Some people warned me – there is a difference between covering a campaign as a newspaper editor and running one as a candidate.

I knew from the outset that I wanted to run a positive campaign and focus on what I could offer this community rather than bashing my opponents or bad-mouthing the sitting town council.

So I do truly appreciate the response I received from citizens as they connected those lines next to my name on the ballot.

More than 4,000 voters did that very thing, and I am humbled by that staggering fact. It’s a heavy responsibility placed on my shoulders that I don’t take lightly.

I’m not so naïve as to think all will be “peaches and cream” going forward and there won’t be stressful stuff in the next four years.

However, I do pledge to always strive to rise above the din and clamor of partisanship, name calling, stereotyping and all the rest. We can do better!

Probably 98 percent of issues that come before the town council are not tied to respective parties, ideologies and the like. I understand that underlying beliefs (political and otherwise) guide one’s decision-making process, even at the local level.

But our collective goal should be to do what’s best for Fountain Hills. Obviously folks have different ideas on how to get there. That’s the rub.

Although at times he raised the ire of passionate people on both sides of the aisle, the late U.S. Senator John McCain has been praised this past week for his ability to collaborate, compromise and work for solutions.

Not a bad legacy…

Please, I’m not comparing myself to The Maverick, but let’s all take a breath and relax.

So thanks to all my supporters, and special thanks to my wife, Brenda, my biggest supporter!