Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

It's been a long time since I wrote you a letter. I've been plenty busy trying to make Christmas wishes come true for my family, and that's just fine with me. But this year there are a few special things on my list. I thought maybe you could help.

Here they are, in no particular order:

• More leaders for Oakland Mills that really love my Village for what it actually is. Champions, not critics. We have a few but they need friends. Let's face it, you probably already know where people like that live, so maybe you can tuck an inspiring note in their stockings?
• A positive, non-gender-specific dress code for our schools that supports students and doesn't demean them. Santa, if you happen to know those folks who enjoy body-shaming girls? Well, that's what coal is for, right?
• Local reporters who want to stay in Howard County for awhile. I know this is a big present, but I'm dreaming big this year.
• A school system that's about learning and not testing. Where teachers and staff are allowed to do what they know is best, rather than operating in fear of punishment or retribution should they speak out.
• Really fun and functional public transit in Columbia. And if you can fit it in the sleigh, Bridge Columbia would be really sweet. I promise I'd play with it and share it with my friends.

My mother taught me that you can't expect Santa to bring everything on your list. I know you'll pick what's best, just like the old song says.

One more thing. You know that dream job I really wanted? The one that was going to take me to retirement? Yeah, well...it didn't fit and we had to take it back to the store. So if you have any jobs I could do--writing? social media? Helping the public? I also teach music, you know, and I have a lot of experience with your favorite kind of people: children.

Or, if this stay-at-home mom gig is what I'm supposed to be doing, maybe you could drop some cash on me to let me I know I'm on the right track? Just a thought.

Thanks for all the Christmas joy through the years. Safe travels tonight.

--jam