Collected words of wisdom for the New Year

As we batted around ideas for this week’s editorial, we agreed that a new take on an old idea — New Year’s resolutions — was in order. Rather than offer our own ideas, we decided, we’d ask the experts.

We called leaders in government, education, religion, health — even bartending and surfing — and asked one question: If you could tell our readers what you believe they should resolve to do in 2010, what would it be? Here are their answers.

“Let’s be thankful for what we have when we have it. Let’s commit ourselves individually to thinking outside the box to address the property-tax problem on Long Island by paying more attention to creative ways that can address the school-tax problem, and hold our state legislators and other officials accountable for the school-tax problem.”
––Thomas Suozzi, outgoing Nassau County executive

“Keep your eyes open to everything and reach for the faith and courage to deal with it.”
––The Rev. Dr. Robert Gunn, pastor, United Church of Rockville Centre

“Pray for those who are in harm’s way as they fight for our country. We’re sending them off to Iraq and Afghanistan, and not all of them will be coming home. Let’s hope for a quick resolution.”
––Peter Vitulli, commander, Nassau County Council of Veterans of Foreign Wars

“Resolve to change your eating habits so that you eat fresh fruit and vegetables daily, and fish twice a week. Resolve to exercise four days a week. Resolve to see your primary-care physician before March 1 and discuss the Killer B’s — blood pressure, blood glucose, blood cholesterol and body mass index.”
––Dr. Steven Walerstein, executive vice president, Nassau University Medical Center

“Educators should resolve to make physical education and health classes more fun to increase lifetime participation in physical activities. Parents should resolve to give their children less computer time and more physical activity, more sports and games.”
––Saul Lerner, director of health, physical education and athletics, Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

“Drink responsibly. Don’t drink and drive, and drink more champagne, because life is a celebration.”
––Michelle Cangemi, bartender, Minnesota’s, Long Beach

“Eat healthy and get moving. Limit your portion sizes and food high in fat, sugar and salt. Be active for at least two and a half hours a week, and help kids and teens to be active for at least one hour a day. Be smoke-free. And get your vaccinations.”
––Dr. Maria Torroella Carney, Nassau County health commissioner

“I would tell Governor Paterson not to sacrifice the children of New York state by holding back pledged education funding in order to resolve the state budget crisis. For students, I would tell them to get all they want from their education — educationally, socially and emotionally.”
––Dr. Elizabeth Lison, superintendent, Valley Stream District 13

“Shop at businesses you have respected relationships with, instead of compromising quality, service and price.”
—Scott Bochner, owner, Maximum Tours, Oceanside

“During this time of challenge and uncertainty, it’s important for us to smile more often, be patient, embrace optimism ... and spend quality time with family and friends as often as possible.”
Dr. Kenneth Becker, medical staff president, South Nassau Communities Hospital

“If and when you have money to spend, spend it at a local business. The local business owner is your neighbor and your friend. It helps keep the neighborhood and the community together.”
—Barbra Rubin, president, Island Park Chamber of Commerce

“Don’t drop in on anyone in the new year.”
––Luke Hamlet, owner, Long Beach Surf

Editor’s note: “Dropping in,” in surfing parlance, means barging in on someone else’s wave.