Morning, everyone.\u00a0 Here’s a survey of the opinion out there this weekend in the region’s newspapers.<\/p>\n
The Watertown Daily Times<\/a> notes that the North Country’s population “has remained stable over the last decade,” a fact which the paper describes as good news.<\/p>\n The essay also urges lawmakers in Albany to keep control of the political redistricting process over the next year.<\/p>\n Other proposals have been made, but they generally call for the Legislature to cede its responsibility to an unelected commission.<\/p>\n As redistricting talks go forward, the Legislature must retain the authority and the power to make decisions they were sent to Albany to make.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n In the Adirondack Daily Enterprise<\/a>, publisher Catherine Moore raises concerns that budget cuts in Albany could cripple vital institutions like the Adirondack Medical Center.<\/p>\n What if this fragile state budget process resulted in losing these services? Where would we be? Hospitals and nursing homes have taken beatings before, but how will further cuts affect their future?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n The Glens Falls Post Star <\/a>celebrates the remarkable ride enjoyed by hometown favorite Jimmer Fredette, who lifted the BYU Cougars to the Sweet 16 Round of the NCAA basketball tournament.<\/p>\n For the last couple of months, Jimmer Fredette – the big kid from Glens Falls with the hopping jump shot, the big grin and the quirky first name – has been absolutely everywhere.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n The Burlington Free Press<\/a> calls for lawmakers in Vermont to continue the march toward a universal healthcare plan that would one-up Obama care, likely pushing far closer to a single-payer model.<\/p>\n The first principle in the health care reform bill reads: “It is the policy of the state of Vermont to ensure universal access to and coverage for essential health services for all Vermonters.”<\/p>\n That’s a goal worth pursuing.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n