Editor's note: Neighborsgo asked several area leaders and residents questions about what the new year holds in store for them and their communities. Share your thoughts and plans for 2010 in the comments area or e-mail them to community@neighborsgo.com 

After 11 years on the Coppell City Council, Mayor Jayne Peters took office last May.

Since then, the mayor and council have been challenged with some difficult decisions, but Peters said she’s looking forward to another year of service.

What’s the biggest topic on citizens’ minds heading into the new year?

Of course, the biggest concern right is the economy, which ties into what our biggest challenge is going to be this year: weathering that storm. But Coppell is in a unique position. We’ve done an excellent job with our financial planning. We were first to start a five-year plan back in 1998.

We’re still seeing the same issues as our neighboring cities such as the decline in sales tax. And we anticipate a decline in our property tax evaluation this year.

As mayor, what’s going to be your biggest challenge this year?

I never view it as my personal challenge because the council works as the policy-making board … but guiding the community through this economic downturn and still providing quality service to the community as we do that.

You faced some controversial issues this year. Do you expect 2010 to be as volatile?

I don’t foresee anything in 2010 that would create the same type of concern, but I also don’t see conflict as a negative. It’s about how you handle it and your ability to reach a compromise.

How do you think this year will differ from last year?

I think the council and staff has gotten a lot more comfortable working together. We respect each other. We even like each other. I expect everything to run as smoothly as it has since the budget was put to bed.

Are there any new programs, policies or initiatives people should know about?

Well, we just made modifications to our noise ordinance. The Coppell Recreation Development Corporation recommended that we expand the aquatics and rec center, make updates to the tennis center and update our trail system master plan. And a lot of our road construction projects will be completed this year.

What are you most looking forward to?

I’m excited about moving forward with our 2030 vision plans. It’s essentially our rode map of where we’re headed. One of the major milestones in that is we commissioned the review of Coppell’s comprehensive master plan to guide our development plans as we move forward. We plan to take a more urban planning approach.