And the combination of events that affect us will be both global and local, though largely local. Ideally, not only will 2000 be a good year for each of us as individuals, but it will also be a good year for our communities, a year in which they overcome obstacles, solve problems, operate efficiently and deliver needed services, all while being as unobtrusive as possible. That work is in process and will meet the city's water needs for years to come. Those huge, empty buildings and parking lots are a blight in any community. Teaching kids how to take the SAT, playing background music while they take it and giving everyone the PSAT may all be helpful, but they are not substitutes for a curriculum that better builds the skills required for the SAT and academic success in college.
Big stores are nice and convenient, but smaller retail stores and shops add character and community.
The Downtown Development Authority will have the lead role in that in Commerce, hopefully getting some good out of the 1999 marketing survey. You can tell a lot about a community by the appearance of its homes, businesses, streets and public facilities. We have a lot of room for improvement. 2000 is going to be just like 1999 unless people make it special. There's plenty of time for work and stress.