[Lou]

Could it be more road-work on Wyatt Earp west of 14th? Could it be the reclamation of Second Street downtown to make it seem less like third-world Juarez and more like the Doge City I remember as a kid (so doubtful that it's absurd of me to make the suggestion)? Could it include the possibilty that you might be able to successfully place an order at any of the fast-food restaurants by speaking English? Or maybe it might hold the outside chance that local law enforcement might place more emphasis on protecting the average citizen's rights than pandering to gang members.

All of those things are on my wish-list for the New Year, and maybe they're on yours too. But common sense, experience and an understanding of the system indicates otherwise.

I hope the citizens of Dodge (I wish I were still one) will have a chance to experience good things in 2008. I may spend a lot of time in town, but I'd like to be able to say that I could vote at the local level and make a difference in my old hometown. Best of luck to each and every one of you. Keep smilin', and work hard to keep the ship from listing ever further.