This week’s mayoral race in Chillicothe brought us a remarkable figure in Julie Preston. Even though she didn’t clinch the election, she left us with something that’s often missing in politics: integrity. Julie’s integrity wasn’t something she picked up for the campaign; it’s a trait deeply rooted in her from her days as a police officer.

Julie was by no means a stranger in town, but during the campaign, we got to see her heart. She might have lost the election, but she didn’t lose her convictions. In fact, she spent two years serving on the city council, driven by her unwavering beliefs and a genuine love for the community. Sure, she lost the numbers game Tuesday night, but in the grand scheme of things, those numbers are about as meaningful as the dice rolls in Vegas. Numbers come and go, but integrity, class, dignity, and purpose; now, that’s what matters.

Julie ran a campaign that stood out for its cleanliness and civility, which was a breath of fresh air compared to the mudslinging and divisive tactics employed by others. Her conduct during the campaign is something to be proud of, and it’s exactly what we should expect from a leader of her caliber.

As a community, we must now come together for our shared success. Issues like drugs and homelessness demand our immediate attention and must become our top priorities. We can’t afford to sweep them under the rug. We should also offer unwavering support to our law enforcement, allowing them to do their job without the burdens of politics or financial constraints.

Julie Preston’s example is a valuable lesson for us all. Let’s drop the negative attitudes and the divisive attacks and take a page out of Julie’s book by being kind, compassionate, and committed to serving our community in the best way we believe, positively, just as she did.

In a world where integrity, class, dignity, and purpose are the real currencies of value, it’s time for us all to aim for such greatness.

Thank you for your service the last two years, Julie; the preceding thirty years protecting us; and the time you will undoubtedly continue to devote because that’s where your heart is.

May we all learn from your class, and may God Bless our mayor and city.

Derek Myers is the editor-in-chief of the Guardian.