Wishing all my constituents in Holliston a 
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a Peaceful New Year

Not long ago, my husband, Bill, and I explained to the kids that Christmas will mean fewer gifts this year. We encouraged them to be thankful for the small things, and to think of those who may have less. As we look ahead to the new year and reflect on the year past, there is no question that the past months have been a challenging one for all of us.

Headlines have been dominated by the lagging economy and the effects it has had on our communities. It has been a year when many of us, faced with less, have examined our priorities and refocused our time on family, friends and community. As our family prepares for the holidays, I find myself even more grateful for the things we sometimes take for granted – health, friends, freedom and the beauty I see when I look out the window.

It is during these times that many have turned to government for support. During my first year in office, I have worked with families in our district facing difficult times including foreclosure, loss of income, loss of healthcare, or shrinking services for disabled children and adults. Helping connect my constituents with needed state services has been a privilege and it is very satisfying when solutions are found.

But long-term planning is never far from my mind. This year I have spent much time gathering information, looking at budget trends, speaking with residents and talking with those on the “front lines” who are most aware of opportunities for improvement in all sectors of government. These discussions have been important in setting my priorities for the coming year. The latest economic news is heartening, and I believe that with continued focus on the following three key issues, the future ahead is bright.

Create Jobs
Fast-tracking job creation requires a partnership between the state and business community. In the past months, I have been meeting with businesses and listening to their needs. Here is a piece that I recently drafted about some of the work that's being done: http://www.carolyndykema.com/index_archive/index20091220.htm

Deliver Services Efficiently
In this year’s budget, after accounting for inflation, we are spending less on every category (except healthcare) of state services than we were in 2001. Merging our transportation infrastructure, revising our pension system, and running leaner state programs were [the] first steps toward addressing the challenge to “do more with less.” There’s more that can and needs to be done by using sound business practices and by rolling up our sleeves and tackling the details.

Invest in Education
Education has always been our trademark and our “competitive advantage” when attracting and retaining businesses. When faced with difficult budget choices, we must protect funding for education and invest in technology for “21st century skills” and improving science, technology, math and engineering programs.

Thanks to each of you who has offered advice and suggestions in the past year. I feel fortunate to have an informed constituency which has been eager to share perspectives and engage in important discussions about the future. Please stay in touch – I welcome your thoughts.

From our family to yours, best wishes for a prosperous New Year.

Warmly,