Town Meeting and the elections are over. Congratulations to all who ran, whether in contested or uncontested races. You are the bedrock of Harvard and we wish you all the best.

That said, no candidate can claim a mandate from the voters, since less than 50 percent of those who could vote did so. Boards may lean a little—or a lot—differently now, but they represent everyone in town and compromise will be the order of the day.

We heard many commitments from candidates before the elections and will be watching with interest how the commitments are fulfilled. Many residents will be looking for a let up in 40B developments; more state money to support the schools; effective action on the Devens stalemate; more business development to broaden the tax base; affordable housing for Harvard senior citizens and for young families—before the seniors move and the young families become seniors; more creative ways to give residents with fixed or low incomes some property tax relief.

These are some hefty challenges, and it’s time to get to work.