Short Fuse

Charter schools: Inaction has consequences
It's long been clear that Governor Patrick has no interest in crossing the teachers unions over charters; Mayor Menino has been just as myopic in his hostility toward the innovative, independent public academies. Their lamentable attitudes toward an important reform haven't gone unnoticed. In Sunday's Globe, James Peyser, former chairman of the state Board of Education, chronicled the dismaying exodus of charter-school educators decamping for more receptive New York. Once a leader, Massachusetts is now falling behind. It's time for Patrick and Menino to put the interests of children and families first. That means supporting more charters.

Leaf blowers: Roar and peace
Nothing ruins a beautiful New England autumn day like the infernal whine of leaf blowers. The next best thing to an outright ban on the machines is an enforceable law restricting their decibels and hours of operation. Brookline will have a chance to approve such an ordinance at the town meeting Nov. 18. The proposal would outlaw blowers that lack a sticker indicating they produce no more than 65 decibels measured at 50 feet, roughly equal to urban background noise. Hours of operation would be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., except on weekends, when they could not be used until 9 a.m. Another measure would limit their use to March 15 to May 15 and Sept. 15 to Nov. 15 - another step in the right, quiet direction.

Water: No place like home
Greater Boston residents who love to gripe about the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority should spend some time on the road. After a few weeks with the chemical taste of other municipalities, they would find themselves parched for the local drink. No, not Sam Adams, but rather that superlative natural product known as Quabbin Reservoir H20. As the MWRA proudly notes, the Quabbin is one of only six surface reservoirs in the country where the water is so clean that it doesn't require filtration. So do both your wallet and the environment a favor: Forgo purchased water and instead treat yourself to a water bottle of Boston's best.