The economy and world events have shaped many New Year’s resolutions made by Manatee County residents and local leaders. Among them:
n Donna Hayes, Manatee County commissioner: “I’ll work hard to return a robust business economy to Manatee County in 2009.”
n Don O’Leary, president of the Lakewood Ranch Civic Action Forum: “My goal this coming year is to keep Lakewood Ranch in the black and move forward with discussions concerning incorporation.”
n Carol Whitmore, Manatee County commissioner: “How can we generate more jobs? It keeps me up at nights.”
n Shirley Groover Bryant, mayor of Palmetto: “Our priorities for 2009 are creating a stronger economy and getting a new Palmetto Elementary School built. We are getting ready to roll out our Shop Palmetto program. We have a lot of family-oriented businesses in Palmetto and I think you get a more personal touch shopping there as opposed to larger stores.”
n Rabbi Larry Mahrer of Temple Beth El: “Our nation and the world we live in are both facing significant challenges for 2009. For me, as a Jew, the situation in the Middle East is of great significance and I sincerely hope our new administration will devote its time, energy and effort to improving the relationship between Israel and her neighbors, including the Palestinians. The Israel-Palestinian problem is only solvable by compromise and a willingness on both sides to achieve success. Without that willingness, there will be no solution.”
n Ben Jordan, president of the Parrish Civic Association: “It’s thrilling to see how important the YMCA is to people in Parrish. The YMCA would have started a Parrish branch in a new building except for the economic downturn. But using Parrish schools, churches and the Old School House, they are getting a strong community response.”
n Pastor Dan Witte of Risen Savior Lutheran, who is about to finally have a brick and mortar church after about eight years of waiting: “It does my heart good to see the cement footings going in.”
n Jim Delgado, attorney and leader in the Hispanic community: “I hope that the promises that were made to us last year are kept in terms of the political process and the choices we made. I hope we were right and change the path we were on in previous years.”
n Neil Spirtas, vice president of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce: “My hope is that we will be more optimistic about the future and be thankful for what we do have. Also, the new leadership we have, national and local, during these times when things are uncertain is a good thing.”
n Ed Bailey, president of the NAACP of Manatee County: “I hope to see the community do a 180 and begin to prosper again. I’m also happy we have a new (U.S.) president taking office and hope we all put our differences aside and get behind him 100 percent. Hopefully with the stimulation package he’s offering, it will take the burden off our county officials and bring work and jobs to the area. For those who lost their job and homes, there is hope. I see the housing market rebounding this year.”
n Jerry Koontz, president of United Way of Manatee County: “What I wish for in 2009 is a very successful year for the United Way, so we are more able to meet the human needs of the community. (With the tough economy) it’s going to be a challenging year, but we’re going to give it our best shot. I’m hopefully the community will provide the support United Way needs to be successful.”
n Wayne Poston, mayor of Bradenton: “The big thing is putting people back to work. We’re going to do everything we can to move forward again and create jobs. We want to get people feeling good about themselves, their community and their nation again. And we’ll do it. We’re a resilient people. I just want it to happen as fast as it can.”
n Carl Weeks, executive director, Boys and Girls Club of Manatee County: “I’m totally positive about 2009. When I run into negative people, I move away from them. When working with children the most important thing is to be positive. The economy is down and you can get all wrapped up in that, but you have to keep looking forward and do everything that you can to make a difference in the lives of our children.”
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