They say change is inevitable.

For the Kirkland Reporter, our time has come.

In a Nov. 12 editorial, I pleaded our case that the paper needs some fresh content and opinions. Readers were tired of seeing a lopsided op-ed page and others just wanted content variety.

In response, Kirkland has stepped up. Over the past month, I’ve been sorting my inbox and voice mail full of nearly 40 messages from locals interested in submitting a column or opinion piece.

You may have already noticed some of our new faces. We have some new neighborhood voices, including Juanita resident Janice Johnson, the eyes and ears of most of Kirkland’s parks as a volunteer ranger. There’s also Karen Story who’ll give you all of the “Houghton Happenings.” Long-time readers may recognize Story when she wrote for the Courier for three years. Check out page 20 of this issue for her first contribution to the Reporter.

Kirkland resident Bill Schultheis will bring you “The Coffeehouse Investor” that for eight years he submitted to the late King County Journal.

Says Schultheis, “With the chaos and turmoil in the economy and markets right now, I think readers could benefit from some common sense wisdom these days.”

Others, like contributing writer Andrew Villeneuve, founder and executive director of the Northwest Progressive Institute, will help us balance out our op-ed page.

Villeneuve said he feels “strongly that it’s my moral responsibility to do what I can to raise the quality of life for as many people as I can.”

You can look forward to seeing “The Oemig-a Factor” – written by Sen. Eric Oemig and wife, Mary. The Kirkland couple will keep you informed with what’s going on in the legislature, as well as with local issues.

A performance and confidence expert, Craig Sigl will touch on how to eliminate fears and doubts in sports and business and how athletes can achieve peak performance.

Author of several books and featured in publications around the country, Amanda Ford will define what she means by “conscious living” and hopes to engage readers throughout the coming year.

There’s more change, too.

Keep an eye on our Web site (www.kirklandreporter.com) that now features videos. The site’s first video was posted last week (see “40,000 lights and a little labor of love) and there’ll be more to come.

You can also now comment on any story online and even hear some reporter feedback. Just scroll to the bottom of the story you wish to comment on, login and have your say.