Post-election needs

Now that the election is over, municipal officials can focus their attention on completing year-end projects and paving the way for next year’s administrations.

In towns with a township committee form of government, the question is always, "Who’s going to be mayor?"

While the mayor in those cases does not wield any more power than the other four elected committee people, he or she has much greater visibility.

That, of course, is why favored outgoing incumbents usually land that job — to give them extra visibility as they seek re-election.

Residents will also be waiting to see the ubiquitous campaign signs come down.

While they came out much later this year that in years past, they seem to be multiplying at an alarming rate. Is it really necessary to string 10 or 15 signs in a row, all supporting the same candidates. Also some of the signs are getting so big, they’re beginning to resemble billboards.

Campaign signs aside, this has been an especially difficult year for candidates, most of whom, like the rest of us, were made numb by the events of Sept. 11.

We’re still living with that tragedy and trying to get used to living with the threat of terrorism in all of its maniacal forms.

For the most part, our local candidates conducted themselves well, and we congratulate them for that.

To those who came out winners in Tuesday’s races, we also wish you well as you seek to carry out your constituents’ wishes.

To those who were not so lucky, we offer our condolences, plus a reminder that many a candidate has lost only to return another day to savor the sweet smell of victory.