It’s a new year and many people see it as a time for a fresh start. You may want to improve on the good things you do or break away from bad habits and rededicate yourself to a more fulfilling and fruitful lifestyle.

New Year’s resolutions can work, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology. Some of the top resolutions include: exercise, weight loss, better organization; financial; better spending habits; and more attention to, or time spent with, family.

In West Columbia, Mayor Tem Miles and the members of City Council expressed their plans for 2023.

“In 2023, I hope we continue to work toward redevelopment in our city. I also want to work to improve the essential services that we provide. Personally I want to increase the time I spend together with my wife and kids,” said Miles.

District 1 Councilman Mike Green said: “I want to keep on cleaning up our city. We need to continue our clean up day and expand it. We need to especially spruce up the US 1 and I-26 Corridor and 9th Street at Jarvis Klapman Blvd. Finally, we need better economic development by bringing in different styles of businesses along our corridors. We don’t need three car washes or quick lube places next to each other.”

District 2 Councilman Trevor Bedell said: ” I want to continue to offer my best efforts for the residents and business owners in my district, and the citizens of West Columbia. This council is a united board with the common goal of making West Columbia the best it can be.”

District 4 Councilman Joseph Dickey said: “Like most years, my New Year’s Resolution for 2023 is to continually strive to improve. I want to be the best father I can be for my children. I want to be the best husband for my wife. I want to be the best representative for West Columbia. I want to be the best attorney for my clients. In the New Year, I look forward to the opportunities personally and professionally to improve. The New Year also should be a great year for our City as Council has approved many projects that will benefit West Columbia for years to come. Lastly, on a personal note, the beginning of the New Year continues to demonstrate that blessings do indeed come from above as Kiosha (my wife) and I look forward to the birth of our son in February.”

District 5 Councilman Mickey Pringle said: “My goal for 2023 is to continue to provide opportunities for our seniors and our underprivileged youth to have a chance to to improve their standard of living.”

District 6 Councilman Jimmy Brooks said: “I generally do not set New Year’s Resolutions. I do have a couple of goals for 2023. No. 1: To be a better listener. No. 2: Spend more quality time with Jennifer and our children.”

District 7 Councilwoman Erin P. Porter said: “I would like to spend more time with family and enjoying the outdoors in 2023.  For the city I want to see our continued focus on meaningful infrastructure projects to tackle system wide improvements for our water and wastewater distribution systems, while supporting the growth and economic development of our hometown.”

District 8 Councilman David Moye said: “I always like to learn new useful skills.  I have never tiled a bathroom before, but have always admired how beautiful they can be. This year, I think I might try. For District 8, my goal is, and will always be, to promote development and growth that includes our community at its center.”

From a new baby and redevelopment to family time and new tile, West Columbia’s City leaders are planning a busy year. It will be fun and interesting to see the year unfold.