By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

There are five men running for three open seats on the Hays city commission.

Two are incumbents, Ron Mellick and Henry Schwaller IV. The three other candidates are all political newcomers, Michael Berges, Mason Ruder and Ryan Rymer.

Beginning today, Hays Post will run a series of interviews with each candidate this week.

Michael Berges, 39, is a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. and has a degree in political science from Fort Hays State University. He’s also run motels in other cities.

“I’ve always had an interest in watching and following governance,” Berges says. “I particularly like local government – city, county, school board – and the topics that come up in local issues.”

“I strongly feel that local issues make the greatest impact in your life.”

Berges and his wife, Erica, the new United Way of Ellis County executive director, have three young sons.

As a father and city commission candidate, Berges is looking to the future of Hays and how it will support his kids’ futures.

“I don’t know where else we could live besides Hays that provides all the quality of life amenities that fit our family so well.”

As a financial advisor, Berges works with numbers all day long. He feels his experience with personal budgets would translate well to working with the city’s budget.

Berges also deals with economic data and trends affecting changes in the nation’s economy.

“While Hays is somewhat isolated being in the middle of the country and in the middle of Kansas, it doesn’t mean some of those economic trends don’t transfer into Hays.”

The top two city commission candidates will serve for four years, while the third-place vote-getter will serve for two years.

Advanced voting is underway. The election is Nov. 5.