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The ballots have been cast and counted, and New Brunswickers have spoken, selecting new municipal councillors, mayors and district education council representatives to govern local communities and schools. Now it is time for these candidates to earn the trust that voters have given them.

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During the next few weeks the first meetings of the newly elected councils will be held, giving the new and returning officials an opportunity to take the oath of office. Then it will be time to get to work managing these municipalities or the district education council.

Hopefully, as these new and returning candidates take their oath of office, they will keep in mind they are public officials charged with public governance in a democracy. That should mean that whenever possible, these democratically-minded councillors conduct their duties with openness and accountability in mind. Municipal governments are grassroots forms of democracy and all community members, not just the elected individuals, should have a say on the management of the community. Encouraging debate and discussion amongst residents also stimulates more interest. Good ideas are not just limited to four or five councillors in a community hall.

The new councillors should also foster a sense of co-operation and not just around the council table. The Upper St. John River Valley is populated with a host of small villages and towns, but there is not one dominating community. Working together can produce positive results. The St. John River Valley Tourism Association (SJRVTA) recently won the Excellence and Innovation in Tourism Marketing Award. The regional tourism association was formed in 2001 by 13 mayors in the Upper St. John River Valley to collectively promote their municipalities in the valley. With a limited budget they have produced a successful promotional video and Web site.

New councillors and mayors should also be open to some significant changes to their municipalities in the coming years – future amalgamations and changes as more municipalities become rural communities or neighbouring villages join forces.

On July 1, Florenceville-Bristol will be the first Upper Valley community to officially amalgamate. The neighbouring communities, which have for years co-operated on things like recreation, will now be a town of more than 1,500, giving the community a chance to provide more services, reduce duplications and run these municipalities more efficiently.

Perhaps the biggest advantage will be more political clout – a larger voice in the chorus of small New Brunswick communities.

Serving on a municipal council is not an easy job, but it can be a rewarding one.

If the new and returning councillors aim to govern with a sense of openness and fairness, always striving to better their community, the valley can continue to prosper. The campaigning is complete, and it is time to govern.