We have swatted this one around enough. But with last week’sdiscovery of West Nile Virus in Lincoln County, it is time for thecity to quit playing petty politics and go after the pesky rascals- the mosquitoes, that is.

The Attorney General’s office has made it quite clear that thecity has the authority to go on to private property to spray inditches and culverts for mosquitoes if a public health situationexits. The West Nile Virus is just such a public healthsituation.

We applaud the city for checking, double- and triple-checking onthe issue of city employees working on private property.

That is an important, but separate issue. The city is wise toclarify: spraying is allowed; grass-cutting is not.

Enough debate has been given and the Attorney General hasspoken. Now is the time for action.

After all, the sole purpose of city government is to protect andserve the citizens of the community is it not?