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Et Cetera …

Lawmakers need raise

It was reported recently that a new citizen commission in Minnesota has begun the process of whether to raise the pay of state lawmakers.

Former lawmakers have testified before the group, and even they disagree over lawmaker pay, and whether to raise it. Is it a part-time job or a full-time job that pays too little to attract enough candidates from a broad swath of life? We believe the latter to be true.

The council should raise lawmaker pay significantly, and probably do away with daily stipends and allowances.

Trump keeping promises

President Donald Trump held a lengthy press conference this week, lambasting the media for biased coverage and answering questions in his normal, combative style.

We believe that as a matter of style, the new administration comes up a little short sometimes. They are not smooth, well-rehearsed or public relations savvy. But Trump makes a good point on matters of substance. He says he made promises on the campaign trail and he is actually fulfilling them. No one should be surprised by the executive orders he has signed or the legislative goals he supports.

Federalism would work

Obamacare has to go. It has driven up insurance premiums and pushed many insurers out of the system, because they cannot afford to keep taking losses.

Republicans in Congress are seeking a way to repeal and replace Obamacare, but apparently are having a difficult time finding a solution. There is an easy one: federalism. By which we mean turn the matter over to the states, which can develop their own plans or choose not to. Minnesota was doing just fine prior to Obamacare.

The massive federal government solution has failed. It’s time to move on.

School to hire officer

The Fairmont Area School Board this week approved a $50,000 outlay for the employment of a school resource officer in the next school year. The city would fund the other half of the cost.

A school resource officer is a police officer who works at the school, as a reassuring presence but also as someone who can connect with teens and help guide them away from trouble. The school has had a resource officer in the past, and he was a valuable asset who was well-respected. He was able to help in the maturation process for many young people.

Kudos to the school and city for this move. It will pay important dividends.

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