Although Christmas is past, Thanksgiving feels like it was two months ago and Halloween is only a memory, we’re just two days away from ringing in the new year. New Year’s Eve parties are ahead. Families and friends will be getting together to share good times. That is as it should be.
What we don’t want to see in 2024 is another fatal accident like the one in Livingston that took the lives of the driver and a homeowner asleep in his bed. We don’t want to see the migrant crisis get worse. We don’t want to see the affordable housing crisis break the economy. We don’t want to see more lethal drugs like fentanyl work their way into the hands of our young people. We don’t want to see businesses close or relocate to greener pastures. We don’t want to see another widespread outbreak of COVID when we have the vaccine to prevent it. We don’t want to see a repeat of terror and retaliation in the Mideast.
There have been encouraging trends. Sales tax revenue is rising, due no doubt to better promotion of what we can offer visitors. Municipal budgets have been under control for years with little or no increases. Law enforcement is bringing drug traffickers to justice. New businesses underwent a growth spurt in recent weeks and the businesses that move at least stay in the area. Inflation is retreating and our educational system is top rate.
We urge everyone not to drink and drive after parties and agree on designated drivers. We urge everyone to stay far away from fentanyl and its lethal brethren. We urge everyone to take care of their health and to ensure loved ones do the same. A simple checkup could save a life. And be more tolerant in word and deed.
Here’s to a happy and healthy new year.