The Mayor's Christmas Reflection

As of this writing, it is the winter solstice. The days are now getting longer.
to make long again, a new beginning which we most often associate with New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
The winter solstice appears to be a common thread in many religions. Then victory is
Celebrating the light, we move into yet another year and yet another round around
the sun and so life goes on. Every shower passes, the rain and the short days
to turn towards spring for the sun that gives all things life. Just as it was before
some of us were born and so it will hopefully continue for as long as possible after
our days.

At a certain age, you realise that the priorities
Associations with Christmas have changed. The anticipation of receiving presents has shifted to
watching your children get their shoes and getting the presents on Christmas Eve and
even when you get to the point of experiencing this through your grandchildren and
children who are none of your business, but you see the smiles and the anticipation everywhere
wherever one goes. Giving provides one with far more than receiving. At the same time
At times, though, you're most glad that it's time for another round, man.
is still a participant in the round, and the light triumphs over the darkness once more and a spark
of spring and summer is lit once again.

In the victory of the light and in being allowed to go another round lie
namely those infinitely precious opportunities to try to do even better. To learn from
the journey, both what was done well and, not least, what went wrong. No one
is above that and no fully-developed soul expects to go
perfectly through years or life stages without error. Maturity consists in recognising
in between, learn and try to do better. To be better today than yesterday. That's what I think.
that most people are familiar with and have experienced in one way or another, and the significance of these
Values take up more and more space with every year one lives.

In my work as mayor, together with the town councillors
going through the winter. We have had to go through lean
a period, a period of austerity. It has cut across all areas of policy and succeeded.
There has been a debate about the focus, as is only natural. That is the nature of politics.
to debate the issues and the currency units of the króna. The heads of all
The departments wanted to have more to work with to attend to their pressing projects. But
This work has now been paying off and just as autumn and winter are receding
are we getting to the point where we can look forward to a new beginning, a new round in
around the sun.  

A new budget comes with the new year and at the beginning of December was
The budget was approved by the town council. It bears the signs of a coming thaw.
Now, at last, there is more to be spent on the pressing projects of our community. Then there is
It is our duty as those in charge to ensure that the portfolios are well managed.
may everyone benefit and no one be left out.

In fact, there are no municipal projects that do not qualify as urgent.
in one way or another. However, well-being and welfare
Children and young people are a priority in the newly approved budget.

When it comes to matters
I have found that with children and adolescents with diagnoses and/or complex difficulties, as
to the individual that we as a society have, on the whole, failed. The state and local authorities
have thus been half helpless in the face of the matter. From this, however,
exceptions where early intervention has been made so that the individual
has had a successful life. All too often, however, we have completely failed as
a society, where the framework one tries to work within is inadequate or
does not recognise the extent of the problem. The consequences for the individual and
For the bereaved, it will be a ordeal that has often ended in disaster.  

This issue has affected me, and so I have gained insight.
from both the perspective of a local authority administrator and from the perspective of
those who are working with an individual who was unable to save themselves.
We have promised to care for our fellow human beings who are born that way or fall ill; that
they can rely on the rest of us to look after them and protect them.

That is why I am happy at this turning point, when the sun begins to set.
rising again and with the New Year upon us, to get the opportunity to set off on another
a new phase with new priorities, including in this area. In the budget
For the new year, we have had the opportunity to do better for this one.
a matter which could be the beginning of setting an example for others. We
We achieved those goals this year with equal pay certification, because it was prioritised.
a few years ago, and that is why I am hopeful for the clients.
the town's in this sensitive area.

Dear friends, let us celebrate a new beginning, let us celebrate getting new opportunities,
Wrap relatives, friends and fellow travellers in warmth and care and enjoy Christmas and
New Year's Eve.

May you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

Haraldur L. Haraldsson, Mayor