Health, happiness and prosperity.
Those are words of hope for the new year expressed by Bonnie Katz, one of the two new members to City Council and co-owner of Le Chocolat on Pine Street.
Standing in front of a rainbow assortment of hard candies, Katz wrapped boxes of filled with chocolates at the candy and gift shop she operates with husband Bernie.
Katz said she's noticed more foot traffic over the months leading up to the holidays.
She attributed that to the gas drilling industry creating a need and opportunity for the city and developers working to construct hotels, parking decks, stores and restaurants.
As a downtown merchant, Katz said she welcomed the Kohl's store, believing it would spur additional commerce throughout the Central Business District.
As Katz prepares to take the oath of office Tuesday, she was hopeful her efforts pay off. It's her intention to follow through on her campaign promises.
Her foremost desire is that council and the administration come up with ways to increase revenue so the city taxpayers don't have to see a future tax increase.
That can be done, she said, by aggressively seeking out more taxes and fees through a combination of working with the city treasurer and codes administration.
"We are going to make sure all businesses and companies pay their proper share of business privilege and mercantile taxes," she said.
She thought for a while about her hopes for the new year before saying everyone's health is the most important.
Without good health, it's impossible or not easy to accomplish all that life has in store, she said.
Happiness was the second thing on her mind that she wanted to see shared with the masses in the months to come.
Without a spirit of contentment and joy, a person is basically empty inside, she said.
Prosperity was the third wish, and that is something individuals, families and municipalities all want to see, she said.
