Thumbs up to Gov. Andrew Cuomo for vetoing legislation that would have allowed workers to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave after the death of a family member. The legislation had been opposed by business groups because the way the legislation was written could have led to rampant abuse under the state’s Paid Family Leave legislation. Some form of statewide bereavement policy may make sense, but the vetoed legislation was absolutely not the best way to achieve an admirable aim. It may seem like a small thing, but we hope Cuomo’s decision to veto the legislation is a sign that flawed legislation may not get an automatic rubber during the upcoming legislative term.

Thumbs up to area residents for digging deep to help the Salvation Army meet its 2018 Red Kettle Campaign goal. For roughly a month, Salvation Army officials weren’t sure the campaign would be successful as the non-profit struggled to find volunteers to ring bells. As it turns out, the Jamestown area did indeed dig deep, giving of its time and money to help an organization that helps thousands of people in our area. On Thursday, Salvation Army officials announced they raised $118,900, roughly $3,600 more than the goal — and did so without resorting to paying bell ringers as has happened in the past and as was thought necessary this year. We aren’t surprised by the result; our community has proven over the years to be more than capable of coming together to help non-profits have the resources needed to help those who need assistance. That doesn’t mean it isn’t a story we are happy to report. Good job, county residents. You’ve done it again.

Thumbs up to Andrew Hollingshead, a Panama Central School graduate whose research might just save potatoes from Pythium leak. The disease stems from a pathogen that can be contagious to other potatoes in certain circumstances. Hollingshead has found that different types of potatoes are more susceptible to the disease and some that are less likely to contract it. He is also looking to find different variables such as storage temperatures as a method to help prevent Pythium. He said the goal of the project is to add to previously correct assumptions. Potatoes weren’t necessarily Hollingshead’s calling when he graduated from Panama, but his story, told recently in The Post-Journal, is a good example for graduates to follow as they search to find their life’s passion after leaving high school.