Passing the torch without losing the flame

Finally, after posting election signs and mailing out cards, shaking neighbors’ hands and making campaign calls, the elections are over. And while everyone can breathe a sigh of relief now that the tensions of campaigning have ended, this is where the real work begins.To start with, however, let us offer congratulations to all of those who have won. It is a testament to the faith and confidence your fellow townspeople have in you that you will be able to perform the job you have set out to do fairly, competently and honestly.You may be returning to a position you have already held, perhaps for many years, that you know as well as anything else you have undertaken in your lifetime. Or, possibly, your elected post could be brand new to you, and may require many long hours of research and investigation, tireless work and countless interviews with those who have served before you.Whatever the scenario, here’s to a successful venture — may you embark on your public career with all of the enthusiasm you brought to your campaign, all of the hard work you understood the position would require and all of the dedication you witnessed in those who have served before you.Let us also take a moment to thank those who have served their communities so well, and many for so long, who will not be returning to office in 2012. Many have done phenomenal work and dedicated their lives to their towns and villages. You served to the best of your abilities time and again, dealing with criticism and anger as well as you dealt with compliments and praise. In the final outcome, your towns and villages seem to be better for it, gaining from your dedication, your expertise, your consistency and your selflessness. Whether you have decided to step down after years of service, like Florence Prisco in Washington or Wayne Euvrard in Amenia, or lost the elections, like Dave Sherman in North East or Gregg Pulver in Pine Plains, you all deserve thanks for your service and the distinct ways you governed your communities. You have nurtured your towns and villages and they have flourished under your guidance. Your successors have large shoes to fill, and surely knowing your stamp made the Harlem Valley as alluring and active a region as it is today must be daunting for them.That said, those who have won the 2011 elections (and keep in mind, the results won’t be certified until well after Nov. 22) seem aptly prepared for their new responsibilities. The candidates this year were intelligent, well-informed and keenly interested in their communities, which is critical considering they will be under close watch as they take their places in local government. Ideally, a support system will immediately develop for our local officials as they learn to work with each other and their public. Here’s hoping they will be as responsive to one another as they will be to their communities, because it takes a group effort to make a true democracy function successfully — and that should be the common goal.Congratulations to all. Now let’s get to work!