Congratulations to The Tatum Sun Times for launching a newspaper that will bring important news and information to the northeast Phoenix community. I look forward to sharing news and activities about the city of Phoenix with your readers.

A new era of prosperity and neighborhood vitality awaits Phoenix. That's what I said when I was sworn in to office last January as northeast Phoenix's City Council District 2 representative.

District 2 is one of the fastest-growing parts of the Valley. Managing that growth in ways that result in a highly livable city is one of my highest priorities. One of my major goals while in office is to find ways to create communities that our children -- and our children's children -- will forever value as a place they call "home."

I am committed to making it happen. I was elected to the City Council to serve as a steward and a leader who can have a dramatic impact on Phoenix's quality of life. I am fortunate to serve on three City Council subcommittees that allow me to focus on those things I'm passionate about -- our environment and our homes.

As the chairwoman of the Smart Growth and Environment Subcommittee, I am looking at ways to:

These are important because they directly address the livability of District 2 and our entire city. It is clear that our present facilities are in no way adequate for the demand that is already here. My goal is to dramatically increase the number of parks, and to improve our parks system, by pursuing new public and private partnerships that will help us reach this goal. At the same time, we must begin viewing our precious desert preserves and open space as natural treasures that can enhance our overall plans for growth --both physical and economic. Desert preserves and open spaces are vital to the well being of the entire Valley.

I am also part of the Downtown, Housing and Tourism and Natural Resources Subcommittees. These positions are vital to the residents of District 2 and to all of Phoenix because they examine how best to nurture a high quality of life for residents while managing economic development and protecting the environment.

I also will be focusing on finding ways to help Phoenix host more major conventions. Attracting major tourism to our city and surrounding communities ensures a vital economy year after year.

Accomplishing these goals will require a team effort by the community, elected officials, business leaders and developers. It is time to move forward to build an even better community. We should never be satisfied with this being merely the "best run city in the world."

Please join me at my monthly Issues & Info breakfasts and learn about topics that impact your neighborhood and family, and take the opportunity to ask questions about issues that are important to you. The next one is 7 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15, at Jillian's at Desert Ridge Marketplace. I'll have special guests to talk about aviation issues, holiday airport safety and traffic improvements. I hope to see you there.

Phoenix City Councilwoman Peggy Neely represents District 2, which encompasses most of northeast Phoenix. She can be reached at (602) 262-7445 or via e-mail at council.district.2@phoenix.gov.