Congratulations to all of our newly elected officials. Likewise, to those re-elected. We have a new president and a new vice president. We’ve elected congressmen and senators. There will be some new faces in the U.S. Capitol in 2009. Locally, on the other hand, we have a newly elected city mayor, a historic first, in the city of Suffolk. Likewise, we’ve chosen new members of the city council and school board. To you all, best wishes!

Now we can put aside dirty politics. Let’s clear our area (air, land and sea) now of those political ads and campaign signs that are now a part of history. It’s time to move on, folks.

Yes, it’s all over and done. We have winners and losers. Let’s celebrate our victory. Let’s have an American victory party where everyone can attend and enjoy the fruits of freedom and democracy. On the other hand, let’s thank our forefathers and those activists and pioneers — men and women alike — who fought for our right to choose our leaders.

To Barack Obama: Welcome to The White House. To our senators and congressmen: Welcome (back) to the Capitol. And to Suffolk’s newly elected mayor: Welcome back to City Hall! Now, let’s get back to serious business, the business of effective leadership and governance.

One important reminder: From day one, after your swearing-in ceremony, start working on your campaign promises. We’ll never forget them, for they’ve been written about and printed in the papers for everyone to search and research. Impress us by keeping and delivering your promises.

You know that we want results. Be aware that we will analyze all your actions and decisions, especially in your first six months in office. Remember that we’re monitoring your progress and that the whole world is watching.

We have many challenges ahead of us, and we understand that to have a strong and respected America, we have to be united. Rest assured, we will stand by you and do our best to give our all-out support, because we believe that in unity there is strength.