Carson City residents made it apparent on Tuesday they like Mayor Ray Masayko's style.
A big part of that style is being accessible, showing up at nearly every public function imaginable, playing the part of mayor with more relish than many would expect of a part-time mayor.
"He was able to convince the voters that Carson City needs a full-time mayor," said his opponent, Tom Tatro. "I wasn't able to overcome that."
We're not so sure Carson City residents believe they need a full-time mayor. But they like having one. And they like the one they have.
Masayko was carried back into office by a strong sentiment that most things are running well at City Hall. While Tatro raised issues, none proved strong enough for voters to go along with his campaign theme: Time for a change.
Historically, Carson City residents like their incumbents. They've won every time since 1969.
Masayko, by being highly visible for his four years office, reinforced that trend.
Looking back four years, when Masayko was a first-time candidate and untested as a member of the board of supervisors, he barely overcame Patt Quinn-Davis, former editor of this newspaper.
The tally was 9,165 for Masayko to 8,750 for Quinn-Davis, a difference of just 415 votes. In some respects, it was a battle of two outsiders, although Masayko had more establishment support.
This time around, it was a battle of City Hall insiders - with establishment support divided between the two - and Masayko did even better. He drew 10,566 votes to just 7,872 for Tatro.
Congratulations to Mayor Ray for a winning campaign, as well as for a job well done for Carson City the past four years. He passed the ultimate test of accountability from his bosses - the people of Carson City.
