Tuesday, January 02, 2001

Untitled Document

Making resolutions

We all know what the "little people" resolve to do – lose weight, get out of debt, spend more time with the kids, yada, yada, yada. So what do all the big whigs and decision makers resolve? Actually, their resolutions tend to be no different.

Bonnie Rietz – Mayor

"I love to do New Years’ Resolutions – to pause and think about the previous year and look to the future.

"I read the following quote before I made last year’s resolution: ‘What is the difference between a person who can’t read and one who has books and doesn’t read them?’ I decided to get back into reading novels and other books in addition to what I read for work. This year I’ve read several wonderful books.

"For next year, I’d like to learn Spanish. I was a French teacher and I love using my French. With the changing population and all these wonderful people coming into the community who speak Spanish, I’ve set a goal to learn maybe a phrase a day. I’ve already purchased a tape and a book and I’m going to work at it a little each day.

"For the city, there are three major accomplishments from this past year that I’m very pleased about."

The Welcome Center: "I’m so proud and happy about how that has progressed."

The old Kmart store on North Main: "The renovation out there is just beautiful."

"I’m so excited about the wonderful job Sterling Drug has done on the Main Street store at Sterling Center."

Future Projects:

Chauncey Apartments, "another wonderful addition to the community."

Murphy’s Creek: "If all goes according to plan, we should be shoveling that first shovel-full of dirt in April or May."

James Hess – Superintendent

"Personally, I’d like to stay actively involved in our children’s education. This year I coached basketball and soccer for Park and Recreation and I plan to continue to do that.

"Professionally, I plan to continue to provide excellent education for children in Austin. I want to stress academic performance and achievement in order to help to produce well-rounded people."

Mark Bjorlie – YMCA Director

"I plan to schedule more time with my family, mainly because my son leaves for college next fall. I want to drop ten pounds. And I want to play more.

"For the YMCA, there is a three to five year plan. I’d like to explore more opportunities to collaborate with other human service agencies so we can maximize out abilities to assist those people who need help."

Margene Gunderson – Mower County Public Health

"I want to spend more time with my children and family and celebrate good health."

Dan Heins – Postmaster

"I’d like to find more time to spend with my family. Reprioritizing the things that I’m already doing will accomplish that, hopefully."

Maj. Doug Yeck – Salvation Army

"Professionally, I want to be a better administrator and a better leader, so that others in the community can benefit.

"Personally, I want to spend more time with my family and read more biographical books.

"Spiritually, I want to find new ways to attain growth."