Happiest New Year

Happy New Year to all! I just read this morning some of the greatest news in a long time. She-who-must-not-be-named is retiring, and the new Youngstown is taking charge:

With a new Youngstown City Council comes change, most notably the
replacement of Claire Maluso as Federal Plaza director.

Council voted at its Monday reorganizational meeting to accept
Maluso's retirement and replace her with Phil Kidd, an assignment
officer in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court best known for his
pro-Defend Youngstown Web site and T-shirts.

Kidd "brings a fresh perspective and a fresh look," said Councilman
DeMaine Kitchen, D-2nd. "He has a passion for the city."

Reached by telephone after the appointment, Kidd said he plans to
focus on expanding the number of events in the downtown area,
connecting Youngstown State University to the downtown and
establishing a Web site that would promote downtown events.

Phil has earned this in so many ways. He's been out beating the pavement, promoting his adopted city in ways that should shame the officials he's now joining. Their ranks are prouder for counting him among them. My hat's off to Phil for his hard work and dedication and to the city for recognizing him for it. It's 2008, and the Youngstown Renaissance has officially begun.