Click here to signup for Paul's Newsletter!
Public Comments - Speeches
Monmouth Mayor's Report
January 4, 2000Tonight, before we get busy all over again, I want to take a few minutes and reflect upon this first, full year.
An event such as this only comes once in a long, long while.
1999 was, if nothing else, a year of transition.
In a very short time, we've seen tremendous change.
Abroad, we've seen wars and rumors of wars - it's hard to believe now, but just ten months ago, Kosovo was 'hot' - we were at war.
In our own nation, we've seen a President stand Senatorial Trial, we've watched as young people filled with rage killed and maimed their classmates - and we've seen places as 'safe' as Seattle erupt into chaos.
We have seen the value of preparation and the power of prevention: Y2K was neither a disaster, nor a fake - it was cooperation on display.
Here in Monmouth, we have seen good friends retire - we've even seen some, move away, and begin anew.
All year, we worked hard to strengthen the fabric of our neighborhoods - through community action.
Neighborhood meetings, public forums, the Downtown Development Process/Plan, and service projects have opened doors - and begun dialogue.
We have come together to build a skatepark, meet and then beat the 24hour challenge - and leave a legacy for our future.
But we have also seen tragedy and hurt: the passing of irreplaceable citizens - and just recently, the violence of a terrorist act.
Hopefully, 1999 can be a year to learn from a place from which we begin to build an even stronger community - more connected, more aware, more enduring.
It is my hope that this year, the year 2000, can be remembered as the Year of the Volunteer - a yearlong celebration of what is right with our community and the people that make a difference.
I want this year to be an encouragement to those involved and a magnet for those that have yet to become involved.
Even though WE already know that Monmouth is more than the sum of its parts, this year we can help spread the word.
I hope that we can use experiences such as the Downtown Development Plan - as a centerpiece - and renew our community from the inside, out. This year promises much, together much can be realized.
And as with all things, whatever we accomplish must come, one step at a time.
Before I move on, I want to mention some 'housekeeping' issues.
First, I have asked Jeff to draw up a letter of support and encouragement to Boise Cascade.
Second, Just a reminder - next Tuesday we will have a special meeting with members of the fire district to discuss the proposed public safety facility.
Third, there are a couple of openings on boards and commissions - I hope to have two to three names per position ready for the next regular meeting for your consideration.
Finally, I want to say thank you to each and every person that made the Y2K rollover - what it was. There were a lot of folks pulling extra hours for us. I value your commitment, don't let the 'non-event' publicity get to you, what you did really did matter.
