Out with the old, in with the new

New Year's is about putting the old behind us and thinking of ways to make the coming year a better one.

Most Americans vow to eat less, exercise more, and spend more time with family and friends. Some pledge to quit smoking and/or drinking. Still others say they plan to enjoy life more, spend less, get out of debt and help others.

The News Herald polled a few folks on New Year's Eve to see what's on their minds for 2009.

Ronnie Moore, Kilgore's director of public safety, said he hasn't really thought about any personal resolutions, but he hopes the Kilgore emergency services department has a quiet year, especially when it comes to crime.

"What I hope for next year is that we don't have any major crimes and that everyone has a safe and prosperous new year. With the economy the way it is, I hope we have a turn-around and a change for the good. Also, I'm grateful for a good city council and a good city manager."

Maxey Cerliano, Gregg County sheriff, said he really doesn't make New Year's resolutions, but he has a philosophy that he uses every day of the year.

"I always say, 'There's never a right time to do the wrong thing.' So every day we strive to do the right thing. We operate this agency on 'Leadership by example.' I guess what we will do is to continue to strive to do the right thing," the sheriff explained.

Kilgore's city manager, Jeff Howell, is another who doesn't necessarily make New Year's resolutions because "it's much easier not to make them so they don't get broken. But I can say Dr. White's resolution for me is to lose some weight," he laughed.

Lisa Denton, economic development specialist for the Kilgore Economic Development Corporation, said her personal New Year's resolutions including reading more and beginning the next phase of her economic development certification course.

"For KEDC, I plan to market and lease the new shell building in Synergy Park," Denton said.

Bill Woodall, News Herald publisher, said he hopes to make better newspapers and make them more valuable to the communities they serve. He also hopes to find more time to ride his motorcycle, read more non-fiction than fiction and keep his shoes polished.

Lawanna Williams, City of Kilgore assistant finance director, said she would like to be seen at city hall with a smile on her face every day and catch up on some cleaning at home.

"I want to stay on top of the housework this year, so it doesn't stay on top of me," she said.

Linda K. Ballard, News Herald advertising saleswoman and columnist, said she plans to appreciate every moment and live life to the fullest. "I also would like to travel abroad in 2009," she said.Pat Applewhite, from Kilgore Public Library, said she would like to tell the community that one does not need to leave Kilgore to find great books and customer service.

"I want to give more time to the community — even more than in 2008 — and do more to let the community know what a wonderful library we have."

Gene Keenon, Allied Waste community relations director, said he hopes to start 2009 with the same enthusiasm for his job that he had when he was first hired. Also in the coming year, he wants to help where needed in the community.

"The coming year is going to be hard on everyone. I want to be able to help as many people as I can, to overcome the challenges we face," Keenon said.

Margaret Martin, retired businesswoman and long-time Kilgore resident, said she wants to give.

"I want to do more for this community that has done so much for me," Martin said. "I also want to give more time to my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren."

Ronnie Spradlin, city councilman, said he is going to join Kilgore College Fitness Center and do the best he can as a councilman.

"As councilmen we have a great responsibility for awareness and preparedness as it pertains to the city's economics," he said. "I will do my best to stay alert and up to date on all these important matters."

David Kidder, Gregg County fire marshal, said he would like to do a better job in 2009.

"There's always room for improvement," he added.