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If the Prince George's county executive, state legislators and the superintendent of Prince George's County Public Schools didn't make New Year's resolutions, they shouldn't fret: Some county residents have made resolutions for them.

Darryl Jamison, 44, of Landover said if he were a state legislator, his New Year's resolution would involve change in the state government, making it more equal.

"The government was set up to be equal—it's not equal right now," Jamison said.

He wants to see more state funding for people on disability from their jobs and those whose homes are being foreclosed upon.

"With the new year starting, Maryland can step up and make a stand," Jamison said. "We are the same [and] the legislation has to start—Jack Johnson and all the others. They have to respect everyone and how we can make the situation better."

Allessia Owens, 30, of Seat Pleasant said her New Year's resolution for state legislators would be to help with the home foreclosure crisis.

"To help with mortgage issues, there needs to be legislation for people in financial straits," she said.

She also believes faith in the federal government needs to be restored.

"There is little to no confidence in the federal government—we need to build that trust up," Owens said.

If Celeste Malone, 37, of Temple Hills were going to be the superintendent of the county's public school system, her New Year's resolution would involve assessing what she believes is a disconnect between student's abilities and standardized testing requirements for the High School Assessment.

"Students are making the grade [in classes] but not passing the HSAs; there's a disconnect between what they're learning and absorbing and test-taking skills," she said.

She said teachers should be teaching students about life skills and sciences, for example, to make students well rounded.

"Tests are paramount for assessment," Malone said. "[We need to be] teaching students the cognitive skills to move on."

Rikki Perkins, 33, of Largo said if he were to make a New Year's resolution for County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D), it would be for harsher punishments for those who commit fraud.

Darlene Nicholas, 54, of Beltsville said Johnson's New Year's resolution should be to step down from his position.

"He's been doing it for too long—someone else should run," Nicholas said. "He's not spending our money efficiently."

Nicholas said Johnson's resolution should also include cutting taxes and large development projects.

E-mail Liz Skalski at eskalski@gazette.net.