To all of our citizens, neighbors, and visitors, the City Council and I wish you a most prosperous New Year and hope that you enjoyed the holiday surrounded by family and friends. I would like to express my gratitude to the many people who made our annual Tree Lighting such a big success! The weather was unseasonably warm and so were the spirits of all who attended. I extend my warmest thanks to all the volunteers and city staff for making this holiday season a special time to remember. I hope all of you had a joyous holiday season and are ready to start the year with new vigor and energy!
It is with great honor and appreciation that I step in to fill some very big shoes as your next mayor of Newton. I would like to express my sincere thanks to our previous mayor, Robert Mullinax, for his dedication and talent in guiding our city into this millennium. I look forward to building on the success of his efforts.
It is with this gratitude that I reflect on this past year. Many positive changes took place. Even as the economy continued to struggle, that good ole’ pioneer spirit was ever present. Thanks to our Information Systems Director Jason Clay, we now have free Wi-Fi throughout the downtown area with only a minimal cost to the city! Business owners, as well as, the casual visitor to downtown can enjoy the convenience of this new free technology. The goals of this project are to attract more customers to the downtown business district, support small businesses, encourage the use of public parks and facilities, and enable more citizens to access services online. It is doing just that.
That spirit was also demonstrated by the Boy Scouts at Jacob Fork Park with an Eagle Scout project to enhance the park with a walking trail, picnic area, and a beautification project. This endeavor took vision, dedication and hard work and required over 1,000 man hours to complete! Job well done! We are grateful to those young men for their commitment to serve their community.
Also, in an effort to help local businesses in the downtown district, the Downtown Newton Development Association (DNDA) helped a downtown business owner with a façade improvement. Phostell’s Barber Shop received a new awning and façade enhancements. Thanks go to the DNDA for fulfilling their mission to revitalize downtown!
Other bright spots in the year occurred when our Wastewater Treatment Plant received the 2010 WWTP Operations and Maintenance Excellence Award for the West Region from the North Carolina American Water Works Association and Water Environment Association (NCAWWA-WEA). Our Electric division earned a Municipal Safety Award from ElectriCities, and our Finance Department earned the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report award for the 26th consecutive year. These awards are evidence that our city is committed to excellence. Again, job well done!
Among some changes, the city now has an updated website. Not only does it look good, it is also user friendly. Please check it out if you haven’t. Go to www.newtonnc.gov. Also, technology is finding its way to the billing department! We now accept electronic payment for utilities. This added convenience is another part of our commitment to quality service to our citizens.
Other notables include: Newton was named “Tree City USA” making us one of only 73 cities and towns in the state to receive this recognition; the 122nd Soldiers Reunion Parade held in August remains the longest running patriotic parade not associated with a holiday; and the “Newton 101” Citizens Academy has now graduated a total of 60 Newton citizens and is planning for the next academy in September.
A lot of changes happened last year. Among them, a long-time employee, Glenn Pattishall, retired in December. For 28 years he dedicated his time and expertise to the city. We will be forever indebted to him for his many accomplishments. As the Planning Director, he guided the growth of our city, and as an Assistant City Manager and at times, the Interim Manager, he oversaw the department heads with an experienced head and heart. We thank you, Glenn, and wish you the best... for the best is yet to come!
As I reflect on the many things the city has accomplished, I also look ahead to what we will do in the next few months.
Unity Day will again be held at Southside Park on April 28th. Our festival last year was such a success that we’ve decided to do it again. If you didn’t come last year, you must come this year. It’s a day-long event for the whole family – a day of food, fun, music and more to celebrate the cultures among us!
During the winter months, the city will host Teen Leadership Newton. High school students from Newton-Conover High School and the Newton-Conover Health & Science High School will again participate in a leadership program. Students will get a behind-the-scenes look at how a city is run while also learning the roles of leadership.
Other spring happenings include MayFest, the Citywide Yard Sale, Citywide Cleanup, the Easter Egg Hunt, Take-a-Kid Fishing Day… My, we’re busy!
On a final note… as a result of the election in November, we now have a new addition to the board. I would like to welcome Wes Weaver who fills my vacated seat on the council. Wes, his wife Jackie, and their children have chosen to call Newton home. I welcome his commitment to service as he helps guide our city into the future. I would also like to congratulate Wayne Dellinger, Mary Bess Lawing, and Tom Rowe upon their re-elections to four-year terms. Their experience on the board has been, and will continue to be, valuable in providing quality services to our citizens. We were all sworn into office on December 13th and are ready to get started!
I would like to end by inviting all of you to attend the City Council meetings. If you ever have an idea or concern, there’s a time during the meeting for public comment. If you want to become involved in your hometown, please let me know! The many boards and commissions are always looking for volunteers, and if you want to talk to me, you can reach me anytime at (828) 465-0404.
I’m excited and ready to dig in. The City staff, City Council, and I are here to assist you and do whatever we can to assure that your hometown continues to improve and be the best that it can be. I wish you a safe and prosperous new year!
Sincerely,
Anne P. Stedman, Mayor
City of Newton