The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Sept. 16, 2011

Connecticut has made a start on addressing problems at the State Crime Lab in Meriden, which needs new staff and new funding to handle the huge increase in business it has been receiving as more and more police and prosecutors realize the benefits of forensics. It makes sense, also, to phase out state troopers from work at the lab, since the training they receive as law officers would seem to be quite different from that needed in this scientific environment.

Southington is being a little stand-offish about the perfectly legitimate expenses of the probate court, but that’s to be expected since that was how the situation worked out. The expenses are Southington’s whether the court is there or in Cheshire (and Southington could have made a better offer to house the court), and it’s going to be less than whatever it cost to have a separate court in Southington.

Wallingford’s decision to hold a vote on the parking issue a week after the general election has ruffled supporters’ feathers; they fear the needed 20 percent may not vote to make the poll valid. On the other hand, a separate election could be argued also to draw out supporters of an issue to a greater extent than those not involved or concerned, which might well improve chances of winning.

United Way of Meriden and Wallingford had its kickoff dinner and showcased the directors and officers of the non-profits the umbrella charity helps to fund. This is an important part of these agencies’ annual support process and deserves as much community support as everyone can provide.

The Connecticut state troopers union is fighting layoffs in court on the basis of a 1998 legislative mandate of a certain level of staffing. Troopers are one of the unions which turned down the budget deal and so do not – should not, perhaps – enjoy the same job protection of those unions which did embrace the deal.

Borders has closed its doors for good in the Westfield Meriden Shopping Town. This is a book we are sad to have reached the end of.

Push to add storm drain decals to alert Southington residents to where anything emptied into such a drain winds up. This is a worthwhile project, begun Saturday and continued . . . until it’s completed.

Band competitions are an increasing phenomenon and Maloney High School’s band program has been a mover and shaker in the process, bringing regular competitions to Falcon Field in Meriden. Let the music sound!