The start of a new year offers a chance to reflect on the past year and hope for the promise of the new year.

It’s that reflection and promise that leads us to the following resolutions for Borderland.

We resolve to work hard to improve the appearance of our community and its perception by others. A number of projects, including the Gateway corridor project which launched this year with reconstruction of the road leading to our airport, can do just that. And while cosmetic changes can make a difference, the attitude of community members toward one another and visitors may be even more important to this resolution.

We resolve to work through issues and concerns — even those that seem insurmountable — together as a community. We understand the problems the state’s wetland rules can create when people to attempt to develop land in Borderland, but a combative attitude with state and federal officials who are doing their job may not reap the most benefit. Instead, we resolve to work with state legislators who are working to bring about needed changes.

We resolve to work together instead of divided to bring changes in our community. Clearly, opinions differ about what to do about a vacation request involving the Burner Road. Working together to decide the issue will benefit the community more than dividing over it. All people involved appear to have good intentions, but perceive the issues differently.

We resolve to continue to support a number of ongoing projects that appear to have the potential to help create a healthier and more stable economy for Borderland. Local leaders need support to fully explore unique and innovative ways to encourage and draw opportunity to Borderland,

And finally, we resolve to find the good in one another and to encourage respect of one another’s opinions. It is our diversity, as well as our commonality, that gives strength. Together, we can move forward into a prosperous and healthy new year.