OTTUMWA —
A new year always seems to carry the bright promise of a better future and time to let go of any past darkness.
Some local citizens were willing to comment on their thoughts for a happy new year.
Wapello County Supervisor Steve Siegel said Wednesday that he’s happy all of his family members are healthy and doing well.
As for Wapello County Sheriff Mark Miller, he’s proud citizens had the confidence to put him in office. He’s also pleased when he has time to work on his hobby, which is restoring an antique British vehicle.
“And, [my employees] didn’t call me a lot,” he added.
Lt. Tom McAndrew of the Ottumwa Police Department just wants everybody to be safe during the upcoming New Year’s celebrations.
“Have fun but use good judgment,” he said.
At the Ottumwa Public Library, Director Sonja Ferrell is most proud the library has obtained three different grants in the past year.
“And I’m personally proud and happy to have a baby girl who was born in September,” Ferrell said. “She’s my first one.”
Ferrell is also looking forward to another successful year at the library.
Wapello County Auditor Kelly Spurgeon said she and her employees are “glad to have a precinct atlas.
“It’s a good tool for our election workers,” she added.
Currently, there’s nothing new planned for 2013. Spurgeon said her staff will continue to provide our “good service to the community.
“This is a year when there’s not a whole lot of changes, but we’ve had a lot of changes in the election process during the past few years,” Spurgeon said.
At Ottumwa City Hall, Mayor Frank Flanders noted city leaders made changes to the way board members can be removed from serving.
“This makes for a more democratic process,” he said. “We’ve had a good year. The organizations have worked well together now but hadn’t communicated before.”
Flanders is also proud of the Ottumwa Regional Legacy Foundation, VenuWorks and other organizations, such as labor unions and councils.
“We’ve got more unity than ever before,” he said.
Ottumwa
Citizens reflect as 2012 fades away
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