In the spirit of the New Year and making resolutions, here are some goals to strive for locally in 2013:
• The landing of a big retail fish, such as Target or Best Buy, that would likely attract others.
• Reinvigoration of Salisbury Mall.
• A show of confidence from existing industries by expanding their operations and hiring more workers.
• Improved academic performance in local schools, cheered on by greater parent involvement at home.
• Less bashing of public education and more constructive conversation.
• Resolution of the Rowan-Salisbury schools’ central office issue.
• A significant increase in Fibrant clients.
• Extension of Rowan Public Library’s operating hours to include Sunday.
• Improvements at area Food Lion stores, now that the company is under new leadership
• Timely completion of Interstate 85 work at the Yadkin River and north toward Lexington.
• The Carolina Panthers making it back to the NFL playoffs after a long absence.
• A county government that realizes Salisbury is part of Rowan County.
• Elected boards that respect each other and work well together. (Helpful hint: Observe the behavior of Congress and then do the opposite.)
• More use of seat belts and fewer traffic fatalities.
• Full pantries at Rowan Helping Ministries and the Salvation Army year-round.
• A new book from John Hart.
• Continued progress on the Blackmer House and some freshening up of the Salisbury Station.
• Cheerwine for everyone — as in continued expansion of the Salisbury-based company.
• Safe return home by local troops stationed in Afghanistan.
• Generous support for our growing arts groups — and better coordination of their events so they’ll overlap less.
• Improvements at Rowan Airport to help it grow and attract economic development.
• More physicians to treat local citizens as Obamacare kicks in.
• A Missions of Mercy free dental clinic.
• Creation of a Christmas bureau to coordinate holiday assistance programs.
• Completion of the new EMS station in western Rowan and better response times in that area.
• Quick, constructive response by the county permitting office and a more business-friendly attitude overall from local government.
• A replacement for Susan Kluttz on Salisbury City Council who is as dedicated to Salisbury and its residents as she is.
• More support for the N.C. Transportation Museum, which brings thousands of people to Rowan and deserves support from the entire county.
• A decrease in crime and a change in the perception of having high crime.
• Continued success for downtown Salisbury’s Friday night out on the town events.
• A better home for the Salisbury Farmers Market — perhaps enclosed — and an extended season.
• Widespread commitment to shop local, support privately-owned businesses and eat locally grown foods.