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Et Cetera …

Blue Earth eyes housing

The city of Blue Earth is delving into possible ideas to increase the availability of housing in town. Townhomes and multi-family options are being considered. The local Housing and Redevelopment Authority has acquired property and is now looking to move forward.

Housing is a critical component in any city’s attempts to accommodate new residents and new businesses. Housing can develop on its own, but not always. If the city is seeing the demand without the supply following, it is wise to help foster it.

Worth taking a look

Martin County commissioners this week asked the county engineer about the possibility of lowering the speed limit on the west end of Fairmont in the industrial park along County Road 26. It turns out the state would have to examine the situation and make a determination about whether the speed limit is currently too high.

We do consider it worthwhile to contemplate the appropriate speed through the industrial park, given the traffic, which includes many employees and larger industrial vehicles. It could be worthwhile to have the state complete a study.

School develops plan

Fairmont Area Schools continues to work on its long-range strategic plan. The district hosted a meeting this week to reveal survey results of two separate groups: school staff and district residents. The surveys offered praise and criticism, all of which helps give school leaders some important perspectives.

We encourage districts residents who have not thus far been involved in this process to consider stepping in. The next public planning session will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, at Fairmont Elementary School.

State should set wage

The Minnesota Legislature is working on a bill that would prohibit local units of government from setting their own minimum wage and paid sick leave rules. This is important legislation that Gov. Mark Dayton needs to sign.

Without this law, businesses in the state will face a massive and confusing burden of inconsistent labor regulations. To do this to businesses harms not only them but the workers they employ or would employ.

Businesses do not have to locate in Minnesota, especially when there are other states that would welcome them with open arms. Do we want to support commerce here or not?

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