Darrin C. Darga appointed to serve on Rogers City Council

by Amanda Polaski– Staff Writer

When Rogers City councilman Jim Sinclair passed away suddenly on May 12, he left behind a loving family, a community that sincerely appreciated him, and a seat on city council he had fully dedicated himself to in life. After Sinclair?s passing, Rogers City mayor Beach Hall put out a call to all local residents who had as much love for their community as Sinclair had shown in his years of service.

FOUR RESIDENTS of Rogers City stepped forward, and during Monday night?s city council meeting, Hall recommended Darrin C. Darga to fill Sinclair?s seat until the November election, at which time Darga can then run to fill Sinclair?s unexpired two-year term. In his letter of interest to the city council, Darga said he had been seriously considering seeking a position on the council in the November election.

?I believe it would be the proper time for me to assume the duties (of city council), and better learn the position over the next several months,? said Darga. ?I am a local businessman who has invested considerably in this community, and have a deep love and commitment to making Rogers City a better place to live and raise a family.? Darga, along with his wife Milanne, owns and operates Big D?s Pizza on Third Street in downtown Rogers City. Big D?s Pizza was one of three businesses deeply affected by the February 12, 2006 fire that destroyed The Advance building, as well as Big D?s Pizza. The fire also caused considerable damage to The Painted Lady. Since the fire, Darga has reopened his business at the corner of Third Street and Michigan Avenue, finding much success in the new location. Besides being a successful business owner in Rogers City, Darga also noted his experience from years of working for Presque Isle County.

?I AM basically a life-long resident who has a working knowledge of the area?s rich heritage and political history, including one year of

experience working for the local newspaper where my ?beat? was to cover local political business,? said Darga. ?I currently serve as chairman of the Parks and Recreation Committee. For approximately a decade I have been a member of the Rogers City Fire Department, which displays a level of dedication and love for the community.? While working for the county, Darga was appointed by his peers as Union Steward, and has prior experience serving on the Rogers City Chamber of Commerce?s board of directors, where he was instrumental in helping form the Presque Isle County Tourism Council, serving as its first vice-chairman.

?My love for Rogers City is evident,? said Darga. ?My knowledge and background provide me the proper tools needed to excel in this capacity to serve the citizens of the community, and I will do that to the very best of my ability.?