Changes are coming to the Hanover County Board of Supervisors in the new year. That sums up the final outcome of the Nov. 8 General Election.

We knew we would be getting two new supervisors when Bob Setliff, Chickahominy District, and Chuck McGhee, Henry District, announced they would not be seeking re-election.

With Debbie Winans, Mechanicsville District, and John Gordon, South Anna District, being defeated, those two seats also will have two new faces helping guide our county.

As we look to 2012, we will see the additions of Sean Davis, Henry; Angela Kelly-Wiecek, Chickahominy; Canova Peterson, Mechanicsville; and Wayne Hazzard, South Anna. What will these changes mean to us, the citizens? We certainly hope for a board that will work together for the benefit — and betterment — of the county as a whole.

Understandably, supervisors should be loyal to the constituents in their particular district. But, overall, they have to work together as a team.

Based on the conversations with the seven who will take office next year, here’s one Hanover County resident who is pretty confident we will see continued progress. And in no way is this to be construed as disparaging towards those who are leaving office.

If there wasn’t a spirit of cooperation, we would not enjoy the successes we do here. So, thank you, to those who are serving and will continue to do so. To those who will be new to the office, we wish you well. Public service — while rewarding — isn’t easy. We do appreciate those who will become involved and tackle the task at hand.

Do we face challenges? Of course. Economic conditions plague our nation as a whole — and Hanover County is not exempt from those woes.

Strong leadership across the board is what it takes. We are fortunate that our county administration, led by Rhu Harris, and school district, with Jamelle Wilson at the helm, set the standard in Virginia.

To those who won on Nov. 8, congratulations. To those who were not successful in their pursuit of public office, thank you for taking part in the process.