This is the message that the Saratoga Good Government Group hopes to convey when it hosts the "Consider Yourself a Candidate" meeting on June 24, 7 p.m., in the Saratoga Library Community Room.

"The aim is to get Saratoga citizens more active in the city government," said Andy Barnes, chairman of the Saratoga Good Government Group.

He said that the idea was to raise awareness about the city and inform people about the city's problems.

Stan Bogosian of the Saratoga City Council, Stephanie Petrossi of the Saratoga Union School District board, Marge Bunyard of the League of Women Voters and Marlene Duffin of the league and formerly with Campaign Associates will be speaking at the forum. The moderator for the evening will be Beth Wyman, a former Morgan Hill City Council member.

The topics expected to be covered are the ups and downs of serving on a city council, education challenges and experiences serving on a school board and an overview of organizing a political campaign.

"A presidential election is the best year to get people involved in local politics, because the electorate is already energized," said Sam Ochi, the treasurer of the group.

"A lot of people don't realize that almost anyone can stand for the city council elections," said Wyman.