Election Day has come and gone. The winners — incumbents or newcomers —need to remember that this is the beginning and not the end.

Although Election Day is the culmination of many hours of campaigning, the real work is just starting.

Those who have been elected need to understand that this is a two-step process, with step No. 1 completed.

Step No. 2 begins the most crucial and challenging of the two because this is where decisions are made that will affect thousands of residents and students.

While they should be held to a higher standard, citizens must also remember that these elected officials work for their constituents, not for themselves.

Each decision elected offficials make can affect current residents and future generations as well.

We see the effects of those decisions from a state and federal level, but rarely do citizens actually taken any action to express their opinions.

If you do not agree with the decisions, get involved. Go to city and village council, township trustee, and school board meetings and present your thoughts for or against an issue.

The ability to take an active role in your government is a fundamental right that separates the United States from other countries around the world.

Not taking an active role in your community’s government could have an impact on your children, your personal and business finances, and your community as a whole. Besides, if you don’t get involved, you’re part of the problem, not the solution.