Des Moines has waited to mature the right way. Just as kids grow up and head out on their own, so this little city seems to be finding new legs and direction.

An observation noted in this column June 1, 2005.

A New Year brings opportunity to look at the past with an eye to the future.

Mayor Bob Sheckler and City Manager Tony Piasecki see eye to eye on three major priority list accomplishments and ongoing projects.

1. Signing a Development Agreement with the Port of Seattle to develop the “buy-out” area on South 216th Street across from the post office.

2. Establishment of the Mayor’s Leadership Committee.

3. Moving forward with the Marina Master Plan.

Mayor Sheckler said, “I’m very optimistic for future economic development in Des Moines and expect new, exciting progress in a way that does not threaten the core of our small community surroundings, and what we are.

“The infrastructure and the right people are in place to keep the momentum going. Citizen involvement will put it together.”

He invited community leaders to a first-ever August Summit. Teams were asked, “What does Des Moines have and what does it need to have?”

From myriad suggestions the groups met over three months developing recommendations for implementation. On Dec. 3, at their second Summit, the reported results were outstanding.

Des Moines Boosters president and Corky Cellars owner Dianne Jacobson said, “We’re excited about new businesses and retail spaces coming into the downtown core area.”

She and husband, Ric, have long seen such a vision for this waterfront city.

Looking back on 2005, here are some subjects published in this column:

January -- Small cities such as Des Moines struggled with budget cuts and ramifications of cutting staff and administrative expenses. Inter-council lingering opinion differences muddied the waters to consensus throughout the year.

February -- About 100 citizens meeting to discuss Waterland found permanent solutions were elusive. No money, no troops, no sponsoring organization. Instead, various events were held throughout the city starting with 4th of July fireworks.

Update: The newly formed Mayor’s Leadership Committee supports redefining and restoring Waterland.

March -- Des Moines Rotary held its first-ever annual Poverty Bay Wine Festival at Beach Park.

April -- Des Moines North Hill parents said “no thank you” to the Highline School District’s proposed schools closure/boundary and found an agreeable solution.

May 4 -- Older American’s Month. “Life should not be a journey to the grave with intentions of arriving safely in an attractive well-preserved body, but an adventure screaming, “WOO HOO, what a ride!”

May 11 -- Demolished was the Old Blais store building at South 226th Street and Marine View Drive S. Mark Stegin plans 30-plus condominium units plus retail stores there.

June -- John White, Rolling Thunder Motorcycle owner, wants to build a downtown pocket-park to create a local gathering place.

July -- U.S. soldier returns from Iraq to find his vandalized car rebuilt by good Samaritans at Winston Auto Repair.

August -- First-ever Mayor’s Leadership Summit formed after conversations between, the City, Chamber and Boosters.

September -- Des Moines Chamber of Commerce announced they would close their local office and join ranks with Southwest King County Chamber.

October -- Des Moines Police Department stresses the need for a property tax levy lid lift vote in November to restore police officers to near 1999 level. Note: It did not pass.

November -- 11-year-old Elizabeth Scher wrote, “If I were President I’d pass laws that make sense and bring our troops in Iraq back home!”

December -- Des Moines Theater (Cinema) closed for non-compliance building issues. Update: In response to that column, local citizens and business volunteers, led by Pat Nardo, are helping operator Joel Thomson meet compliance and reopen soon.

Other noteworthy items include Councilwoman Susan White’s successful federal recognition and funds for Beach Park as “the Birth place of Des Moines.” Currently, White is working with public leaders to establish regular ferry service at Des Moines Marina.

My sincere thanks to readers for inviting me into your homes this year; to the professional newspaper staff, especially Ralph Nichols, whose editing makes this volunteer-writer look good; and to Publisher Jerry Robinson for making 60 years of our community newspapers happen.

Earline Byers can be contacted at hteditor@robinsonnews.com.