Westlake City Councilman Bob Hardey was elected the city’s eighth mayor Tuesday night, defeating fellow council member Lori Peterson Manuel in a race he characterized as “clean and up front.”

“I am so pleased that Lori and I ran a clean race,” Hardey said. “It was a wonderful time, and I just happened to be on top. That’s basically how it all fell out.”

Hardey received 58 percent of the vote in a race that saw less than 50 percent voter turnout. He will succeed Dan Cupit, who served two terms as mayor after the death of Mayor-elect Gerald Washington in December 2006.

Christopher Wilrye was elected Westlake’s new police chief, defeating Rodney Grantham Jr. 54 percent to 46 percent.

Hardey reiterated his pledge that his administration will have an “open-door policy” with residents.

“When you come to City Hall, you will be welcomed,” he said. “Anyone who would like to address this City Council can do so. I will be more than happy to put anything on the agenda. We will put service back into City Hall in Westlake.”

He said he will hire a new financial director, who will be instructed under the Lawrason Act to submit an updated budget every month to the council, along with a report.

In addition, Hardey said each department will be required to give its own report to residents.

Hardy also said the city’s current chief administrative officer, Lonnie Smart, will no longer be employed at City Hall after Jan. 2. Smart, who is suing the city for defamation, is paid at $52,582 a year.

“The chief administrative officer is the mayor,” Hardey said. “Our town is not big enough to have a CAO and a mayor.”

In other races, former council member Skeeter Hayes defeated incumbent John Cradure 60 percent to 40 percent in the city’s Division A race. Hayes said he wants to work with his fellow council members to “regain the credibility and respect” with Westlake voters.

“They have lost all respect for our leadership,” he said. “We want to regain that back.”

Betty J. Bates defeated Ambra Reinking 55 percent to 45 percent in the city’s Division C race.

Incumbent council member Dan Racca was re-elected to his Division D seat, defeating Len Pauley III, 56 percent to 44 percent.

Kenny Brown defeated Paula Johnson in the city’s Division E race, 62 percent to 38 percent.

No candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote in Westlake’s Division B race. Candidates Jeremy Cryer and Sharmita Rideau received 29 percent and 25 percent of the vote in the five-person race. Cryer and Rideau will face each other in a runoff election to determine the winner on Dec. 6.(American Press Archives)

Michelle Higginbotham