We’ve got it good here on the north side of the lake. The serenity of Lake Pontchartrain, the majestic trees and our more tranquil lifestyle are wonderful, and we are fortunate to be able to enjoy it. (Please don’t pass that on to friends on the south side of the lake. Tell them life is horrible here, with bad weather, tolls and crime - not to mention all those darn trees in the way!)

The quality of our local municipal leadership is, in large measure, the reason we’ve managed to maintain and enhance our quality of life. While our parish officials take care of the big picture, our local civic leaders really drive the bus in our hometowns, and our down-home drivers are as colorful, concerned and conscientious as one could hope for.

Inside Northside asked area mayors for three predictions and three wishes for their cities, towns and the region in general. Here, in alphabetical order, are their forecasts and hopes for the coming new year.

ABITA SPRINGS:

Mayor Bryan Gowland

Predictions:

• Abita will continue to grow and experience the problems and benefits associated with that growth.
• The new mayor, Louis Fitzmorris, will have some eye-opening experiences that will cause him to say to me, “You didn’t tell me about this.” Whereupon I will reply, “If I told you everything, you might not have run.”
• Former Abita Mayor Bryan Gowland will be seen frequently in a boat with a fishing rod in his hand.

Wishes:

• In spite of the growth, Abita will continue to maintain its small town character and charm.
• My wife and I can realize our plans to travel a lot. Not in a camper, however. My idea of roughing it is a hotel without a free breakfast buffet.
• My children and grandchildren will continue to do as well as they presently are.

COVINGTON:

Mayor Keith Villere

Predictions:

• A new mayor and at least four new city council members, because of term limits.
• Tigers in the Sugar Bowl.
• No war with Iraq.

Wishes:

• Saints in the Superbowl, winning the Superbowl!
• Increased sales taxes, revitalized New Hampshire Street.
• No war with Iraq.

FOLSOM:

Mayor Marshell Brumfield

Predictions:

• That St. Tammany Parish will continue to grow, but at a somewhat slower pace than in recent years.
• That the New Directions 2025 Comprehensive Plan will help the parish manage the growth while allowing business opportunities to flourish.
• That Folsom will continue to be a desirable destination for people who appreciate its natural beauty, charm and outdoor appeal.

Wishes:

• That Folsom maintains its small town character and attracts businesses and residents who support that lifestyle.
• That the community works together to create a memorable celebration for our centennial on June 8, 2004.
• That we complete the planned sewer system projects in a way that will benefit everyone in the community.

HAMMOND:

Mayor-Elect Mayson Foster

Predictions:

• Hammond will announce at least three new industries in 2003.
• Hammond’s water and sewer rates will not increase in 2003.
• C. M. Fagan Drive will be opened.

Wishes:

• Fagan Drive will be opened.
• Hammond’s administration has a smooth transition.
• Hammond residents remain safe and secure throughout the year.

MADISONVILLE:

Mayor Peter Gitz

Predictions:

• No hurricanes.
• No hard freezes.
• Just good weather.

Wishes:

• That the United States and all other countries could be free from war.
• That medical research will find more cures for diseases.
• That the Town of Madisonville will continue its small town atmosphere.

MANDEVILLE:

Mayor Eddie Price

Predictions:

• The Mandeville Trailhead will continue to grow as an entertainment and community-gathering focal point.
• That the northshore will continue to be the best place to live in Louisiana.
• That the Saints pick up more points than the Dow-Jones and Tulane never again loses to LSU.

Wishes:

• That the Road Fairy miraculously completes Highway 190 improvements.
• That Mandeville gets lots and lots more government grants.
• That Sally Price’s husband would lose 20 pounds.

PEARL RIVER:

Mayor James Lavigne

Predictions:

• That Pearl River will grow and prosper.
• That more criminals will be put behind bars.
• The value of everyone’s property will increase to match the rest of the parish.

Wishes:

• God’s blessings and good health for everyone.
• That families and neighbors would become closer to each other and work together in harmony to solve their problems.
• That the West Pearl River would be dredged to help alleviate flooding problems.

SLIDELL:

Mayor Ben Morris

Predictions:

• The beautification portion of my platform will begin in the immediate future, with the planting of trees along the main thoroughfares of Slidell.
• The Slidell Airport will become an economic engine for the city and the parish.
• I will not be recruited by the New Orleans Hornets basketball team.

Wishes:

• To turn Olde Towne into the site of monthly music and entertainment, giving local entertainers the opportunity to show their talent, and citizens the opportunity to enjoy the music and the new look of Olde Towne.
• To secure the funds to make the dream of an amphitheater in Heritage Park a reality.
• To work closely with the parish to successfully address many of the drainage issues.

Copyright 2003, M&L Publishing, all rights reserved.