Thumbs down: To the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system for continuing to pay bonuses during times of economic struggle for students and employees in its system.

The MnSCU board of trustees was soundly criticized last year for awarding bonuses to top officials in the central office as well as to presidents and some administrators on its campuses.

The trustees pointed out, reasonably, that the bonuses were part of a formal agreement that would provide incentive payments if officials met specific goals. Such a merit-pay system is a good motivator (so long as everyone who qualifies doesn’t get the “merit pay” no matter their accomplishments or lack thereof).

But considering the budgetary crisis in the state, skyrocketing tuition and the laying off of faculty and staff, the bonuses are unseemly and the trustees had time to change the practice.

College and university union members are protesting the trustee’s decision to again this year provide a bonus — $40,000 on top of a $360,000 salary — for Chancellor James McCormick.

The board needs to wake up and realize the bonuses are, in these times, symbolically and morally unacceptable.

Night to unite change makes sense

Thumbs up: To the Mankato Department of Public Safety and Director Todd Miller for changing the date of the Night to Unite event in Mankato to late August so area college students could be involved.

The traditional event, previously called National Night Out, is designed to get neighbors to know each other and be familiar with law enforcement in their area. It’s a solid event for community building.

Miller said this change is one way the city can move toward more of a community policing strategy that is aimed at preventing crime rather than reacting to it once it happens.

Creating a dialogue between area college students and local residents can only benefit the public safety situation and promote community policing.

Editorial board

Hats off to those who make Fun Days fun

Thumbs up: We want to thank everyone who made North Mankato’s Fun Days an enjoyable experience for us again this year.

This is a celebration we always look forward to because it truly has that Norman Rockwell, small-town Americana feel to it — where neighbors and friends come together.

As we walked along the parade route, we talked to many friends and neighbors, then found a spot with plenty of shade. We love the parade and look forward to seeing certain entries each year. The addition of two percussion groups this year was fun to watch. Also, Belgrade Methodist Church selling food was a great addition.

In the evening, we ventured down to Wheeler Park where we met another set of friends and listened to City Mouse and IV Play.

We have attended many celebrations and parades over the years, and Fun Days is always the best.

When we were enjoying ourselves, we weren’t thinking of the effort that went into putting on this four-day event: the organizers, volunteers, police reserves, crews, vendors, musicians and others.

Our hats go off to all who had to come together first before we could enjoy it.

Shari and

Bill Frederickson

North Mankato

Informative article helpful for voters

Thumbs up: I recently wrote a letter to The Free Press editor outlining the frequent lack of reporting on important political issues and our elected officials’ positions and voting records.

By contrast, the front-page article Sunday on the various issues and positions confronting the Randy Demmer, Rep. Tim Walz 1st District campaign was an excellent beginning in reversing that trend. I thought the article to be fair and balanced, and it briefly covered many of the important issues and both candidates’ positions.

That should lend itself to a more informed public on Election Day, providing the public is willing to search and investigate for even more information beyond just the coming political party campaign ad talking points.

Wayne Comstock

North Mankato