To spray or not to spray, that is the question.

While mosquitos have not yet come out in full force this year, the Albert Lea City Council will soon debate whether to spray the pesky insects this summer.

On the one hand, people are leery about spraying chemicals into the air. Some question whether it does any good. Environmentalists question the effects on some species of birds and bats that feed on the bugs. There is also the issue of cost. In tight fiscal times, should the city be spending money on this?

We don’t really remember how troublesome mosquitos can be until we’ve tried to spend an evening outside when they’re also out in full force. So on the other hand, if we want to spend any time at all outside this summer, without being mobbed by the blood-thirsty creatures, spraying looks like a good idea.

It’s what people think that matters in this case. So we urge you to speak up. The city of Albert Lea is hosting a hotline for callers to vote on mosquito spraying. Officials would like to know if residents believe the city should spray for mosquitos.

If yes, would residents be willing to pay $2 in June, July and August for the service? Call 377-4308 to cast your vote now through June 13.

Your vote will help determine how much swatting we’ll be doing this summer.