Two city seats, two candidates

Bradley Porter and Mel Perkins are the only candidates vying for the two open seats on the Onaway City Council, Tuesday. Gary Fagel will be vacating his seat I November. Monday will be his last official city commission meeting after serving two terms, equaling four years.

Stan Chaskey vacated his term early, ending it in July, after serving five-and-a-half years.

Porter is an operations manager at Porter?s Survey P.C. He is married with two children, 4 and &.

Perkins owns and operates M-211 Storage. He is married with one child, 38. Although Porter and Perkins are running unopposed for the city commission seats candidates can still declare their candidacy. Write-in candidates have until 4 p.m. Friday to declare their intent to run. Paperwork can be picked up at city hall. City of Onaway commission seats are non-partisan.

In order to allow the voters in the city of Onaway to make an informed decision on Tuesday, The Outlook asked the candidates a few questions:

1. Why are you running?

Porter: I feel that everyone should run for office at some time in their life to experience what it is like to be on the other side of the desk. Also, I believe that I could be an asset to the people in the City of Onaway.

Perkins: We need different points of views. I think I can help the city and help them grow.

2. What qualities do you bring to the position?

Porter: Experience from my line of work. A hard worker that will do whatever it takes to get a job done. I am very interested in bringing to the city a fresh outlook and new ideas on city issues. I have 10 years experience dealing with construction/zoning/land development/MDEQ issues. Currently, I am serving as a board member for Aurora Gas Company.

Perkins: I?m a problem solver, I listen to all views and tr

y and come up wit solutions. We have lots to address. I was a branch manager and exciter for Chrysler for 30 years retiring in 1996. Dale Carnegie graduate. I?ve been around Onaway all my life.

3. What challenges do you believe lie ahead for the city?

Porter: Completion of the sewer system in a cost effective and timely manner. Keeping taxes low, generating new business and employment opportunities. Raise the quality of family life within the city without interfering with individual rights.

Perkins: Bring in needed new business opportunities. When I first graduated I had to go to Detroit to get employment.

The city election is Tuesday. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the VFW hall.