A fresh breeze is blowing over the land of Wilkes County government. Next month, three new commissioners: Charles Sink, Arnold Lakey and Tom Bowman, will take their seats on the county board. It will also be the time to say goodbye to Chairman Robert Handy, Vice Chairman Roy Absher and Commissioner Jack Welborn who lost re-election bids.

   The last year has been a rocky one. The Ten Commandments lawsuit, a split vote on middle school funding and the occasional posturing of egos on the board have sometimes put the board in a negative light. We can only hope that these new leaders will blaze a path of progress in openness. This has been their vow. They'll have a good foundation for the future. The three can look for guidance from board veterans Jerry Sidden and Joe Woodie and County Manager Gary Page. But remember: egos can't bring the positive changes for which everyone yearns. Only strong, public-minded leaders will be able to accomplish our many goals.