Wish list of 'forgotten' gifts

Were sure the bag was too full, the sleigh was overloaded, the reindeer were overworked already.

That would explain the absence of a few gifts that should have been under some Christmas trees but werent. To make up for those omissions, well list here the gifts wed like to have seen Christmas morning.

For County Commission Chairman Jim Whitehead: A happy retirement after eight years of service, and an invitation to return whenever hes ready.

For County Commissioner Frank Spears, defeated after one term: A medal for courage in the face of unfriendly fire, even though his own actions drew most of it.

For incoming County Commission Chairman Ron Cross, and newly elected County Commissioner Steve Brown: Patience. Columbia County was formed 212 years ago; it wont hurt to be slow and deliberate with any changes that are made.

For state Sen. Don Cheeks, R-Augusta: More, or less, of Colum-bia County when the states Democratic-gerrymandered districts are redrawn by the new Republican majority. Cheeks should either have enough Columbia County citizens in his district that they have a true voice in his election, or he should have none of it - a position he wisely advocates himself.

For Columbia County Planning and Development Director Jeff Browning: A thick skin, as incoming Commission members bring new - and sometimes conflicting - ideas to the table regarding the countys future growth.

For Columbia Countys school system: Relief from the states unrealistic mandates demanded by soon-to-be-former Gov. Roy Barnes education reforms.

For Columbia Countys Chamber of Commerce: Lots of members. If the countys chamber is to have autonomy from the Augusta Metro Chamber, someone is going to have to pay for it - and its time for those who complained about the lack of Columbia County autonomy to put up or shut up.

For newly elected Harlem Mayor Scott Dean: Commercial growth to offset the citys aging, low-taxed population.

For Grovetown Mayor Dennis Trudeau: The ability to hang on to the citys small-town feel as its growth continues.

For Columbia Countys libraries: Like the Chamber, a move toward autonomy from the East Central Georgia Library System, if such a move proves to be an advantage. For Columbia County citizens, completion of the renovations to the Harlem library and groundbreaking on the new main library in Evans.

For Columbia County motorists: Improvement of the dangerous Washington Road corridor in Evans (see editorial below).

And finally, just one wish for ourselves: For The Columbia County News-Times and the citizens we serve, new, expanded offices in the Evans Town Centre, coming soon.