To the 175-plus area residents who showed up at the first Envision 2020 meeting to discuss the region’s future.

The impressive turnout at the long-term planning meeting is an enthusiastic endorsement from the community that we need to direct where this region is going. The vice president of the National Civic League, who is facilitating the project, said that of the 52 communities in the nation he has worked with, the Mankato meeting was the biggest turnout he’s seen.

Over and over again community members demonstrate they care about their home. They serve on foundations, committees and volunteer time for endless projects and groups. And now many of those dedicated people, as well as newcomers, support Envision 2020’s goal of figuring out the future.

It’s a daunting task, but the area demonstrated when it tackled Act 2000 that it’s up for the job. And the attendance at the first Envision 2020 meeting on Thursday shows that this region is more than ready to do it again.

Thumbs down

To businesses and residents who haven’t bothered to clear their sidewalks. The thawing and freezing process has left some sidewalks a mess with lots of slick ice and puddles to maneuver around.

If residents are unable to clear sidewalks because of physical limitations, that’s one thing (and organizations such as VINE can lend a hand), but that isn’t likely the case for the numerous sidewalks in the area that remained uncleared.

Some motorists who drive everywhere may find it hard to believe, but there are a lot of people who walk to where they need to go. Some who choose to. Some who have to. Not only is it common courtesy to keep walkways clear, local city ordinances require it.

The cities do their part in clearing sidewalks on bridges and other public walkways; now it’s the private land owners who need to step up and make sure stepping is safe.