Mayor Adam Paul wants to shape a new vision for Lakewood in 2017, and he’ll be looking to the city’s children to help make it happen.
Paul shared his hopes for the year Thursday at the annual State of the City Address in front of more than 300 residents and business leaders.
“I want to see Lakewood through the lens of children’s eyes. We can learn a lot, and I will share what they have to say with you and other community members throughout the year,” Paul said during his 20-minute speech.
Paul wasn’t specific about what that vision might look like, but referenced previous visions that brought forth the 40 West Art District and produced projects like the new ARTline and the redevelopment of Lamar Station Plaza, home to Casa Bonita.
“Working on the day-to-day keeps the city running smoothly and that’s always important. But when we ask each other what will keep our children here in 30 years, that’s a forward-looking question,” he said. “I ask that because we want to make sure that Lakewood stays great. We want to make sure that we are creating a city that people will want to call home now and for decades to come.”
Paul opened his second state of the city address since being elected in November 2015 by acknowledging the city’s successes of the past year, such as it’s All-America City award and recognizing individuals such as police chief Dan McCasky, who was officially named chief in October after replacing Kevin Paletta on an interim basis in May.
Paul also praised the City Council for unanimously passing the city’s budget and highlighted upcoming projects such as an expanded trail system at Lasley Park and a new Union Boulevard plan.
He closed with a focus on Lakewood’s children and urged everyone to consider them when discussing the next transportation or zoning issue that may cause strife.
“I believe the voices we will hear will move us with a spirit of generosity and fill us with a mission that is larger than ourselves,” Paul said. “Staying focused on our children’s aspirations is essential to keeping us from being stuck in petty differences, pet projects, pesky anxieties and spiteful conspiracies.”
