Man on the street: Resolutions, wishes for 2019

LEWISTON — Happy New Year!

We hit the downtown Monday to ask people their New Year’s resolutions and wishes for 2019. Turns out lots of people still do make resolutions. From more peace to a cleaner environment to more effective governments, here’s what they shared:

Paulo Sena of Durham, a carpenter working at Forage cafe on Lisbon Street, said his resolution is “always peace in the world. And people leaving the world better. The world is so wonderful, but people destroy everything,” Sena said. “I know a lot about ocean fish. People make a lot of pollution which makes (mercury) in little fish, eaten by bigger fish. It makes it bad for people. The pollution comes back to us. I’d like to see us make the world a better place.”

Osman Ali of Portland, coming out of a Somalian restaurant, said he’s looking forward to a trip to his homeland in Somalia. “My hope is that soon I meet my brother. I haven’t seen him in 25 years. He’s in Mogadishu. When I came here I was only a year old. It’s been so long. I miss my homeland and I’m very excited to go back to see it.” A University of Southern Maine student majoring in nursing, his resolution is: “To make some money soon.”

Jeff Bedard of Leeds, working at the Lewiston Public Library, said, “I don’t make resolutions. But I have three nieces. I’m looking for them to have a good 2019. Charlotte’s going to have her third birthday in February. I’d like a good year for them, and a good year for me, too.”

Ron Charest of Lewiston, working at the Lewiston Public Library, said, “Today is my birthday. I’m serious. I’m 31 for the second time,” Charest said with a smile. “My resolution is I’m giving up birthdays. My wish for next year is to have a government administration where people aren’t bailing like rats from a burning ship.”

Cecile Langlois of Lewiston, who with her husband, Andy, was walking on Lisbon Street, said her resolution “is just having peace and love throughout the year. We’ve been very fortunate. Everything’s going well. So many people are going through so many things. We haven’t even had health problems. Health is a big one. That’s why we do this. I don’t care how cold it is, we walk.”

Andy Langlois of Lewiston, who was walking on Lisbon Street with his wife Cecile, said, “I wish they could get along in Washington, finally communicate and get something done for this country. That would be my wish for 2019.” His resolution is “to stay healthy. That’s my biggest thing.”

Jennifer Ferguson of Lewiston, working at Fales and Fales law office on Lisbon Street, said, “I resolve to work less and play more. I’m the slave driver so (office staff are) all laughing, praying that this would come true.” Her hope for 2019: That Gov.-elect Janet Mills “has a great and wonderful year.”

Stephanie Brown of Lewiston, working at Victor News on Park Street, said, “My wish is that it would get more peaceful around here. My son is spiritual. So am I. I pray for it all the time. Some days I hear the things going on and I get scared for our future and the youth around here. I’d like to see something that would touch their hearts.” Brown said she doesn’t make resolutions. She used to resolve every year to go to Italy and it never happened. “I stopped making resolutions, and it happened. I went to Italy and I even met the pope!” She beamed as she showed off a smiling photo of Pope Francis on her cellphone. “That’s how close we got.”