AFTER a divisive and sometimes grubby election campaign, the Launceston City Council must quickly get back to the business of improving the city.
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In any group of people you are always going to get rivalries and factions - more so when they must compete against each other for their job.
However, an election campaign should be about a robust exchange of ideas and sharing a vision for the future.
It need not devolve into threats, intimidation and personal attacks, but sadly that became a factor in this year's race. Attacks on people's character were disgraceful and unnecessary.
The Examiner congratulates all the candidates who put their hand up for public service.
It is not an entirely thankless job but it comes with tremendous community expectation - in many ways aldermen are responsible to the people like no other politician is.
For those who made it to the council table, it's time to put whatever differences they have aside and refocus on building the city's confidence, community and infrastructure.
There are some truly exciting developments on the cards in the city, including the refurbished Penny Royal, Silo Hotel development and the Boag's Brewery expansion.
There are also some magnificent signature events sponsored by the council such as Festivale, Junction Arts Festival, Stan Siejka Cycling Classic, Symphony Under the Stars and the Launceston Ten.
These are the things the council should and will continue to champion and build.
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten will be aided in his leadership by new Deputy Mayor Rob Soward, who pipped Danny Gibson by less than 100 votes after the cut-up of Jim Cox's vote.
The addition of new faces will hopefully provide a spark of renewal for the council. So let's see them get on with the job with vigour and positive attitudes.