In some ways this (poll) is a comment on the optimism of Americans and on what New Year's means to people _ tying into their hopes for the future.

217

In a year when there has been a lot of bad news that the whole world watches, people want to turn to those few places where there is good news to watch. This night is the best advertisement in the world for Times Square and for New York City.

206

Finally, there'll be a place where you can sit down and look.

192

Times Square itself is being prepared?much like a Broadway theater.

168

We take it for granted that crime continues to go down, the economy is strong and tourism has grown. Those things weren't assured four years ago.

167

Our job is to essentially make all of Times Square into a giant theater stage and television set. We are currently in the throes of the final rituals of preparation surrounding the yearly ritual of New Year's Eve.

165