The year just completed was one of great uncertainty globally. Recovering from the shock of Sept. 11, 2001, America struggled to regain its security and find its place on the world's changing landscape.

It is something of a clichE to say we hope there will be peace in the new year. But it remains, perhaps, the highest hope of all.

Here in Homer, at least one group continues to actively advocate for world peace. On Monday, as part of a worldwide rolling meditation called Billions for Peace, the group Kindness Without Borders held a vigil in WKFL Park. Participants spelled out "Peace" in Christmas lights.

While the more cynical might view the effort as ineffectual, those who participated expressed the importance of thinking globally while acting locally to heighten awareness.

Those less inclined toward public activism can do their part by reminding our elected officials in Washington to keep their focus -- and priorities -- straight. As the drums of war are sounded ever louder and our precious and hard-earned personal rights are encroached upon in the name of an increasingly ill-defined war on terror, it needs to be remembered that safety and security for Americans at home and abroad is unlikely as long as there is no justice or peace in the Middle East.

While many minds are focused on global wish lists, there is no shortage of local wish lists, either. Here's ours:

* A new era of cooperation and productivity in state government:

There is much at stake as a new governor and Legislature prepare for the upcoming legislative session. We hope that bipartisanship is the order of the day, and that the people's business is given a higher priority than the interests of campaign contributors.

More specifically, we hope that the state's mounting education crisis is taken seriously and that the education funding formula is reworked in a more equitable fashion.

* A speedy and fair resolution to the contract stalemate in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District:

It should go without saying that teachers and school support staff, like all working people -- school board members and district administration included -- deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Sadly, it does not go without saying. The divisive and dilatory tactics that have led to months of unproductive negotiations need to stop now. Our children's future is at stake. It is our hope that the district will find a way to give its staff the compensation it deserves.

* A new Homer city manager who will be a great communicator, have integrity above reproach and will put the interests of the community first.

* A seawall that really works.

* Continued progress for Kachemak Emergency Services:

Like an adolescent growing to adulthood, KES is finding its way in the community. We hope that the new year will bring answers to the many questions on the table for KES as it better defines its relationship with the city, borough and residents it serves.

* Clarity of vision for city planning, particularly as decisions about a new city hall and library are made.

* A start (and finish) to the long-planned East End Road reconstruction project.

* A whopper of a summer filled with good prices and full nets for commercial fishermen, big and plentiful fish for sport fishermen, safe boating and happy tourists.

* A recommitment to keeping the late run of silver salmon returning to the Fishing Hole.

* Continued prosperity for Homer's nonprofit organizations in today's climate of reduced corporate giving.

May we all do our part to fill the coming year with peace, prosperity and happiness for all.