The possibility of tax-free zones in Freeborn and Mower counties are ones that should have local leaders excited. Especially in a border area like ours, tax exemptions like those offered in the plan could make a difference in business development and recruitment.

So the question is, should the cities in these counties start preparing their cases for a tax-free zone here, or would they be wasting their time?

The answer that has the most value comes from Rep. Dan Dorman, a sponsor of the bill, who says the city should get its ducks in a row now by preparing to apply for one of the zones, if the bill passes the legislature. Because of recent redistricting changes, Dorman, R-Albert Lea, represents Freeborn County and portions of southern and eastern Mower County.

Dorman says the bill's final language will allow for a city like Albert Lea to qualify; in fact, he has said all along that our area is a perfect fit for the plan. As somebody with inside knowledge of the process and influence over the outcome, he should know.

The zones, designed to spur economic development, would not all end up in the poorest, rural areas in far northern and western Minnesota, because those areas don't have as much potential for development. In many counties, the workforce is too small and the resources are too few.

Place in Freeborn and Mower counties make sense for such zones; they have good potential, better proximity to the Twin Cities, are near two major thoroughfares and land that's ready to develop.

There are no guarantees, of course, but the plan has enough possibilities that the region would be making a big mistake if it misses the boat.