Times-Union Staff Writer

What's the meaning of Christmas?

What do you hope the new year brings?

And, what do you want for Christmas?

These three questions were asked to the Kosciusko County elected officials, employees and department heads this week. While they answered the questions differently, their answers were pretty similar in their themes - peace, family and security.

Stephanie Essenwein, county treasurer, said, "I think the meaning of Christmas is different to different people, and hopefully we can all dig deep into our hearts and find the peace and happiness to fulfill the new year."

First and foremost, said county auditor Sue Ann Mitchell, Christmas means the birth of the Christ child. That, she said, should be the center of our lives. Second is family. As an only child, Mitchell said, family has always been important to her.

Most of today's society thinks of Christmas as a time for a day off and gifts, said Ron Robinson, county administrator. But the true meaning of Christmas is the coming of the Christ child.

Agreeing with Robinson and Mitchell were health department administrator Bob Weaver, Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine, highway superintendent and engineer Rob Ladson, county clerk Sharon Christner and county surveyor Dick Kemper

"I think it's family and caring," said Matt Sandy, Area Plan Commission assistant planner. "Spending time with the ones you love."

"It's a time to reflect on family" and friends, said county coroner Larry Ladd.

As for what the county officials hope the new year brings, Essenwein said, "Less tragedy both here at home and away at foreign countries."

"Peace for the nation. Financial security for our county and the health and well-being of our residents," said Mitchell on her hopes for the new year.

"I hope the new year brings a lot of peace," said Robinson. Locally, he said, he just hopes the county can keep going in the way the county is going to take care of all its programs. He said he wants to see the Justice Building renovation project completed and any of the financial problems the county has cleared up.

Sandy just wants the economy to take an upturn, while Weaver said for the new year, he hopes "that world affairs will improve."

Kemper's new year resolution is "to get more efficient and organized. I hope the world's a more stable place."

"As far as the nation goes, peace among countries," said Christner.

"My hope would be people would realize why Christ came on Christmas Day," said Rovenstine. "If they believe, they'll have everlasting life."

"I know (the new year's) going to bring more new things that my son will do," said Ladson. His son is 1-1/2 years old and is walking and learning to talk. "It will bring an exciting time."

And if anyone plans to buy the county officials gifts for Christmas, here's what they want:

Essenwein said, "Right now, I'd like to win the lottery."

"Mostly, I just want to have my family with me," said Mitchell. "... That's enough for me."

Robinson agreed, saying, "I just like to be with my family and hope for everyone's well-being and be together with family."

Sandy hasn't thought about it. Or isn't telling.

Weaver wants some books. He's already beginning to reread the books he does have. "I read a lot," he said.

Kemper's Christmas request is "snow in upper Michigan because that's where I'm going." Plus, he said, he wants a secure, happy family. "That's all I want."

Christner also said for Christmas, all she wants is to be with her family.

Rovenstine said, "I'd like for there to be peace" and to move into the new county jail.

Like anyone else, said Ladd, for Christmas he wants "some peace and stabilization in the world. Eliminate the apprehension everyone is feeling right now."

For Ladson, all he wants for Christmas is "just a special time with my family." [[In-content Ad]]