Congratulations to incumbent City Councilors Dick White and Sweetie Marbury, both of whom were re-elected Tuesday. They should take the outcome as the compliment it was and revel in their success.

Then, they and the other councilors should reflect on the fact that 45 percent of those who voted apparently thought the city should be going in a different direction.

That takes nothing away from White and Marbury. In a democracy, the majority rules – and together, the incumbents won a clear majority of the votes.

But neither was this a coronation. The challengers, Dave McHenry and Sean Waddell, clearly had something to say that resonated with a significant portion of the electorate. City officials – elected councilors as well as the staff – would do well to try to understand what that was and why.

White and Marbury did benefit from incumbency, but familiarity is a plus only for candidates who make it one. Having four years to demonstrate one’s ability works only for those who can do so. White and Marbury both are bright, hardworking and personable, and it shows.

But then, so are McHenry and Waddell. This was not just a popularity contest, and the incumbents did not win on smiles alone. The challengers were not cranks or crazies. One clear takeaway from this election is that a small but real majority of the voters apparently think the city is pretty much on the right track.

At the same time, though, there is that 45 percent. That is a large number of naysayers for something otherwise thought to be going along smoothly.

And while those two results may seem contradictory, they also are both clearly evident. How they can be reconciled – and what that might mean – should be on every councilor’s mind.

For now, welcome White and Marbury back to the City Council and encourage them to enjoy the work they were re-elected to continue.

For their part, we hope McHenry and Waddell stay active in city affairs and, whether or not they choose to run for the council again, continue to contribute to their community. Durango needs people like them.