To the Editor:

Town government is only as effective as its citizens make it. There is a seat at the table for each of us to participate in finding solutions to the challenges facing our towns and seizing opportunities to make them even better that include: creating new master plans, balancing budgets, updating aging infrastructure, addressing pollution threats to our waterways, promoting alternative sources of energy, providing for aging populations, revising bylaws and maintaining our top-notch schools.

Please consider a visit to your town clerk’s office to learn more about openings for elected offices as well as committees that welcome volunteer help. We need willing and responsible candidates to step up and serve on select and planning boards, school committees, finance committees, boards of health, boards of assessors, open space commissions and as moderators.

To obtain information on available opportunities to serve your community, contact your town clerk.

In Marion, nomination papers for elected offices must be returned to the town clerk’s office by March 23. Marion’s election will be held May 15. In Mattapoisett, nomination papers must be returned to the town clerk’s office by March 30. The Mattapoisett election will be held May 19.

In Rochester, the deadline for submission of nomination papers has passed. Rochester’s election will be held on April 8.

The phrase “thinking globally but acting locally” has never been more applicable. Your towns need your active participation, and the time is NOW.

Tri-Town Area League of Women Voters

Nancy Braitmayer and Kris Eastman