Rehoboth Beach has turned the page.

With Susan Stewart sworn in as mayor, and Patrick Gossett and Mark Saunders joining her on the board of commissioners, the city begins a new chapter in its leadership. Stewart officially took the oath Sept. 18, succeeding Stan Mills after his six years as mayor.

Leading Rehoboth Beach is no small responsibility. The city is fortunate to have an engaged citizenry that cares deeply about its future. But that passion can sometimes turn into division, particularly when disagreements become personal.

That needs to change.

The August election delivered a clear message from Rehoboth voters. Stewart received 632 votes, well ahead of the other three mayoral candidates. Gossett and Saunders also led the commissioner race, receiving 813 and 852 votes, respectively.

The election and campaigns are over. Now comes the harder part: governing.

That means the mayor and commissioners need to work together, even when they disagree. It means listening to residents who don't share the same opinions. And it means remembering that public meetings are supposed to be about solving problems.

The same goes for residents: Hold elected officials accountable, ask tough questions, speak up when you disagree, but do it respectfully. Rehoboth Beach is a small community, and the people sitting on opposite sides of an issue today may be neighbors and friends tomorrow.

There is plenty of work ahead. The city has a strategic plan, infrastructure needs and a host of issues that will require discussion and compromise.

Stewart and the commissioners have an opportunity to set a different tone. 

Voters have spoken. Now it's time for everyone to listen, put the election – and everything that came before it – behind them and work together to make the city a better place to live, work and visit.