1st Place: Development on the river
2nd Place: Home Depot (tied)
2nd Place: Higher wages (tied)
3rd Place: All-purpose arena

Sure, sure, the Chippewa Valley is a cool place to live, but it could be a smidgen better if we finish the development on the downtown riverfront. Nice start, but a long way to go. Unfortunately, bad timing with a little thing called the economy (and other things) have stalled the vision. Never will happen? Maybe. If the dirt piles across from Phoenix Park don’t leave, let’s at least get a row of outdoor dining along the Chippewa River a la San Antonio’s River Walk. And despite the economy, which won’t help the need for higher wages, there’s still a need for a Home Depot in Mr. Menard’s backyard. How else am I going to teach my grandson to build a birdhouse if we don’t go to a Home Depot handy-klutz-man class? And build the arena already, for Pete’s Sake! I have to drive to La Crosse to see Dylan. Dylan should come see me! – Rob Reid