Moving forward from election

As the country absorbs last week’s election results, it’s important for us to pause and reflect on how we’ll move forward. The polarization of national politics has reached extremes, and yet, we are still one country of United States, which must work toward common goals of the republic.

Our community has many uniting values and visions and has newly elected representatives on the Town Council, County Commission and public boards who will take office in January.

We should be proud of an excellent voter turnout, as 87% of registered voters in Teton County cast a ballot in the general election. The high level of voter engagement shined in recent weeks. The county clerk, along with her diligent staff and volunteers, executed an election that went off without a hitch.

Voters turn out because they know their voice matters. The Justice Center SPET passed by just 28 votes, showing that in close ballot measures every vote truly counts.

So even if your candidates of choice didn’t prevail in their respective local, state or national election, now is as good a time as any to focus on relationships with our neighbors. Community requires us to depend on one another while setting aside ideological differences as we plan for the future.