more than the environment.

No guarantee, either way

The Faribault County Economic Development Authority has OK'd a deal with a private development group - Go Minnesota. That's just fine with us.

For a small fee, a private development group can offer many services and conduct its affairs in a different way, which may be of interest to an incoming business. While there have been some objections about public dollars going to a private group, it's not as if questions can't be raised about public dollars funding a public EDA, which may or may not produce results.