Thumbs up, down from the Yuma Sun

• Thumbs up to the Yuma Union High School District, which recently approved pay raises for employees. Teachers and school support staff work hard, spending their time growing young minds in the classroom – and we’re glad to see their efforts recognized.

• Thumbs up to that giant crane moving steel beams downtown for the new Yuma County Administration Services building on Main Street. It is strangely fascinating to watch those heavy beams move through the air, looking much like giant wind chimes.

• Thumbs up to the City of Yuma, which recently received a “clean” report in its latest audit, which was done by an independent auditor. Congrats to the staff at the City of Yuma!

• Thumbs up to Northern Arizona University-yuma for its mechanical engineering bachelor’s program, which is being offered right here in Yuma. There is a shortage both in Yuma and nationwide of mechanical engineers, and this program is growing them right here at home.

• Thumbs up to the San Luis City Council, which is looking at taking advantage of low interest rates to refinance city debt, which could in turn save more than $2 million. It’s a great way to be fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars.

• Thumbs up to the Yuma Southwest Contractors Association for organizing a career and trade expo for middle and high school students in Yuma County. Offering 46 interactive booths, kids got a hands-on look at different career opportunities, as well as a chance to talk to different industry leaders. It takes time and commitment to make an event like this a success, and we’re glad to see Yuma County business leaders doing it.

• Thumbs down to yet another short-term spending measure to keep the federal government open, avoiding another looming shutdown. However, another is looming. The government has until late March to come to some sort of agreement. Mind you, readers, the fiscal year began Oct. 1, 2023. This is way out of hand, and frankly, embarrassing.

• Thumbs down to reports that the reconstruction and modernization of the Mexican border crossing in San Luis Rio Colorado, Son., does not have a start date. The U.S. side has been underway for almost eight months – hopefully we see some activity on the Mexican side soon.

Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down are compiled by the Yuma Sun editorial board, based on recent events, happenings and activities around Yuma County and the nation, and will appear on Fridays in the Yuma Sun.

Unsigned editorials represent the viewpoint of this newspaper rather than an individual. Columns and letters to the editor represent the viewpoints of the persons writing them and do not necessarily represent the views of the Yuma Sun.