Campaigning started early, there was a constant rumbling about a leaked Launceston City Council report, then the deputy mayor died in a crash, George Town Council continues to limp along and the election has ended on a nasty note with copies of the said report being widely distributed and gutter tactics of a small few to force one candidate to withdraw.

The move to an all-in, all-out four-year model and the scrapping of the 12-month probation period to run for mayor or deputy has seen more than just a little bit of interest in this election.

Most notably we've seen the return of some ousted and retired federal and state pollies keen to throw their hat in the ring again, yet how well they are received by their electorate only time will tell.

Campaigning in Launceston started early and some corflutes have been up for at least two months.

But it came to an abrupt stop - or at least a pause of respect - when deputy mayor Jeremy Ball died in a crash.

Lauded and respected by many - even if they didn't share his views - he was probably one of the few aldermen who could have instigated real change in the city and region.

And as for George Town Council, it has got a long, long way to go to garner confidence from the rest of the state that it is stable.

Only a coup could make what's happening now more interesting, with the years of troubles it has had.

So let us discuss this leaked Launceston City Council report.

Many readers have contacted the paper asking to know more since it was mentioned in a story related to, but separate from, the threats put to Alderman Danny Gibson recently.

For legal and fairness reasons, The Examiner decided not to publish the contents of the report, those involved, the findings and recommendations.

Many that have seen the report have also told this paper that the allegations are at the milder end of the scale.

Has it been dealt with in due process? As far as we can see, yes.

But certainly some aldermen spoken to believe it could have been dealt with better - and in light of the fact I'm writing this now, is proof.

Regardless the allegations do warrant further investigation and that process is under way.

If people really want to know, they should ask the elected representatives.

Most, I understand, have discussed it privately if approached directly about it.

If it was made public, would it have changed the outcome of this election? Who knows?

So, may the best people for the job win, but let's all hope the 12 new aldermen in Launceston and councils around the state focus on the next four years and what is best for that electorate.