As the year 2009 comes to a close, a new chapter begins for residents of the city of Phoenix and especially for the great constituents of our district, District 7. I cannot begin to express my thanks for this year, as you have helped me make this year the best that we could. Given the difficult times facing our city, one must remember that better times lie ahead, and as my third year serving you and all of District 7 draws nearer, I feel a tremendous amount of gratitude to be able to represent and serve you.
Due to the many great organizations and proactive citizens in our District, our difficult times have been softened by an insurmountable amount. I ask you to not only continue being proactive in your community, but influence and assist other communities as well. With your help, our District will continue in its great strides towards achieving our goals. The year 2010 will only surface with new challenges, but with those challenges, the opportunities must not be ignored. Just as a diamond must be polished to portray its stellar beauty, we must continue to polish these difficult times.
In the next few months, difficult decisions will be made regarding the city’s budget and these reductions will significantly impact our services and programs. This is why it is very important for you to give your two cents, literally. For this holiday season and beyond, please remember to Shop Phoenix, as you will be making a much needed positive impact towards our city’s well-being. I also encourage you to attend our budget hearings that will be heard in different locations throughout the city during a two-week period in February.
This is your chance to give your input to city leadership and staff about the services that are most important to your quality of life. Visit the District 7 Web site at phoenix.gov/district7 for details on the hearings and for more information on our budget situation.
The last chapter of 2009, the holidays, brings us many gifts including the opportunity to reflect on our past accomplishments and the opportunity to prepare to welcome the first chapter of the new year, but what do “the holidays” mean? What are they? To me, delicious food, vibrant music, continuous laughter and pleasant memories are some of the main ingredients that compose our holidays, however just as important, if not more, is a heartfelt extension of a hand. Nothing great is needed, just a few minutes of your time, a lot of smiles and the daily necessities that equal luxuries to many in need. Individuals and communities can have a greater impact than one would imagine and with the help of organizations like St. Vincent de Paul, a simple “thank you” will never carry the same meaning. I know that for me, it has not meant the same, especially these past two years.
- Councilman Michael Nowakowski