New Year's greeting

I would like, in a few well-chosen words, to look back on the year that is drawing to a close, as well as talk a little about the feeling I have for the new year, a year which I am confident will be characterised by challenging and successful projects and strong collaboration between individuals and businesses within the municipality. 

A look over the shoulder

The year 2015 was characterised by figures, analyses and operational reviews which, at the end of the year, are now providing an important overview and understanding of the council's position, and a realistic and clear budget for the coming year. A plan that delivers an operating surplus of just over 360 million króna. A plan that I have every confidence that we, myself, my fellow councillors and the staff, can successfully implement and thereby significantly improve the council's operating position. Increased working capital is a prerequisite for reducing the council's debt, and reducing debt is a prerequisite for being able to carry out more projects, build, and improve the services provided. I prefer to view Hafnarfjörður as a business, a large service company where, as a manager, I want to ensure effective and good business practices and emphasise a good corporate culture and, with it, a good working atmosphere, which in turn is reflected many times over in the service provided to customers. In this case, to the residents and businesses operating within the town's boundaries, as well as to the visitors and passers-by who are increasingly coming to our town. We have already taken several steps in the right direction. The town's foreign debt has been largely paid off, and in addition, major service areas have been put out to tender, which will deliver significant benefits in the new financial year. These are just a few examples.

Looking ahead

I am fully confident that we, as one, want to see the Municipality of Hafnarfjörður grow and prosper like never before, and become a good role model for other municipalities in various fields. This will be achieved through our collective effort, positivity, and by looking at our local area with new opportunities and possibilities in mind. I personally promise to listen actively and assist with those projects that align with the council's ambitious goals and strategy for an even better service and an even better town to live in. The contributions of individuals are seldom quantified, and I would like to take this opportunity to praise all the wonderful people who, through their voluntary work and can-do attitude, have brought incredible projects to fruition, to the great credit of the municipality. I would also like to thank all the wonderful people who work for the City of Hafnarfjörður for their professional work on behalf of the city and their contribution to the improvement work that has already taken place and will continue into the new year. I look to the future with great optimism and will sail into the new year with anticipation, ready to take on old and new challenges and projects. May the new year bring my good colleagues and me more conversations with interested residents who have new ideas and see opportunities and possibilities in their local area, visits to as many businesses here in Hafnarfjörður as possible to learn about their operations and future plans, interesting and enjoyable projects and, above all, cheerful residents who care about their local community and their neighbours. 

That being said, I thank you for the good times this past year.

May the new year bring us all happiness and good health. Together, we make Hafnarfjörður the best town! 

Haraldur L. Haraldsson, Mayor of Hafnarfjörður