Radio Commentary
The
beginning of a new year is always a good time to take stock, and share our
visions for the year that is about to take shape.
This is a good time to restate my
personal vision for children in Santa Barbara County. We don’t know what 2014
will hold for them, but I’m sure most members of our community would share
these hopes for all our young people.
We envision children growing up in
good health, with a zest for learning and living.
We see them with a spark inside that
makes them want to share their talents with those less fortunate, and work for
the good of the order, just because it's the right thing to do.
We see children who are free of
fear, free of abuse, free of drugs, free of prejudice.
We see children who are free to
reach beyond their circumstances, whatever those might be, and to join a
society that welcomes their contributions on the job, in the community, and in
the voting booth.
And we see a community willing to
work together to bring all our children closer to that dream.
If
we all work together, and resist pointing the fingers of blame, we could form a
circle of responsibility around our children.
We could make sure that our efforts
are focused on improving the conditions of children in our community, and work
together with that goal always in mind.
Happy New Year to young and old
alike.
