With the start of a new four-year term, Brookhaven Mayor BobMassengill has asked aldermen to assist him in planning for thecity’s future.

During last week’s meeting, the mayor asked board members toprepare two lists. One list seeks their input on citywide goals forthe next four years, while the other list would focus on individualward wishes.

Massengill said the lists would then be evaluated and prioritiesset, with he and the board working together toward the goals. Themayor asked for the lists to be compiled by the board’s Aug. 2meeting.

With annexation, the multimodal transportation facility, waterand sewer issues and other projects, Brookhaven officials alreadyhave a variety of activities to occupy their time. However, weencourage all board members to take the mayor’s urging to heart andput on their thinking caps in coming up with new and inventive waysto make their wards and the city as a whole better.

It must be noted, though, that the mayor and board cannot andshould not be the sole determiners of goals for Brookhaven. We alsoencourage residents to contact their aldermen and let their voicesbe heard regarding what they want for the city.

In determining priorities, the next step is to realize that alldesires and wishes cannot be granted. Some may be unrealistic forthe time frame, and others could be fiscally impossible.

The thing to remember is that by working together toward commongoals, residents and officials can continue to improve onBrookhaven’s status as “a great place to visit and a better placeto live.”