Winners like to gloat. And why not? Success is determined by one's commitment, dedication and good ol' fashioned work ethic. Surely that's something to be proud of.

This week's election results brought out hundreds of gloaters from all four corners of the county. Not so much the winning candidates themselves (maybe because it's safer politically to let others do the bragging on their behalf), but rather the people who supported those candidates through and through - the ones who voted with the maxim to go big or go home, for lack a better saying.

When it was revealed Tuesday night that certain candidates would be taking office in January (and in many cases, that certain candidates would remain in office), braggarts took to social media, community forums and The Evening Sun’s '30 Seconds' page to bask in the glory of victory... and take a big step on the coveted “nener-nener, I told you so” soap box that accompanies it.

In some respects, I suppose these people reserve their bragging rights. After all, they did vie relentlessly for their candidates for months. They put campaign signs in their front yard and wrote countless “Letters to the Editor” to endorse them. They knocked on doors, made phone calls and networked - whatever they had to do for their candidate to win. For many, that hard work paid off. If that’s not brag-worthy, what is?

But on the other, more modest hand, what is it that this post election bragging accomplishes? Is it an effort to incite a sense of optimism in the future, or is it poor sportsmanship, like pouring salt on an open wound? More times than not, I think it’s the latter.

After elections, it’s time to move forward, to put the messy election season behind us - to focus on what needs to be accomplished, establish new goals and set sights on what needs to be done for the better of the community. The time for slander passed. Post election calls for a time of healing and a little bit of prudence; and I believe a little sense of modesty could go a long way.

Of course, none of this is to say losers don't share in some of the blame. We all know the sad song of a sore loser; it's one we can recite by heart. Yet, in spite of the sour attitude of a sore loser, it seems to me that a complacent winner is equally damaging toward the advancement of a struggling local government. Winners and losers both stifle opposing views by letting the outcome of the election linger. They each disregard opposing arguments and even after the people have had their voices herd at the polls, it's not uncommon that both winners and losers refuse to cooperate for the better good.

I guess what it comes down to is that the election is over and it’s time to move on. What better to do from here than work with local governments and members of the community to get things back on track? For some areas, I know this is a lot to ask. Every election season seems to leave behind more scars on a small community. This year has proven to be no different.

When it comes to bragging rights, I say we live by the old mantra to live and let live. Keep the past where it belongs and turn your attention to the future. What’s done is done, the people have spoken.