It's exciting to cover the news in Erie, Pa., because Times-News reporters usually enjoy close access to key players. This is an important time in the region, too, as Erie copes with several issues which could have a long-range impact on the future here.

The main runway at Erie International Airport needs to be extended 1,920 feet for the airport to continue to meet minimum federal safety standards and help attract improved air service. This industry is already in tremendous flux, and failure to act on this question could prove catastrophic for future air business in Erie.

Unless you're from here, though, you probably wouldn't have a grasp on the politics that play such a significant role in such issues. Though the airport is located in Millcreek Township, it's owned by the City of Erie, and several members of City Council were opposed to changing the makeup of an authority which is currently controlled by the city.

At the same time, the city has been trying for nearly a year to unload a beautiful old golf course which has been a drain on Erie resources. At a meeting Monday, Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott and Erie County Executive Mark DiVecchio appeared to hammer out details in which an elaborate trade of assets would solve several pressing needs.

Veteran Erie Times-News reporter George Miller described the proposed transaction this way: Erie County would provide up to $25.7 million to cover funding shortfalls, and in exchange, country government would get to appoint four of the nine members on a revamped Erie Municipal Airport Authority. The current authority has five members, all appointed by Erie City Council.

City Council members also urged the county to consider providing as much as $2 million to the city, which would then transfer the Erie Golf Club to Millcreek Township to operate as a course. The city has a debt of about $2.2 million related to recent improvements made to the course, which is in southwest Millcreek.

Here's a part of the deal that really appeals to me. The airport runway project will require some substantial changes at the township's Millcreek Golf and Learning Center, which lies just east of the airport. Millcreek Township would take over Erie Golf Club and allow the use of the clubhouse at Millcreek Golf and Learning Center to be used as a senior citizens center.

Such an agreement would solve several thorny, longstanding problems, as Miller reports. Best of all, if it all comes together, it would reflect a new spirit of cooperation between leaders of the city and county and Millcreek Township.

For years on its editorial pages, the Times-News has encouraged such teamwork between the leaders of various local governing bodies. Only recently, when it appeared the proposal for a similar deal was falling apart, the newspaper severely criticized local leaders.

In the past, some leaders would have turned a deaf ear to the criticism and stubbornly proceeded with a selfish course of action. It might have made sense in a narrow political culture, but it would have been bad for taxpayers and for the region's future..

Fortunately, Sinnott and DiVecchio found a way to work together. In fact, a photo on today's Times-News front page, which shows the mayor and county executive working side by side, is revealing. It fires hope for many of us that maybe this is the first of many projects in the coming months and years on which these two leaders can collaborate.

At the newspaper, we cover the news and report the facts. But as a local business, we have a vested interest in supporting the heavy lifting which must be done to ensure a strong, vibrant future for Erie. In this case, I felt city and county leaders reacted positively to the newspaper's encouragement and criticism, and worked for the general good.

So far, it's been a positive story to report. And we hope it's the first of many more.

-- Kevin Cuneo