Opinion

Newcastle is experiencing incredible growth. In fact, a newspaper article by reporter Jana Hayes in the Oklahoman last year states that Newcastle is the fastest-growing city in the state with an 8.9% growth rate.

In 1976, my wife, Jama, enrolled as a freshman at Indiana University of Pennsylvania to study criminology and accounting and she was also a member of the women’s track team. Unlike the men’s program, the women’s program did not offer scholarships, provide for preferential on-campus jobs, did not have their academic schedules modified so as to not interfere with practices, and had no paid coaches. The men’s coach volunteered his time and the women themselves funded the program.

As a new year unfolds, it is a great time to reflect and to plan. It is always good to remember and learn from what the current year has taught, but also good to think about what the next year holds. As you look backwards and forward, here are four things that have encouraged me and that, I pray, encourage you as well.

I always like to look back over the past 12 months and celebrate the good things that happened.

One-party Democratic rule in Washington has led to several unprecedented crises in our country and around the globe. However, next week, lawmakers will return to Washington, D.C. where the U.S. House of Representatives will begin a new legislative session with Republicans in the majority.

The end of each year allows us to reflect on what is behind us and look forward to what is to come. As we begin this new chapter, thank you for putting your trust in me. It’s a responsibility I will never take lightly.