The month of November reminds me to think about and act upon what I am thankful for. It is so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day struggles of life…and neglect all the positive things around us. So, as a reminder to myself and hopefully to you, I am going to devote this month’s article to “Things I Am Thankful for in Flagstaff!”
How can you not be thankful for living in such a beautiful community? Trees, mountains, historic buildings, new buildings, bike lanes, FUTS trails, public art, clean air…the beauty here is never- ending.
The people of Flagstaff encourage and inspire me. I mean all of you – those who live here, work here, play here, visit here…all of you! My job as mayor allows me to meet so many people who play a part of making Flagstaff what it is today and what it will be in the future. Caring, dedicated, determined, courageous, strong, smart, and humble are words that come to mind when I think of the people of Flagstaff and why I am thankful for all of you.
I am thankful for Flagstaff’s culture and diversity. The only downside here is that there is so much happening in the areas of art, science, education, culture, environment, and diversity that at times I am forced to choose between events and activities…only because I have not figured out a way to be at two places at the same time.
We have a very active community. I give thanks that I live in a place where people are active physically and mentally. I see our physically active residents on our trails and in our parks, recreation facilities and businesses, and at the numerous races and athletic events that grace our weekends. I see our mentally active residents embracing service clubs, politics, business, real estate, education, neighborhoods, and even our City Council meetings. And, I see people who care very deeply about others and work tirelessly and behind the scenes to make a difference.
I’m thankful for partnerships. There are too many to name, as they span within and beyond our community. From the smallest partnership to the largest…they help make Flagstaff strong and powerful. I see this when I travel to other communities that are larger in population, but have not figured out how to work together and are fighting each other for a “piece of the pie.”
Flagstaff has a bright future…and for that I give thanks to our youth! What an inspiring group of people we having growing up in Flagstaff. I want to make sure that we can keep that talent here and that our young residents will be able to afford to live and work and keep Flagstaff as their home.
Last but not least…I am thankful for all of our emergency services personnel who have helped during the snowstorms, fires, floods, and most recently, tornadoes that have hit our communities this past year. This includes public safety, social servic- es, businesses and everyday citizens who worked or volunteered in any capacity to help someone in a time of need.
All of this is why I am thankful for being the mayor and a resident of this amazing community. FBN
Flagstaff Mayor Sara Presler was elected in 2008. Mayor Presler teaches Constitutional Law at Coconino Community College. She writes this column as an individual and not as an official statement from the Flagstaff City Council.
