Hawks bring cheer; Polk brings yawns; family brings health; Ankeny brings aid

January 4, 2009

A rose to the Iowa Hawkeyes for a convincing victory in the Outback Bowl. It was a nice shot in the arm after a year in which Iowans had little to cheer about.

A thistle to the Polk County Board of Supervisors for running on three-fifths of its cylinders. The board elected officers for 2009 and - yawn - once again elected a Democrat as chair. The job typically rotates among the three Democrats. Unlike leadership in the Legislature, which changes from time to time, Polk has been a one-party county since, oh, maybe the Cleveland administration. The two Republicans tend to go along to avoid offending. Still, it's wrong to disenfranchise two-fifths of the county electorate. The chair sets the agenda and tone. In this case, the tone is strictly partisan.

A rose to the Comito family of Des Moines for a sharing tradition. The Register Business section wrote about the Capital City Fruit wholesale business, which prompted a correspondent to note that the Comitos do more than supply retail businesses: They donate fruits and vegetables to local shelters, community centers and food pantries. One receives a "significant load" weekly. That's one healthful tradition.

A rose to the city of Ankeny for sharing its economic-development director, Tim Moerman, with the city of Cedar Rapids at no cost between now and May. The Linn County seat is still recovering from a historic flood, and getting businesses back on their feet and recruiting new ones is vital. Ankeny has benefited from neighborly aid in the past and is returning the favor. Paying it forward, as they say.