Leaders of several public entities took time off between the Christmas and New Year holidays. Some officials who remained on-the-job talked briefly about their resolutions for the coming year:
Mayor Jim Kessler has resolved to be more informed about city government and to create more “organization within our organization.”
Kessler said that changes are eminent, with a city manager and a police chief to be hired, and developments coming on Emporia’s west side.
“I’m really looking forward to some new directions, some new organization,” he said. “I think we have a lot of good people working for the city but I think they’re looking for some leadership. ... I’m looking forward to a really good year.”
Liz Martell, director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, has resolved to devote much of her attention to the city’s sesquicentennial.
“Our No. 1 priority is getting everything ready for the 150th birthday party Feb. 20th,” Martell said. “We do have priorities and right now it’s getting the 150th organized and off and running.”
Mary Helmer, who will leave in February as director of Emporia Main Street, has promised that she will be back in Emporia to help in her new role as a Kansas Main Street leader.
“Actually, my New Year’s Resolution for Main Street would be to have a new development project completed within 2007, Helmer said. “It could be retail with living upstairs. We are working on a development project ... and I will be involved. I will be there. That’s pretty near and dear to my heart.”
County Commissioner Bob Davis has resolved to work toward more understanding and cooperation between city and county governments in 2007. Davis has a personal goal, too.
“I guess what I need to do is explain to everybody what a mill levy is,” Davis said.
The chairman of the Emporia Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors is resolving to make unity a goal in the coming year.
“One of the big things next year is that I want to see the Emporia area come together as a whole,” Greg Bachman said. “There have been some differences of opinions and that’s fine, but I want us to make sure we’re working the same direction.”
“The community has been known for so many years as a community that works together, and I think we still do,” he said. “... I want to find a way to get those opinions a little bit closer to each other so we can accomplish more.”