In the midst of all the wrapping paper, the boxes and the double stick tape that you can’t get off the dining room table, lies a very simple question now; what about next year?

We hate to be the first ones to ask, but what are your plans for next year? What are your goals, your hopes your dreams? Better yet, what are you doing today to make those dreams, hopes and goals become reality?

And while you might think these questions are aimed directly at you — our readers — you’re right, but you’re not alone.

These questions are also pointed at our state, local and federal leaders.

What are your plans, what are your goals? And, the better question is, do they match up to what we as a community, as a state and as a country are looking for.

Far too often, the news focuses on the gridlock, the debates, the scandals, the things that get in the way of real progress, rather than first helping to set the agenda, help everyone focus on what is important.

Over the past few weeks, we have covered unveilings of a potential sports megaplex in Vicksburg and written about what our local interstate and frontage road systems desperately need.

What now can be done to get the sportsplex to the next step and what can be done to address the needs of our roads? What we want now are timelines, firm dates and strong commitments. We no longer need pie in the sky ideas and discussion; we had enough pie over the holidays.

With the Mississippi Legislature weeks away from convening and cities and counties redrawing new year plans, we simply ask what are your plans? What are your goals?

We want to know, because we want to help and we want to help hold you accountable.

Let this be a New Year’s resolution of sorts. You can’t lose the weight or stop smoking without a strong support team in place.

To our elected leaders, your support team is right here, watching and waiting.