Area officials express hope for better communication in 2007

January 01, 2007|by KAREN HANNA

WASHINGTON COUNTY - Better communication. Lower golf scores. Improved roads. More time with family.

Local officials shared their hopes for the new year Sunday, as the hours in 2006 expired.

Ruth Anne Callaham, who took first place in a six-way race for three seats on the Washington County Board of Education in November, said she is looking forward to seeing new schools open.

With so many students speaking languages other than English, Callaham offered a modest proposal for world peace.

"I'm really looking forward to expanding our language program, so we can all understand each other better," Callaham said.

In the first term since Democratic candidates seemed to ride a wave of national discontent into both state and national offices, Del. LeRoy E. Myers Jr., R-Washington/Allegany, said he is hoping both parties can work together.

"I'm looking for more cooperation, irregardless of the party that's in power, that we work together in Annapolis to bring some things back to the area, whether it's schools or roads or whatever," Myers said.

The minority Republican party lost seats in the Maryland General Assembly in the November election.

While he said he normally does not make resolutions, Hagerstown Mayor Robert E. Bruchey II said he also is hoping for cooperation.

By maintaining open communication with the Washington County Commissioners, the state delegation, citizens and the business community, Bruchey said he wants to continue to better the city's economic opportunities, while lowering expenses.

"I just want to avoid being fodder for Mail Call," school board Vice President Wayne D. Ridenour said.

The Herald-Mail feature allows readers to voice anonymous opinions about what's going on in the community.

Ridenour said he wants to improve in all his pursuits, including golf and serving on the board.

"For me, personally, I just want to get better at everything I do everyday. That's pretty simple," Ridenour said.

Myers and new Washington County Commissioner Kristin B. Aleshire are expecting babies in June. For Myers, the newest addition will be his seventh grandchild. Aleshire will be a first-time father.

"My resolution is to get everything in the house ready by June," said Aleshire, who left the Hagerstown City Council in November to begin his new position.

Aleshire said he wants to continue working with the county and city to address issues that include revenue sharing and annexations.

Even as a new officeholder, Callaham said she has some personal resolutions to pursue, too. She would like to cut back on tailgating. That means not rushing around so much.

"We'll just sit back and enjoy our community because it is a wonderful place," Callaham said.

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