With the fiscal cliff narrowly avoided for the time being in Washington and state legislators gearing up for a hard fight over Medicaid and charter schools – to name only a few of the pending issues – city elections may seem like small potatoes by comparison.

But the same issues of fiscal responsibility and good government that are needed at the national and state level are equally important here at home as well.

As we all struggle to make do with less, the confidence we have in the people “minding our store” in national, state and local government is more important than ever.

In Brookhaven, Wesson, Monticello, Meadville and Bude, citizens will be voting for mayor and members of the board of aldermen this year. Brookhaven also will be electing a police chief and city clerk.

So far, a number of current office holders and others have qualified for re-election, and more will no doubt be signing up to run soon.

Candidates have until 5 p.m. Friday, March 8, to sign up for office. If you think you can be of service to your community, we urge you to throw your hat into the ring, or, if you know someone who could do a good job, encourage him or her to run.

Those seeking public office must be registered voters with no felony convictions. To qualify for an alderman’s position, you must have been a resident of the ward you wish to represent for at least the past 90 days.

The necessary forms for qualifying are available in the respective city clerks’ offices.

The primary municipal elections will be held May 7, followed by a runoff, if necessary, on May 21, and a general election June 4.

If you care strongly about the future of your city, if you have leadership ability and the interpersonal communication skills and sufficient thickness of skin, then you may have what is needed to be a public servant.

So take the plunge and run.