ATHOL — Bob Wachter, the city of Athol's retired public works and water-system operator, is running for mayor.

From 1996 to 2013, Wachter, 64, took care of the city's roads, water system and parks, among other duties. Wachter is challenging incumbent mayor Darla Kuhman in the Nov. 3 city elections.

"I am retired and committed to give the city the attention it needs," Wachter said.

Wachter was born and raised in Hauser Lake, he said.

"My grandparents and parents both resided at Hauser since the 1920s," he said. "My father was the first fire chief of Hauser Lake, and he instilled in me the importance of helping the community."

Wachter graduated from Lakeland High School in 1969. He has been married to his wife Susan for 43 years. They have two grown daughters, two sons-in-law and four grandchildren.

"I enjoy the outdoors, hunting, fishing, four-wheeling and old-car restoration," he said. "I currently hold a Class One water operator's license and volunteer as the back-up water operator for Athol's water system, as well as the Hauser Lake water system."

He said he regularly attended the city council meetings while working for the city of Athol. His observation has been that Kuhman isn't a "good-working" mayor.

"She doesn't work well with others," he said.

Wachter said he doesn't have a personal agenda.

"My previous experience working for the city means I bring insight to what the current infrastructure and environment of the city looks like," he said.

One of his goals, if elected, is to rebuild city funds.

"The street fund is left with a deficit and our general and water funds also have dramatically lower balances than before," Wachter said.

He vowed to identify the future goals and desires of people in the community. If the community supports the work, he promised to update the comprehensive plan and any necessary ordinances.