And the new city officials — Mayor David Taylor and city council members Ron Cranor and Velda Roberts — deserve our support.

Regardless of how voters cast their ballots, the city council — all five members — represent citizens of Tonganoxie. The new mayor and new council members, along with the three veteran council members, Kathy Graveman, Emmett Wetta and Steve Gumm, are interested in hearing from local residents about their opinions.

And that’s as it should be.

It’s important for local citizens to educate themselves about issues and then tell Tonganoxie’s elected officials about their opinions.

The future of Tonganoxie depends on the actions of the city council and the mayor, and it’s vital for local residents’ thoughts to be considered when those council members and mayor are voting.

But the elected officials are not omniscient. They need to hear from local residents.