Sen. Daniel Dec 30 2011 Newsletter

Burke DECEMBER 30, 2011

DISTRICT 44

On the Sea of Galilee

Caldwell DECEMBER ISSUE #3

Hello Friends and Happy New Year!

I trust that you all had a wonderful Christmas and were able to spend quality time over the holidays with your families! I also hope that you were able to resist the temptation to overindulge in those wonderful Christmas dinners, cakes and cookies! But that is what New Year‟s resolutions are for, right?

A Facebook friend asked his friends to list the two most important or influential events that took place their lives in 2011. After giving this some thought, I would have to say that our family trip to Israel and serving as the state senator for Burke and Caldwell counties would be my two choices. The trip to Israel was a „trip of a lifetime‟, and serving the people of the 44th District in Raleigh has been an honor as well as a rewarding experience.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Senator Warren T. Daniel Legislative Office Bldg., Room 411 300 N. Salisbury St. Raleigh, NC 27603-5925 Email: warren.daniel@ncleg.net Phone: 919-715-7823 Fax: 919-754-3265 District Office of Sen. Warren Daniel 348 Harper Avenue NW Lenoir, NC 28645 Email: senwarrendaniel@bellsouth.net Phone: 828-754-9335 Fax 828-754-9335 (Please call before faxing) www.facebook.com

** http://bit.ly/SenDaniel (For pictures, more news, resources)

As I look back at the 2011 legislative session, there are many good things that were accomplished for our state. We passed a balanced budget that closed a projected $2 billion deficit without raising taxes, allowed so-called “temporary taxes” to expire so that they can rightly be called temporary, passed worker‟s compensation reform, lifted the cap on charter schools, and passed Ethen‟s law and the Woman‟s Right to Know Act. These were bipartisan efforts that will make our state a better place.

I have heard from many of you that there are some issues you want state government to deal with in 2012, such as E-Verify, immigration reform, voter ID, lowering the gas tax, and economic development. It is likely that many of these issues will be discussed when the short session starts in May. One important thing to remember is that bringing change to our state will not happen overnight. Many of the fiscal and commercial policies that have harmed our economy have been in place for many years. Therefore, I can assure you that my colleagues and I will not spend the short session simply resting on what has been accomplished. I will work diligently to affect the future.

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YEAR END REVIEW QUESTIONS FROM BRAD LOMENICK

WWW.BRADLOMENICK.COM

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1. What are the 2-3 themes that personally defined 2011 for me?

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2. What people, books, accomplishments, or special moments created highlights in 2011?

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3. Give yourself a grade from 1-10 in the following areas of focus for 2011: vocationally, spiritually, family, relationally, emotionally, financially, physically, recreationally.

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4. What am I working on that is BIG for 2012 and beyond?

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5. As I move into 2012, is a majority of my energy being spent on things that drain me or things that energize me?

Burke

Caldwell

DISTRICT 44

Page 2

DECEMBER 30, 2011

The New Year is a time when we should count our blessings, evaluate how we‟ve done with our personal goals, and make plans and goals for the upcoming year. Here are a few principles to live by that were shared with me by a friend that are a good framework on which to base resolutions: 1.

Have a humble spirit. Have an attitude of “I have not arrived!” Always be willing to learn.

2.

Desire to grow from the inside out. Plan to be a better person spiritually and that will affect outward actions.

3.

Write out a strategy for growth. Include „to-do lists‟ and „not-to-do lists‟.

4.

Have a passion to make a difference.

As we move into a new calendar year, remember that the Senate position in which I serve belongs to the people of this district, and that I am at your service. Feel free to contact me about issues that are important to you. I am interested to get your input on the issues that impact our district, and my staff is always ready to assist you. Best wishes to you and your family in 2012. May it be a year filled with hard work, personal and spiritual growth and learning, joyful times, and good memories; so that at this time next year we can say that we have grown closer to our friends and families and to our Creator.

Sincerely,

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip.

You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just ponder on them.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.

The lesson is that few remember the headliners of yesterday. They may be the best in their fields, but the applause dies and the awards tarnish, buried with their owner. ______ Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one: 1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

The people who make a difference in your life may not have the money or accolades.

But, they were the ones who cared the most about you.

TOP TEN NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS? ACCORDING TO USA.GOV,

THESE ARE THE TOP 10:

1. Drink less alcohol

6. Manage debt

2. Eat healthy food

7. Manage stress

3. Get a better education

4. Get a better job

8. Quit smoking 9. Take a trip 10. Volunteer to help others