Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican legislative leaders made a joint appearance Tuesday in anticipation of the start of the upcoming 2018 session next week.

It was the first time for the leaders to appear together since a months-long legal battle last fall over funding.

According to Minnesota Public Radio, Dayton said he was ready to put aside the court battle and move forward.

“There are areas where the people have a right to expect us to work together. I’m prepared to do that. I think the leaders have indicted the same. We should proceed on that basis,” Dayton said.

Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, R-Nisswa, echoed those sentiments, saying he thought both sides would have a respect for each other and be willing to do what’s right for the state.

At one point, House Speaker Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, and Dayton could even be seen taking a selfie together on Daudt’s Twitter page.

We hope the statements and actions made Tuesday carry through to the upcoming legislative session that begins next week.

As is the case every session, legislators will have many issues to consider, including the bonding bill — which includes Albert Lea requests at Riverland Community College, Blazing Star Landing and the Blazing Star Trail — and aligning the state’s tax code with changed federal tax cuts.

We ask legislators to put aside their difference and remember who they are representing at the Capitol.