On the Brink of a New Year

Dear readers, I wish to take a few moments to wish everyone a happy new year. 2010 was very challenging, with a lot of twists and turns. Lots of surprises--who knew that Haiti and Chili would suffer earthquakes,and an oil well would blow out among other things?

Now some things we could see coming, like the health care bill passing, and the November election results.

Some things we hoped for did not come to pass, like a strong economic recovery and decreasing unemployment, but we have hopes for 2011.

2011 could be just a transition year to the big election in 2012, or it could be transformative, becoming a year to remember.

Locally, it may be a very important year, as Kansas City prepares to elect the leadership down at City Hall, and vote on the continuation of the Earnings Tax. Other items include improving public education, and working on infrastructure. Over every thing looms the issue of continuing violent crime, with a homicide rate far too high for a city this size.

So hang on, because 2011 is probably going to be a very interesting, perhaps occasionally scary ride!

Photo: Neat night view of Kansas City from something called "Crazy Vector."