Karschnick, who serves in the District 3 seat on the county board, was appointed in April 2019.

Thomas previously served a two-year term as a county commissioner for District 2 in 2009-10 and has since moved and wants to represent the residents of District 3.

Karschnick and Thomas both believe the county budget is the number-one concern. The county is facing a $1.4 million shortfall in the 2021 budget.

Karschnick said the county is mandated to fund certain things, such as the jail, its inmates, the courts, and the airport. He said the county also owes debt to its employee retirement system.

Kathy Thomas

Despite the shortfall, Karschnick said he would like to keep the county-owned Plaza Pool and Northern Lights Arena operating because “people want those things.” He also said he would not support laying off county employees because employees are the county’s biggest asset.

Thomas said that, while she would not like to see employees laid off, any budget cuts would need to come from the top down.

Thomas noted that, the last time she served on the board, commissioners purchased new cars for the Sheriff’s Office every year. She said that’s not needed.

Thomas said she is not afraid to say no when it comes to the county’s budget.

Karschnick said his experience distinguishes him from Thomas. He served on the Alpena Municipal Council from 1993 to 2013.

“It’s important that I represent Alpena in the best possible light that I can — to help our community finances, and getting things done,” he said. “That’s important to me.”

Thomas said she has the ability to be unbiased, neutral, and fair, and would like to see more bipartisan decision-making.

“Being a part of something is fulfilling, and I think that we’re here to work for people — to be there for your fellow man,” she said.

Dave Karschnick

AGE: 80

RESIDENCE: Alpena

OCCUPATION: Retired from Motorola

ELECTED EXPERIENCE: County commissioner, former Alpena city

councilman

FAMILY: Married, three children

Kathy Thomas

AGE: 57

RESIDENCE: Alpena

OCCUPATION: Cardiac monitor technician at MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena

ELECTED EXPERIENCE: County commissioner, 2009 to 2010

FAMILY: Divorced, two children