As we embark on a new year, it’s fitting that we look forward and imagine Suffolk as we would like it to be. Here is our wish list for the city for 2005:

The city and Nansemond tribe officials compromise and the Mattanock Town project is green-lighted.

Receipts at the Hilton Garden Inn and Suffolk Conference Center exceed everyone’s wildest expectations, and it does not slip into the Nansemond River.

Suffolk City Council grants residents some type of real property tax relief.

The Virginia General Assembly grants communities like Suffolk the tools they require to effectively manage growth.

The revitalization of downtown Suffolk continues.

Truck traffic is further restricted with the city.

The Peanut Festival is granted another weekend free of rain.

American troops depart Iraq on the completion of a successful mission.

Jobs created in Suffolk continue to keep pace with the number of rooftops.

Del. Johnny Joannou does not introduce a bill proposing Suffolk be merged with anything

That Suffolk takes over the maintenance of all its roads from the Virginia Department of Transportation.

That some type of mixed use development is started on the grounds of the old Obici Hospital, befitting the prime, waterfront property.

That more Suffolk residents devote more time volunteering to help charitable and youth organizations.

-AP