EMPORIA HAS CHOSEN its new city commissioners. The vote was for businessmen, straight down the line.
Tuesday’s election, poor as the turnout was, was a clear sign that people are worried about the economic health of Emporia and think that the safest course for the immediate future is to put the city in the hands of people who are used to making business decisions.
Jeff Longbine, Bobbie Agler and Kevin Nelson are all men of business. They are also men who care about their community and are willing to work for it — work long hours — for little pay and only intermittent praise.
There will be plenty for them to do. Emporia is poised for commercial growth; the city and county are exploring new ways of cooperating to reduce expenses and increase efficiency; public pressure is growing for a new effort in economic development. The commission will have an important role in all of these issues.
Congratulations to the three winners, and best of luck to them. Their luck will be the city’s luck.
But there were three candidates who did not win. Tom Myers, Phil Dillon and Jesse Solis also offered to serve their neighbors, but the votes went against them. The city owes them its thanks.
Myers especially deserves thanks. He has served on the commission for 14 years. During that time he has been a voice for those who are too often voiceless in the halls of power. He has been amiable, kind and astute.
His presence on the commission will be missed, but we hope he will continue to be an influence for good in the community.