I had to figure that on the beach, I was either going to get good news on election night, or at least I was still on the beach. It”s definitely better to get good news, and I”m definitely pleased with last night”s election results. It”s amazing how far technology has come that I can know the results of an election taking place more than 1,000 miles away within an hour of the polls closing by merely checking e-mail from a cell phone. Here are my thoughts about the election:

• I sincerely believe that Nashville will be better off four years from now with Karl Dean as mayor as opposed to Bob Clement.
• It”s apparent to me that despite Bill Purcell”s solid performance in office, he”s made some significant bridges the past two years, enough to generate legitimate voter concern that Dean is too similar and too closely connected to Purcell.I hope Dean will look to build stronger and more equitable relationships with the new Metro Council. We need leadership that is eager and willing to collaborate with others, even those whohold diverging points of view.
• Clement conceded awfully quickly last night, and despite his “I couldn”t be negative if I tried” nonsense, he was remarkably civil in defeat. I appreciate his willingness to respond that way to results that were surely a painful development for him.
• The At-Large ruoff results largely swung in favor of progressive newcomers, with Megan Barry and Jerry Maynard earning seats.  I”m concerned to see Charlie Tygard return to the council, but I”m pleased that J.B. Loring and Ronnie Greer did not make the cut.

After more than a year of following the mayoral race more closely than I ever have before, I”m relieved that the election is finally over. A new administration affords Nashville the opportunity to continue the successes that took place under Purcell”s leadership and to hopefully mend many of the fences that he may have left in disrepair the past couple of years. I hope Nashville and its freshly elected leaders can banish the rhetoric and can get on with making this city an even better place to live for everyone.