♦ This past Sunday, Newsday’s editorial page published its wish list for leaders in 2012: Nurture Long Island’s economy, make progress in Congress, and contain the federal budget, among other goals. Newsday invited readers to submit their ideas for a better 2012. Along with residents across Long Island, as well as elected officials and civic leaders, Sustainable Long Island’s wish for 2012 was one of the chosen published responses. Read below for the full letter written by Executive Director Amy Engel:

For 2012, I wish for a year where all Long Islanders can and will work together. Where residents of all ages – community members, business leaders, elected officials- can come together over shared concerns for Long Island’s vulnerable individuals, environmentally sensitive parcels, and most distressed neighborhoods. In recent years sustainability has become a model of economic growth and throughout the upcoming year it will produce positive change across the region.

My hope is to bring continued planning to communities in need of revitalization for their downtowns and surrounding areas. My goal is to help equip Long Islanders with resources and to leverage investments for redevelopment during project implementation.

My wish is to work together in 2012, to advance economic viability and environmental protection, to foster equitable opportunities, and promote policy to support sustainable development and community and regional planning for the future of Nassau and Suffolk Counties.