No off-year election year in Rogers City

by Peter Jakey– Managing Editor

In American politics, Tuesday is considered to be an off-year election date. In Michigan, it falls between last year?s gubernatorial race and the ?08 Presidential scrum, which intensifies with each passing day. For people outside the city limits of Onaway and Rogers City the above holds true, but that is not the case for registered voters of Rogers City and Onaway, as the expiring terms of each governing body are being contested. Combined, Presque Isle County?s most populated towns have a total of 14 candidates seeking public office. In Rogers City, the race has drawn in the most candidates in years.

THERE ARE seven candidates running for three council seats, while the mayor?s race has more than one person?s name on the ballot for the first time in nearly two decades. There are four candidates running for two, four-year council terms. They include incumben

ts Patrick Lamb and Gary Nowak, as well as challengers Tom Sobeck and Robert Starnes, III. The top two vote-getters in this race will get the nod and be sworn into office after the first of the year. There are three candidates in the running to finish the remaining term currently held by council appointee Darrin C. Darga. Darga was given the job in June, after the passing of Jim Sinclair. Darga has filed to retain the seat, but will be challenged by Thomas E. Lurvey and Don Kromer. City voters will select one candidate when they head to the polls. The person with the highest vote total will take office in January.

THE MAYOR?S race features incumbent Beach Hall, who is opposed by newcomer Ted Urban, Jr. All three Rogers City precincts will vote at the high school, with polls being open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. There could be slight delays in the early hours as election workers get acclimated to a new state requirement. Voters much show picture I.D. or sign an affidavit to receive a ballot. The Onaway City commission has five candidates running for two, two-year terms.