As the clock clicked toward midnight and the dawn of 2017, you may have resolved to: 

• Kick a bad habit.

• Reduce your debt.

• Remodel your home.

• Make self-improvements.

The list can go on, but no matter the choice success requires discipline, determination and the help of others.

In a similar way, community leaders have been setting their own goals for 2017. We invited some of them to share their priorities through guest columns and interviews over the last two weeks.

They were generous with their time and thoughtful with their responses, and we thank them. Their full responses may be found at meridianstar.com, but we share here a brief recap:

• Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience President and CEO Mark Tullos talked of developing a world-class facility, with authentic exhibits — keeping in mind cost-containment and building an endowment.

• Meridian Community College President Scott Elliott will seek support from the Legislature; complete capital improvements; and secure accreditation.

• Meridian schools Superintendent Amy Carter will ensure all students receive a quality education; recruit and retain highly qualified teachers; and strengthen partnerships with parents and community.

• Mississippi State University-Meridian Administrative Director and Head of Campus Terry Dale Cruse will grow enrollment; partner with local economic leaders to better prepare this region to attract new industry; and increase outreach to the community through arts and educational programs.

• Lauderdale Schools Superintendent Randy Hodges will build on the district’s academic success; provide future opportunities for high school students; and evaluate programs and personnel to make the best use of its budget.

• MSU Riley Center Executive Director Dennis Yankovich will increase the number and breadth of people who attend performances; improve educational opportunities through partnerships with schools; and increase the number of meetings, conferences and social events at the Riley Center by 10 percent.

• NAS-Meridian commanding officer Capt. Scott A. Bunnay will ensure the morale and welfare of the station’s workforce; strengthen community relationships; and continue the mission to train aviators, sailors and marines.

• Lauderdale County Administrator Chris Lafferty will improve safety and security in the county; improve infrastructure; and advance economic development.

• Meridian Mayor Percy Bland will implement Phase One Master Plan to improve downtown; finish major initiatives such as the Velma Young Community Center and the second phases of the paving and lighting programs; and work toward fully staffing the police department, improving employment opportunities, early childhood education and economic development.

• East Mississippi Business Business and Development Corporation President and CEO Bill Hannah will build on working relationships among community leaders to help recruit companies such as Raytheon; reach beyond Lauderdale County to neighboring counties in Mississippi and Alabama to strengthen the power of the region in creating jobs; and better serve the Chamber of Commerce.

• Meridian Police Chief Benny Dubose and Lauderdale County Sheriff Billy Sollie discussed cooperation between departments, recruiting and training staff, community outreach and reducing crime.

We chose to use “will” as opposed to “will try” because we believe it takes a positive attitude to succeed.

That part — the community’s self-image — troubles us.

In two very unscientific polls this week in The Star, the majority of readers said Meridian wasn’t a good place to live. That mirrors conversation we’ve heard. In the follow-up poll, an even greater majority said they had no plans to take action to make it better.

In each of the sets of priorities provided by community leaders is a need for cooperation, a dependency on others to achieve success — just like the personal resolutions we all set.

We resolve to do our part in improving our community. We hope you will join us.