Time to Polish Off the Crystal Ball to See What’s in Store for 2025
Opinion Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the author/producer’s interpretation of facts and data.
After missing out on a chance to peer into The Examiner’s crystal ball at the end of 2023, we’ve returned in time for the new year to look ahead and think out loud about some of the things we’d like to see locally and beyond.
The list below isn’t so much predictions but a wish for things that could improve the community and society in the year ahead. If only some of these items come to fruition, 2025 could be a very good year.
For the state legislature and/or the Public Service Commission to introduce some guidelines to help municipalities struggling with how to regulate battery energy storage systems. The systems are certainly needed but who wants to have them in your community if you can’t be reasonably assured they won’t catch on fire.
A sensible plan to increase electric vehicle charging stations throughout the state over the next 10 years so they are at least as common and plentiful as parking meters.
That officials haven’t forgotten how important it is to have concrete policy proposals to promote the development of affordable housing. The problem hasn’t vanished.
That Yorktown officials come to their senses and recognize the benefits of having fluoride in drinking water.
For pharmacies to have an ample supply of the COVID-19 vaccines for those residents who want one.
A decision by the courts as to whether most local and county elections will continue on their odd-numbered-year cycle or whether they’ll be moved to even-numbered years – before petitioning starts in a couple of months.
That Mother Nature gives us a breather this year so we can avoid flooding, searing heat and wildfires.
For aggressive drivers on the area’s roadways to take a deep breath and slow down.
That the state legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul increase funding for the Department of Transportation to continue to improve its roads. The Route 9A repaving is great, but there’s a lot more work to be done.
For Mount Kisco to have a wonderful sesquicentennial celebration.
For the county and individual communities continue to planning events for the nation’s semiquincentennial in 2026.
For Congress to find a way to shore up Social Security. Surely, there’s a solution out there to avert a crisis in the future without taking away money to seniors who need it.
A return to the philosophy that the United States is one country; there is no we or them, only us.
Recognition for all of our local high school athletes who take the field, track, court or rink representing their schools, and wishing those youngsters who provide their schools and community with pride and excitement only victories in 2025.
That all first-responders are told how much they are appreciated. Let them know whenever you get a chance.
A big thank you to all our readers and advertisers who have supported Examiner Media and our quest to continue delivering quality local journalism. Thank you, we couldn’t do what we do without you.
And a happy, healthy and prosperous 2025 for everyone.
Martin has more than 30 years experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, including a frequent focus on zoning and planning issues. He has been editor-in-chief of The Examiner since its inception in 2007. Read more from Martin’s editor-author bio here. Read Martin’s archived work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/martin-wilbur2007/