Christeen Stone looks at 2008

As I reflect on the past two years in Maplewood I am so thankful for a new start in 2008. Just knowing we have five council members to make our decisions, as was intended, seems fabulous! There needs to be more real discussion of the long term direction our city needs to go, not just snap decisions as we had the past two years. It has been so awesome to see our new council's quick action to get Maplewood back on track. They have moved professionally in the right direction. Sad to say they can't help the good employees who lost their jobs, but they have certainly made our city a more pleasant place to work.

I never imagined the road we would travel when I joined the Maplewood Voters Coalition a year ago, nor all the wonderful friends I have made who share our goal of returning good government to our city.

We chose "Honesty " as our motto because we are all dedicated to doing what is best for our city. I am so grateful being a part of such a dedicated group of friends, working for good government. If you share our goals we would love to have you join us.

Maplewood is so special to me. When I moved here I was surrounded by beautiful farms. Now it is a fast growing city, but I love it. I have always had a passion for good government and democracy. My 20 years experience as an advocate at the legislature has been a real education in how democracy should work. Which is why the past two years have been so frustrating.

So Happy 2008!! We have democracy back, so let's stay involved, be aware of the blessing we have, and keep it. I feel very honored to be on the Board of the Maplewood Voters Coalition---

Christeen M Stone