As a 55-year Onset resident with 25 years in the Onset Fire Department, Peter Murphy knows he has what it takes to be on the Onset Fire District Board of Water Commissioners. In fact, Murphy was a commissioner for 12 years in the 80s and 90s before stepping down.

"We were a working water department," said Murphy. During his time as a commissioner, the department built three new wells, and replaced water mains and water meters.

Murphy, who now works as a dispatcher at the police department, said he has always had an interest in the water department, even working for them part time in the summer during high school.

He said from what he sees now, it doesn't seem like the department is moving in the right direction. Murphy wants to combine his years of experience with the advances in technology since he was last a commissioner, and bring a fresh approach to the department.

"I think I could work with the commissioners better and produce a tighter financial package going forward," he said.

One of his priorities is bringing the Onset water and fire departments closer together and being a more active department. He said from what he sees, the current crop of officials come in once or twice a month and don't do much decision-making.

"It's a constant job that you need to put work into," he said.

According to Murphy, when he was a commissioner the department saved over $1 million for work on the stand pipe in Onset, which maintains water pressure and keeps water moving throughout the pipes in town. He said now there is no money set aside for it.

"If something happens where are you? - with no plan," Murphy said.

He also said there should be a hydrant flushing program to keep the fire hydrants in working order. He said there is a broken hydrant just east of Lindsey's Restaurant with a bag over it because it was not properly maintained.

"I know pretty much everything there is to know about the district and I know many people in the water department," he said. "I want to provide the best product for the district and maintain its protection."