New elected officials starting terms

Elections have been a big focus for journalists the past year, and now those who we’ve elected are beginning their terms on the local level. A new Imperial mayor and two council members were seated at Monday’s council meeting, and have started their terms. New and re-elected county officials will take their oaths of office in early January.
    Any time there is a change of personnel following elections, it’s likely there’ll be some change in how the village, city, school board and county operate. That’s magnified even more when considering changes ahead with state and federal election results, giving Nebraska a new Governor and new faces on the Nebraska State Board of Education among them.
    Whatever office-holders are being discussed, it’s important to watch what is being proposed, what they support or don’t support and how newly-elected officials are responding to those who put them in office. Concerns you have should be addressed to them—not just in your social circles alone.
    Whether you voted for them or not, anyone who runs for office has to be commended for putting themselves out there to be judged and for putting their names on the line, literally, to be chosen or rejected by the voters. My hat’s off to all of you who seek office. We hope our communities, state and nation will be better for it.