'We've done what we said,' Corroon says

"Protecting our environment is practical, good stewardship, life-sustaining and life-enhancing," Corroon said. "It is the most important investment we can make."

Work on a criminal justice master plan will start in the coming months, a move Corroon dubbed a "more comprehensive approach" to figure out how to both keep people from committing crime, as well as keep them from returning to jail once they've been released.

Corroon, a former business owner, said the county will also work to help local businesses expand in 2008.

The mayor also touted county leaders' collaboration to "hold the line on property taxes" in a year where property taxes are climbing across the state.

"As the demands of our time and efforts are ever increasing, the windows of opportunity are shrinking by virtue of the sheer enormity of how much money it takes to provide government services," Corroon said. "Our needs continue to grow, while our revenues are fairly fixed.

"Planning with the future in mind is not an option, it is a reality. It is what good government is all about."

Councilman Randy Horiuchi praised the mayor after the speech, calling it "vintage Corroon."

"He really represents the best of what we as a county have tried to portray," Horiuchi said. "He's a very steady hand at the oar. County residents are truly getting their money's worth."

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