Most recently, Kenai Peninsula residents were divided over potential lower Cook Inlet oil and gas lease sales. Emotions were high in both camps, and we applaud the passion that brought people out to testify for or against the sales. However, the lingering bitterness, fueled by the single-minded support of the sales by our borough government, is in need of attention. It is our hope that residents will realize that regardless of whether oil exploration comes to this area, we are all in this together.

Also in desperate need of a visit from Cupid are the combatants in the ongoing negotiations between the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District and its teacher and support worker unions. With nonbonding arbitration -- the last step in a long and contentious battle -- on the near horizon for the two sides and strike talk growing louder, we hope that staff and district administration recommit their focus to what both sides say is their main priority -- getting the very best for our children.

Closer to home, lingering bitterness remains over last year's annexation controversy. With the battle all but over, it is time to move forward in a spirit of community for the good of the community. Instead of allowing old and outmoded battle cries to continue to fan the flames of controversy, let's learn what we can from the mistakes and move on.

Dissent also lingers on the airwaves of KBBI. With both sides claiming the same goal -- a vital and strong local radio station -- it is clear that there is a lot of love already in place. Unfortunately, the battle over whose version of love is best suited for station operations has driven a wedge between the two sides. There are signs that a spirit of conciliation and compromise may be returning to the board of directors. This gives us hope that love will, indeed, prevail.

If, after all the above arrow-slinging, Cupid could see fit to let one more fly, we think it would be appropriate, and long overdue, for a reconciliation to be facilitated between Rep. Paul Seaton and former Rep. Drew Scalzi.

The rigors of last year's campaign and the escalation of disagreement to hostility serves no one, least of all the public. Now that Scalzi is back in the public eye and angling for appointment to the Senate seat formerly held by Alan Austerman, R-Kodiak, the time has never been better for a ceremonial burying of the hatchet. Before these two even consider trying to work together, they owe it to constituents to show that personal differences will never get in the way of good public policy.

-- Mark Kelsey, Editor