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Want to make a difference in your village, town or rural community? Do you have a good idea to improve the local education system? Now is the chance to make a difference in your municipality or District Education Council. Nominations are now open throughout New Brunswick for the May 12 municipal elections.

There are lots of opportunities. Dozens of municipal council positions, mayors' seats and District Education Council seats will be up for grabs for four year terms. While some council positions are hotly contested, others are filled by acclamation or left vacant. The result is a municipality or school region doesn't get the representation and input on crucial issues that affect the daily lives of rural New Brunswickers and provide long term opportunities.

Federal and provincial politicians love to talk about the grassroots, getting back to the people they serve. That is something a municipal councilor or DEC member does every day; they live and work in the community that is affected by their decisions. And, if councillors have the foresight to get beyond complaints about wandering pets or other trivial items, they really can improve their communities.

Serving on a municipal council isn't easy. The meetings can be long, the pay is minimal and it seems at times that everyone is a council critic. But the rewards - opening a new recreation centre or playground, bringing new jobs into the community, or creating a positive environment for business to thrive, overshadow the naysayers. If you think you have something positive to contribute to your municipality, contact a local municipal office or Elections New Brunswick for nomination papers. The deadline is April 11.