With the opening of the 2005 Minnesota legislative session, let’s hope the officials elected to serve the people will serve them better this year. Last year’s session was a dismal failure to accomplish this important mission.

Progress must be made on the bonding bill, healthcare, transportation and so many other topics vital to residents of Greater Minnesota, indeed all state residents.

The optimism expressed by legislators Tuesday that this session would

generate non-partisan action was refreshing. Let’s see if they can live up to their promises as the session advances.

Some of these officials may find it easy to bow to personal antagonisms which tend to stall action. But if they keep their eye on the objective &045; to improve the quality of life for Minnesotans &045; it should be easy find compromises that will provide win-win solutions for the state.

We also remain optimistic that legislators will make good on their first-day-of-session promises and will produce some sound, logical action to the benefit of the state.