“Do you ever get the feeling that the

only reason we have elections is to find

out if the polls were right?”

— Robert Orben, American author, magician

For the candidates on Tuesday’s ballot who came away victorious, they are celebrating, in most cases, hard-earned victories.

Getting a vote of confidence from local people is something each of those candidates should be proud of, but when they take office they should remember that it is now their job to serve the people who put them in their respective offices.

Whether re-elected or newly-elected, each candidate will face a different set of challenges in moving their district or this county forward.

The people of Lawrence County will expect different things from the representatives who play very different roles.

But there is one common thread when it comes to their expectations when they take office.

Citizens expect good government.

But that can also mean different things to different people. But, generally, it means that government should work efficiently for the public, in a way that is neither obtrusive nor burdensome.

Citizens expect local office holders to perform their tasks as well here are they are anywhere.

They expect office holders to follow federal, state and local laws, give genuine effort and to keep their interests in mind during the execution of those duties.

For certain, office holders cannot please everyone all the time, no more than this newspaper can please everyone all the time.

But citizens at the very least expect their voices to be heard and to be treated respectfully.

We certainly hope all of Tuesday’s winners meet our expectations.