Our opinion

New Year’s resolutions…
When we think of New Year’s resolutions, we think about pledges to lose weight, go to church, to stop smoking, get in shape, “green” our lifestyles or to volunteer more.
When we look at the word resolution, we also think about resolving outstanding issues and problems in addition to being resolute to accomplish established goals.
As we look forward to the advent of 2009, we consider some proposed New Year’s resolutions for our community.
We must strike a balance between economic growth and preservation of the assets which make our community unique. There is much to like about Orange County and much worth protecting. Not all projects will be right for us, but some will be. We must remain open-minded to the possibilities that while some projects may not be ideal, if steered to the proper growth areas they can create jobs, keep local dollars local and most importantly broaden our tax base.
We need to continue to capitalize on our historic resources and further promote tourism as a viable local industry.
In today’s economic climate we must scrutinize public budgets and citizen services to develop and fund the most efficient and cost-effective government possible.
Along with that, we need to be creative when it comes to our government, its operation and the services provided. We need to think beyond traditional parameters in an effort to maximize what resources we have while limiting the burden on the taxpayer.
We need to solidify our school leadership situation with the right person as our superintendent. With that person in place (for the long haul) we must effectively address issues of space, salaries and student achievement.
We need to continue to be active and vigilant participants in our local government. By communicating with our elected officials, we ensure our voices are heard and we guarantee the people’s place in government.
We need to court qualified candidates for local supervisor and school board elections this fall. Most importantly, we must pledge to operate honorable, positive campaigns that are about issues and not individuals. 
We should go to church more and volunteer-activities that enrich our community and us.
We should stop smoking, drink less, spend more time with our families, exercise and lose weight.
We should try to live healthier lives, enriched by the beauty of friends and families. We should eat more vegetables and less garbage.
We should reduce our carbon footprint, walk somewhere close by instead of driving and most importantly, recycle.
We should be kind and generous.
It’s easy for us to feel wistful as 2008 closes and 2009 dawns. We’re fresh off the feel-good spirit of Christmas and are in a mood to be contemplative and considerate.
But the real measure of us as individuals and as a community is in our actions, not in our intentions. Proposals are great. Achievement is awesome.
We wish everyone a safe, happy, prosperous and progressive New Year.