Editorial
This council can work together, councillors and public willing

"We must all put the interests of our community first, keeping in mind that our goal is always to enhance the quality of life for those who live and work in our township. This is our mission."

Mayor Margaret Black

In keeping with a theme of cooperation and a desire to work together, which has floated through the local political scene since last month's municipal election, the duly elected mayor of King Township and six duly elected councillors were formally installed into office Monday night.

There has been an almost universal pledge for everyone to work together, and we can only hope that everyone is sincere in these pronouncements.

But we are realistic enough to know that might not be easy. On the other

hand, if these seven worthy local residents were looking for something easy to do, it's unlikely they would have sought elected office.

As we have stated before in this very space, we don't expect any elected official to abandon the positions that he or she put forth in their successful election bids. That would be a disservice to their individual constituents. But these are adults, with the obligations to act accordingly for the greater good of King Township.

That means they are expected to show respect for their colleagues at the council table, and keep showing it, even when the policies some of them promote are repelling to the others.

At the risk of appearing like we're over-working a couple of cliches, these seven people are going to

have to master the art of sticking to their guns while burying their hatchets.

We're not sure yet on how they're going to accomplish that. On the other hand, that solution is theirs to find. It's one of the things the residents of King are paying them to do.

But no one should get the idea that they should just leave everything to the politicians. True, they have considerable responsibilities, but so do the people who elected them. They are obligated to keep themselves in touch with the broader picture in King, and not to expect their councillors to blindly fight the bad fight.

Here is an important fact that everyone must keep in mind: All seven of the people installed in office Monday night care passionately for the good and wellbeing

of their community. True, some of them differ on what needs to be done for the community, and some of them have different priorities than others. But what we unquestionably have is seven people whose hearts are firmly anchored in the right place. All we need is for everyone in King Township to come to that realization, and things can progress in these parts.

We realize there are some who won't be willing to accept that fact, and in most cases their reasoning defies logic. In a lot of these cases, years have been devoted to building up animosities, and there are folks in this world who don't abandon such feelings, no matter how poorly they're established, without a fight. To such people, we humbly suggest that they pull their heads out of the sand, unplug their ears, open their eyes and embrace reality.

"Tonight, as we begin another term of office, I look forward to a spirit of cooperation and harmony, as we all work together ," Black stated in her inaugural address Monday night. "And I extend my hand in friendship and in the spirit of cooperation and harmony."

This is not the first time Black has held out a proverbial olive branch to her foes, and she has done it yet again, backed by a fresh and solid mandate from the electorate. And the people who will join her at the council table have indicated a desire to cooperate too.

A lot depends on their ability to pull this off. But the electorate (that means you) have a role to play.

Are the politicians up to the task?

Are you?