Even the most die-hard cynic would be hard-pressed to find fault with Wareham town officials, past and present, who took the initiative to address quality-of-life issues in our community.  Take a drive down the main streets of Wareham and Onset. You can't help but notice the fruits of their labor.

Beat cops helping pedestrians negotiate the busy, summer traffic. Bike cops patrolling neighborhoods while keeping a vigilant eye on known trouble spots. Young men working off their debt to community service by sweeping our sidewalks.

A slew of conjoined shops on the east end of Wareham's Main Street gave itself a face-lift last spring as did a bar and breakfast place in Onset.

New and interesting shops are popping up all over town, and that's a good indication of renewed faith in the community.

The town recently acquired additional liquor licenses, which ensures a level playing field for newer restaurants to compete with the better-known establishments.

A.D. Makepeace broke ground on April 29 for two large, commercial projects on Route 28 and Lou Avenue, which will generate much-needed tax revenue for the town.

Municipal Maintenance has been sprucing up numerous public buildings including the bathhouse, the band shell and the restrooms on the bluffs overlooking Onset Bay. The gazebo is next on its list.

Street-sweeping machines, usually put to bed after removing the winter salt in late March, are still out making the rounds.

A new drainage system is now hooked up to the Onset Beach Resort Mobile Home Park, which should greatly ease the flooding problems caused by heavy rains.

Lifeguards are once again monitoring area beaches, and first-aid stations are back in operation. Attractive trash receptacles built of pressure-treated wood line the beaches and pier parking lot.

The exterior of the Spinney Memorial Library at 267 Onset Avenue is nearing completion. Those involved with its renovation and expansion should be lauded for producing an architectural gem the entire town can be proud of.

There are still some problems in town, of course, but the combined efforts of all town departments and a proactive citizenry is making progress.

Landlords have stepped up to the plate, too, by showing the door to lawless tenants. Although some of these tenants have simply moved to another part of town, their days are numbered. Law enforcement, along with watchful residents, tracks their every move, and the perpetrators know it.

Civic pride got a big boost last March when the Wareham Vikings won the State Basketball Championship. Then to continue our streak of good fortune, 16-year-old Anthony Vieira of Onset won the U.S. Junior Olympic Boxing Championship in June.

If and when the train arrives from Boston, Wareham is more than ready to roll out the welcome mat.

Christopher Gay is a resident of Onset.