With the exception of the disputed races in Wilkinson County and the contested sheriff’s race in Concordia Parish, Election 2007 is one for the history books.

The candidates have all campaigned hard, beating the streets, knocking on doors and jockeying for popularity.

In the end, our system of government has worked again. We’ve elected a new set of leaders to run our government.

At the county level, Supervisor Henry Watts returned to his seat on the board and long-time Supervisor Sammy Cauthen will hang up his supervisor coat after challenger Mike Lazarus won the District 1 supervisor’s race.

We congratulate both men on the wins and wish them the best of luck.

We also thank Cauthen for his years of service. Whether or not you voted for him, you should respect a man who has served the public for as long as he’s served.

The day after an election is a good time for each of us to stop, reevaluate things and realize that even if our favorite candidate didn’t win, it’s time to support those who did.

Differences that may have caused neighbors to put up opposing campaign signs need to end. Despite what may have been said during the heat of a political campaign, ultimately, all of the candidates, we believe, truly want what’s best for the county and the state.

We may have different ways of going about it, but we can all start with the belief that we have much more in common than not, we’re in a good position to find common ground.