Voters have spoken, and the election is over. Now it’s time to govern in the interests of all, supporters and opponents alike.

But first, a big, heartfelt congratulations to new City Council members Richard Skorman, Yolanda Avila and David Geislinger and to City Council members Don Knight, Jill Gaebler and Andres Pico on getting re-elected. The survival of three of four incumbents indicates the public’s approval with the community’s direction.

We also give thanks to unsuccessful candidates Greg Basham, Chuck Fowler, Deborah Hendrix, Lynette Crow-Iverson, Melanie Bernhardt, Janak Joshi and Robert Burns for offering themselves to the commitment of a low-paying and often thankless brand of public service.

Our special appreciation goes out to Councilwoman Helen Collins, for her past four years of dedicated service. We often disagreed with her but respected her passion for public service. Avila’s victory was not surprising, as Hendrix and Collins split the right-of-center vote in District 4.

All 14 of these individuals, those enduring the thrill of victory or agony of defeat, deserve our community’s respect. Campaigns and public service are grueling and typically attract quality people genuinely committed to improving society.

Read more at The Colorado Springs Gazette.