Community leaders share resolutions, hopes for 2022
The Sentinel-Record asked members of the community to reflect on 2021 and to share their hopes and resolutions for the new year. Their answers were as follows:
Chris Chapmond Hot Springs police chief
“The Hot Springs Police Department is grateful for the support the community and the city board showed the organization in 2021. The past year saw tremendous growth within the department with several major accomplishments. The first being establishing and building upon the Crime Reduction Strategy with new partnerships being established to help combat the violent crime in our area, accomplishing objectives outlined in our Strategic Plan, seeking and being granted numerous grants that have allowed for technological and personnel growth to better serve the community, and the continuation of our community outreach in efforts to establish the trust and legitimacy needed for the Hot Springs Police Department to best serve our community!
“In 2022, we hope to continue to perform at an exceptional level! We will continue striving to be the most professional law enforcement organization in the region, we will work on continuing to build relationships with key stakeholders to best serve our community, we will hold ourselves accountable to best practices and ethical professional police services and provide the best quality law enforcement services to the citizens and community as possible.”
Stephanie Nehus HSSD superintendent
“Reflecting on 2021 — As 2021 comes to a close, I am so proud of the dedication and perseverance of all educators but especially those in the Hot Springs School District! We had hoped to have a more “normal” year, but the pandemic presented continued challenges. In spite of those challenges,
we have loved, educated, and met the needs of our students and families!
“Resolutions for 2022: I resolve in 2022 to continue to be a servant leader. My one word for 2022 is consistent. I will not lose sight of self-care as I am consistent both in my professional and personal life.”
Sean Willits Peer recovery specialist
“2021 was a good year for the recovery community. This was the first year the state has decided to hire people in recovery to help fight drug addiction. I have been able to help 67 people get off the streets and into a drug-treatment program and hopefully, that number will be much higher for the next year. My New Year’s resolution is to just try to be better than I was the previous year.”
Dr. Gene Shelby Garland County health officer
“I look back on 2021 with great sadness. We lost 266 of our citizens and neighbors to COVID this past year. I guess this would compare or exceed our yearly losses during the first and second world wars. And even sadder is the fact that 166 of these have occurred since April 1, when vaccines were widely available, making most of these deaths preventable.
“My hope and prayer for 2022 are that we don’t repeat this tragedy. But with vaccination rates still low, I fear we might. We, working together, are the only ones that can turn this tide.”
Bill Burrough Hot Springs city manager
“The year 2021 was a challenging year, especially in terms of the COVID pandemic. However, I am amazed at the number of accomplishments that were made by our city team. I am grateful to work alongside some of the most committed individuals I have ever had the pleasure of working with. As we move into 2022, we will continue to move our major projects forward and strive to make a positive difference for the citizens and visitors we serve. Personally, I hope to spend more time with my family and spend a little more time in the gym getting back in shape. I wish everyone a safe, healthy and prosperous 2022.”
Marsalis Weatherspoon NAACP Branch No. 6013 president
“I reflect on a year besieged by fear, hate, and greed and resolve to go into a new year pursuing truth, justice and compassion.
“Love never fails. Love will always prevail.”
Mike McCormick Garland County sheriff
“I am so appreciative for the many heroes that stepped up and fulfilled the oath to serve the people of Garland County. We are very fortunate to have the highest caliber of public servants anywhere. It’s my honor to serve as the sheriff of Garland County and work alongside these fine people.
“The support shown to law enforcement by the local community has been overwhelming, even during the most difficult times in memory.
“The ensuing months surely will uncover new challenges, rest assured the Garland County Sheriff’s Office will remain steadfast in its mission to safeguard our community and do the right thing every time!”
Steve Arrison Visit Hot Springs CEO
“My first resolution is to put the pandemic behind me and to enjoy life again.
“My second is to see Hot Springs host the biggest First Ever World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in its history!
“No. 3: Every year’s resolution … lose 20 pounds!”