Cook wins Mansfield mayoral race; Rudnicki wins council seat

MANSFIELD -- Attorney David Cook defeated real estate agent Bryndan Wright by 70 votes to become the city of Mansfield's second mayor in 12 months.

Cook won 50.86 percent (1,418) of the votes to 48.35 percent (1,348) for Wright.

In the City Council Place 6 race, James Rudnicki defeated Marvin Kahlden, 69.7 percent to 27.5 percent. Rudnicki had 1,918 votes, Kahlden had 757 votes.

The winner succeeds Mayor Pro Tem Michael McSpadden, who did not seek re-election.

Place 7 Councilman Larry Broseh was unopposed.

Mayor’s contest

The mayor’s office has been vacant since Barton Scott, who was elected last May, resigned Jan. 24 in the face of a recall election. His tumultuous eight months in office were marked by sharp disagreements with other council members over the need for stricter regulations on where sex offenders could live and other Barton proposals.

During their campaigns, both Wright and Cook vowed to bring stability to the City Council. They also agreed the city needs to continue working to recruit quality, tax-rich commercial, industrial and residential development while limiting apartment development.

As of early May, Cook has reported raising $9,875 and spending $8,077 on his mayoral bid; Wright reported raising $16,057 and spending $5,361.