For the first time since 2004, voters in Ward 3 will have a choice in who should represent them on the Rapid City Council.

So far, former alderman Bill Waugh and Dan Michael have announced plans to challenge incumbent Bill Okrepkie in the June 2 municipal election. Okrepkie didn't have an opponent the past two times he ran for office.

The last contested election in Ward 3, which generally encompasses the city's southwestern area, was in 2004, when Karen Gunderson Olson defeated George Wallace. Since then, both Olson and Okrepkie have twice run unopposed.

Waugh, a member of the council from 2001 - 2005, is the current chairman of the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center board and the city's air quality board. He is a business administrator at First United Methodist Church.

"My feeling is I can bring common sense back to the council. I'm not one for a lot of words; I just like to get the work done and do what's best for the citizens of Rapid City," he said. "When I was on the council, I didn't give long dissertations. I listen. I do my homework. I go to all my committee assignments."

Waugh said the city budget will be a "crucial" issue this year, considering the condition of the economy. He said common sense would indicate the city will likely have fewer dollars to work with, and as a result, will have to make some hard decisions and tough cuts.

Michael, a project manager-estimator for Action Mechanical, ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 1997 and has run for council in the past - the most recent being a 2007 campaign against Bob Hurlbut in Ward 5.

Michael has since moved to a new house in Ward 3, but his issues and reasons for running haven't changed.

"I think the city has to concentrate on infrastructure, police and fire protection and doing the job of working with the citizens," he said. "I don't like the word change. I don't use that. I hope I'm one who has reason and common sense approach to city government. I don't have all the answers."

Current city council members up for reelection this year include Ron Weifenbach in Ward 1; Deb Hadcock in Ward 2; Bill Okrepkie in Ward 3; Ron Kroeger in Ward 4; and Aaron Costello in Ward 5.

All have indicated an intent to seek re-election, but so far, only Hadcock has turned in nominating petitions. Others who have submitted city council petitions include Michael in Ward 3 and John Roberts in Ward 4. On the mayoral side, incumbent Alan Hanks is the only candidate so far to have turned in petitions.

March 31 is the deadline for those interested in running for mayor or council to turn in petitions signed by at least 50 registered voters who live in their ward; or 50 registered voters anywhere in the city for mayoral candidates to be included on the June 2 ballot.

Election packets containing petition forms are available at the city finance office, 300 Sixth St. Those with questions should call the city finance office at 394-4143.

Contact Scott Aust at 394-8415 or scott.aust@rapidcityjournal.com