Rock County’s voter turnout of 95 percent is something we should all consider a source of pride. Someone once said that Americans will cross an ocean to fight for democracy, but won’t cross the street to vote.That’s certainly not the attitude of our local voters. Part of our high turnout could be because we have an older population, and those 18 to 24 are the least likely to vote. But whatever the reason, our 95 percent is incredible.Depending on how you wanted the votes to go, here are some other thoughts on democracy:o"The great thing about democracy is that it gives every voter a chance to do something stupid." — Art Spander o"The best argument against democracy is a five minute conversation with the average voter." — Sir Winston Churchillo"People vote their resentment, not their appreciation. The average man does not vote for anything, but against something." — William Bennet Munroo"Democracy is being allowed to vote for the candidate you dislike least." —Robert ByrneAfter acknowledging the high voter turnout, we need to turn focus on the newly elected, especially the Luverne mayor and City Council-elect.They will make the city’s governing body heavily weighed by rookies. People have been commenting all over town about whether it was a surprise that no incumbents won, or whether it was wise to focus on law enforcement so much during the campaigns.To me, the most important trait in our mayor and council members is thoughtfulness, and that will come out in a short time, no matter what issue is at the table. They should keep in mind that their ‘ayes’ and ‘nays’ affect employees and their citizens’ daily lives as well as tax collection figures. They should remember that they are the employers of city administrators and staff and don’t have to bend to their every recommendation.Last year, for example, we had an interim city administrator. He said cutting staff and programs was the way to save money. The council laid off employees and cancelled some services, such as the tree dump.The same council, with a new city administrator, rehired employees, brought back services and instead wants to slash contract costs to save money.Both actions, from totally different perspectives, were taken by the same council. It seems like they were lead by staff, when it should be the other way around.Maybe both administrators are right in their approach to saving money, that’s not what this is about. But the council should take a stronger lead on whatever issue it faces. Some contradictory things take place in every council — like wanting to cut employee overtime but assigning new work. Or cutting back on capital improvements that will end up costing more in the long run.To disagree with a vote is one thing, but I always respect an elected person who gives the issue clear thought and consideration and places it in the big picture.That’s just my theory. People have been talking about their own theories all week, and we even have letters to the editor based on the election results. We (or at least 95 percent of registered voters) did our part by turning out in such incredible numbers at the polls. Now, it’s up to the newly-elected people to do theirs.