"I'm cautiously optimistic for the economic stability of our city in 2009. We'll be watching federal and state levels and take action as we can to access available funding," Des Moines Mayor Bob Sheckler said in assessing the new year.

A ring of worldwide concern was evident when he added, "The whole world seems to be in a waiting position for President-elect Barack Obama to be installed and see the impact of economic stimulus and new direction."

Small cities lined up for funding priority behind national, state, and county governments may endure a meager 2009. Adding to economic concern is dependence on a percentage of retail sales taxes income.

Considering the reported low Christmas retail sales and unemployment statistics this year, revenue will likely be less. Small business owners are particularly vulnerable to economic turmoil and a two-week snow and ice storm didn't help one bit.

Des Moines Nail Salon in the QFC plaza, usually bustling with clients, was quiet in the snow.

Owner Kim Phan had cut her staff back in anticipation of a general economic impact. However, she never expected to say, "One day we did not have one customer."

With weather back to normal now, Kim and her loyal clients are looking good.

Food stores, such as Des Moines QFC, seemed to profit by bad weather. Customers were shopping intermittently and when the snow went away folks jam-packed the store to restock supplies.

Still, weather took its toll and local businesses need local support.

And maybe it's also time in this busy, changing world for us to just slow down and listen to the real music of life.

Time to share with family and friends before busy schedules make strangers of us. Our family is our most important asset.

Cutting back on outside spending could lead to playing family games and constructive conversation.

We could renew bonds and get reacquainted. Our nation's strength and future is found in the American family - and those roots start in our homes.

News forecasts awash with bleak financial futures and repeated references to "The Great Depression" and World War II are constant. The instinct to save money by cutting costs rises and it was funny when I found myself automatically folding aluminum, saving leftovers for a pot of soup and baking a pan of biscuits while considering canning food again.

Seasoned seniors do remember how to cut corners, although we've done our share.

And here's another saving example; there will be no city of Des Moines staff layoffs, thanks to council members and employee teamwork.

Mayor Sheckler said when council determined staff cuts were unavoidable due to 2009 income losses, the employees stepped up and volunteered to take a 2 percent cut in their 2009 annual Cost of Living increase to keep anyone from losing their job.

Saving approximately $110,000 per year was enough to avoid staff reduction. The dedication of city employees giving COLA funds to the city from their own paychecks speaks volumes of itself.

Thankfully, parks, streets and infrastructure will continue to be well maintained.

Still, revenue is lost when cities lose developers. Port of Seattle officials put an indefinite hold on development of the 90-acres of Port buy-out property on 216th near the post office.

Regrettably, that's a loss of stimulus to other proposed projects waiting in the wings.

Widening 216th Street and adding sidewalks are in an indeterminate state. as well.

Wall Street took a beating, opportunity fell like Dominos, and the game is over - -for now.

Another huge 2009 issue is the need for Water District #54, a small district serving the immediate downtown area, to replace their water pipe system at a cost of nearly $18 million.

Uncertain District #54 can finance that project, Mayor Sheckler said options being reviewed are taking over District #54 by either the city of Des Moines or Highline Water District.

Together, we Americans can survive and prosper. That's where we are - and with trusting hope for a better tomorrow.

In his acceptance speech, President-elect, Barack Obama said:

"Let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility.

Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people."

And the people said - Amen!