For all of the things that we in Albert Lea debate, discuss, argue about, fight over and politick, you have to remember one important fact: This is a nice city in which to reside.

For all of the problems people are quick to point out with the city, the county, the school district, the watershed district, the townships and the state of Minnesota, you have to admit, on the whole, they do a good job.

Soak up the sun at the city pool on a warm, sunny afternoon, with kids splashing in the water, sliding down the slide and diving off the diving boards.

Sit in the public library, reading a newspaper, a magazine or a book while looking out the window at Fountain Lake.

Cruise along South Shore Drive or Lakeview Boulevard on your motorcycle. Or float on Fountain Lake or Albert Lea Lake in your boat.

Picnic in one of the scores of parks. Watch our varsity sports contests.

There are many moments in this fine city that give pause to the thought: “You know, despite all the turmoil and wrangling, it’s a pretty good place to live.”

And the truth is, when politics clash in Albert Lea and its vicinity, we are fairly civil and constructive in comparison to many places.

So keep this in mind going into the next phase of this political season. Whenever the things that are going wrong are brought out, it’s only on the premise that many other things go right every day.