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ALPENA — Voters across Alcona County will have several races to decide next month as candidates vie in competitive races for seats on the Alcona County Board of Commissioners, Harrisville City Council, and the Alcona Community Schools Board of Education.

Craig Johnston and William Thompson are contending for a spot representing the District 2 on the Alcona County Board of Commissioners, while Joe Lukasiewicz and Carolyn Brummund are vying for a spot representing District 3.

Johnston, a Republican former commissioner, said he feels he has something to offer the county and wants to see several economic development projects continue.

Thompson is also a former commissioner and formerly ran as a Republican, but is now running as an independent, as he feels local government should do what’s best for the community and not just what’s best for a particular party.

Like Johnston, he’d like to have a hand in overseeing projects such as the expansion of broadband internet in the county, more housing for local veterans, and recycling.

Lukasiewicz, a Democrat, hopes to offer voters another choice in a region that’s historically Republican. If elected, Lukasiewicz hopes to properly fund the county Sheriff’s Office, take steps to support local veterans, lead the county in preparing for and adapting to climate change, and encourage medical and recreational marijuana facilities as a means of creating revenue.

Brummund could not be reached for comment.

Four candidates are vying for two six-year terms on the Alcona Community Schools Board of Education: Charlie Calkins, Vicky Hansen, Lisa Turek, and Steve Yokom.

Incumbents Hansen and Yokom hope to maintain their school board seats.

Hansen, who has a daughter at Alcona High School, said she enjoys being involved in the community. If elected, she said she plans to continue advocating for students and parents of Alcona schools.

Yokom first ran for a school board position while his kids were in the school system, trying to be of service to the district. As a board member, he wants to have a say in how the district’s funds are spent and wants to see both the importance and compensation of teachers elevated.

Calkins served as a substitute teacher many times last school year and hopes to contribute in a positive way to help make students’ experience in school better.

Turek could not be reached for comment.

In Harrisville, Mary Peterson hopes to maintain her position as alderman. She will be challenged by local business owner Kari Vanderheuel.

Peterson, who is a longtime Harrisville City Council member, likes to keep tabs on what’s going on around town. She’s seen a lot accomplished in the city in recent years and wants residents and visitors to realize Harrisville has a lot more to offer than just the downtown.

Vanderheuel owns two businesses in Alcona County and wants to work at making Harrisville and the surrounding area more inviting, especially to younger families who might consider moving to Northeast Michigan.