For the last four years we have been hard at work, laying the foundation to sustain real growth and starting projects that will have a lasting impact on the future of our community. My message tonight is to illustrate how good things do happen when good people work together toward a positive, common vision. You've seen some of the results of that hard work in the presentations made by Vince Frye and John Wall-the new buildings, the resurgence of interest in downtown. But it didn't happen overnight, and it took real dedication and effort by many concerned leaders. That teamwork and collaboration, when it occurs, is very special.
Teamwork is what moves Topeka forward.
And a common vision. Leadership is about communicating vision, or more simply, dreams of what is possible or imagination. It all starts with the vision. Imagine a Topeka with safe neighborhoods with involved residents good housing for all citizens a good working relationship between city government and its business and civic leaders a thriving business community that provides jobs for all its citizens a sound plan for the future that limits urban sprawl, rebuilds the city's core and manages growth within the city's resources an attitude that values all parts of the city and ends fragmentation between east and west, north and south, city and county sound fiscal management with prudent debt levels good relationships between the city, the state, and the county energetic leadership at City Hall that can make its citizens hopes and dreams become a reality. I hope to convince you, with examples, that we have accomplished a lot in achieving that vision during the last four years.