It’s over. Finally. Now the real work begins.
First off, we’d like to sincerely thank everybody who cast a ballot for the candidates they felt were best suited to lead our community, state and country. Voting is our wonderful right as U.S. citizens, as well as our civic responsibility. We should never under-appreciate this process — no matter how annoying campaign advertisements can become.
Second, we would like to thank all of our candidates for having the courage and commitment to place their names on a ballot with the hope of serving the public. Their participation in the practice of democracy is invaluable.
By late Tuesday night President Barack Obama had secured enough electoral votes to win a second term, outlasting an honorable effort by Republican challenger Mitt Romney. The Republicans held their advantage in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Democrats did the same in the U.S. Senate. While Obama seemed to win by a larger margin than originally anticipated, the popular numbers were pretty close. While the American people chose to give the president more time, we hardly feel this election was a hearty endorsement of the president’s first term.
During Romney’s elegant concession speech, the former Massachusetts governor said he will pray that the president succeeds in his second term and that the country can come together and work together. We couldn’t agree more. That means compromise. That means some give and take. President Obama said in his victory address that he learned something from this campaign that has made him a better president. We certainly hope that’s true, too. There is no room for arrogance in Obama’s victory, but plenty of room for humility. Republicans and Democrats must work together better than they have. It should be the duty of our re-elected president to lead the way in that reconciliation.
Stump switching teams
Here in Elkhart County we would be remiss if we didn’t congratulate current Goshen City Council President Tom Stump on his election to the County Council. Stump has served the citizens of Goshen on the City Council for nearly 21 years. A Republican, Stump has been an excellent advocate for his party and has worked well over the years with Democratic Mayor Allan Kauffman. As we mentioned a couple weeks ago, perhaps our national leaders could learn a lesson or two from them.
Stump joins incumbents John Letherman and David Ashe who each won re-election Tuesday. Stump also joins another former Goshen City Councilman, Darryl Riegsecker, on the County Council. Riegsecker was elected to the council in 2010. Having two voices from Goshen on the County Council is important, especially with issues including Goshen’s South Link Road that have been a point of contention in city-county relations in the past.
Stump will be missed on the City Council, but is an excellent addition to the County Council.
Opinion
Related Photos
-
People watch election results displayed on a utility lift suspended from the front of the GE Building at Rockefeller Center n New York Tuesday.
Editorial: Now is a time to come together
- Opinion
-
-
Council makes a smart move on tax breaks
The Goshen City Council’s adoption of a tax phase-in policy for local governments will help bring uniformity to a competitive process that has pitted local governments against each other.
-
Like it or not, Sheriff is going to speak freely
Elkhart County Sheriff Brad Rogers has taken heat the past couple weeks after he commented during a political rally in downtown South Bend that he would not enforce proposed future gun-control legislation within his jurisdiction.
-
Goshen neighborhood stands together on north side
Sometimes a news photographer is at the optimum location at exactly the right time. Goshen News staffer Sam Householder was in such a spot Wednesday.
-
We just can’t thank our moms enough
The purpose of this editorial is quite simple. We just want to say, “Thanks, mom.” And by “mom” we mean all of the great mothers in our community who have gone above and beyond to lead the way in the development of their children.
-
Letter carriers help to Stamp Out Hunger
There’s still time to help someone you probably don’t know.
-
Farmers are positive this will be the year
Farmers and Cub fans have something in common. They are eternally positive and expect a better season next year.
-
It's time to spruce up the Maple City
This is the season and today is the day, finally.
-
Smooth sailing for this year’s regular session
The final gavel has fallen on the 2013 regular session of Indiana’s General Assembly. During the 14-week session, our lawmakers passed nearly 300 pieces of legislation, including the state’s $30 billion biennial budget that contains the largest tax cut in state history.
-
Palm Sunday tornadoes a reminder of sudden danger
It was a beautiful day, most people around these parts who can remember will tell you. It was one of those near-perfect, early spring days, they would likely say, a stark contrast to what early evening would bring on April 11, 1965.
Yes, the Palm Sunday tornado outbreak of 1965, is still very vivid in our local history five decades later. Those were days before Doppler Radar, 24-7 cable television, countywide siren warning systems and even seatbelts in most cars. So, when afternoon turned to early evening, many local residents had little or no warning that killer tornadoes were nearly on top of them. -
Graduation is always a great achievement
While many of us have been waiting patiently – some not so patiently – for spring to finally show up in Northern Indiana, students throughout the area have been busy working on term papers, taking tests and ordering caps and gowns.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Council makes a smart move on tax breaks
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
