City Issues

In many ways, it is difficult for me to comprehend the speed in which the years fly by. The time between New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve seems to pass in the blink of an eye. It seems we’re all living in the fast lane without the ability to hit a rest stop. A brief respite to stop and smell the roses is something that almost everyone I know needs. Let’s try to do that a few times in 2008.

My column this month will be shorter than usual. My wish is that you will take a few extra minutes to reflect on ‘07 and dream about ‘08. Our capability to be a stronger community will be enhanced by the acknowledgement that we’re all brothers and sisters, created equally in the eyes of our Maker. We have many challenges, but they’re dwarfed by our communities’ strengths.

I hope and pray that as our country begins the process of electing new political leadership next year, we attempt to resolve our differences and meet in the middle instead of retreating to opposite poles and lobbing hand grenades.

I am anxious to move into 2008. I believe that our city united in prayer and Peoria Promise will be two enormous points of focus by which we’ll measure success at this time next year.

Many thanks to the publishers of InterBusiness Issues and to our business community. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as mayor and ask God’s blessings for a safe and peaceful holiday season for you all. IBI