Here's an easy bet: The Seattle City Council will become a more-productive place with two new, go-getter, no-nonsense council members, Bruce Harrell and Tim Burgess.

The Seattle Times endorsed both candidates because they both seem able to rise above some of the more-embarrassing things the council does. Both candidates have impressive résumés and a refreshing lack of opposition to basic business concerns. Both would put the kibosh on some of the hyper-lefty things the council does. Burgess' apparent election proves a newcomer with a very strong background — he was a cop, chairman of the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission and co-ran a business — can oust an incumbent without the benefit of an ethics scandal. Burgess ran an old-fashioned, "I'm more qualified" campaign. He racked up key endorsements and beat David Della.

But make no mistake, ethics played a role in this contest because incumbent Della and his campaign consultant engaged in garbage campaigning, maligning Burgess in ways that did not pass the smell test.

Harrell stayed calm through his own tough election, clearly helped by his opponent's foolish decision to allegedly drink and drive. But the election was not only about her mistake. Harrell is a very qualified candidate who will bring new ideas and professionalism to Seattle government.