With 2012 – the year of the dragon – now upon us, we cast our glance forward with the hope we will see less, or more, of the following:

More: Civic involvement. Residents fighting the proposed Flamborough Quarry in northeast Flamborough as well as stating their views on the proposed Niagara-to-GTA corridor are encouraging signs.

Less: Closed-door meetings. The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board’s decision to put an end to its private caucus sessions is a step in the right direction. Hamilton’s other elected officials need to follow through on their promises for more openness and transparency.

More: Volunteerism. Year after year, area residents step up to the plate in an attempt to help others. Whether it be making a donation to the local food bank or lending a hand to make a local event run smoothly, the time and resources invested by caring community individuals is invaluable to not-for-profit organizations that continue to make a difference in the lives of Flamborough residents.

Less: Carnage on Hamilton roadways. There are far too many crashes, far too many drivers stopped for impaired driving, and far too many lives impacted as a result.

More: Development and industrial investments. Big businesses have set up shop in Hamilton as well as Flamborough. Announcements made in 2011 included a new potato washing and packaging plant set to start its Millgrove operation in the spring of this year. The new Canada Bread plant and the new Maple Leaf meat processing plant have chosen to call Hamilton home. Let’s hope this trend continues to move in Hamilton’s favour.

Less: Flip-flopping by Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty. Stephen Harper soundbites, Bob Rae blathering, graffiti, Peter MacKay fibbing, break-ins, concussions, downsizing, stock market plunges, debt.

More: Good health and happiness to all our readers.