Local Weather Forecast
Today: Current:91	Monday: 94/74	Tuesday: 93/72
Complete Forecast for  Jul 06 2008

In the early days of 2005, I decided there was no need for resolutions. I had enough to do: graduate from college, find a job, move across the state, pay my own bills and get used to not taking a midday nap, which was my favorite collegiate pastime.

So having accomplished all of that in 2005, I've been wondering this last week what I will attempt to do this year.

An Internet search reveals the most popular goals: lose weight, exercise, get out of debt, save money, become nicer.

All seemed too typical, and frankly, required too much effort on my behalf. I accomplished what I did in 2005 out of necessity, not necessarily ambition.

So I came up with a new plan. Instead of setting goals for myself, I'll set them for others. But not just anyone - I came up with some New Year's resolutions for some East Texas areas that I cover in the event that they need some suggestions.

SMITH COUNTY
Get on with the jail. I don't think many of us could bear to spend another year in jail limbo. The recent choice of an off-site location has swelled hearts with the hope that the battle may be winding down - let's just cross our fingers that it's not a false alarm. So pick a place, pick a design and start moving on it. If this is accomplished in 2006, 2007 might be an uneventful year, but it would at least relieve us of the uncertainty and the burden.

JACKSONVILLE
Stay away from drama. This summer, citizens overcrowded City Council chambers to hear evaluations of the police department. Weeks later, the meeting hallway became jammed for two hours as citizens waited during an executive session to see if rumors about the city manager's departure were true.

Then a silent peace ascended over City Hall. Only a few citizens showed up for the meetings once the show was over. When a new city manager was appointed, only one citizen came to see who would be chosen.

In 2006, let's hope Jacksonville citizens can put controversy behind them but still retain an interest in local politics.

RUSK
Sell the park. Two years ago, the City Council converted city-owned land to a Kampgrounds of America campsite, hoping to attract visitors and increase city revenues. However, during the construction of the campground, many citizens became skeptical. They asked if there would ever be a significant return on the $600,000 the city had already invested in the site.

Halfway through the project, and after spending $600,000 on its development, citizens became skeptical of whether the money was being spent wisely and urged the council to abandon the project or sell it partially completed.

A series of specially called City Council meetings were an attempt to resolve the issue this summer, eventually leading to a special election where citizens approved selling the land. Months later, when they found a buyer for the land, it was blocked again by legal jargon. Let's hope that in 2006, the financial burden will ease up a little.

RUSK COUNTY
Give the KFC families peace. Rusk County law enforcement officials have had the abductions and deaths of five people on their minds for 22 years. Then, in November, two suspects were indicted and later arraigned on capital murder charges in connection with the 1983 slayings. For the sake of the family members, let us hope 2006 brings them peace and closure.

BIG SANDY
Keep hoping. The 2005 playoffs gave hope and spirit to the Wildcats, but one point separated them between their dreams and the state title. The inspiring stories of how the team worked together and how players were consumed with effort to become better players and students promise their 2006 season will be one to watch.

CENTERPOINT
Compromise. The list would not be complete without CenterPoint Energy, the gas provider that has infuriated elected officials and consumers across East Texas. CenterPoint's efforts at rate increases, coupled with most towns' refusal for rates to rise, could bring more headaches and legal entanglements in 2006.

No one wants their rates to increase, and CenterPoint representatives have said they need to streamline the logistical nightmare that came with negotiating prices for every town. Let's hope that in 2006, somehow, a compromise is reached.

As for me, my only New Year's resolution, or at least the only one that I'm willing to put in print, is this: to report all of the above to readers if they happen.

Sara Foley covers Upshur, Cherokee & Rusk counties. She can be reached at 903.596-6266.
e-mail: news@tylerpaper.com"> news@tylerpaper.com