Irene De La Cruz: Keeping resolution can bring about positive changes in 2015
Some of us are well into our resolutions for 2015 and commitments for improving our way of life. Others have made great plans for the next 12 months, but have a hard time getting started and following through for whatever reason.
Whether it’s a new diet, a planned trip, a new set of short-term or long-term goals, the new year gives us an opportunity to refresh our lives. The key is to follow through and finish out the year having accomplished or completed these self-imposed commitments.
For example, newly elected or re-elected officials of Merced County that have hit the ground running with new ideas, new commitments and a new start to the new year.
Elections have been more than two months. Many elected officials have already been sworn into office and are ready to start serving their communities. It’s important to remember who some of these elected officials are.
They include individuals Merced County District Attorney Larry D. Morse II, Superintendent Steve Gomes, Sheriff Vern Warnke, District 3 Supervisor Daron McDaniel, several mayors and city council members for Atwater, Livingston, Los Banos, Gustine and Dos Palos. There also are new or re-elected school board members.
Commitment to their communities is the reason why they ran for office and they certainly understand that they must follow through for their constituents. The residents that voted them into office expect it.
But it’s definitely a tough task to keep things balanced between what an elected official wants to do for the community and what he or she can actually do amid the constraints of budget cuts and limited resources. It’s not impossible but definitely a challenge.
As community members, you might consider making a resolution to become involved in city and county affairs, even if you haven’t done so in the past. Just as we expect our elected officials to follow through with their commitments, the rest of us need to follow through with voicing our opinions, giving feedback and getting involved. A lot can be accomplished if we all pitch in.
One of the major changes for Merced this year took place when voters approved district elections for the City Council. The position of mayor will remain an election at-large seat, but all the other council positions will be elected by districts.
Even though it may not have the approval of all residents, it’s a change that may see more representation on the council. If people give district elections a chance, I think they will see a positive changes.
Looking at the new year and any resolutions you may have made, remember to commit and follow through as best as possible. We have 12 months to reach our goals, but take it one step at a time and break it down into parts so that it doesn’t seem so overwhelming.
The idea is to stick with it no matter what. If you stumble or come across to a roadblock, get up and try again or look for other ways to accomplish your resolutions.
To that end, let’s commit to take the time to try to get to know who are elected officials are and how you can provide feedback to them. Believe me, it does make a difference when they receive a call, email, text or a note by mail as to your position on an issue.
We can do it – make positive changes for the good of our communities – if we all work together.
Irene De La Cruz is a resident of Planada and has been involved with a number of community events and projects throughout Merced County. She owns her own business. She attended Merced College and California State University, Sacramento. She can be contacted at dlcirenel@gmail.com.
This story was originally published January 9, 2015 at 4:37 PM with the headline "Irene De La Cruz: Keeping resolution can bring about positive changes in 2015."