The view from the Idea Center

As the years fly by, I become less enthusiastic about New Year’s Day and particularly New Year’s resolutions. Why wait until a new year to try to improve? Life and happiness seemingly require evaluation and assessment constantly, not just at the end of December. However, the end of the year and the end of the decade begs for some reflection, and it’s never a bad time to set goals for the next day, week, month, year or decade.

Cuyahoga County is in the midst of a massive overhaul of the justice system, which of course includes the beleaguered county jail, but also requires a hard look at bail reform and how to better connect people who enter the justice system with resources. Those are certainly admirable goals, but it will take much more than a spurt of energy to be effective in 2020.

Predictably, state representatives have different resolutions depending on their party affiliation. Fortunately, House Speaker Larry Householder pointed to the bipartisan bills they passed in 2019, in hopes that trend will continue.

A common resolution is to make more money. The state’s minimum wage is set for a modest increase at midnight, which can help the underemployed and can potentially raise wages elsewhere.

And we always enjoy looking back at stories that resonated with you, the reader and listener. It continues to be a source of pride that we cover stories most outlets don’t, in a way that most outlets don’t, and ideastream resolves to keep that going through 2020 and beyond.

The reflection and goals we set at the end of December are valuable, and it’s important to get into that mindset. But the phrases and sometimes platitudes that are used this time of the year are just as important in June as they are now.

Stay safe and stay motivated. Every day.

Thanks for reading and listening this year,
Glenn Forbes

Need to KnOH

Headlines from Northeast Ohio and Beyond

• Cleveland Orchestra Creates Festival To Explore Art And Censorship In 2020
• Protesters Attempt To Storm U.S. Embassy In Baghdad
• Cleveland Public Library Plans Decade Of Capital Projects Beginning In 2020
• Downtown Akron Hotel Prepares For New Year's Eve Debut
• 50 Wonderful Things From 2019

Your ideas

Yesterday, we asked if you were dealing with any damage or power outages as high winds swept across Northeast Ohio. Over on Facebook, Bradley Upham said he "Sure felt that damned squall that hit Lakewood at 0630..." and Sheryl Caine wrote that power was out in Westlake. "We are lucky that it is not very cold outside. Stay safe everyone," she said.

We're down to the last few hours of 2019, looking back at the past year and ahead to the next one. What are your hopes, dreams and resolutions for 2020? Call us at  (216) 916-6476, comment on our Facebook page or join the conversation in Public Square. We'll feature some of your thoughts and comments here in Noon(ish) and on Morning Edition.