We started 2009 in the midst of a crisis unlike any we've seen in our lifetime. People out of work, manufacturing at an all time low, foreclosures, banks not able to loan money, and anxious Americans were uncertain of what the future will hold. Some of that uncertainty still prevails as lessons have been learned and plans undone.

As we enter a new decade, the year 2010, we're going to be positive once again and spend time reflecting on our strengths...the same strengths that have made us a proud and a great town and community for 104 years.

We will continue to depend on our many dedicated citizens who volunteer to serve on boards and commissions and these same volunteers organize and operate youth sports programs, hold fundraisers and community gatherings. Our strength is still with our people and we will work hard to partner with them and support them.

On June 9 2009, the day of the ConAgra explosion, I saw firsthand the value of being a community with caring and compassionate citizens. Our people volunteered their time, money and available resources to reach out to the victims of the explosion. I saw firsthand the importance of having a well-planned emergency preparedness plan as 261 individuals and 51 different agencies responded. I saw ministers; religious agencies and civic clubs comfort the grieving families who lost loved ones. I saw Town employees virtually spending 24-hour shifts to make things a little better for the victims.

As we enter 2010, we take this renewed faith in our people with us and with the assurance that we can conquer any obstacle. In doing so, we will continue to work with the Chamber of Commerce to promote our strengths and embrace the needs of our citizens and the business community.

The year is a census year. Since the last census in 2000. Garner has grown by nearly 10,000 people to the tune of 48 percent. I contend in doing so, we still maintained our "hometown" feel.

We have managed to keep up with that growth by proper planning and frugal spending. Even with the demands of growth, we enter 2010 with a fiscal balance of 42 percent.

Having served two years as Chair of the Wake County Mayors Association, I saw firsthand how Garner stacks up to our neighbors in the county.

Ladies and gentlemen, I can tell you that we are doing very well. Even in a bad economy, here are a few examples of what was accomplished in 2009:

1) Completion and opening of White Deer Park

The park consists of a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Nature Center, picnic shelters, two unique playgrounds and a series of paved greenways and walking trails. The popularity of the park has far exceeded expectations. On a clear day, the parking lot is full, the playgrounds are bustling with happy kids all around and the trails are "passing room only."

2) Completion of a 4.2 sidewalk loop on Aversboro/Vandora Springs Road

The completion of this loop has provided a major pedestrian amenity that will provide easier travel to points along the way or serve as a destination for leisure and exercise.

3) Lake Benson Park playground replacements and South Garner Park playground upgrade As we develop new parks, we continue to enhance the existing ones. The improved play sets and sunshades are a statement of the care we have for the youth of this community.

4) On Dec. 22 we adopted the 5-year Capital Improvements Plan for the Town.

The plan has several significant projects that will upgrade the service we provide the residents of Garner. In the coming months the Council will analyze and devise a method for funding some of the projects. The Capital Improvement Plan is an important step as we look to the future of our town.

5) Street resurfacing

The Council is committed to making sure our infrastructure is kept in a satisfactory condition. We continue to make sure the structural integrity of our streets is maintained in a manner that will provide safe travel for motorists.

6) Police in-car digital cameras

This investment in the latest technology will help to keep our neighborhoods safe and protect the responding officers while maintaining a high level of accountability for the Police Department.

While I am talking about police. The Town saw the leadership position of Police Chief change late last year due to our friend Tom Moss' retirement. We believe that our nationally accredited Police Department is in good hands with new Chief Brandon Zuidema and will continue on the outstanding course that has been chartered.

7) Second Annual White Deer Dash Road Race

For the second year in a row, the race held at Lake Benson Park was very successful, well attended and will hopefully become a regional draw as its popularity grows.

8) Largest ever Independence Day Celebration

Staff estimates based on the number of vehicles is approximately 20,000 spectators. The spectators come from all around the region and repeatedly tell us that our show is the best they have ever seen.

The Town received two prestigious honors this past year. First the Senior Center was certified as a "Center of Excellence" by the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services, recognizing it as a superior facility with outstanding programming to serve the senior community. Next the Downtown was selected to participate as a "Main Street" Community. This will aid downtown revitalization while preserving the historic fabric and promoting the use of local resources to create a vibrant business district.

As we finish out 2009 and move into the next decade, we will begin to offer new programs at WDP. By midyear we will see construction begin on the Timber Drive extension. We will also see the resurfacing of New Rand Road. Other projects moving forward will be the North Garner Plan, Streetscape and Transportation Plan and the construction of the Fire/EMS Station 4 near Raynor Road.

In the midst of this economy we saw private investment continue to choose Garner on a large scale and on a smaller scale. Golden State Foods had a ribbon cutting and subsequent grand opening this past year. When companies come, we often ask why they choose Garner. Time and time again we are told that it is our proximity to amenities, our location to major thoroughfares, the Town's willingness to work with businesses during the planning and development phases, and so on. So you can see that Garner is well positioned to be a shining star in this region. And just as important we saw locals making investments in the community they live in—the Rand-Bryan House, Anfesa's Ballroom, and TT&E for example.

In the new decade, we will continue to make progress to do our part toward being a green community. Opportunities are galore and we will participate at every opportunity. The evidence of this can be seen in the development of White Deer Park, our water saving measures, and the initiative the Town took to increase residential recycling by replacing the small bins with larger tan rollouts. The steps we have taken thus far have garnered us the Green Challenge- Advanced Level recognition by the NC League of Municipalities.

As a Town, we will continue to encourage and support our Town employees to be involved in our community as they participate in United Way fundraising, Relay for Life, Veteran's Memorial committee, the White Deer Dash, Litter Sweep, SCOR, Christmas functions and local Civic clubs.

Likewise, the Council members, not only invest time on the Council, but also have made personal choices to get involved and play active roles in civic and community organizations. Council member Marshburn - Meals-on-Wheels, Rotary Club, and Guardian ad litem; Council member Johns - leader in his church; Council member Singleton - Meals-on-Wheels, church leadership; Council member Kennedy -Rotary Club and church Deacon and Mayor Pro-Tern; Council member Behringer - Garner Woman's Club.

Over the past year we changed our official name from Aldermen to Council, but as stated—our commitment to making Garner a great place has not changed. I commend each of you for giving back to our community. I thank you for making tough decisions to keep us in good financial standing.

It is also appropriate to applaud our staff as they have given good direction to the Council. As we give credit to our staff, I am reminded of a quote: "A good leader is not the person who does things right, but the person who finds the right things to do" Our staff gives direction for finding the right things to do. Working together, we will see the words on our Town seal continue to come true as we experience "Growth and Prosperity in 2010."