Congratulations to Jim Pearman, Dan Grausz and Mike Grady, winners of the Mercer Island City Council races, and to newly elected members of the Mercer Island School District Board of Directors, John DeVleming and Adair Dingle.

Our congratulations go also to the many, many citizens behind the scenes who worked for their candidates and their ideas and positions. Volunteers distributed literature, went door to door talking to neighbors, put up and took down those pesky but necessary signs, and supported their chosen through thick and thin.

Political campaigns do not always run smoothly. There are controversies (sometimes constructive) and misunderstandings. The ability to deliver and control a message is often derailed by the unexpected. To all who maintained their cool and kept their manners during this campaign, we thank you.

Now that campaigns are over, newcomers seem well able to hit the ground running. Incumbents are ready to get back to work.

For the School Board there are new policies to establish on advanced classes: what should be offered and who will attend them.The Board will continue to refine the balance between academics with the social and emotional needs of students within the community. A shortage of space at the high school, the Peak proposal and state funding shortfalls, all remain important topics.

For the City Council, Luther Burbank Park, land use and transportation issues will continue to dominate Council meeting agendas.The Council must address citizen concerns about any future Town Center development and the city’s role in the Boys & Girls Club Peak proposal. The Council must redouble its efforts to communicate with the public.