Port Arthur voters have weathered six months of highly publicized local races, with voters electing members to the Port Arthur City Council, County Commission, Port Arthur Independent School District Board of Trustees and finally, Port Arthur mayor’s office.

The political season has been an intense one, filled with strong opinions; loyal supporters; and passionate campaigning. With this week’s election of Derrick Freeman as mayor, we can move on to the next chapter for our community.

Ultimately, we believe all that political passion was directed for a common cause: a desire to help Port Arthur continue to progress. And that progress demands our united attention and effort.

We’ve seen what can happen when we work together as a community: The Port Arthur Independent School District passed a $195 million bond in November 2014 that is changing the face of the district; unified efforts have help expand and grow the Port of Port Arthur to one of the top ports in the nation, increasing our economic base; and the project to deepen the shipping channel will, when finished, be a huge economic boost for Port Arthur.

In recent months, we’ve also seen a renewal of citizen engagement in Port Arthur. People are standing up for what they feel is right, and standing before the city council to voice opinions on important issues like the meat processing plant in Port Acres and the citywide smoking ban. Our city government needs to hear from its citizens and citizens need to feel comfortable in voicing their opinion.

Public dialog will be even more important as our community faces important issues in the coming terms. Rebuilding relationships between The City of Port Arthur and the Port Arthur police department is a must if we’re to make progress in reducing crime. After years of ideas and debate, we must decide if we will move forward on the revitalization of downtown Port Arthur and what that will mean for our community. Improving communications and shared efforts between the Port Arthur City Council and Port Arthur Independent School District are needed to develop youth who will one day be our business and civic leaders. Facing these challenges will take a shared commitment and willingness to compromise where we differ and work for the greater good of our region.

Now that the political races are over, it is time to move forward. We must work together and unite behind our new leaders: This does not mean we have to always agree on policies, opinions or decisions. But must understand, constructively debate, compromise when needed and strive for progress.

Again, congratulations to Freeman for becoming the next mayor of Port Arthur. Our city’s future is in your hands, and we pledge to lend you ours as we work forward together.