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Saint John voters have elected a mixed slate of new voices and incumbents, representing a variety of political opinions. It's going to be an interesting council. Time will tell whether it is also an effective one.

It was an acrimonious election, and some of that acrimony is still being vented on local airwaves. That's unfortunate, because the new council needs to establish a new equilibrium, if it is to escape the bickering and personal conflicts that have divided the city for three years.

Saint Johners voted for change, and incumbents must honour that mandate by adopting a change in attitude. Voters don't want to see the same tired Gong Show when they tune in to the new council's first meetings.

The incoming council must give Saint Johners what they have asked for: well-managed services, reasonable taxes and greater transparency and accountability.

Candidates have promised to make this city's governance something to be proud of, and the public will be holding them to it.

It will be nearly two weeks before the council-elect is sworn in. The campaigning is over. It's time to start building a constructive consensus, beginning with the larger implications of Monday's vote.

At 50.58 per cent of eligible voters, Saint John's turnout was better than the provincial average; but it should worry councillors that just half the city's voters felt engaged enough to participate.

The spread of votes between mayoral candidates also deserves consideration. Ivan Court's winning mandate of 8,850 votes provided a clear victory, but the mayor-elect must come to terms with the fact that more than 15,000 people, representing some 60 per cent of the vote, cast their ballots for someone else.

If half those eligible to vote don't feel represented by city hall, council must find ways to restore faith in the political process. Increased transparency and inclusive governance would be a start.

Community leaders need to bridge the gap between political constituencies in Saint John. If the new mayor and council cannot do so, the growth this city has sought for so long will be severely limited.

This council-elect has been given a mandate to stop the erosion of services and rein in rising taxes. Its members must put differences of personality and opinion aside and strive to create the prosperity all residents want.