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The holiday season is over and its time to remember to change a digit on correspondence to indicate the beginning of a new year. As a purely practical matter, the change on January 1st simply indicates the completion of our journey on planet Earth around the sun one more time. The change between December 31st and January 1st is hardly noticeable. However, psychologically, starting a new calendar year opens opportunities to continue past successes or leave failures behind. Irrespective of your situation, a new year opens possibilities and sets the stage for renewed vigor and commitment.
The 1959 comedy film “A Hole in the Head” follows Tony, a perennial wannabe who envies his successful friend but always manages to thwart any bid for success. However, hope is always alive and Tony’s support system remains intact. Although moderately successful at the box office, a hit song, High Hopes, sung by Frank Sinatra (music by James Van Heusen, lyrics by Sammy Cahn)., won an Oscar for Best Original Song and emerged from the film as a hit single.
“Just what makes that little old ant
Think he’ll move that rubber tree plant
Anyone knows an ant can’t
Move a rubber tree plant
But he’s got high hopes”
The spirit of the song encapsulates Tony’s desire and, even when unrealistic, enthusiasm for finding the pot of gold. [A prescient scheme by Tony envisions a Disneyland theme park in Florida more than decade before it became a reality!] Adopting its can-do attitude, John F. Kennedy adopted the song for his 1960 presidential campaign.
Whether 2022 was a good year, bad year or so-so period, it can be a foundation to either build on or learn from. The fate of challenges faced in the new year will, in some degree, be resolved by attitudes when confronted by them. While the international and national scenes face significant geopolitical problems, many are relegated to sound-bites, “expert” interpretation or dubious conclusions. The same is not as true for local political theatre. As evidenced by the recent mid-term elections, not only do local candidate have a huge impact on everyday community life, but can extend far beyond as well.
While new energy can be positive for our cities and districts as they welcome new mayors and a scattering of new councilmembers and board members, those who continue public service through term commitments or reelection, should draw from this change and embrace novel ideas and approaches. Fremont’s Mayor, Lily Mei, unsuccessfully aspired to state office and this is probably a big disappointment for her and her supporters. However, every community requires the full attention and commitment of their leadership; Fremont is no exception. Without the distraction of a political campaign and focus on a different set of responsibilities, Mayor Mei as well as all elected and appointed leaders can use the change of calendar to pay close attention to the tests of 2023 including issues that lie hidden in consent calendars, closed sessions and legal challenges.
“Oops, there goes another rubber tree plant”
With the new calendar year, I have high hopes!
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