I'm a glass-half-full guy. Now, my optimism – and, for that matter, the perspective of anyone paying attention – was tested in 2020. Nothing was simple last year, nor has 2021 started out easy. There's been challenge after challenge, strain after strain. And we cannot forget those who are struggling financially or hurting emotionally from the loss of loved ones. It's hard not to get stuck.
Even in 2020, we have much to be thankful for. Don't get me wrong — this year has been rough in a lot of ways. The COVID-19 pandemic, especially, has affected us all. The economy has suffered in big and small ways, starting with the spring shutdowns and now with the ongoing uncertainty as to what comes next. Even those who have managed to remain healthy and maintain steady incomes have canceled trips, changed routines, and seen plans (like school, for instance) adjusted in this current, odd reality. Then there's everything else going on in our world — the kind of stuff that'll fill history books someday — that has left many anxious and unsettled.
Little about 2020 has been easy. We have missed out on parties, date nights, games, and concerts. Some of us have even missed milestones like typical graduations, funerals, and weddings that bring people together. In Milton, we’ve canceled meetings and special events, like the Community Egg Hunt and July 3rd festivities, which residents look forward to annually. We’ve coped with unprecedented health worries, trying to keep those closest to us physically and mentally well in the age of COVID-19. On top of all that, we’ve seen our nation rocked with additional turmoil and challenges.
Still, I’d contend that – at least here in Milton – we’ve gained a lot this year, too.
After a spring that, I’m pretty sure, lasted at least 12 years, summer is here. Finally. However, this summer in Milton won’t be like the 2019 version or any version before it. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things — including our perspective, and that’s going to stick for a while.
In City government, we’re used to dealing with emergencies. Still, when you have a winter storm, the snow and ice eventually melt, and in Georgia, it’s usually sooner rather than later. But this pandemic has lingered with constant new developments that have turned our world upside down.
The beginning of the year is an especially busy time for many of us. If you couldn’t attend the State of the City in January, you missed quite an event. We discussed the future of Milton in 2020 and beyond.
Some of the highlights included the new Public Safety Complex on Highway 9, which will house the Milton Police Department, Municipal Court, and the new Fire Station 44; the recently purchased sports fields on Cox Road that will offer additional recreational opportunities; the growth of downtown Milton; and the continued enhancements to roads, which will improve your daily travels.
During my younger years, I can remember adults telling me, “The days go by slowly, but the years fly by.” I’m not sure where this saying originated, but it is very true for me this year. It seems like yesterday I was in City Hall for January’s annual State of the City event, talking about our 2018 accomplishments and providing a sneak peek of what we planned for 2019.Now, the holidays are around the corner, and 2019 will soon be in the rearview mirror. Like most Americans, I’m a bit more introspective during this time of year — thankful for all my family’s blessings and looking forward to the promise of a new year.
Not only was Milton named the best city in Georgia to live in earlier this year, but thanks to the diligent efforts of the Milton Police Department, we’re consistently ranked the second safest city in Georgia. Of course, the public helps contribute to community safety by being vigilant and always adhering to “see something, say something.”Building strong relationships between City staff and the community is something that is very important to me. Each department has its own unique way of doing that, and one of the ways our Milton Police Department does it is through our Milton Police Explorers program, which began in February 2015. Law enforcement exploring offers a hands-on program to young men and women who have completed sixth grade through age 20 and who may be interested in a possible career in law enforcement or the criminal justice field.
Summer officially arrives later this month, but for most north Fulton families, the fun has already begun! This year, my wife Dawn and I are officially empty-nesters for the first time, but we fondly recall past summers making memories with our three children.Summertime is unique for every family and is not one size fits all. For many families, the months of June and July mean lazy days lounging and playing outside, weekends at the lake, or beach weeks. For others, this time of year is an opportunity to get involved in a variety of art, sports, or academic camps during the school break.
to your business!