New Year’s predictions for D.C.-area officials

WASHINGTON (Map, News) - The year ahead promises to be a good one if the predictions outlined by local leaders come to pass. Everything from political gains to personal improvements make it into The Examiner’s top predictions for 2008.

Residents, take note: Here is what officials are predicting in the coming year.

For the earth ...

Nancy Floreen, Montgomery County councilwoman:

“Some great new incentives to encourage businesses to go green. We’re working on something to be unveiled in the new year that will be more of a carrot than a stick to make sure the public is aware of companies that have added green elements to their business plan and show those companies they are valued and should be supported.”

Martin Nohe, Prince William County supervisor:

“A renewed focus on natural resources conservation that comes with $3 a gallon gasoline. The thing my customers are asking me is, ‘How can I do this with less energy.’ Two years ago, an energy star rating wasn’t important.”

For development...

Arlington County Board member Chris Zimmerman:

“Hopefully, by the end of the year (2008) we’ll be breaking ground for the Arlington Mill Community Center and housing project. And I expect we’ll make progress in getting the Columbia Pike Street project developed now that financing is secured.”

William Euille, mayor of Alexandria:

“We’ll be successful in promoting the redevelopment of the Landmark Mall shopping center. It’s two years behind schedule. I believe the city working with the mall owner are on track to get that project up and running. We’re losing millions of dollars a year in potential tax revenue and it needs a new kick in the butt. This is big for us.”

For schools...

Tim Kaine, Virginia governor:

“[The most important issue facing the state] I would say is a series of education initiatives. We have a strong education system here, but strong relative to other states is no longer the test; it’s are you strong relative to the world standard.”

For others...

Duchy Trachtenberg, Montgomery County councilwoman:

“Sen. Hillary Clinton will win the Maryland primary and go on to gather strength and popularity through the rest of the primary season, leading to her election as America’s first woman president.”

Paul Ferguson, Arlington County Board chairman:

“Barbara Favola will win re-election to the (Arlington County Board) for another four years. Barbara is well liked by the Arlington public and is generally recognized as doing a great job for the county.”

For their own sanity...

Del. Kumar Barve, Maryland State House majority leader:

“I’d like to see a little peace and quiet on the floor after the special session [to address Maryland’s $1.7 billion state budget deficit]. I think there’s a chance of that happening. It’s gotta be quieter than the fall’s special session.”

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