Since last year's election many people have asked me how it's going. Since we have four new Councilmembers and a new Mayor, it's a good question. As citizens you deserve to hear about the agenda of this new council.

In our annual goal-setting session, we identified our three highest priorities. These are not the only items council will address this year, but all of them received an overwhelming consensus of support from the council.

The first top priority is to create a revitalization master plan for aging commercial and housing areas. This is the centerpiece of an effort to address foreclosures, falling property values, and empty commercial buildings that dot Thornton. It's time to put together a plan to meet these challenges head on and solve them.

Another top priority is Fastracks. Since we pay taxes for it, we must get what was promised to us. With six stations in or near Thornton it has the opportunity to bring new jobs and development around the transit stops, but noise and smells will affect the neighborhoods. Now costs are rising, and it is critical that we hold RTD's feet to the fire - the entire line must be built and RTD should address the impact of noise and smells on Thornton residents.

A final top priority is to improve the visual appeal of the city, primarily at the main entrances such as 84th, Thornton Parkway, and 104 th. We can't be a city with high property values and well-paying jobs if we don't look like one.

In general this council is focused on the economic welfare of our citizens. I believe that by investing in neighborhoods, transportation and aesthetics we can attract business with high-paying jobs and more sales tax for city services. Please join us in supporting this agenda, and if you have any questions or comments please contact my office. We would love to hear from you.

Erik Hansen
Thornton Mayor