• New Year’s message from the mayor New Year’s message from the mayor By Mayor Bryan Baptiste Oh, how fortunate we are to live here on our beloved Kaua’i. It is a pristine day with not a cloud in the
• New Year’s message from the mayor
New Year’s message from the mayor
By Mayor Bryan Baptiste
Oh, how fortunate we are to live here on our beloved Kaua’i. It is a pristine day with not a cloud in the sky. Mt. Wai’ale’ale and Kilohana Crater stand strong and unobstructed against the clear blue sky. The multitudes of sugar cane tassels set an illusion of a thin layer of snow over a bright green undercover. The beauty of our beloved island … so crisp … so clear … so awe-inspiring.
‘Tis the time of year for giving thanks and reflection – reflecting on a year gone by and the promise of the year to come. It is a time for wishes, a time for resolution and a time for commitment.
IT IS A TIME…
… when the economy is strong and vibrant, offering opportunity to diversify and strengthen additional segments of that economy.
… when in our battle against drugs, we must stand up to friends and family members and to all those involved in drugs and say “enough is enough.” To take a child under our wings and provide them with role models and opportunities to succeed.
… when we’ve begun a solution-based process through Ka Leo O Kaua’i and now must develop it through soliciting greater participation to build and enhance the strength of community.
… when we all must realize that homelessness is a reality and that many of us are a paycheck away from joining its ranks. We need to deal with this through social services and the development of affordable housing.
… when we must develop programs to train our children to fill higher paying jobs being created by diversification of our economy. To provide them choices for a higher quality of life.
… when we must become more self-sufficient in our energy needs through waste to energy conversion systems and development of bio-mass opportunities. To look to sun, wind and water as resources to this end.
… when we must persevere one step at a time, day by day, to achieve our goals and objectives. To commit our actions and deeds toward accomplishment. To focus on achieving a brighter tomorrow.
‘Tis the time to look into the eyes of a child, a friend, a family member or any loved one and let them know how much you care … and how much you love them. And ‘tis the time for my wife Annette, my children and myself to say ‘Thank you!’
Thank you for the opportunity … to be your Mayor … to come to know you … to work with you … to play with you … to be part of this special island.
From Our Family to Yours
Happy New Year!
