2024 New Year’s resolutions we’d like to see for Tri-Cities and Washington | Opinion

People have been making New Year’s resolutions for thousands of years.

And ever since some unnamed Babylonian pledged to finally learn how to use that newfangled cuneiform everyone is talking about, people have been failing to live up to their resolutions.

Not you, of course. You’re the rare individual who will stick to that workout, eat less, lose weight, get to bed earlier or whatever else you resolve for 2024.

The rest of us — we’re human, and we fail even when we have the noblest intentions.

But there’s value in the attempt. It’s not the end but the journey. In striving, we recognize our shortcomings and improve ourselves.

In that spirit, we’d like to suggest some New Year’s resolutions for the Mid-Columbia region and beyond.

If even just a handful of them succeed, the world will be a better place.

Happy New Year to all! May 2024 be your best year yet.

Local elected officials: Resolve to remember that we’re in this together and must work together, not as four cities and surrounding areas in competition.

All elected officials: Resolve to represent all of your constituents, even the ones who voted for your opponent.

Richland School Board members: Resolve to leave behind the acrimony that led to recall elections.

Franklin County Sheriff Jim Raymond and Auditor Matt Beaton: Resolve to play nice together.

HAPO Center: Resolve to bring in some acts and events that will thrill audiences and remind everyone why the facility matters.

Candidates: Resolve to run campaigns focused on issues that matter to voters, not personal attacks and the controversy du jour.

Voters: Resolve not to let a heated presidential election year ruin friendships and alienate family members.

Gov. Jay Inslee: Resolve not to rush blindly into a green energy future without considering the ripples and ramifications on communities if dams come down and electric vehicles become mandatory.

State lawmakers: Resolve to embrace transparency by abandoning the ridiculous claim of “legislative privilege.”

State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council: Resolve to listen to locals who know that Horse Heaven Hills ridgeline is a terrible location for a wind farm and can help you find a better one.

Local tribes and the U.S. Energy and Interior departments: Resolve to find a compromise that will share the majestic local landmark that is Rattlesnake Mountain and honor its cultural importance.

Local road maintenance crews: Resolve to bring road surfaces level with manhole covers.

Motorists: Resolve to be patient and calm when several major transportation projects cause traffic to implode and commutes to lengthen. Repeat to yourself, “It’s only temporary. It’s only temporary…”

Local scientists: Resolve to find a way to rid swimming beaches of milfoil, pondweed and toxic algae.

Washington State Cougars: Resolve to work with Oregon State to rebuild the PAC-12.

University of Washington Huskies football team: Resolve to bring home a national championship. But if you don’t, know that the entire state is already proud of you.

Librarians: Resolve to oppose censorship and put books on the shelves that cover the cornucopia of human thought and vision.

Readers: Resolve to check out at least one book from your local library that you’re sure you’ll disagree with. Then read it with an open mind and see if you actually do.

Mother Nature: Resolve to deliver some snow so that skiers can hit the regional slopes. Follow it up with a mild summer free from wildfires.