By Mindy Kearns

For Mason County Extra Edition

BEND AREA — Top leadership in two Bend Area towns will remain the same after municipal elections Tuesday in both Hartford and Mason.

While Mason Mayor Kristopher Clark ran unopposed, Hartford Mayor Gordon Spencer had two opponents who ran as write-in candidates.

Totals were posted in Hartford shortly before 9 p.m. Recorder Cheryl Oldaker said it was the largest turnout of voters in several years.

Mayor Spencer had a tally of 36 votes. Write-in candidates Sam Anderson and Greg Putman had 24 and 23, respectively. Oldaker was the lone candidate seeking re-election as recorder and will return to her spot after receiving 62 votes.

Only two candidates sought council seats although there were five to be filled. James Zerkle received 60 votes, while Lee Ann Zerkle got 57. The remaining three positions will be appointed after the new term begins.

In Mason, Mayor Clark received 68 votes. Mindy Kearns also ran unopposed and will return as recorder after receiving 69 votes.

Mike Zirkle led the council ticket gaining one of five seats with 61 votes. Zirkle was a first-time candidate in Mason. Others elected to council were Sarah Stover with 54 votes; Becky Pearson with 45; Jill Nelson with 43; and Stephen Ohlinger with 40. Stover, Nelson, and Ohlinger are all incumbents.

Also running for council were incumbent councilmen Bob Reed who received 36 votes, and Barry Taylor who got 28.

All tallies are unofficial until the election canvasses and results are certified next week. New terms of office for both towns begin July 1 for two years.

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