If there’s one constant in life, it’s change. Nothing ever stays the same; life is constantly moving and evolving and, well, changing.

Change came to Newtown on Election Day as First Selectman Jeff Capeci and Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia Halstead were ousted from their positions, Democrats gained majorities on a number of boards, and Democrats increased their 7-5 simple majority on the Legislative Council to a 9-3 supermajority.

Things are looking to be very different in Newtown for the next two years.

The Newtown Bee would like to take this opportunity to thank Capeci and Halstead, as well as outgoing Democratic selectmen Dan Cruson (though he’s going to the Police Commission) and Michelle Embree Ku (who is going to the LC); Republican councilmen John Zachos, Jennifer Nicoletti, Derek Pisani, and independent Tom Long; Bryce Chinault and Barney Molloy on the Board of Finance; and the many other serving members who either chose not to run again or lost re-election.

The work done by the many outgoing elected officials has been important and has helped advance the town to a better place on an even keel; one cannot help but feel that each and every one of them left the town in a better place than they found it. While the last year or so may have had difficulties such as escalating health costs, challenges with decaying infrastructure, and contentious zoning applications, Newtown’s elected officials have been up to the challenge and kept the town where it needs to be.

Special thanks goes to The Bee Publishing Company’s own Barney Molloy, who has provided invaluable insight and assistance to the news department during his time with the Board of Finance.

Capeci and Halstead have also been great friends to The Bee over the years, and we hope to have opportunities to work with them again in the future.

We also thank all the candidates who vied for a first time position but did not get one; Newtown always needs people who are willing to serve. And to all who failed to secure a position this election, do not be discouraged to run again; if there’s one thing that’s constant in Newtown, it’s change.

The Bee also looks forward to working with all the new people serving on Newtown’s boards and commissions, and establishing great working relationships with incoming First Selectman Bruce Walczak and Town Clerk Renee Weimann. Congratulations to all who won.