By a similar margin, Harding, in his first race for elected office, was besting Hruska, who has represented Ward 1 or held an at-large seat for 14 years.
“I really got out there door to door. People appreciate that effort,” Iverson said. “I also think people have seen what I have done the last four years.”
The race was competitive, but none of the candidates singled out an opponent for criticism.
Instead, Hruska and Iverson emphasized their work while on council, while Harding emphasized his supporters and other accomplishments.
During his terms, Hruska also held the deputy mayor post and spots on various city boards and commissions.
But last December he was on the short end of an appointment vote by secret ballot for the deputy mayor spot between the council members.
Iverson, in her first term on council, also currently serves - along with Harding - on the local planning commission.
Although in his first race, Harding had a natural constituency from his work on behalf of the local pee wee football league. Also, he was endorsed by Panther football coach Ryan Wilhite, Dale Brunner, who was recently appointed to represent Ward 2 on the council, and Ed Wade, a long-time trustee in neighboring Clearcreek Twp.
In neighboring Clearcreek Twp. , voters approved the township government starting an electric aggregation program, and re-elected Jason Gabbard as trustee and Linda Oda as fiscal officer.
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