Just came in after a couple days, thanks for taking the time for all you have shared on here.
I know the idea of a combined area is not really possible, but it's good to read that Pontoon is on a good path. Too much past in-fighting inevitably made its way here, and most of it I seldom understood --- only that it's not doing anyone any good when people are divided.
While the idea of a city of 50,000 plus is likely not tenable any time soon, if ever -- I really hope that people will find ways to work together, with shared school districts and the such.
As for Madison and Venice --- don't see them for the blight of today, see it as your connection to Interstate 55/70, McKinley Bridge, etc. Really, our area covers the Metro East bank from just north of the Musial Bridge all the way up to Chain of Rocks.
I still with for that area more strategic regional thinking and more coming together.