This month, town boards will begin new terms. In Zebulon and Knightdale, the cast of characters remains unchanged. Incumbents won their seats and the board members return to establish the same ruling hierarchy.

In Wendell, nothing is likely to be the same. Three new members will join the town board later this month. The two current town board members who were not up for re-election will find themselves part of the ruling majority, rather than coming up on the short end of the stick.

Regardless of whether the names change or not, none of the three towns in eastern Wake County can afford to maintain the status quo.

Each board member should be looking for new opportunities to provide efficient services for their constituents. Each commissioner or councilman should work harder to seek out the opinions of those they serve and try to find ways to meet those needs, and not look for excuses to explain why those needs can't be met.

At the beginning of any new term, there is a sense of optimism.

So it is with us. We look forward to learning about the opportunities board members in Wendell, Knightdale and Zebulon will seek out. And we trust no one will be satisfied until they have made a significant mark to improve the town they represent.