In a perfect world … NOW bloggers post their wishes for Waukesha

With the New Year comes new hope.

As we head into 2010, we are not only entering a new year but a new decade, and another chance to shed old ways and bad habits, and make improvements in our lives and in our communities.

We've asked the Waukesha NOW bloggers (www.waukeshanow.com) for their wishes for Waukesha for the coming years ahead. These were to be idealistic, not necessarily practical. As always, their ideas were insightful, honest, sometimes humorous, and thoughtful. While these may never come to fruition, it's always best to aim high and dream big - and never lose hope.

David Brostrom: Calling all aldermen

• A big turnout for the early 2010 Grand Opening of the new Children's Department at the Waukesha Public Library

• Fewer violent crimes in the city

• A community treatment center for people with drug and/or alcohol abuse problems to help fill the void created by the closing of the 'Lawrence Center' and another transitional residential facility

• More bicycle riders and fewer cars, and the establishment of safe bicycle lanes to encourage riding

• A Waukesha community vegetable garden in or near the center of the city (called SPROUT?)

• More residents calling their alderman to discuss positive ideas, neighborhood issues and community complaints

• Widespread enthusiasm and volunteerism for our city's unique literacy and community reading initiative - 'The Big Read'

Steve Bukosky: Search for a good sausage

• Smooth, pothole-free pavement that doesn't look like a jigsaw puzzle with ragged safety islands.

• Traffic lights at Barstow and North Street that have timing based on sanity.

• Enforcement of noise ordinances.

• No parking on main streets during rush hour.

• Officials that realize there is no such thing as an upscale tattoo parlor.

• Taxes that go down and services that get better.

• Development that pays for their impact on the long-time residents in the older areas of the city.

• Well-defined city borders.

• Sentry to return to Moreland and Delafield and to downtown.

• Mack's to reopen.

• A restaurant with good sausage patties.

HAWS: A more HUMANE world

Humane Animal Welfare Society's Wish List for Waukesha

H umane actions toward all animals by all people.

U nderstanding our pets and who they are, rather than making them be more like us.

M ission fulfilled: sanctuary for all animals in need, euthanasia all but eradicated.

A ctivity throughout our community to raise awareness, and funds, for animal welfare.

N o more pet overpopulation through continued spay/neuter of all companion animals.

E ducational opportunities to reach all those who come into contact with animals

.In 2010, HAWS wishes for not just the existence of humane societies, but an overall society that is more humane. Happy New Year to our Waukesha Community/Family! Learn more about HAWS at www.hawspets.org - Adopt - Learn - Join - Volunteer - Donate.

Submitted by Jennifer Smieja, HAWS development coordinator

Senator Mary Lazich: Let's get working

• Tax cuts and reduced spending

• 100 percent employment

• Jobs for every Waukesha graduate

• The utmost safety for Waukesha residents serving in our military

• Lake Michigan water at a fair price

• Far less government intervention

• Perfect attendance at all schools

• Short waits at metered ramps

• Fish that bite on lakes and streams

• A deer for every Waukesha hunter next season

• The shortest of winters

• A sunny, long spring and summer

• Rain only while you sleep

• And above all, miles and miles of smiles and the very best of health

Brien Lee: I want it all, without new taxes

It's 2010 and I'd like to see Waukesha finally drinking out of Lake Michigan.

• I'd like to visit a finished Les Paul Experience at the Waukesha County Museum.

• I'd like to see a new post office, smoother streets, no more basement flooding.

• I'd like to see all those employed who want to work, and all stores and businesses thriving.

• I'd like to see shelters close for lack of clients. No more cuts to city services and programs.

• Oh, almost forgot, and I want it all without raising taxes!

Curt Otto: Bring springs back to life

My 2010 Wish List for Waukesha…

Twenty Ten will be the start of my sixth year in the City of Waukesha. I'll be honest, I never thought I would be here this long - but it kind of grows on you after a while.

In that time, I have seen a lot of changes in the city- particularly in the downtown.

But if I could wish for anything for the city, I would wish for the following…

• I wish Waukesha would free its natural springs - especially the one in Bethesda Park. That poor thing has been locked in a concrete tomb for years. And while the spring by the post office has a nicer looking tomb, it still never sees the light of day. Springs used to be a tourist attraction for this city and I think we should consider bringing some of them back.

• I wish someone would fix the clock tower. Clock towers are icons in cities like this - busy shoppers, tourists, and business people use them to tell time and ours only has one working face. The others are either burned out, don't keep time, or are missing hands. It reflects poorly on our city pride.

• Speaking of city pride, my last wish has been on my list since the day I first drove into this town. I REALLY wish Waukesha would replace its welcome signs. This city's first impressions are ragged, outdated, or altogether missing. At this point, I would settle for a neatly painted banner that said welcome. Or a guy standing with a cardboard sign, waving it and dancing around like the Little Caesar's Pizza guy on Sunset Avenue. Anything is better than nothing.

Don't get me wrong - I have a lot to be thankful for as well. Waukesha has been a unique place to live and a great place to own a business. The city has taken great steps to shed its once coarse reputation and has become a destination for everyone to enjoy. I truly wish it will continue to change in that positive way.