New leaders, it's time to get to work

Dear newly elected leaders:

In some very close races, you were elected to represent your constituents, whether locally, statewide or nationally. American voters are pleading for bipartisan, cooperative dialogue and decision-making in the best interests of our community, state and country.

Get us on our way out of debt without compromising the tentative state of our economy. Find ways to boost business growth without a lot of fees. Help people help themselves.

You wanted the job; now prove you can do it. Don't forget your roots — you were one of us before you became part of the political machine. Be honest, stay true to your constituents' beliefs and represent us to the best of your ability without bowing to political pressure. Most of all, act with integrity so we can begin to believe in “the system” again.

Lastly, in the words of Jean-Paul Sartre, never forget that “commitment is an act, not a word.”