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Thumbs up for stop signs. Granted, there’s more than a few us who can get irate over the idea of stop signs. In a go, go, go society, we all like to get to our destination as soon as possible, but in this case the addition to stop signs at uncontrolled intersections in Austin is a good thing, especially considering the changes to traffic patterns for the foreseeable future. Sure, it may take us a little bit longer to get to places, but we’ll be safer in the long run.

Thumbs up for Merry & Bright. The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center will be holding its annual Merry & Bright Night on Dec. 10 and we can assure you it’s well worth the drive. While there are many events that are worthy of attention, this night is one of those that will allow a person to appreciate nature outdoors in the winter as well as celebrate the season.

Thumbs down for less wiggle room. On Wednesday, it was announced that the latest Minnesota budget update shows $1.1 billion less than a prior forecast allowing just a $616 million cushion barring any more changes. Democrats have championed the spending of past surpluses when they’ve had control while Republicans have been highly critical of the spending. With a far more balanced legislature, this is a chance for a truly bipartisan effort to ensure everything is fairly considered in the state of Minnesota. It’s a hefty burden of proof in a fairly cynical political climate.

Thumbs up for waiting. It’s not necessarily bad to wait on something if you think passing it is a rush job. Quite frankly, the state’s effort to straighten out its own legalization of cannabis in Minnesota has been abysmal. It’s been plagued with indecision, a rush forward before anything is really set in stone and leaving communities and counties to try and figure out what the state really wants. Earlier in the week the Austin City Council chose to hold off on passing a cannabis ordinance to better get a hold of buffers and setbacks from other businesses. With a judge pausing a lottery to distribute the first licenses, the council took advantage of the extra time to put more work into it. Providing it doesn’t take on an unnecessary protracted effort in getting the things figured out, it’s better to make sure there is a consensus rather than following the state’s example and rush into anything.