Not all of the details about the company that calls itself Premium Pork, LLC are out in public yet, but one thing is for sure: Speed is of great importance to the people who are planning a huge new pork processing plant and corporate headquarters. That means time is short, because a decision could be made in a matter of weeks on whether Albert Lea will get the plant.

That means residents have a short window of time to make their opinions known. The last thing the company wants is to commit to a city where it appears welcome, only to have opposition springing up after they’ve invested time and money in that city. And the last thing supporters of the plant should want is to be passed over in favor of another community because we didn’t make it clear enough that we are interested and positive about the possibility. Regardless of your opinion, it’s in your interest to speak up now.

So, it’s crucial for anyone with an opinion on the topic to make it known to the powers that be, both in the city of Albert Lea establishment and within the company. Call or write the mayor or your city council member; attend the next city council meeting; write a letter to the editor; or vote in the Tribune’s online poll on the subject. The time for talk is now. After a decision is made, any support or opposition shown by the community will do nothing except confuse the situation.

As they say, speak now or forever hold your peace.

Tribune editorials represent the opinion of the newspaper’s management and editorial staff.