Only 9 percent of the registered voters in Port Arthur participated in Saturday’s exercise in democracy, and that small group elected the mayor, a council member and two school board members for the next two years. That exclusive group who cast their ballots also decided some significant propositions, including changes to the city’s charter and approval for spending up to $1.6 million in taxpayer dollars in support of entertainment.

We offer our congratulations to Mayor Deloris “Bobbie” Prince, who won her third term as mayor in a hotly contested race. Now that the election is over politics should be put aside and the council and other community leaders should work together toward the common goals of growing employment, rebuilding infrastructure and improving quality of life.

We offer thanks to Harold Doucet, who gave up his District 4 seat on the council to challenge the mayor, for the work he has done on the council and in the community on behalf of his constituents and the community. Because of the dialogue he created during campaign, attention is being focused on making Port Arthur a better place to live and do business.

Congratulations are also due to Robert Troy, who ran a good campaign and is ready to get to work representing the people of District 4 and all of Port Arthur. We hope he joins the mayor as this new term begins to help set a tone of mutual respect on the council where even in disagreement members can work together.

 New leadership will also join the Port Arthur ISD board of trustees. We are excited to learn what Robert Reid and Tracy Thomas bring to the board as the search begins for a new superintendent. We salute the past service of Willie Mae Elmore, who spent 16 years on the board, and Theo Victor, who completed his third term. They helped guide the district through passage of several bond issues and the rebuilding or remodeling of all district facilities.

 In addition to those who won and those who have served, recognition should be given to those who offered themselves for public service but were not successful in their races. They all were willing to offer their time and talents for the benefit of their community, and we thank them for that. As for those who didn’t vote, we hope they reflect on that before they gripe if things don’t go their way. They’ll have little sympathy from us.