“I gave up making resolutions a long time ago,” Rome City Commissioner Bill Irmscher said with a chuckle.
But some local elected officials — all of whom were caught off-guard by the question — offered up hopes and pledges for the new year in 2013:
Floyd County Commission Chairman Irwin Bagwell said he is focused on job creation.
“My resolution is to continue to make Floyd County a place that attracts industries and businesses that grow our economy and provide stable jobs for our citizens,” he said.
Rome Mayor Evie McNiece said she resolves to “continue working hard with each commissioner and the city management in order to be fiscally responsible for taxpayer funds,” but she also recognized the challenges ahead.
“There is a lot of uncertainty concerning revenue streams on the exemption of sales tax of energy used in manufacturing and HB 386, which eliminates the sales tax and ‘birthday tax’ on automobiles and replaces it with a ‘title fee’ set to begin with cars purchased after March 1, 2013,” McNiece noted. “I will continue to think creatively for ways to continue to move our city forward with less resources available.
“Also, as a city we must continue to push forward with existing and new projects to create jobs and increase our tax base,” she continued.
Cave Spring Mayor Rob Ware said he wants to both preserve the old and plan for the new.
“My resolution is to evaluate where we’re going, and where we want to go, to make sure we’re doing everything we
can to plan for the future,” he said. “We need to be sure the city operations are in good shape and our capital planning is on track to maintain our buildings and infrastructure.”
County Commissioner Rhonda Wallace said a new year “offers an opportunity to focus on our top priorities and build respect, integrity and trust throughout the county.”
“I am committed to work as a
team player, and to always do what is “right” for our whole community,” she said. “I will listen more thoroughly and pray more often.”
Rome City Commissioner Bill Collins offered best wishes and a concise pledge.
“I hope that all the citizens of Rome and Floyd County have a prosperous, safe and fun new year. And I promise I will
continue doing whatever I can to help make it possible.”
Rome City Commissioner Kim Canada quickly selected a specific goal to accomplish.
“My biggest resolution is to get the West Third Street hotel deal moving and that property developed,” he said.
County Commissioner John Mayes said whatever he does in the coming year will be based on stabilizing Floyd County.
“I think the county needs to get regrounded, to put some effort into getting stabilized,” he said. “We just lost our county manager, we’re a new commission, several of our veteran police officers have retired. I think, right now, we need to be diligent in moving forward.”
Rome City Commissioner Jamie Doss also said the specifics will emerge, but
his focus will be on ensuring “the city continues to reach its potential.”
“That we try to provide a better value in our services
to our citizens and that we continue to control our budgets,” he said. “I look to continue our partnerships with the County Commission, the (Greater Rome) Chamber (of Commerce), the school systems and others. And I look to 2013 to be a very good year for the city of Rome.”
Cave Spring Councilwoman Nellie McCain thought a bit, then made her personal promise.
“I’ve only ever made one resolution for the city, when I first got on the Council: I won’t lie to you and I won’t lie for
you. I’m sticking with that,” she said.
Rome City Commissioner Milton Slack III also turned his resolution into a vow.
“I will strive to make sure we continue to run an efficient and effective city government; where we continue to make good common sense
decisions. I plan to keep in mind the present and the future needs of all of our citizens,” he said.
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