For some time, we've advocated cooperation and collaboration among eastern Wake County towns. In most cases, we were suggesting closer relationships between policymakers - those folks we elect to represent our interest.

And while that has happened in several cases, there are some instances of cooperation between towns that flies under the radar. In the wake of Hurricane Irene, some of that cooperation came to light. Some of Wendell's public works equipment failed and the town needed to get rid of the debris left in the wake of the storm.

Town leaders turned to their counterparts in Zebulon for help. Zebulon loaned the town equipment to help them get the problem under control and, we dare say, most Wendell residents probably haven't noticed a difference in the services they received. But this isn't the first time Wendell has turned to its neighbors to the east. Earlier this year, after a similar equipment failure, Wendell officials sought help from Zebulon. That need was met, too.

Towns compete in a lot of ways. They each seek to employ the best employees. They each try to win the next economic development project that is likely to bring jobs to their town. But when it comes to providing service, local municipal workers are tuned in to the notion of helping their neighbor.

That's just one reason we're proud to call eastern Wake County home.