In some ways it seems like it’s been about 20 minutes since Election Day and in others like 20 years.

I’ve spent the last few months working and thinking, trying to figure out what’s next, where I fit in and how I can make a difference. I hoped, maybe naively, that I could do something to make the world a better place in politics. I think that it’s been proven at this point, though, that’s not where my future lies.

So what, then?

In general, it’s time to go back to writing. I’ve been doing Web development and I’m not bad at it, but it’s not what I should be doing. I’ve spent more than 25 years as a professional writer, editor and reporter and it’s time to go back to doing what I best.

Which brings me to this morning. There I was, covering the Chester County Commissioners’ meeting for The Chester County Press — not that it was a news bonanza, a couple of proclamations and an announcement of some grants. Then they paid the bills, approved hiring some folks dished out a few raises for a handful of employees and that was pretty much it. Not much drama.

Except for my being there, of course, which caused no small amount of double takes. Interestingly, I had a gracious conversation with Clerk of Courts Frank McIlvaine — the guy I ran against just months ago — and it was friendly enough. Even Carol Aichele, the chair of the Board of Commissioners was friendly and welcomed my coming to cover the meeting. Of course, what they think privately is impossible to gauge.

We’ll see if things stay that way — and the onus will be on me to prove that I have the professionalism to be even-handed in covering local politics, especially with elections on tap later this year and in 2011. Rest assured, if my name is on the story, people will be getting my best, most even-handed work.