The interstates (I-90 and I-79) were in great shape as far as snow removal, but in terrible shape as far as potholes.

All other roads in the area were in great shape as far as potholes, but in terrible shape as far as snow and ice removal.

It was nice to see the Mercantile Building coming along. Even though there is still quite a bit of work left to be done on it, it was nice to see the boarded up windows unboarded, and the exterior getting a nice facelift. The rest of the downtown area was not looking too bad either.

I am amazed at how much controversy the tire-to-energy plant is generating. What surprises me even more, is how nobody is talking about where the tires are going to come from. It is not an ‘if they build it, they will come’ kind of thing. There are only so many tires within a distance away from Erie that would make the plant economically viable. I don’t think there are enough tires to keep it going. ERE would be better off making a tires-to-rubber mat plant or something like that.

I don’t understand why so many people are being so pessimistic about the community college. They can be found all over the country (including at least 19 in Pennsylvania) and they are all making great contributions where ever they are. The for-profit schools in the Erie area do serve a purpose, but if push comes to shove, it is all about money and not the students at those schools. Plus, a community college would be significantly less expensive than those schools. Community leaders in Erie need to quit dragging their feet, quit wasting time and money with consultants, and get the thing up and running. There are enough C.C.s out there to borrow ideas and get the thing going. Get with it.

If you like the NBA, check out the BayHawks. You get the NBA game and quality of players at a fraction of the cost. Personally, I don’t really care for the NBA style of play, but I went to a game with my brother and the two of us sat three rows off of the court for under $20. You can’t get the worst seat in a NBA arena for $20 a seat.

Erie needs to move away from a 20th century manufacturing focus and instead go to a 21st century green manufacturing focus. What is keeping Erie from being a global leader in developing and manufacturing green technology? People who keep thinking the 20th century manufacturing jobs are coming back. Instead, they need to change their focus to developing jobs that develop and create green products. Erie has the capability to do it, but they need to have the motivation to look forward instead of looking back to the past.

It was great seeing so much of my family and so many of my friends during the two weeks I was home. I hope to see everyone again soon, and if anyone is ever headed out to the St. Louis area, please let me know so we can meet up!