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.