Joan Bethke, left, gets a hand from Barbara Miranda, a volunteer driver for the Eastside Neighbors Volunteer Program. Director John Miller wishes more people would give back to the community through the program.

James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star

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For many people, the new year is an opportunity to look back at the triumphs and trials of the previous year and look ahead at the blank canvas of the next 12 months.

In 2009, Tucson's Southeast Side is expected to gain express-bus service to Downtown, a health clinic for low-income people and a children's performance area.

Sahuarita residents will see seven candidates contend for three seats on the Town Council and the town's possible annexation of Mission Peaks, a proposed housing development west of Interstate 19.

Like everyone else, the movers and shakers on the East Side and Sahuarita can't do it all and have to prioritize their goals. We asked people involved in different areas in their communities to name a top goal for 2009. Here's what they said:

"To continue the success, excitement and forward movement of the district in spite of the economy and state budget."

— Calvin Baker,

superintendent of the Vail School District

"To have zero traffic deaths of teenage drivers."

— Lynne Skelton

"… to complete and submit the National Register (of Historic Places) nomination for the old post office. By doing that, it's going to open a lot of doors and opportunities for the restoration of the post office for the community."

— J.J. Lamb,

co-director of the nonprofit Vail Preservation Society.

"That people in the community have faith in themselves and in the government that is really out there to try to do the best that we can with the resources available to benefit them."

— Shirley Scott

"We would like each student in our district to actualize their total educational potential."

— Jay St. John,

superintendent of the Sahuarita Unified School District

"… to impress upon those in our community the importance of giving back to the communities some assistance to our senior citizens in the form of driving seniors once a week or more to medical appointments and grocery shopping, enabling our seniors to remain somewhat self-sufficient in their homes. If you are that person please call us at 245-4729 or 248-0300."

— John Miller,

program coordinator for the nonprofit Eastside Neighbors Volunteer Program Inc.

"We would establish a partnership with the community and schools to develop a driver's education program for our youth."

Sahuarita Police Chief

"Our City Council must work with our local business community and neighbors to identify and fund the key city services that will ensure Tucson is the greatest place to live, work and raise a family. Prioritizing our budget, promoting our downtown as a family-friendly destination and focusing on public safety, transportation and parks facilities will be our priorities in 2009."

— Rodney Glassman