Best Wishes

As the hammers pound outside my window, progress is evident. Change is constant no matter how hard we try to stop it. Living things are either growing or dying. We can't freeze time anymore than we stop a child from growing. I guess this time of New Year's reflection brings that point home.

The Commencement is growing and along with it, Ruston's tax base. Even though a condo building isn't a living thing, our community is. We have to grow, change, move or else nature takes over and decay and decline begin. I am glad to see growth now after so many years of decay. But it has come at a huge cost.

We have made progress listening to each other since this angry battle in 2005. The 2007 election results verify we are more willing to vote our own convictions. I hope we can continue to heal in 2008 and turn the tide of bitterness that is consuming us ~ before the fire department and other vital parts of Ruston's 'soul' are stripped away.