A new year brings opportunity for fresh ideas, change, growth and new beginnings.

This week, randomly chosen local officials were asked what they hoped the new year would bring to their departments, the county or their towns.

"I know what it's bringing - a lot of changes," said Sharon Christner, clerk of the Circuit Court. Those changes will include a statewide voter registration system, new voting machines and a "new court package." She said much work will be required but in the long run, it will be worth it.

The county has been really tight financially, said Avis Gunter, southern district county commissioner. For 2005, she said, she hopes the county's revenue goes up so the county doesn't have to scrimp and save and watch every penny. The county has been very conservative with its finances over the past few years to avoid the money problems other counties in the state have had.

"I'd like to see some progress on our Western Route and we're talking with different people about that," said Ron Truex, middle district county commissioner.

"I think we've got a good group of officeholders we can work with and I think we're going to have a pretty good year."

Truex also wants to see the good relationship between the county commissioners and council continue; to see the voting machine issue draw to a close; and "the completion of the kitchen at the work release center so we can continue that program and add more people. ... The work release is a great program for the county."

Northern District County Commissioner Brad Jackson agreed with Truex: "I'd like to see us work hard to press forward with the Western Route. That's the biggest single project."

Kosciusko County Highway Superintendent and Engineer Rob Ladson's New Year's wish is a wish for the men and women who work for his department.

"A safe year for the guys," he said of what he wants for 2005. "They're out there in public, in the traffic a lot. I want them to be as safe as possible."

Safety is also Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine's wish for the new year. He said he wants "the safety of all the employees that work there. I want to see a decrease in our attendance" in the jail. For the community as a whole, he said, he would like to see everyone safe and a decrease in the methamphetamine problem. "A safe and secure year for all our residents."

"A successful year is what I want for the county," said Tom Anglin, county councilman at large. "With the staff we have now, I'm sure we'll have a successful year."

Sue Ann Mitchell, county auditor, said for the new year she wants "continued good rapport with the community and continued good working relationships with all the departments."

Laurie Renier, county assessor, for the new year wishes "good health for everyone, not just my office. I'm looking forward to Mitch Daniels taking office (as Indiana governor). I'm looking forward to a new year."

"I hope it's a safe and peaceful year for our entire country," said Dick Kemper, county surveyor.

For Warsaw, Mayor Ernie Wiggins wants "continued prosperity and hopefully the economy will stay strong for the people who live here." Several projects are planned for Warsaw, including the next phase of the bike path, and Wiggins wants to see those continue. Meanwhile, he wants to see the city "continue to provide good services to the citizens of Warsaw and our community."

Syracuse Clerk-Treasurer Julie Kline said, "For the new year, I'd like Syracuse to continue to grow so that we'll keep enjoying living in the town of Syracuse." [[In-content Ad]]