My first public office was as a city councilman in a small city in the metro Atlanta area beginning in the late '70's and ending as mayor in 1995. One term as councilman, three terms as mayor. Never defeated in an election (although the last one was close). Also served two terms as president of the DeKalb Municipal Association (a group of elected officials and judges from the eight cities in the county - Decatur, Chamblee, Doraville, Stone Mountain, Clarkston, Lithonia, Avondale Estates, & Pine Lake. Atlanta, though a part of the county, declined to belong.)
It was an interesting and educational experience and one where I had a direct influence on my community. I worked with and got to know many other people in politics and municipal administration at all levels. Some state legislators were very good people to work with and seemed to have a genuine interest in doing positive things for their constituents rather than feeding political ambition.
There were a lot of negatives that went with it as well such as long hours, vociferous criticism (you can't please everybody, especially when you are trying to accomplish something for the big picture), low pay (or in my case, no pay for seven years), and always employee problems. But, all in all, it was a good experience and I feel I contributed something positive to my community.
Be sure to check your dedication meter before you decide to jump in, because the effort *will* test your mettle.
Captain Zot