Great Bend Mayor Mike Allison held off a challenge from City Council member Randy Myers in Tuesday’s general election. And, there were two contested seats for the Great Bend City Council in Tuesday’s general election. One incumbent retained their post and one did not.
The numbers listed are the unofficial totals. The results won’t be finalized until the votes are canvassed by the Barton County Commission Monday morning.

The mayoral race
Allison garnered 1,047 votes, or 59.32 percent of the  2,828 votes cast, to Myers 713, or 40.40 percent.
“I’m happy I won,” said Allison, who has served in the post for 12 years. “I’m really pretty simple about things.”
So, simply put, “by helping the city grow through the things you do enhances the entire community for everyone,” he said, citing the changes on 10th Street. New eating establishments and shopping opportunities are making Great Bend more attractive and vital.
“Growth,” he said. “My goal is to keep things going like they are.”
 “They city spoke,” said Myers, who is serving his second term on the council representing the Fourth Ward. He plans on staying on the council and said he’s willing to work with Allison.

City Council
 In the First Ward, first-time challenger Edwin O. Roberts narrowly defeated incumbent Mitch Haney by 164 to 159, 50.62 percent to 49.07 percent of the 334 votes.
“I’m anxious to get involved,” said Roberts. “There are so many important issues that will ultimately make a big difference in this community” and he wants to be a part of that excitement.
“I’m an unknown guy,” he said, adding he’s only lived in Great Bend for a little over two years. “It’s hard to beat a hometown boy, especially an incumbent.
“I want to get everyone working together,” he said. Great Bend has a lot of potential.
Haney, who has served on the council for four years, could not be reached Tuesday night.
In the other race, Third Ward incumbent Allene Owen held on to beat rival Thomas Boor by 264 to 218, 54.77 percent to 45.23 percent of the 482 votes.
“I’m passionate about Great Bend,” said Owen who has served six terms. “I want to keep it going forward.”
The city has gained a positive image statewide, she said. “Obviously we’re doing it right.”
“There have been a lot of successes,” Boor said. “The council has made a lot of hard decisions.”
But, he was inspired to run to be the champion of those who feel their voices aren’t heard and are frustrated with the status quo. He thought he could bring a different vision to the council.
This marks his second unsuccessful bid for office. He ran against council member Ken Roberts in the last council election.
“I’m probably not going to run again,” he said. “But, I am going to keep fighting.”