Nash wins mayoral race

Charlie Shackelford

Reporter

After Tuesday’s final election, Mark Nash was elected Edmond mayor, winning the race against former city councilman Tom Robins.

Nash’s upcoming plans as mayor reflect what his campaign was most focused on: fiscal transparency. Since he joined the race in November, he has voiced his concerns about how the city currently handles its budget. Nash criticized how difficult the budget is for the public to understand. He emphasized how important fiscal transparency is for the city’s budget and deciding how best to utilize the money. With the financial background he gained from working for state agencies, he says he has the experience the city needs to fix the issue. His main goal is to build trust with the public by making the budget easier to understand so they can know where their money is going.

Edmond residents are also relying on their new mayor to help solve the city’s ongoing traffic issue. Nash says he wants to figure out the budget before handling big projects, but he does have a solution. He says widening Covell and Danforth into four-lane roads will help take the traffic off of 15th Street, Edmond’s busiest road. Although he has acknowledged the challenges that will come with this work, he says it is a crucial first step in solving the issue.

In a statement released Tuesday night, Nash thanked voters for believing in him. 

“Today’s win is the first step in a united effort to bring greater transparency and accountability to Edmond city finances and planning. Edmond voters have spoken with an undeniable clarity that there is work to be done, and they’ve entrusted me to do exactly what I’ve said. To every person who cast a ballot, donated, and volunteered to make phone calls, put out signs, and knock on doors, thank you for believing in me and in the importance of the work ahead.”

Nash will be sworn in on May 5, along with two new council members: Preston Watterson in Ward 3 and Phillip Fraim in Ward 4.