Thumbs up to Gov. Matt Mead for his statement that he will consider the impact of his political career on his family before deciding if he will run for a second term.

Mead, a Republican who was elected in 2010, has a huge lead in polls against Superintendent of Public Instruction Cindy Hill, his sole announced rival in a GOP primary. No Democrat has even revealed a plan to seek the job. A second term seems assured.

But Mead told the Powell Tribune he is weighing the cost of spending so much time away from home while he has two young children. In addition, he said, he has already devoted a great deal of his life to public service.

We still expect the governor to run, and likely win, next year, but we would also respect him if he decides to walk away from elective office, at least for the time being. Politics can have a powerful pull on people; it’s good to see Mead show he understands other priorities in life.

Thumbs down to the intense partisanship shown during the debate over a United States attack on Syria.

Leaving the attack aside, it’s dispiriting to see so many people take a stance based on their political beliefs. Many Democrats support President Obama, even if they are uneasy about so-called “targeted strikes,” because they want to back their man. Syria is less important to them than party loyalty.

Most Republicans, however, twisted themselves into a pretzel to find a way to criticize the president no matter what he decided or did. When he seemed ready to order action, they decried that. When Obama changed course and held fire, they jumped on him for that.

It used to be said politics ends at the water’s edge, and Americans were united on matters of foreign policy. Not in these hyper-partisan times.

Thumbs up to the expansion of The Harvest Festival & Street Fair. The annual autumnal celebration added a street fair this year and altered its name to reflect the addition.

We have had two other successful downtown celebrations in recent months — the Powell Arts Festival and Homesteader Days — and we’re glad to see this seasonal event grow and offer more opportunities in Powell. See you there on Sept. 28.

Thumbs up to wind power education.

Northwest College is adding a wind turbine. It’s now under construction and students and staff will soon be using the turbine as a method to learn about the ultimate renewable energy.

Wind power, as well as solar energy, are keys to a self-sustaining future for America. While wind production may be limited in this corner of Wyoming due to inconsistent wind patterns, as well as concerns about damage to wildlife and distractions from the majestic views here at the edge of Yellowstone National Park, it does have a place in the power future of this nation.

We’re glad NWC has recognized that and is providing this educational opportunity on its campus.

Thumbs down to the Washington Redskins refusing to change its deeply offensive and racist name.

The Washington NFL franchise has been under fire for years for the nickname, but its owners have declined to consider a change. Now, finally, even the league is hinting that it’s time for a new name for the team.

We’ve got a perfect one: Pigskins. It’s a football term, the team can still be known as the ’Skins, and even the fans who call themselves The Hogs as a tribute to the massive offensive line of the 1980s can find a link to the past with this new moniker.

A term as horribly inappropriate as what the Washington team uses now would be deemed out of bounds if it referred to black people, Jews or any other group. It’s past time for the NFL and Washington owner Dan Snyder to call an audible and make the switch.

Thumbs up to the arrival of fall.

Cooler weather, colorful trees, apple cider and the promise of holidays, family gatherings and the comfort of a warm, inviting home on a crisp evening are just some of the reasons it’s the favorite time of the year for many people.