Resolving to help those most in need

As a new year begins, many of us resolve to eat better, exercise more and generally take better care of our bodies. As mayor, I have a similar resolution for our city: I want to continue to lead Anaheim to be a healthy community, financially and socially. Financially, we now have a balanced budget but there is more that we can do. We are living within our means but we must be mindful of the temptation of aggressive borrowing and overspending. We need to continue to generate opportunity for new business and job creation. We must be vigilant to ensure that Anaheim s assets are maximized for the benefit of all our residents, not leveraged with heavy subsidies for the few. I will continue to advocate for the proper use of taxpayer dollars on behalf of every Anaheim resident, as I know that our economic health depends on it. But, just like in our own lives, financial health is only one aspect of better living. Living out our community value as a city of kindness is also a vital part of making our city strond healthier. When we treat our fellow citizens with respect and kindness, the re wards our city will reap are tremendous. One example I can point to is Anaheim s renewed efforts to address the homeless situation. This is one of north Orange County s biggest challenges, as we are faced with individuals living in our parks, near freeway bridges and other public places. Traditionally, social service programs are the purview of the county, but we know that this issue is not just one government agency s problem. It is an issue that affects all of us. That s why the city has been working hard to bring government agencies, faith-based groups and nonprofit agencies together to holistically address the problem. We are calling this multifaceted initiative Coming Home Anaheim. Our police department, under the direction of our new police Chief Raul Quezada, has developed a Homeless Outreach Team. The dedicated officers on this special team interact with homeless people otheir challenges and needs and then help the individual find specific assistance, whether that is temporary housing, medical attention or job counseling. Agencies like Mercy Housing, the Illumination Foundation, and City-Net (an ad hoc network of churches from across Anaheim) and many generous local residents are working to assist our city in both formal and informal partnerships. Our approach to how we treat those in crisis - homeless individuals living in our community - is an example of how we as a city might look to become a healthier city in other areas as well. By focusing on what ails us and being intentional and transparent about it, we begin to incorporate new ideas and challenge ourselves to improve. When we demonstrate kindness in acts large and small, we will begin to see signs of good growth and strength. And as I remind myself when I get on the elliptical machine in the morning, like any mark of good health and fitness, we must work at kindness every day. - Tom Tait is the mayor of Anaheim. What are your resolutions for 2014 and why? Share your goals for the new year by emailing Anaheim bulletin ocregister com Include a photo of yourself if available. MAYOR TAIT IS TRULY A MAN OF THE PEOPLE After Mitt Romney lost the 2012 presidential election, the national GOF Leadership promised that they would begin a rebranding and an outreach to attract more women, Latinos, blacks and Asians. They finally realized that they can t continue to be a party comprised solely o"seasoned citizens and expect to win state, federal and non-gerrymandered local elections. Anaheim s Republican leadership might want to think about that fact if they plan to continue to dominate our city s politics. Mayor of Anaheim Tom Tait has done a stellar job trying to serve and protect all the citizens of our city. He has gone to bat for all of us without regard to our wealth, our ethnicity, our religion, our gender or what part of Anaheim we live in. He has worked tirelessly to do what is best for Anaheim and its citizens, not what is best for all the special-interest groups that have long had their way with our local politics. He has fought these powerful entities, and they are not pleased with Tom s dynamic and refreshing leader ship. I understand several of our current or former city council members are planning to challenge Tait in the next city-wide election. They undoubtedly will have the full backing of the powers that be in the city. Arte Moreny and the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce all have deep pockets. It will be interesting to see just how much money they are willing to spend to regain political control of our city and evict the only mayor Anaheim has ever had who has actually fought for all the people - not just the rich and powerful. - Jay Garbutt, Anaheim Hills HARSH JOB CLIMATE NOT THE GOP'S FAULT I feel for your predicament, (letter-writer) Mr. Weikel. It sounds like you have decided to change political parties. I could be wrong, but I don t think passing Obamacare is helping to get you a job. I suggest you read the editorial, Abuse of business harms ANGELA RATZLAFF, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER Anaheim Mayor Tom T"has gone to bat for all of us," says Anaheim Hills resident Jay Garbutt everyone (Dec. 27). The state of California is ranked 50th in friendly business climate. The editorial also says that California has the most anti-entrepreneur policy environment in the country. I m sure you are aware the president is a Democrat. He doesn t count unemployed people who no longer receive benefits in unemployment numbers, and I m sure you are aware that Democrats run California Extending unemployment benefits is a short term fix. You may still find yourself without a job after unemployment runs out. You are blaming the wrong people for your situation. Republicans don t run California, and one doesn t run the country. I don t think your situation will improve by changing political