Our state has always had a culture distinct from our neighbors in the South.

Sometimes, though, it’s easy to forget that when you live here. But when visitors come to town, as they have this week for Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome, it reminds you all of a sudden of how different we are. In the events leading up to the big game, we showcased the best Louisiana has to offer — from food and music to arts and culture. I was proud, as I am sure many of you were, to see some of our local legends get to share the national spotlight.

Our state also produced some pretty colorful politics once upon a time.

In a state where there were so many competing constituencies and interests, politicians had to have strong personalities to bring everyone to the table. And even today many of our most effective leaders know how to weave a narrative that can attract people from all parts of the state despite their diverse backgrounds.

That part of Louisiana’s story is probably most relevant to the times we live in now. We look to leaders who can help unite us and put us on a path to the future.

What should that future look like in Louisiana? We have heard from some of you in response to our first Town Square question of the year: If you could make a New Year’s resolution for the state of Louisiana, what would it be? The issue could be large or small, and it doesn’t have to involve politics, though many of the responses we get do. Send your answers to letters@theadvocate.com. As usual, we will publish a selection of the best responses. If yours isn’t selected, it will be considered for publication as a letter to the editor.

Turning to our letters inbox, for the week of Jan. 16-23, we received 50 letters. Outside of national politics, which was the subject of nine letters, the biggest topic on your minds was the recent snow, not surprisingly. We got six letters about the snow, some including pictures. Some of you also sent thanks that once our home delivery resumed, you received papers that were unable to be delivered during the storm.

We also received three letters on President Donald Trump’s pardons of those who were convicted of criminal activity at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. All opposed the pardons. And there were also three letters on Gov. Jeff Landry’s decision to fly a MAGA flag at the Governor’s Mansion on Inauguration Day. All of the letters we received disagreed with the decision.

We look forward to hearing your opinions on the Super Bowl festivities and the security measures taken. We know the eyes of the world are on New Orleans, but we place a priority on what you think.