The Guthrie city council will have two new members on the seven member board. Two of the four races came down to the wire with one district decided by 9 votes and another by 15 votes.
As expected, it was a low voter turnout with 550 voters, or 9.4 percent of registered voters, throughout the 9 precincts. Related article: Election Results: Municipal General Election as they come in
The results are from the Logan County Election Board officials, and are considered unofficial until verified by the state Election Board on Friday.
In the mayoral race, incumbent Steve Gentling was elected to a second two-year term by collecting 378 votes (68.98 percent) over challenger Mike Monahan, who collected 170 votes (31.02 percent).
In a statement to Guthrie News Page, Gentling says he’s excited for the future.
“I am honored that the citizens of Guthrie have voted to endorse my leadership and vision for another two years. I believe the future of our community is exciting and am blessed to be a part of it.
I salute Mike Monahan for his campaign and his willingness to take a risk and run for this office. I am sure he will continue to be an advocate for this community and be a part of our progress.
I will continue to be passionate about our journey to enhance the quality of life and our economic development. I am super excited to be able to work with the citizens and the many organizations in our community, county and state that I define as “Team Guthrie.” Our city’s future is not without its challenges but it is indeed bright!!
I am proud to represent Guthrie in this second term and to have the opportunity to build on our efforts of the last two years.
Ward 1 decided by 15 votes
With only 247 ballots pushed through the machine, Jim Case did not expect to prevail.
However, voters elected Case with 131 votes (53.04 percent) compared to Price Purvis’ 116 votes (46.96 percent).
“I’m humbled that the citizens of Guthrie have chosen me to help lead our city,” Case told Guthrie News Page.
Case added, “With such a low turnout, I was admittedly doubtful of prevailing. But, it’s a win and I’m excited to go to work. Price is a terrific guy and wants the same thing I do for Guthrie to prosper. I respect his obvious commitment to that end. Thank You Ward 1. I intend to earn your trust.”
Taylor cruises to second term in Ward 2
Incumbent Jeff Taylor had the largest margin of victory on Tuesday by collecting 146 votes (71.57 percentage) over Darryl Gellenbeck, who had 58 votes (28.43 percent). 0
Gellenbeck did not campaign after filing for the position.
Ward 3 decided by 9 votes
In 2013, Gaylord Z. Thomas edged out Linda Craddock by nine votes to claim the council seat, but in the 2017 election fell short by 9 votes.
Jason Smedley edged out Thomas, who was seeking a third term, by a count of 54-45.
“I appreciate what the community of Guthrie has given me over the past 24 years and look forward to giving what I can back to the community over these next four years,” Smedley told Guthrie News Page.
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