TRAVERSE CITY -- City Commissioner Deni Scrudato lost her bid for re-election as voters ousted her, kept another commissioner and seated two newcomers.
Voters cast the most ballots for challengers Michael Gillman and MaryAnn Moore, who received 1,803 and 1,757 votes, respectively. Incumbent Commissioner Jody Bergman kept her seat with 1,729 votes and Scrudato received 1,065, losing to her fellow incumbent by 664 votes.
"I am surprised and a little disappointed. But I believe in the democratic system and the voters have spoken. So be it," Scrudato said after Tuesday's election results came in. "At least now I can pick and choose my battles."
Some Traverse City voters discussed Scrudato as they left polling places.
Terry Knott said he wants city leaders to support the tax base and grow businesses in Traverse City. He did not vote for Scrudato because he doesn't believe the city is better off for her involvement, he said.
"I think she stands in the way of progressive issues that I support to enhance the tax base," Knott said.
Others disagreed, though.
"I voted for Deni Scrudato because I feel despite some of the flack she's gotten for some comments, she's done a good job fulfilling the values of the city. I wanted to make sure to vote for her," said Mitchell Treadwell.
Gillman called the victory for himself and Moore -- both members of the city's Citizens Operational and Financial Analysis Committee -- a "mandate." The COFAC committee advised city officials on services and costs, recommending ways to save money.
"The fact that MaryAnn and I won No. 1 and No. 2 is a bit of a mandate that we follow up and do some of the things COFAC recommended for the city," Gillman said. "I have no illusions it will be easy. I have no illusions that it won't take hard work."
Moore agreed.
"I think we need to embrace the COFAC suggestions and work toward those," she said. "I'm ready to go to work."
Bergman said she was pleased to retain her seat and looks forward to another four years as a commissioner.
"I'm happy to have the support of the voters," she said. "I think it's going to be a good group."
Voters also elected Chris Bzdok as mayor in an unopposed race. He received 1,925 votes.
Incumbent Mayor Michael Estes did not seek re-election.
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