What would I like to read about this year? Let’s start, of course, with world peace … plus SunRail and more.

Other than the obvious like world peace, security and good health, I’ve been blue-skying about what might be possible in the new year. Here are some sample headlines, along with my commentary, on goals that we should set for ourselves at the global, national, state, regional and local levels, if not in the next few years than certainly in our lifetime.

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SunRail and High Speed Rail Under Construction in Sunshine State

The third time was the charm during the Florida Legislature’s “special session” last month. The history-making passage of Statewide Rail Transit legislation means jobs, jobs and more jobs for hard-working families all across our state. Before we know it, travel delays that will come with these massive construction projects will be only a memory as our region and state join the ranks of great regions around the globe in providing modern, dependable and efficient transportation for residents and visitors. Just think of London, Paris, New York, Washington … and Orlando!

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Voters Elect Orange County School Board Chairman

It’s time for a change, and voters turning out in record numbers to elect the first countywide direct-elected chairman of Orange County Public Schools will signal that change. The position was established by an overwhelming margin in 2008 and has sustained ongoing opposition by members of the school board and special-interest groups. At press time, at least two people had declared candidacy, and others are likely to follow.

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Central Florida Ranked No. 1 Entrepreneurial System in Nation

With its new focus on entrepreneurship, Orlando Inc. (Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce) is creating a significant amount of buzz in the business community. Its recent offering, The B.I.G. Summit (Business Innovation & Growth), focused on creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem to provide resources and make connections, enabling entrepreneurs to grow and succeed. From the “rock star” setting of the Summit to an outstanding lineup of programs and activities during 2010, Central Florida is on its way to national recognition.

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Groundbreaking Regional Water Policies Enacted

Water is our most precious resource, and working to ensure that this vital commodity will be available to future generations in Central Florida is crucial. Regional thinking and long-term policies are necessary to ensure that limited resources and growing demand align in new and innovative ways.  All things considered — three water management districts, seven counties, 86 cities — this is not an easy task. Cooperation and collaboration must guide these discussions.

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Pro-Business Candidates Elected in Record-breaking Numbers

Building a cadre of informed and effective business leaders who are considering public service at local, regional, state and national levels makes our region stronger. Political candidates need not only the knowledge base of the critical issues facing our families of communities, but the courage to make the right decisions for all and withstand the criticism of the few. They also need our support. While we hold our elected officials to a higher standard, we must also stand behind them and lift them up lest they fall or fail. For the most part, their intentions are pure, their rewards are few, and the future of our region and our state is at stake.

Editor’s note: Jacob V. Stuart is president and CEO of the Central Florida Partnership.