As numbing as election cycles can be, between the predictable partisan sniping and the barrage of radio and TV advertisements, there is something invigorating about a fresh start for government, be it at the local, state or federal levels.

On Tuesday, the public had its say. While we congratulate each of the victors on their Election Day triumphs, we also urge them to maximize their new opportunities by being every bit as motivated to follow through on their campaign promises as they were in making them.

Tuesday’s results were emphatic in most of the higher-profile local races. Republican candidates such as Chris Lauzen (Kane County Board chairman’s race), Randy Hultgren (14th Congressional District), Jim Oberweis (25th state Senate District) and Rob Russell (Kane County coroner) won by substantial margins, which should embolden each of the men to vigorously pursue their agendas.