Who invited whom?

Martin County Highway Engineer Kevin Peyman will cast a crooked eye at any invitations he gets in the next several months. Peyman was invited to union gatherings of his subordinates in September. There, he reportedly offered information on how to disband the union.

Now the parent union representing those employees -AFSCME - has sued, claiming unfair labor practices.

The county plans to defend itself, as it should. This all sounds like a difference of opinion between the union and its local members. They need to work it out.

Why's he even out?

A civil commitment case against a local sexual predator - John Wesley Hope Cox - was dismissed this week because Cox, 71, is in poor medical condition. Authorities believe Cox's health will keep him from living alone and, presumably, out of trouble.

That seems reasonable, but not particularly satisfying. Cox raped an 11-year-old girl in 1993. His criminal history includes several more sexual assaults against children, male and female.

Cox has served an 11-year sentence and now could be released. That's ridiculous. He should die behind bars.

Ethics? Responsibility?

One would think a group calling itself "Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington" would have more important things to do. The group this week lamented the fact that U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., allegedly committed hyper-technical violations of House rules when she conducted a huge rally against Democratic health care plans on Nov. 5.

Responsibility? Ethics? How about those who voted for the health care bill without reading it? How about the nightmarish nature of out-of-control federal spending?

Hey, CREW: Buy a clue.

Right to extend loan

Fairmont's Economic Development Authority did the right thing this week in extending a loan for local manufacturer D&B Plastics.

This firm has been an exemplary debtor that is now facing some tougher times. Extending the loan creates an opportunity for D&B to bounce back, while also improving the chances that the EDA will recoup all of its financing.

Having the city in position of banker is not ideal, but sound decisions like this one deserve support.