Looking ahead to 2020, there is  much to be excited about.
Yes, it’s an election year, and the fractious nature of the American body politic is a clear cause for concern — though here in the Gorge, the votes will also include a number of key leadership roles in local government, and these are races that, in recent years, have been conducted constructively and professionally.
That list of public positions can be found on A5. We encourage all people who are eligible for the elected jobs to consider adding your talents to the local leadership pool.
Indeed, with this and all else to anticipate for 2020, it’s healthy to hold the viewpoint of “challenging circumstances as opportunities,” as Karen McGregor writes on this page.
In the spirit of making this year a good one, here’s a list of things we’ll track in the “new year.” Certainly many other examples could be cited, but this will get us going.
This is a good time to restate what we reported last week: The Hood River County Records and Assessment Office is changing its public business hours and passport service in 2020 in order to help its overworked staff operate more efficiently.
Starting Jan. 2, the office will be open weekdays 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. (closed for the lunch hour, noon to 1 p.m.), and passports will be issued by appointment only.
Passport appointments can be made over the phone at 541-386-1442 or online via the department’s page at www.co.hood-river.or.us.