Resolution revolution: Pols and people mark new year with 2007 plans

Resolutions. Everyone makes ’em, everyone breaks ’em. But we at The Brooklyn Paper feel that, as journalists, it’s our job to hold these people accountable. So, for the first time ever, we’ve compiled the resolutions of some of our best-loved local celebrities — and promise (resolve, you might say) to follow up at the end of the year to see if they kept their vows.

Mike Bloomberg, Mayor

By all accounts, 2006 was one of best years New York has ever had. But my personal resolution is to make 2007 even better.

Bill DeBlasio, Councilman, Park Slope

Protect children in the shelter system by continuing intense oversight of the agencies handling child welfare; enroll a large percentage of the more than 500,000 New Yorkers who are eligible for food stamps but are not currently enrolled; pass electronic waste legislation, which makes manufacturers responsible for disposing of toxic waste in a way that does not pollute our environment or pose health hazards.

Sandi Franklin, Executive Director, Brooklyn Center for the Urban Environment

Dim your lights. Use less energy. Shine less. Drive less. Buy local.

Vincent Gentile, Councilman, Bay Ridge

To lose more weight than [Borough President] Marty Markowitz, grow taller than [City Councilman] Bill DeBlasio, and to win by a larger margin than [Sen.] Chuck Schumer.

Marty Golden, state Senator, Bay Ridge

We will be successful in keeping Victory Memorial Hospital an acute care facility. We will see the expansion of local schools by building extensions and additional classrooms. We will target and eliminate wasteful Medicaid fraud in New York State. We will adopt legislation that will lower the cost of prescription drugs. I will continue to advocate for the implementation of the death penalty for cop killers.

We will build additional senior centers and youth centers and we will expand the education tax credit and provide property tax relief. We will make our community, our city, state and nation a better place to live, work and raise a family.

Letitia James, City Councilwoman, Prospect Heights

My resolution is to reduce the size of Atlantic Yards.

Marty Markowitz, Borough President

I lightened up in 2006, and I am resolved to stay svelte in 2007!

Jerry Nadler, Congressman, Dyker Heights

As a nation, I hope to see us out of Iraq in 2007. Personally, one of my resolutions is that, despite what promises to be a busy legislative year, I find the time to do more reading.

Aaron Naparstek, head of the Open Space Coalition

I resolve to fight for less traffic congestion, safer streets, better bicycling, faster buses, cleaner air, a smaller carbon footprint, smarter development and, without question, convincing Brooklyn drivers to stop honking their f—ing horns so much. Also to write about all of it on streetsblog.org. Oh, and to quit drinking so much coffee.

James Oddo, Councilman, Bay Ridge

I resolve to train even harder until I weigh 165 pounds, to pass my general contractors licensing bill for one-, two- and three-family home builders, and to grin madly each time a line drive screeches past New York Yankee pitcher Mike Mussina’s cranium.”

Chris Owens, failed Congressional candidate

I resolve to make more music; it’s a wonderful way to take on the world!

Rev. Billy (aka Bill Talen)

We will notice when the word “democracy” is made of Gameboy pixels. We will try to catch the impossible irony in mid-air: When a supermodel says “Justice!” through bee-stung lips and cradles an orphan to make an ad for a sweatshop company. This year, we resolve to keep the smiling logo off Dr. King’s tomb by keeping Wal-Mart out of our neighborhood.

Robert Scarano, controversial architect

My New Year’s resolution is to be more understanding to community issues.

Tupper Thomas, Prospect Park Alliance

I would like to have a completed design for our new Lakeside Center (to replace the old Wollman rink) ready and reviewed by the community by the end of the year. And I would like to lose 20 pounds while doing it!