ONAWAY — Three candidates are vying for a pair of seats on the Onaway City Commission during the general election on Nov. 7.

Andrew Bischer, Roger Marsh, and Arthur Nash hope to garner enough votes to sit on the local commission for a two-year term.

Nash, who grew up in Onaway before moving away and returning a few years ago, said he is running because he wants to be more connected to the community and be involved in the decision-making process that shapes its future. He said decisions made today will impact current and future residents, especially young families he hopes will move to the area or remain in the small city.

“I just want to help make this a good town for the next generation and the generation after that,” Nash said. “I want there to be reasons for people to come back here or to stick around. I think we need good public infrastructure, nice parks, and things in the public for people to enjoy.”

Nash said he has no elected experience, but he believes he would offer a smooth transition onto the commission and become accustomed with city issues quickly.

Bischer has been involved in local government by sitting on the Planning Commission in Onaway. He said he decided to run because it appeared there may not be enough candidates to fill the seats, but, even with more than enough, he believes he has a lot to offer to the commission and to help push the city forward.

He said that, like most municipalities in Northeast Michigan, finances are a large issue, and finding money from outside of the city to help pay for projects is a top priority of his.

“I think the budget is the main issue, and using it to keep the facilities going the way they should,” Bischer said. “I want to help the city move forward and get grant funding to help make improvements that will help the city move in that direction.”

Marsh is wrapping up his first term as a commissioner and, although he was hesitant to run for office the first time, he said he enjoys representing the people of the city and looks forward to another term, during which he can help stabilize the budget and help to make sure the city’s fire department, which is part of an authority, and local ambulance service remain staffed properly and operating efficiently.

“We are trying to build a larger tax base, and the population has gone up a little, but there are still challenges,” Marsh said. “I want to continue to work with the fire department and ambulance, because they are getting more expensive to operate. We also need to find a way to pay our good firemen and paramedics more, so they don’t leave to take other jobs that pay more.”

Onaway will have a new mayor at the end of the year, too.

Current Mayor Chuck Abshagen is retiring and there is only one candidate to replace him on the ballot in November: Councilman Mike Benson is unopposed for the mayoral term starting in January.