I am deeply humbled by the outpouring of support received from District 5 voters.

Over the past several months, I have had the pleasure of meeting many of you -- on front porches; in church hallways; at community forums; and, yes, on the Brigham Community Center track. You have shared with me your issues and concerns about our local government, as well as your hopes and aspirations for a better Augusta. I have heard your voices.

Moreover, I will continue to listen and respond in ways that benefit our district. Admittedly, some of you did not cast a vote in favor of my platform; however, I do hope to demonstrate over the course of this term that valuable ideas come from all people, not just the recently elected.

I look forward to working with the distinguished Rev. Bobby Hankerson and his loyal supporters to push forward a principled agenda that benefits our collective communities. We have a unique opportunity to bridge an apparent divide in our district and in our city. Let us seize the moment and move forward in a manner that is as much inclusive as it is purposive.

Our victory is an embodiment of all things good about our district. However, the good could be better. First, we need to capitalize on this momentum and determine ways in which to encourage participation by the absent and discouraged voters in our district. Our district can be only as strong as its most disinterested residents.

Second, we need to promote consensus-building by reaching out to residents who have divergent ideas and perspectives. Our district is much stronger if all residents have a vested interest in the process of government.

Third, we need always to keep in our sights what our district can be, rather than what it cannot be -- for our city can be only as strong as District 5.

William "Bill" Lockett, Augusta

(The writer is commissioner-elect for Augusta's District 5.)