Wednesday Conversation: Regional Economy

Debate continues on whether it’s wise to grant “fast-track negotiating authority” — also known as Trade Promotion Authority — to our presidents. The renewal of such authority would likely clear the way for new trade policies such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, deemed a jobs killer by critics and a vital economic engine by proponents. Here are two views on the debate. The third column deals with empowering women as health-care decision-makers.