An election is never just about the people running for a position. It is a referendum on an area's state of mind and the way it views itself. Often, politicians are like quarterbacks: they get too much glory when things are going well and too much blame when they aren't.

But our politicians are our representatives and that also means that they reflect the place and time that we live in and whether or not we are satisfied with the status quo or we are hungry for something new. Often, a vote for a new candidate is a vote against the incumbent rather than a strong belief in the challenger's abilities.

That said, election night in Ellenville and Wawarsing offered a healthy mix of surprise and standard fair for area voters. The village board of trustees remained under complete Democratic control with incumbents Mayor Jeff Kaplan and Trustee Ray Younger returning to the board, and bringing newcomer Francisco Oliveras, who now takes the place of Steve Krulick, with them. Kaplan now has the opportunity to appoint another trustee as current trustee, Theresa Hyatt, moves back to the Wawarsing town board.

For the most part, none of this was surprising. Democrats in Ellenville hold nearly a 3-1 margin over their Republican counterparts.

Yet as you view the numbers of all the elections more closely, it is clear that in an election year with so many positions available and so much believed to be at stake, the community is conflicted about its direction and its leaders.

Results suggest that there are parts of the Ellenville and Wawarsing communities that were not being heard or cared for by the current administration. And as we move into the future, it is necessary that those sentiments be addressed if the area is to progress as a community.

Voters who were dissatisfied with the status quo made it clear that they wanted a change in leadership at some level. And in this election, the person who took the brunt of the voters' dissatisfaction was the Democratic incumbent for town supervisor, James Dolaway.

So now the questions that plagued Mr. Dolaway will be asked of Mr. Jennings. How will he answer constant demands for jobs, economic growth, and a better working relationship with village officials? During his campaign he has not offered answers, just memories of what used to be. And while being able to rattle off the stores that used to hum in the area's yesteryear is a nice diversion, it is not the basis for future growth.

We wish all of the candidates the best of luck. And to the winners, we offer you this warning: heavy is the head that wears the crown.

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