First, if you will be out celebrating the New Year, please don't drink and drive. Ensure that you have a reliable designated driver, call a cab or stay put until your alcohol levels are within the legal limits.

Many people have a few drinks and think they are just fine to get behind the wheel of a car. Unfortunately, it does not take too much alcohol to have an impact on your ability to think clearly, react quickly and drive carefully. That's why the simple rule is: if you drink, don't drive. Please heed it this New Year's Eve and throughout 2009.

Over the next year, folks will be facing a lot of economic challenges and it is incumbent upon public officials who have the power of the purse to act responsibly. This is not the time for lavish raises, new positions, additional programs and other initiatives that will increase the tax burden at every level, schools, local and state government. It is the time to cut costs, reduce expenses and bring forward tax reductions.

The public has always been generous in providing funding for vital services and programs at the community level, including money to improve education, senior services and fire department services, town and county programs. Now the public needs some relief, and we hope lawmakers and budget makers recognize that.