In a party where the sound of laughter echoed through the room, new Mayor Elect Roger Stagner was recognized as the winner of an uncontested race.

Along with a plethora of guests, the Lamar City Council showed up in high color, spotting local natives, wrestling with issues and chattering up the changes bound to come with a new rift of faces among the old. Not many changes in the overall scheme of city management, but different placement along the lines.

The only new faces include Kirk Crespin and Keith Nidey. Both PJ Wilson and Roger Stagner were retained, Roger just happened to gain center stage. The question of the night was “Will this make a difference in the operation of the city?” Roger answered, “I don’t think there will be major changes, and yet, each meeting is a difference. New faces bring different perspectives of the old issues, and maybe new views.”

Keith summed up the discussion with, “The big difference from being an interested citizen to being on the council is perspective. Once you’re sitting behind the bench, you have to make decisions, not just observe them.”

Kirk Crespin mingled and acknowledged his confidence in taking the step into an elected office. He responded with a shrug when asked what specific differences he would bring to the office, no paticular difference, just a new perspective seemed to be the main discussion of the evening. In general, talk at the party concluded that the job being done by the elected officials on a local level has been good.

Freed from office and ready to fly, the freedom of retirement lurking, Mayor Nelva Heath joked about being old and put out to pasture, with a young constituent who told her congratulations on her new found freedom. Stylish as usual, Nelva shared that she’d purchased her jacket in Branson, and a bit about her recent travels to visit family, and a few future trips. She’s been busy taking care of the people of Lamar and now it’s her turn to put her feet up and enjoy some diverse interests, as well as commentary on activities around Lamar. She’s already been offered one position to write a column of her own… Maybe she’ll consider that option?

The question from citizens of Lamar, as to whether or not we’re all in good hands… Ladies and gentlemen of the community – you’ve had your chance. On the issues, your voice was heard loud and clear. In the case of candidates, those who opted to run for office won fair and square. Their hands are on the throttle and you’ve put your foot through the proverbial carburetor. This town is moving forward at breakneck speeds and those at the helm have a solid vision. They’re interested in your viewpoints, in your ideas, and in driving the community to greater success.

They’ve got a mission, but more importantly, they realize the people of this community have spoken loud and clear on local issues, amendments and charter changes. As much as I trust them to stay abreast of future choices, I believe it is our responsibility as citizens of the City of Lamar, to continue the awareness of issues, events and actions of the council.

Asked for his response about the massive loss of suggested amendments to the charter, PJ Wilson said, “The people didn’t like the amendment. It’s our responsibility to find out what they didn’t like and fix it. That’s our job.”

There, you have it folks. The boys and girls at the front of the City Council Room know their job. Our job as constituents is to keep them on the straight and narrow, by telling them what we want to happen in our town.