The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Feb. 8, 2012

Concern over the size regulations and reimbursements at Meriden’s high schools is legitimate, especially in regard to costs. Yet it does seem silly if the whole project rises or falls depending on the number of seats in the auditorium, and even sillier that such a standard sets the limit at one-third of the student body: in that regard, note Washington Middle School.

David Ellis, the “barefoot hiker” who is president of Wallingford’s Land Trust, is a great asset to that organization and a devoted hiker, and that’s wonderful. Yet though we are very glad to hear that in a decade of barefooted hiking he has seldom incurred cuts, though our apelike ancestors eschewed shoes, there are articles on even the forest floor we’d not care to step on: he’s welcome to walk au naturel, but we’ll keep our shoes on, thanks.

It would seem that in a terrible economy, the existence of a minimum wage rule might deter some employers from hiring, yet since a minimum already exists, an increase in minimum which amounts to $20 in a 40-hour week wouldn’t seem difficult for a healthy firm. In general, a healthy economy generates jobs, regardless of minimums; minimum wages are but one of a number of costs related to employment in Connecticut's civilized economy.

It is excellent news that the state forensic lab in Meriden has won accreditation back, but of course that hasn’t really helped its caseload. That will take an accretion of trained and experienced workers, a process which Connecticut will accomplish in its own magisterial way.

Southington is changing its report cards again, in response to parental input and anxiety. Sometimes it seems that it would be better to abandon the things altogether, particularly in younger grades where teachers can actually talk with parents and report verbally.