ONE surprise about yesterday's election in Fredericksburg is that there were no surprises. Local elections can be refreshingly unpredictable, as were two of the last three in Our Town when incumbent mayors fell short. Not so this time. Congratulations to Mayor-elect Mary Katherine Greenlaw. Also to City Council winners Kerry Devine and Matt Kelly, gentlefolk whose virtues included name recognition.

"A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow," says the Bible, "because her hour is come; but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she rememberth no more the anguish." Elections are like that. During the campaign, emotions soar, adrenalin surges, accusations fly, injuries register, wattles quiver. Then the election--and joy, or at least calm, reigns. But sometimes resentments can quietly linger. None of that, please.

The two Council members who vied for the mayor's office will continue serving together. Let them do so amicably. In this way both can honor every citizen who voted for them. The mayor-elect and one of the victorious Council candidates--the one who received the most votes--are at odds over the planned courts complex. Let civility govern their disagreements, too.

Just 2,661 voters turned out Tuesday--a drop of 343 next to the 2008 city election. Apathy, resignation--call it what you will--afflicts the electorate. The city's newly formulated leadership lacks the luxury of that ailment. Fredericksburg forward!