In relatively little time Tuesday, Haines Borough and City of Haines officials agreed on a common direction in approaching two thorny problems: solid waste management and local government structure.

As chair, city mayor Don Otis demonstrated patience, flexibility and determination, deftly directing a discussion that could have become mired in personal opinions and contention.

City council and borough assembly members generally stayed on the meeting’s topics, asked important questions, and appeared to have done their homework.

Could it be that combining the valley’s best minds results in the best decision-making? Tuesday’s meeting hinted at what the elected body of a combined government might look like, and it looked good.

-- Bonnie Hedrick