All of us have Christmas wishes, for either now or a Christmas future. Politicians and community leaders are the same.

Many have wondered about Gov. Jay Inslee’s frequent visits to voter-rich Puget Sound, his national travel as head of the Democratic Governors group to get more Democrat governors elected, and his talking about national issues. Now we know why. At a fundraiser recently, the envelopes said “Inslee for Washington.” Big clue! It didn’t say which Washington. Apparently what Inslee wants for a future Christmas is to be president. It is a long shot given our lack of significant electoral college clout, but it could put him in the discussion, which could land him in the cabinet of a successful Democrat candidate.

And that would be fine with County Executive Dow Constantine and Attorney General Bob Ferguson as their future Christmas gifts would be a move to Olympia as governor. And that head slap you just heard is from recently re-elected Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell who wants to run for any promotion before the financial cows come home on the Performing Arts and Event Center.

Federal Way City Council members Susan Honda and Mark Koppang have a common Christmas wish. They want to be deputy mayor come January. At one time, both may have thought they had the necessary four votes. But keeping the votes is harder than getting them, and some of the votes may be back in the undecided column. The January council meeting should be interesting.

At the polls last November, voters demonstrated their Christmas wish was to have the City Council reflect the diverse make up of the community. With longtime council member Jeanne Burbidge retiring, others’ Christmas wishes are for more strong women leaders to join Federal Way Public Schools Superintendent Tammy Campbell, Chamber CEO Becca Martin and District 30 state Rep. Kristine Reeves to increase our depth of future women leaders.

Speaking of Burbidge, she was able to provide stability in City Hall when it was most needed. Another Christmas wish is for someone to step up to the challenge of replacing her.

Others got their Christmas wish early when Federal Way Mirror Publisher Andy Hobbs was named to replace lovable old Rudi Alcott.

Councilman Martin Moore’s Christmas wish may be finding an easy path to get elected to the state Legislature. And Roger Flygare joins many others whose Christmas wish is for a vacancy on the City Council that has been rumored.

Some supporters of Ferrell have a Christmas wish that he rehires Steve McNey, as he was able to speak truth to Ferrell and reduce the impulsive and sometimes chaotic management style.

Superintendent Campbell’s wish is for as much success in next spring’s levy as with this past fall’s bond.

Other Christmas wishes? The continued leadership by our faith-based organizations to support the less fortunate in our city. A homeless shelter. Success to our business community and our school district administrators, teachers and staff as they prepare our future leaders.

Good luck to our two winter Olympic skaters, J.R. Celski and Aaron Tran, our new City Council members, Hoang Tran and Jesse Johnson, and new School Board member Mildred Ollee.

Lastly a Christmas wish for all our elected officials: You have been given a rare opportunity to make a difference; don’t miss it. Focus on the next generation, not the next election.

And to all of our readers, may your Christmas wish come true.

Thanks for reading.

Federal Way resident Bob Roegner is a former Auburn mayor and retired public official. He can be reached at bjroegner@comcast.net.