Hopes and resolutions for 2026
Hopes for 2026
Mike Henggeler, Coeur d'Alene:
For 2026, I would like to see civility, respect and empathy return to prominence in our social interactions. Disagreement is to be expected and can even be healthy, but not when conducted with the current level of toxicity.
What’s a goal or resolution you’ve set for 2026?
Terry and Brian Mackey, Anacortes, Wash.:
Terry: I want to do a more in-depth Bible study, a women’s Bible study. It’s important for my growth as a Christian, and I want to be a better mom, wife and friend.
Brian: My goal is to improve my health. I have heart disease. I’m one of those people who don’t know why they got it. As you get older, your health becomes more important. I’m doing it for myself. I want to be here for my wife and for my grandkids.
If you could change one policy in 2026 at the local, state or national level, what would it be and why?
Brian: I’d like to see a more sensible way of dealing with things in government. There’s a liberal mindset to tax — it gets ridiculous. Seattle is still a mess. Downtown is still chaotic.
Terry: It’s not safe (in downtown Seattle). But we can walk around (downtown Coeur d’Alene) all day and feel totally safe.
Brian: A lot of people let politics consume their lives. Life is too short to focus so much on things we can’t control. Families are coming apart. That people would let politics divide them is just appalling.
What’s a goal or resolution you’ve set for 2026?
Darin Sanders, Wichita Falls, Texas:
To move to North Idaho.
If you could change one policy in 2026 at the local, state or national level, what would it be and why?
Cut the crazy, wasteful spending. What’s been in the news about what’s going on in Minnesota — billions of dollars — and they didn’t even see it. That’s money in our pockets that we should get back.
*This story has been updated to reflect that Mike Henggeler's comment was updated after a different quote was misattributed to him.
Terry Mackey
Brian Mackey
Sanders