I am pleased to see the festive decorations popping up all around the City to usher in another holiday season. Even City Hall will shine brightly this year with lighted holiday wreaths and garland hanging outside in an effort to embrace the spirit of the holidays. With a tree in City Hall and the traditional Lagoon tree, we will “deck the halls” in keeping with the Holiday Spirit.
The glow of the lights and the holiday music brings with it a feeling of peace and goodwill; a time of giving, a time of sharing, and, of course, a time of excitement for the children. To experience the holidays through the eyes of a child puts a smile on anyone’s face. I personally enjoy celebrating Christmas with my family reflecting on my Italian traditions and now sharing those traditions with my grandchildren. Time seems to march on quicker each year!
I say that because this time last year I was getting ready to become Mayor of Foster City. I remember how proud yet humbled I felt sitting in a seat of such responsibility. I don’t think most people realize how extraordinary that responsibility is and how extraordinary the effort is.
There were many challenges facing us. With new colleagues on board, budget issues, disaster preparedness concerns, developing a new master plan, getting more community involvement in decision processes and creating a vision for the future, this new Council rolled up their sleeves and together took action on all issues confronting us.
We welcomed WiFi into our City, being the first City in the area to have that capability; we developed new partners in a well designed disaster preparedness plan; updated a new City master plan; and finalized a vision for the 15 acres. In the process we encouraged more citizens to participate on advisory committees and had more community input on various issues.
Some of my personal achievements included making sure our City was more aware of the problems associated with global warming; and participating on CCAG which allowed me the opportunity to work with other city officials on matters affecting all of the cities in the County. I also serve on the Congestion Alliance and currently serve as Secretary/Treasurer of the Peninsula Division of the League of California Cities. I participated in legislative efforts that affected our city and met with foreign delegations that had interest in developing relationships with our City.
Being able to serve on these various committees gave me the opportunity to develop good working relationships with other city officials and state lawmakers. All in all this year has been an opportunity for me to learn and develop in a way that reaffirms my dedication to this community. I am pleased to report, as outgoing Mayor, our City is on a strong path of positive changes and progressing nicely.
There is one issue I plan to focus on this next year, however, that being to develop a better public transportation system that will help our residents be more connected with other communities and other modes of transportation. In my opinion, this is very important to our City for the future.
Serving as Mayor was an experience of a lifetime and I want to thank my colleagues, city staff, advisory committees and all of you for your confidence and support.
I look forward to the celebrations of the holidays in our community because we are so blessed by the diversity of our population and our ability to share in a variety of holiday traditions. This period of global unrest is draining all of us but I have faith that the human race can make it through this treacherous mine field represented by the hatred permeating from the war and threats of war. May we shine the lights of peace and friendship from all our homes and enjoy a Happy Holiday Season.
I want to add a special thank you to my husband for his understanding and patience. He can now look forward to a few more home cooked meals.
Happy Holidays to all!!!!!!!!
You may contact me at lkoelling@fostercity.org and share your comments.
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