The election has come and gone, the property taxes are due, the holidays are upon us and once again we are trying to separate one event and obligation from the other. We all feel the same concerns and trepidations from what is occurring around us what with liquidity in the financials, depreciating housing values, a depreciating dollar against foreign currencies, and last but not least the holidays that seem to come upon us a little sooner each year.
The question always seems to be how do we reconcile the big enchilada and what do we do about it as we worm our way through New Years. I guess the answers lie within how we accomplished this prodigious undertaking last year and the year before.
Let’s give ourselves some credit. We built the envy of northern California and a spectacular place to raise our families when every one thought we were fools to live here. We are unique in that we care about our quality of life not to mention our neighbor’s and we continue to improve and better our community for our children and future generations.
If you seek evidence merely look at our year after year balanced budget with money left in reserves not to mention the tremendous “bang” for our buck we derive for our tax dollar compared to ANY other city. If you need further proof, then all of us can take one, perhaps two, steps back at this time of the year and reflect upon our differences and similarities and question whether or not this is what makes us unique and special.
I appreciate the view of those who disagree with me more than those who do. Here is where self-reflection permits me to question myself and reflect upon how I can learn and improve. The fact that we have diversity, community concerns and varying perspectives tells me we are not only thinking as a community but that we are willing to voice our opinions, debate our views and in the end settle back and move together as a united whole.
My wish for all of us in this season is to achieve peace within our lives, solace with those things that weigh heavy upon our minds and a prosperous continuance of a joyful community which binds us together. I derive immense satisfaction from being your elected servant and I look forward listening to what you have to say in the coming months.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to serve you. You can leave me a note at jkiramis@fostercity.org
print 