(Editor’s Note: This column was written before the Jan. 5 Des Moines City Council elections for mayor and mayor pro-tem.) 

In comes the New Year of 2012 bringing with it some new and some not-so-new local politicians. It’s been an election year voters demonstrated nationwide as; “Out with all incumbent politicians!”

Politics are really not much fun -– especially in a campaign mode.  Yet, the ability to have substantial say in your community’s present needs and future goals can be quite satisfying.

The key to political success, as I see it, is to keep your feet on the ground, your head out of the clouds, do your homework, and keep the voice of “the people” in your soul with every vote.

 Des Moines City Council new members may not have previously been so involved with city goings-on, yet they are experienced in other local issues and various business careers.
 
Retiring is Dr. Dan Sherman. Also retiring is long-time council member Scott Thomasson after his near 20 plus years of service. Councilman Thomasson has been a steady influence, who researched details of issues closely before casting his vote.

A City Council retreat will be held at Founders Lodge in Beach Park Jan. 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The public is welcome as observers.

Earning trust and actively participating in meetings as a City Council member can be challenging, although they are well served by city staff with current agenda information.

As parents, teachers, friends and government leaders, we pass on conditions that can either help or haunt future generations. To be successful, self-examination and freshening our listening attentions are critical.

In response to a question about his vision for 2012 Mayor Bob Sheckler said, “Good things are going to happen. We’re headed in the right direction and we need to generate more income for funding city costs involved in redevelopment.”

He’s excited about the old movie theater’s new owners with their goals of returning to the uniqueness of that era.

“I’m also looking forward to continuing my work on future development of items and issues such as; Highway 99, the Buy-Out area (across from post office) and 7th Avenue Marina District improvements.”

Mayor Pro Tem, Dave Kaplan, answered the same question:

“It’s time to do some serious soul-searching for priorities at the beginning of this brand new Year 2012. He identified Redondo ground/street needs for safety security and the budget as high priority items.

What political parties, candidates, and elected officials are doing within our community should always be of major business concern to resident taxpayers and local investors. City Council’s priorities are what we the people will live with, good, bad or indifferent, for some time to come.

Today’s worldwide war has a major impact closer to home for decision-makers and citizens who are providing business and groundwork to help maintain their future within USA towns, cities, states and the nation. Yet the highest price of war is our young people who are giving their life.

Consider today’s world filled with personal unrest and instability, with war, rumors of war, hurry, hurry everywhere, leaving little precious time for simple pleasures of life.

Add present shocking, devastating disasters of disregard for the value of human life right here in today’s crime world. Local communities security is stretched to budget-breaking points and law enforcement feels that pain, as do citizens who rely on them for safety.

At the top of the worldwide news for 2011 has been continuation of disastrous war that sent innocent, young, United States citizens to pay with their life in a country that was only an unfamiliar name in their history books.

The good news for Year 2012 is that our military sons and daughters are starting to come home –- from a war that, in many opinions, should never have been fought.

Still, when Ying and Yang are in harmony –- and if we adults don’t screw up history too badly -– tomorrow can be in good hands. Maybe in springtime, 2012, we’ll be cheered with flowers and all that is great about America and well-informed leaders.
 
It’s a New Year, a new day – time to consider where we are and where we want to be in 2013.

The balance of life and future for our children is found in our leaders, and you and me -– or not.

Happy New Year to all our fantastic neighbors!

Today’s Thought: Live like there is no tomorrow, Love like you have never been hurt, Dance like no one is watching. And if you have the choice to sit it out -or dance – I hope you dance.”