Election Is Over; Let Civility Return

The November General Election is over.

This is being written on a weekly press deadline that does not allow the results from Tuesday night’s election for this week’s column.

But still, I am glad, as I am sure most of you are too, that the election cycle for 2012 is over. Done. Finished.

Those who cast their ballot in the General Election (be it on election day, early voting or by an absentee ballot), I want to say “Thank You” for continuing to be supportive of the greatest exercise of your individual rights as a citizen of the United States of America.

In Arkansas, and especially Northwest Arkansas, I will predict this was a widely popular election cycle. I am certain more people “voted early” than ever before.

Northwest Arkansas, by the sheer numbers of citizens who go to the polls to vote, allow this growing area of our state to command more representatives, senators and hence influence at the state capitolin Little Rock.

And that is a good thing.

With election day behind us, citizens should embrace those who won at the polls.

The men and women who put their names on the ballot for selection - and gained a majority of those ballots cast - are now our oft ce holders.

The often ugly partisan rhetoric used during these campaigns, locally, countywide, districtwide and across Arkansas, and yes, all over the nation - should be disposed of as quickly as possible. From all our oft ceholders - no matter what party or political ilk they represent, we should expect nothing but civility, cooperation and good-faith in reaching out to all the people these politicians won the right to represent.

It is not easy being an oft ceholder.

In many ways it is more diftcult than being a candidate.

Officeholders, you see, must represent “the oft ce” and not just to the delight of their “insiders” or the disdain of those “outsiders.”

Those elected must see that the real test of holding oftce was not the marathon campaign. The hard work starts today.

The test of what these folks are made of will come forth immediately. The fi rst actions or in-actions of a newly elected oft ce holder will long be remembered. First impressions, you see, do make an impression.

We must demand action from these newly elected officials - not just action for action’s sake, but a true commitment to what they (and others) have suggested needs to be done for the citizenry.

Voters love to see active, engaged, public and appreciative politicians. Those who tend to operate in secret or behind closed doors away from the public tend not to last long in this oh, so, public, area.

We need to see realsmiles, not just one for the cameras, but smiles and satisfaction coming from their engagement of public work.

The late Don Tyson’s saying: “No Bad Days,” certainly comes into play following an election.

Victorious politicians should do all they can to open up dialogue with those across the city council table, over the desks at the state legislature, in the halls of Congress or where ever they may serve.

To those who have already served as our elected representatives and are headed back for another term. You should take the lead in ensuring that “gridlock” at any level or location does not occur.

Forget about 2014 - this election cycle is too far away.

Don’t forget the election was Tuesday.

And remember the real work starts today.

MAYLON RICE IS A FORMER CANDIDATE FOR THE ARKANSAS GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND PRESIDENT OF THE PRAIRIE GROVE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.