But the story’s ending is not written yet. The real work has just started.

Nothing will change if the improvements voters endorsed are not properly implemented and expanded. As exciting as Tuesday’s victory was, successful implementation will be an even bigger lift than succeeding at the polls.

Thankfully, these issues are now carried by the voices of the 800,000 citizens who voted to support them.

As a former legislator, I cannot underscore the value enough of voter validation that a smarter approach to crime is not only desired, but safe for elected officials to discuss. In the past, fear of supporting policies deemed as “soft on crime,” which 780 and 781 were certainly not, caused some elected officials pause. That fear can now be gone.

As the state begins implementation, our coalition will continue operating with a spirit of unity and inclusiveness. We are ready to collaborate with the governor, legislators, district attorneys, judges, law enforcement, counties, state agencies and other stakeholders whose perspectives matter and will be critical to success. Fulfilling the peoples’ will is going to require cooperation and trust among all stakeholders, and we are fully committed to our end of that bargain.