Friday, January 4, 2002
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Friday, January 4, 2002 |
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A time to reflect and hope By PATRICK
STAFFORD
It is that time of year when we reflect on the year that was and raise hope for the one that begins. 2001 was a year that many of us will never forget. It, like many others, made us cry and made us laugh. It made us feel sadness for the future and feel excited for the future. It saw friends and family leave or drift apart, and friends and family draw closer. It, hopefully, brought home to each us what was really important in our lives. I will not trouble you with listing specific events during the past year, but rather, I would like to reflect on just a few things that I'd like to see change in 2002. So here goes: I would like to see the access points and merge lanes to the HOV lanes improved. I would like for absentee landowners that keep their properties in disrepair to be cited, fined and made to bring those properties up to code. I would like for folks to vote out politicians that go through the motions to get elected, but really have no intention or expertise on how to do something beneficial for their constitutents. I would like for MARTA to expand their localized bus service in some areas, rather than reducing frequency of service across the board. I would like for MARTA to publicize their top 10 or 20 bus routes by ridership. I would like for us all to feel safe in our homes, on the streets, and in our businesses 24 hours a day. I would like for the test scores on standardized tests (real or practiced) to be reported for all South Fulton schools (K-12). I would like to know and have their opinions reported as to what the north Fulton representatives on the Fulton County school board think about the South Fulton schools' scores and what they plan to do to make them better. I would like for every child to have the opportunity to meaningfully visit the Atlanta History Center, Fernbank Museum, the High Museum, or the Federal Reserve Bank to learn more about history, science, art and finance. I hope all children have the opportunity to see and participate in the good works going on in the South West Arts Center (just off Cascade Road). I would like for the Ballethnic Dance Company in East Point to join hands with the South West Arts Center. This would avoid duplication of effort, possibly establish a residency of teaching professionals, and enhance both programs. I would like for folks to reconize fine entities, such as the Dismas Charities and Blessing Ministries, that people young and not-so-young deserve a second chance. I would like for people to especially thank Sen. Donzella James and Fulton County Commissioner Bill Edwards, Vice Chairman Emma Darnell, and Chairman Mike Kenn for their various efforts on behalf of Fulton Industrial Boulevard. I would like for people to recognize and support the efforts of the Fulton County Housing Authority's Teens of Excellence Program and the Fulton County Office of Workforce Development. I would like to encourage more career days in middle and high schools. I would like for all public safety workers to receive the appreciation they deserve. I would like to encourage Atlanta-Fulton County to begin consideration of a regional jail versus the high costs of duplication of efforts. I would like to see at least a half dozen new family sit-down, name-brand restaurants established in South Fulton by the end of the summer of 2002. I would like to thank the South Fulton Chamber of Commerce, East Point Business Association, and the Old National Merchants Association for their efforts. I would like to wish everyone a wonderful and prosperous year. My best to you.
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