With the polls closed and the votes counted, Warren County and the state of Mississippi welcomes a slate of new officials and those returning for another term.

The turn of the political season when new officials are sworn in brings with it the opportunities of a fresh start, with new ideas, opinions and people. It also brings one of change. The offices of governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general and treasurer welcomed all new officials, as did a host of statewide and local positions.

We encourage those elected to office to make a commitment now to listen to new ideas and work with those who bring new and different skillsets and backgrounds to the table.

Vicksburg and Warren County are on the cusp of many opportunities. With the new port analysis ordered, Love’s Travel Stop under construction and additional space at Ceres Industrial Park, there are many economic successes to come that can be celebrated, if correctly sought after and fulfilled.

As those elected or re-elected are sworn into office, we hope to see more collaboration between the city and county to capitalize on these and many other opportunities to make our community the best place to live, work and play in Mississippi.

Constituents, it is time to put our political differences aside, and stand squarely behind those elected to public office, all the while holding those elected to their promises of serving their community and working within the law. Who you stood behind during the election season and who you voted for at the polls is no longer of importance. The person elected is your public official, who will be sworn into office to serve you and your community.