New faces will bang the gavels in Southern Ulster County, come January, as voters rejected incumbents in Lloyd and Marlborough, while voters in Plattekill also chose a political newcomer (Jennifer Salemo) over a former incumbent (Judith Mayle).

Fresh new faces will hopefully bring fresh new ideas and new energy to the table. It need not mean the end of public life, though, for those who did not prevail on Tuesday.

Some candidates disappear quietly into the sunset after an election defeat, never to be heard from again. Most candidates, win or lose, will offer a sincere thank you to all the volunteers who supported the campaign. Many help knock on doors, attend or host fundraisers, and post signs on their front lawn for a candidate they feel is worthy of their support. Win or lose, the signs have to come down the day after election. Win or lose, the business of government goes on after all the votes are counted.

Bitterness may continue after a stinging defeat and supporters may be disappointed with the outcome, but those who are sincere in their desire to make a positive change will find a way to continue that path even when the votes don’t add up.

There are other ways to serve your community even when fortune doesn’t smile upon you on the first Tuesday of November. Every community has boards that need to be filled by volunteers, whether they be planning or zoning or Police Community Relations boards. And every successful candidate and elected official needs to know that someone out there is paying attention, asking the tough questions and is not taking them for granted.

There is still work to be done, win or lose.