I know that it’s a bit audacious to make New Year’s resolutions for others, particularly when I will be starting my 5th year with the same one. I’ve been trying to scale back to a 4-day work week and got as far as doing it 22 times in 2016. I hope, however, that our leaders in government have better success with the following recommendations:

President-elect Donald Trump
Soak up the daily briefings. Nothing is worse than somebody who thinks he knows everything and is smarter than anyone else. This world is far too dangerous to wing it.

Governor Gina Raimondo
Previously I recommended that she resolve to set up a blue ribbon group to study the underfunded health care system for retired and future state retirees. It is so grossly underfunded that it is a future fiscal disaster in the making. 2017 should be the year she focuses on this reform.

Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed
She has warmed up to the idea of giving the governor a line item veto. Bravo for her. This will be the legacy she will leave with Rhode Islanders if she sees it through. Go, Teresa!

House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello
How about showing that you truly have the good of the people at heart by supporting your colleague, Ms. Paiva Weed, in finally passing a line item veto bill? I know that it is hard to give up power but this legislation will restore some balance of powers in this state. Yes, the voters will be happy to see the pesky state car tax phased out (depending upon what you substitute in its place) but you will be a hero in bringing to fruition this long overdue reform.

Chief Justice Paul Suttell
I know that you’ve been trying hard but the portal to the judicial website system is a nightmare. Here’s hoping that you will be the toast of the town among lawyers if the kinks are all worked out by early 2017.

Mayor Jorge Elorza
The 74 percent unfunded liability for City of Providence pensions is a nightmare waiting to happen. The improvident decisions made by past administrations have lost all sympathy from voters outside of Providence. Don’t expect legislators to bail Providence out since their constituents on the outskirts won’t tolerate it. Please don’t become another Providence leader who delays reform until he’s out the door and leaves it in the lap of his successor.

State GOP
You’ve been having the wake…so when is the burial? Leaders of state republicans have got to divine just what it is that prevents any resurgence in the party. Why aren’t more candidates running in legislative races? Don’t shun off the task by focusing on how many republicans hold local seats. You have to put together a battle plan—and soon—before you become extinct.

R.I. voters
Yes, I mean you! You just elected the same cast of characters that you complain about. When are you going to say that you just can’t take it anymore? Shouldn’t you be insulted that the 38 Studios “investigation” is still shrouded in secrecy? Your well-being gets ignored because you tolerate it by sending the same folks back to Smith Hill.

So, dare I say after this, Happy New Year?

Arlene Violet is an attorney and former Rhode Island Attorney General.