We’d just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who ran for office this November. Whether you won or lost, or drew — for the time being — we applaud your efforts.

We hope the steps you have taken have been toward a better understanding of the democratic process. Even so, when the election was first getting underway, we asked the people of the county to allow for a clean campaign.

Some listened.

Others didn’t.

As a result, the November general was particularly marred by negativity that wasn’t simply limited to typical mudslinging. The Public Disclosure Commission is now involved in the process, trying to sort truth from allegations.

Either way, they will find that someone lied — a terrible thing at a time when so many are asked to place their trust in so few.

We hope when the dirt dries and the dust settles, those who took it upon themselves to lash out at those they disagreed with will find the mud they tossed has tainted them as well. And that they will know better than to do so next election, when they feel a candidate is not up to their high standards.

The damage is done though and though justice may still be served, it cannot be undone.

Even so, change can occur.

North Kitsap got an unwanted look into the ugly side of politics but we feel this is an opportunity for all of us to strive to improve the tarnished image the political realm so richly deserved these past few months.

Black eyes take time to heal.

Dirt takes time to wash off.

We hope the winners and losers of the general election will take these points to heart and become more proactive in coming elections to encourage their constituents and their campaign managers to keep things clean. That way we might keep the “whams” and “bams” out of North Kitsap politics for good.