I learned a lot in 2018, how about you?

Date: 12/26/2018

So where the heck did 2018 go? And what did I learn?

• I learned that MGM is not the great Satan some people thought nor is it the great savior other people touted. It is a well-run business that is adding to the local economy.
• I learned that patience is a virtue that pays off, especially if you are Ray Berry Jr., the owner of White Lion Beer. Congrats to finding a place in downtown Springfield for a brewery and taproom.

• I’ve learned it’s hard for me to go back to a movie theater without reserved seating, good food and reclining seats.  Thanks for spoiling me Regal.

• I learned the Springfield City Council has developed a progressive agenda that is at odds in some ways with Mayor Domenic Sarno. This next year should be very interesting.

• I reaffirmed for myself the future of our downtowns is in small business development. The era of the big project is over in Springfield, for instance, and now is the time to recruit and build small business.

• I learned time and time again that marijuana may provide cities and towns with necessary revenue, whether they like it or not.

• And I learned the Commonwealth and municipalities seem to have no plan for the impact of marijuana tourism.

• I learned the Chicopee City Council is not above exhibiting anger and feuding between one another. It doesn’t look good on them.

• I learned I could lose enough weight to go down a pant size.

• I learned that a good solution for Facebook is to un-follow people whose posts are irritating instead of un-friending them.

• I learned that in Longmeadow petty personal politics trumps accomplishment when it comes to the School Superintendent.

• I learned some candidates are less than willing to do the necessary meet–and–greet shoe leather kind of work and still manage to get elected.

• I learned Western Massachusetts will be able to point to a member of Congress from our district who is serving in an incredibly important committee chair.

• I learned time and time again our president is historically incompetent.

• I learned that elected officials who are willing to put the people over party have become an endangered species.

• I learned that among the most popular posts I put on my personal Facebook page are photos of me smoking a cigar. I find it flattering but inexplicable.

• I learned that donations to area non-profits are decreasing when the needs are not decreasing.

• I learned that despite an ownership change I still have a job.

• I learned I have the good fortune of having a great staff.

Okay, I know I learned more than that. In fact, what I love about this job is that I get to learn something everyday.

What are my predictions for the New Year? I’ll do my best to play Kreskin.

• I predict a spirited mayor’s race in Springfield.

• I predict a not-so spirited race in West Springfield, Agawam and Chicopee.

• I predict I will still be smoking a weekly cigar at Smokey Joe’s.

• I predict the by the time Springfield approves its first recreational cannabis license it won’t be a novelty any more.

• I predict I will go down another pant size.

Thanks to our  readers and advertisers for your continued interest and support. Let’s hope 2019 is full of positive news for everyone.