A former city government heavyweight and a high-ranking Lawrence school district administrator are considering campaigns for the Lawrence City Commission.

Mike Amyx, a city commissioner from 1983 to 1988 and Douglas County commissioner from 1988 to 1993, and Tom Bracciano, division director of operations and facility planning for the school district, confirmed Friday they were weighing campaigns for one of the three positions up for grabs on the City Commission in spring elections.

“For me, I have always loved being a Lawrence city commissioner,” Amyx said. “It was a proud time for me. I feel like the experience I have could help people with a lot of the day-to-day issues that people deal with in the city.”

Bracciano touted his familiarity with Lawrence city government as a reason he’s considering a run. As the administrator who oversees school district construction projects and facility planning, he frequently deals with city officials. Bracciano also serves on the city’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and Uniform Fire Review Board.

“I feel like I have a real good inside view,” Bracciano said. “I feel like I know how the city works. Sometimes you get tired of watching and start thinking that you should be part of the process.”

Both men said they hadn’t yet developed platforms on the issues they might run on. That included the issue of the citywide smoking ban. Amyx said he was still gathering information on the subject. Bracciano said he also was wrestling with what he called a “difficult issue.”

“I would say that I have an open mind,” Bracciano said. “I understand the rights of business owners, and I understand the desire of people not to smell the smoke.”

Both potential candidates are longtime Lawrence residents. Amyx is a 51-year old downtown barber shop owner who has lived in the city his entire life. Bracciano, 45, has lived in the city since he was 7, except for a four-year stint in the Air Force after he graduated from high school.

Bracciano said he would make a decision on his candidacy later this month. Amyx expects to make a decision in December.

City voters on April 5 will choose three city commissioners. If seven or more candidates file for the positions, which are all at-large, a primary would be conducted March 1.

Commissioners David Dunfield, David Schauner and Sue Hack are the three commissioners who face the end of their terms. Hack became the first declared candidate in the race when she announced her plans to run for re-election earlier this week. Dunfield has announced he won’t run for re-election. Schauner has not announced his plans.

Candidates have until Jan. 25 to file at the city clerk’s office for one of the three seats.