Congratulations to the winners of Tuesday's municipal elections in Cherokee County.

And congratulations to the voters, who went to the polls and played a role in their city's future. While turnout was not high - 10 percent in Canton, 4.4 percent in Woodstock and 5.7 percent in Nelson - it was better than expected in Canton, where three contested council races drew out more voters.

Canton Councilman Bill Bryan will return to office for his first full four-year term, and will be joined at the table by two newcomers to it: John Beresford and Bob Rush. Both Beresford and Rush have showed great passion for their new role during the campaign, and we hope that enthusiasm will not waver as they begin their service. We also look forward to Bryan's continued diligence as a councilman who has so far showed great concern for Canton's future well being.

The three challengers, Bill Staab, Dr. Austin Flint and Amy Turcotte, should be praised for making a run for council and leading positive campaigns. We hope they will be afforded a role in the city government in the future as there are plenty of committees and commissions in need of people willing to serve.

In Woodstock, Councilman Randy Brewer withstood a nasty election battle to continue his longtime tenure on the council. Likewise, Councilman Bob Mueller easily defeated a challenge by a write-in candidate. We are glad to see both return for another four-year term, as the council is in the midst of many important and costly projects for which experience and knowledge are needed.

On that note, concerns raised by residents during the campaign about the council's spending should not go ignored. Clearly, some residents are worried about this, and those fears should be addressed through more interaction and dissemination of information by the council, possibly via correspondence or public meetings.

Congratulations also are sent to Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques and Councilman Bud Leonard, who faced no opposition in their bids on Tuesday for re-election to second four-year terms, a testament to public support for a job well done.

Nelson residents made important decisions at the polls as well: selecting a new mayor and two councilmen. New Mayor David Leister is ready with good ideas for the city on the verge, and we echo his goal of bringing much-needed commercial development to the town. We also praise his plan to spend the coming weeks preparing for the role by meeting with fellow elected leaders and city staff. Councilman Willie Pye will return for another four years along with a new councilman, Larry Sellers Jr., who we hope takes the same approach as the new mayor.

Again, congratulations to the winners and thanks to all the candidates and the voters for being a part of our local government.