Six running for new terms on commission
by Peter Jakey-Managing Editor
There are two parts of the election in the city of Onaway Tuesday.
One portion is the retain/recall portion of the ballot. The Outlook provided a preview in last week’s edition.
There is an important second part involving two, two year city commission seats. There are six candidates, including two of the incumbents. They are Charles Abshagen, James Grainger, Jessie Rae Horrocks, Roger Marsh, Richard Norman and Brad Porter.
All the candidates completed questionnaires distributed by the Outlook in recent weeks to provide voters with additional information before heading to the polls.
Their bio information, along with questions, follow:
Chuck E. Abshagen: He grew up in Decatur and has spent 45 years in Onaway and considers it his hometown. Abshagen graduated from Decatur High School, received a bachelor of science degree in political science and history from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree in political science from Central Michigan University. His teaching career began in 1968 at Onaway, and he stayed until retiring in 2005.
James G. Grainger: He graduated from Onaway High School then went into the Navy for four years as an electrician mate. He then returned to Onaway and got a job for a power company, and is still working in the electric field today. Grainger currently works for BFD Power Services as a working foreman.
Jessie Rae Horrocks: She is a small business owner and a bookkeeper with a general business associate’s degree.
Roger Marsh: He is a Marine Corps veteran and served 31 years in law enforcement, 10 of which were spent serving the citizens of Onaway. Marsh is a licensed and ordained non-denominational Christian chaplain and founder of Psalm 144:1 Ministries, teaching free martial arts/self defense to church youth and Onaway area home schooled children and their families.
Richard Norman: He grew up and graduated from Onaway High School. He started working at a young age at a local restaurant and worked throughout his youth. Norman attended North Central Michigan College and studied business management. His college experience prepared him to start his own business: “Vclean Image Mobile Detailing.” Currently, he runs his own business and works full-time at Carquest of Onaway.
Brad C. Porter: He is a proud Onaway native, who has a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering. He is currently employed at Porter’s Survey as the chief operations officer.
Why are you running?
Abshagen: I am running for re-election because I truly care about the future welfare of our city. Onaway has made significant progress during the past few years. I am excited to have been part of that and would like to see the city continue to move forward. I have the background and knowledge to see that we continue to make progress.
Grainger: To give the voters a choice at the polls.
Horrocks: I have always felt that it’s important that a business owner sits on the council. It’s important to keep our taxes and water/sewer rates as low as possible and because I care about our city.
Marsh: Onaway is my home and I want to do what I can to make it a safer and more productive community.
Norman: Onaway is my home. I want to live here, work hard and someday raise a family. I believe that I have a fresh attitude and a supportive perspective on what young people and families need in the community. I want to be a part of the growth and resurgence of Onaway.
Porter: It is my belief today our great city needs to grow, import industry while making it attractive to sportsmen and retired individuals alike. We need to look into many options in order to accomplish these goals and I am hoping with fresh ideas and new thinking outside the box, my participation back into the commission will help achieve these goals.
What are the top attributes you would bring to the job?
Abshagen: I am a people person with the ability to work as a team member on the city commission. I have always encouraged Onaway citizens to share their opinions, concerns and views with me. I believe that I am willing and able to make difficult decisions when those decisions are needed. I have a firm grasp of budgetary matters and thoroughly understand what needs to be done to maintain the financial solvency of our city.
Grainger: I bring a new face and a different way of thinking for problem solving.
Horrocks: My 17 years of experience on the council and 20 plus years as a business owner teaches you the importance of living within your means.
Marsh: Flexibility and vision along with active listening skills. People don’t care what you know until they know you care, and if they feel you’re not listening to them the perception is you don’t care about them.
Norman: I am outgoing, approachable and cooperative. I believe there is a solution to any problem or situation and through collaboration and transparency we can collectively make the best choices for our community and residents. I consider my extensive training in customer service to be the most qualifying attribute I could bring to the position as an elected official. Treating people with respect and due diligence has significant importance to me.
Porter: I have an extensive background in management and operations, as well as procedures and construction. I am willing to work with the present and or new government to achieve goals that enhance the looks and attractiveness of the city to bring a long lasting benefit to all residents in Onaway.
What will be one of your priorities if elected to a two-year term?
Abshagen: An important priority to me is to continue the positive development we have made in our city over the past few years. Onaway’s progress is finally being recognized in northern Michigan. Other communities are commenting on how ‘Onaway is doing things right’. While we have more work to do, it is important to continue on our current path. Failure to do so would be a serious mistake for the city and its residents.
Grainger: My major priority to this election is to listen to the people that voted you into that position and work with them to make a better and safer community.
Horrocks: Hopefully we can start with street repairs, water and storm drain maintenance. I fully expect that with the track we’ve taken that we can lower our city millage by at least a mill or more. Keep the police coverage that we are getting with the county for now and see what happens in the future.
Marsh: I have several ideas I would like to try, but my top priority is to re-establish the Onaway Police Department, but only if it becomes financially feasible.
Norman: My first priority is to listen and learn from others that have lived and worked in our community. I do not have a personal agenda. I believe we have significant momentum righ
Porter: I would like to review the budget in detail and see if there is anyway to reduce the expenditures that the city faces while keeping the highest quality of city services and lower the burden of its residents. I would hope to increase the influx of new residents into Onaway, by actively seeking industry to start in Onaway.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at city hall.