There is plenty of goodwill lingering from the holiday season for public servants doing good works. Three quick examples...

1. Former State Schools Superintendent and self-described "reform-minded Democrat" Tom Watkins shares his admiration for Republican Oakland County Circuit Court Judge David Warren. Warren has written a new book, "America's Survival Guide" suggesting that our problems come more from within than from foreign threats.

2. The Kalamazoo Gazette gives thanks and well-wishes to retiring Kalamazoo County Administrator Donald Gilmer after "decades of service to the area." A former farmer, state legislator, county commissioner, and state budget director who will remain involved in various regional organizations, Gilmer is still known in Lansing as a top state budget expert. He's a Founding Champion of the Michigan's Defining Moment Public Engagement Campaign and he told the Gazette last month that he intends to volunteer more intensely with the Center for Michigan. Hey Don, we're thrilled to have you! How 'bout joining us for our ongoing series of dinners with state legislators, which will continue later this month. The folks in the capitol could use a couple hours worth of statesmanship lessons from you.

3. Gongwer notes the following 22 legislators had perfect voting records in what was an extremely trying 2007 year at the capitol...

Sen. Jason Allen (R-Traverse City), Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R-Rochester), Sen. Cameron Brown (R-Fawn River Twp.), Sen. Randy Richardville (R-Frenchtown Twp.), Sen. Tony Stamas (R-Midland), Rep. Joan Bauer (D-Lansing), Rep. Bob Constan (D-Dearborn Heights), Rep. Marc Corriveau (D-Northville), Rep. Andy Coulouris (D-Saginaw), Rep. John Espinoza (D-Croswell), Rep. Ted Hammon (D-Burton), Rep. Joe Hune (R-Hamburg), Rep. Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge), Rep. David Law (R-Commerce Twp.), Rep. Richard LeBlanc (D-Westland), Rep. Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard), Rep. Fred Miller (D-Mount Clemens), Rep. Tory Rocca (R-Sterling Heights), Rep. Michael Sak (D-Grand Rapids), Rep. Joel Sheltrown (D-West Branch), Rep. Dudley Spade (D-Tipton) and Rep. Howard Walker (R-Traverse City).