A bright, remodeled terminal at the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport was the focus of considerable pride at Tuesday night’s open house. For those flying into Brainerd for the first time, it presents a sleek, modern appearance that makes a nice first impression.

The completion of the project has to be the highlight of what, in other respects, has been a tough year for the airport and its commission.

In between the various constitutional amendments legislators are planning to introduce and endless talk about Vikings stadium proposals there’s one topic we’d like to hear more about — jobs.

The two parties take different slants on what should be a bipartisan issue and there’s nothing wrong with that. Whatever their starting point, Democrats and Republicans who represent us in St. Paul should be encouraged to work together where possible to jump-start our sluggish economy.

The Minnesota Vikings are a tremendous amenity for the Twin Cities and, even in the bad years, a rallying point of pride for the entire state.

That being said, we continue to oppose the use of any state general tax fund dollars to build a stadium for a wealthy NFL team owner. Minnesota has too many pressing needs to dole out money to a stadium that most outstate Minnesotans will never have the opportunity to visit.

It wasn’t easy and it wasn’t always pretty, but the Crow Wing County Board’s finished product of the 2012 budget is one deserving of commendation.