Three vie for two Onaway city commissioner seats
Incumbents Jessie Palmer and Bernie Schmeltzer are being opposed by challenger Jerry Robinson for two open seats on the Onaway City Commission. Voters will make the final decision at the polls on November 7.
Born and raised in Onaway, Jessie Palmer has been a local business owner since 1991. She is a 1977 graduate of Onaway High School, and has an Associates degree in general business from North Central Michigan College in Petoskey.
Palmer is a board member of the Presque Isle County CDC/EDC, and represented the Onaway Area Fire Department for 11 years.
Challenger Jerry Robinson is a member of the Onaway Chamber of Commerce, and Black Lake Sportsmen?s Club. He is a high school graduate, and has earned his residential builder?s license, California real estate license, and Michigan real estate license.
Robinson served the citizens of Onaway as a city commissioner from 1998 to 2002. He also served on the Board of Review, and was the project manager of the Court House Library.
Incumbent Bernie Schmeltzer has served on the Onaway City Commission for 21 years, with 13 of those years as Mayor of Onaway.
Schmeltzer graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1969 with a BS degree in secondary education. He earned his Master?s degree in school administration from Central Michigan University in 1985. He is a member of St. Paul?s Men?s Club, Knights of Columbus, and the Onaway Chamber of Commerce. Schmeltzer also sits on the NEMAH board of directors, as well as the Onaway Community Federal Credit Union board of directors.
The Onaway Outlook asked all three candidates to fill out a brief questionnaire in an attempt to provide voters with a better understanding of why each is vying for a seat on the Commission.
The questions and answers are as follows:
Why are you running for office?
Palmer: I?ve been a member of the city commission since November of 1993. It?s given me great pleasure to see the progress the city has made in the past 14 years. It?s exciting to see the new businesses that have come to Onaway in the past few years with the completion of the sewer project. I think the city will continue to grow and prosper.
Robinson: I believe very strongly in giving something back to my community, and serving as your commissioner will allow me that opportunity. I feel there are decisions being made that are not in the best interest of the citizens. I am looking forward to working with the newly formed Chamber of Commerce, and the business people to see how the city can help them. The city commission should be made up of persons with different backgrounds. By electing me, I bring to the commission a background that includes construction and real estate knowledge.
Schmeltzer: I have lived in Onaway for more than 35 years, and I believe in contributing something to make this city an even better place to live. I have always campaigned with the belief that I can make a difference in the quality of life that we all enjoy! I strongly believe my past 21 years of service shows my commitment to the citizens of Onaway.
What personal strengths do you bring to the commission? What professional strengths?
Palmer: I?m dedicated to making Onaway a great place to live and raise our families, to make this a better community for all to live in. My business experience has helped with the financial decisions that are made by the city commission. I believe in getting the most out of each and every dollar spent.
Robinson: I have strong compassion for listening to people and dealing with real facts. I also believe in being fair with everyone. I have more than 35 years of construction management, and five years of real estate experience. (I served) the citizens of Onaway as their city commissioner for four years. I am able to negotiate and communicate with people.
Schmeltzer: My community involvement has given me the opportunity to work with different groups of people. Through those activities and affiliations, I have developed a reputation of being a person you can deal with. I am not afraid to take a stand on the tough issues, and I have proven that with my past decisions. My strongest professional strength comes from my business background. I was the assistant superintendent for the Onaway Area Schools, and I was responsible for the preparation of a budget for the entire school district.
Why do you believe you are the strongest candidate?
Palmer: I?m a hometown girl! I want to make this a place where our children can work and not have to leave town to find employment elsewhere. I see beautiful things happening here, and only want them to continue.
Robinson: As a guardian of the taxpayers? money — I have proven in my previous two terms as city commissioner that I will stand firm to protect the taxpayers? money. I make my decisions based on facts and merit. I will work with the other commissioners, mayor, and city manager in the process of moving our city forward.
Schmeltzer: Having lived in this area for more than 35 years, I am able to see both sides of most issues. This knowledge has enabled me to make many informed decisions when it comes to the operation of the city of Onaway. I will continue to do whatever it takes to make Onaway a better place to live!
What challenges do you believe lie ahead for the city?
Robinson: Setting a fair cost for water and sewer rates for everyone that allows the system to pay for itself. (Other issues include) the resurfacing and paving of city streets, lowering property taxes and bringing up real estate values, bringing business into Onaway, the disruption of business during MDOT construction on M-68 through town, and he issue of old water lines.
Schmeltzer: The city commission must continue to work with housing non-profits to secure more funds, and improve more homes. We must strive to promote, and assist, new and existing businesses. Most importantly, we need to be diligent to identify ways to lower the cost of living (taxes, water, and sewer bills) within the city.