Amanda Edwards

“My wish is for rural internet to be made available this year and to include a strong steady signal with affordable service for rural residents.

The electric co-ops have the progress of being able to offer this service; now the actual infrastructure needs to be put into place. The services offered should be unlimited and fast and not in exchange for a brick of gold. Don’t ruin this opportunity for Mississippians by taxing it to death. Every household on every dirt road should have the service available and within a slim budget. The road infrastructure is also on my wish list … maybe next year?”

Edwards, of Starkville, is a licensed Realtor and broker with Starkville Properties.

Yulanda Haddix

“Well, 2020 is our year. Partnerships are our focus. As president of the Oktibbeha County NAACP, our mission is social justice for all. We cannot partner unless we understand how to be social. We cannot be social unless we are accepting of all differences. We must accept all people regardless of race, color, creed, sexual orientation or economic status.

The NAACP has created initiatives on crime prevention, community engagement, economic growth and academic achievement in underserved communities. The goal for 2020 is to cultivate strong partnerships with all local agencies such as law enforcement, churches, nonprofits, city/county governments, education institutions, etc., to create a collaborative tool kit that will be productive and beneficial to all partners. Teamwork really makes the American dream work. I’m excited to work with so many progressive, innovative, community engaged and dedicated partners. Building strong communities starts with partners, no one person can do this alone. Lets think ‘2020 — Everyone Is In It.'”

Haddix lives in Starkville.

Gabe Smith

“In this new year, I wish that members of my community will continue to more fully support and embrace the arts as a needed part of their everyday lives. In divisive times, I believe we tend to huddle together with the known and comfortable, sometimes shunning new experiences in favor of what we already know and that we believe will keep us sane, strong and prosperous. Art — whether it’s a song or a play or a splash of paint on a canvas — asks us to leave that cocoon, if only for a moment, and to experience the world through another’s eyes, to feel what it’s like for someone else to live in this same world we share. It’s an expression of the inner workings of a soul, of a mind, of a heart. If there’s anything our world needs more of today, it’s empathy. When someone in your community creates art, they’re attempting to share a piece of themselves with you, to tell you something immutable and special, about themselves and about you — take them up on the opportunity more often.”

Smith, of Starkville, is CEO of Starkville Community Theatre

Larry Bradford

“It’s that time of year again when everybody makes resolutions about things we want to change or new things we want to start. Most of the time, by February those things have been forgotten and we fall back into our old patterns.

As we enter a new year and a new decade I desire to be a better person — one who forgives, one who loves, and one who supports those around me who are hurting. I want to let go of the grudges from those who have hurt me. If Jesus can forgive those who put Him on that cross, surely I can forgive those who hurt me.

I want to be a better husband, father, friend and grandfather, especially to (grandchildren) Eli, Rylan, and a new grand in July.

I know whatever happens in 2020 is not by chance because in the book of Joshua, Chapter 1, it says this: ‘Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’

I want to choose to make 2020 an awesome year!”

Bradford, of Columbus, is minister of instrumental music at Fairview Baptist Church.

John Campbell Sr.

“My wish for the New Year is to be a part of the effort to ensure that children are safe in schools and people are safe in their homes. I’ve just launched the JC Manufacturing process of my Bumper Door Block. The hinge guard is designed to stop the ability of someone to use a sledge hammer to knock a door from the hinge. There is also the feature of 150 MPH wind resistance. With that said, I would also like to be able to offer a few jobs for people in the Golden Triangle area.

It’s been my dream since age 10 to be successful in my inventions.”

Campbell, of Starkville, operates Golden Triangle Barber College.

Paulette Garton

“I wish to joyfully follow the path God chooses for me with love and kindness, hopefully leading by the springs of family and friendship, starlight and sunshine, sand and water, music and dancing, and always sparkling with a little glitter.

A New Year’s blessing (author unknown): May all the days of all the years that God has still in store, be filled with every joy and grace to bless you more and more; my hope of heart and peace of mind beside you ever stay, and that’s the golden wish I have for you this New Year’s Day!”

Garton, retired, lives in Columbus.

Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.