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to apparent gaps in the missing persons system in Connecticut. The search for New Rochelle, N.Y., woman Valerie Reyes, whose body was discovered in Greenwich, served as a reminder of flaws in the system. When Reyes was reported missing, her profile was entered in the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services’s Missing Persons Clearinghouse. Connecticut lacks a centralized system, relying instead on alerts from local and state police. With 6,000 to 7,000 people reported missing in the state each year, Connecticut should explore creating a database.

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to renewed interest in Connecticut to attracting Amazon to town. With a plan to bring 25,000 Amazon jobs to New York City seemingly in jeopardy, state officials have been quick to chime in with an alternative plan that could keep the online retailer close to the city without requiring New York City Council approvals. It’s not likely to happen, and it’s not as though Connecticut was on the short list when Amazon made its location decision a year ago. But the state needs to think big, and if not Amazon, there could be other companies that see what the state has to offer and find the possibility intriguing.

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to a warning about potentially skyrocketing pension costs. Because of state-mandated changes in how municipalities must save for their workers’ pensions, some towns and cities could see their pension costs rise by as much 16 to 21 percent, according to the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. The Municipal Employees Retirement System has been directed to expect a smaller rate of return on its annual investments, leaving the potential for multimillion-dollar shortfalls. In an already cashstrapped environment, this is an added headache that towns and cities do not need.

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to an odd proposal from Sen. Bob Duff on local boards of education. According to the bill put forward by the Senate majority leader, mayors would be allowed to appoint the chair of the board of education in municipalities where the education budget comprises more than 50 percent of the overall budget. He explained the idea in terms of increasing accountability, but elected school boards are by definition accountable to voters already. And communities can opt for an appointed board, in full or in part, should they choose. This proposal has all the appearance of a solution in search of a problem.

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to difficulties for passengers navigating Connecticut train stations. According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, many stations that serve Metro-North trains fall short of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Whether it’s a lack of elevators, slopes that are too steep, stairs in disrepair or other hazards, train stations need to be kept in better repair or updated so that everyone can use them. While the DOT says plans are in the works to bring more stations into ADA compliance, the work needs to be a higher priority. The trains are there for everyone.

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to the opportunity for Ireland's Great Hunger Museum at Quinnipiac University in Hamden to stay open. While its future was cast in doubt by new president Judy Olian, the school has now set a June 2020 date to raise funds for the museum to become self-sustaining. Even if it doesn’t meet that goal, the museum is a valuable resource in Connecticut and beyond. The university needs to ensure that it stays.